5 Best movies like V for Vendetta every fan should watch

Intro: Does masked vigilantism hold its ground in the modern world? Do we need a mask to overthrow tyranny? A movie from DC’s Vertigo catalog (the Vertigo line is meant for adult themes) explores these ideas. Enter the world of V for Vendetta. Based on Alan Moore’s writing, the film is set in a distant British society and is a complex take against fascism and totalitarianism. This movie sets the precedent that when people are pushed to the extreme, they will rise against the authority.

This fantasy thriller portrays a future British dystopian society in which the titular character “V,” played by Hugo Weaving, unleashes a campaign to overthrow the tyrannical government. It also raises a concern about whether extremism is acceptable in the face of oppression. Do watch out for the character Evey, played by Natalie Portman, and her transformation in the rain scene.

A masked V from V for Vendetta stands defiantly before a propaganda poster reading “Strength Through Unity, Unity Through Faith” in a dystopian London. Credits: IMDb

Summary: The Wachowskis, who directed The Matrix trilogy, wrote the screenplay for this movie. Though the film was not critically acclaimed or won major awards, it has become a cult classic due to its resemblance to our society. The world is fighting against the rise of authoritarianism and surveillance. In a world where people's opinions can be easily swayed, the movie discusses the power of an idea and how to fight for it.

The makers of the movie didn’t want to rely on Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI), so Natalie Portman shaved her head on camera, and 22,000 dominos were toppled for an iconic scene. Alan Moore, who wrote the original comic, disowned the film because he felt there was a difference in interpretation of his work. The film, filled with breathtaking visuals, iconic monologues, and deep political themes, has stood the test of time and has become more relevant than ever.

Plot: Directed by James McTeigue, this movie takes inspiration and celebrates Guy Fawkes as a revolutionary hero. V adopts his mask to avenge the fascist regime of Norsefire, which has been ruling the country through fear and propaganda.

The narrative follows Evey, who is rescued by V from the police. As the movie progresses, Evey is drawn to the world of V as she uncovers the dark secrets behind the concentration camps and understands the evil mindset of the people in power. Soon, however, she starts questioning V’s methods and wonders if he is becoming the thing he is fighting against.

V believes in extreme measures to stir up a rebellion mentality among the citizens. His ultimate goal is to take down the government on November 5, the anniversary of the actual Gunpowder plot. Whether V succeeded in his motive and lived to see the dream he envisioned forms the core of this politically charged movie that will question our moral compass.

Why movies like V for Vendetta still resonate today

Evey Hammond sits visibly shaken as V watches silently behind her in a tense moment from V for Vendetta. Credits: IMDb

As modern society moves forward, the clarity and alarm on political oppression are being raised. V for Vendetta is a film that will challenge the existing status quo and moral compass as it stirs your emotions. Moreover, the dramatic setups and the cinematography set this world beautifully.

This film depicts the subversion of human freedom, and even critics see why V for Vendetta resonates with its relevance today. The less cryptic message on human rights and political freedom mirrored the essential elements of a modern-day democratic society.

Audiences generally love a masked vigilante story as they feel a representative among them is questioning the authority. Also, the rebellion shown in this film can be empowering for many. Powerful dialogues such as “People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people” and “Beneath this mask, there is more than flesh. Beneath this mask, there is an idea, and ideas are bulletproof” will always remain relevant and evoke a sense of power.

The theme of the film is what hooks the viewers and supporters. The film depicts a society caught in the undertow of anarchism, fascism, and the oppressive regime under the iron fist of the Norsefire government.

5 Dystopian movies like V for Vendetta or movies like V for Vendetta

Did you enjoy watching V for Vendetta? Here are more dystopian movies that pay attention to the world’s oppressive political systems. Movies that have focused on themes such as fascism, sexual abuse, dictatorship, media political propaganda, oppression, and anarchy.

#5 28 Days Later (2002)

This film showcases what the world will go through if faced with a deadly virus, which is very much relatable to the recent pandemic. Directed by Danny Boyle and written by Alex Garland, Stylus magazine ranked it the second-best zombie movie of all time in 2007. This movie explores a deserted and post-apocalyptic world and examines mankind’s experiments that go haywire with destructive results.

A lone survivor in hospital scrubs walks through an eerily deserted London near Big Ben in a haunting scene from 28 Days Later. Credits: IMDb

Director: Danny Boyle

Written by: Alex Garland

Starring: Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, Christopher Eccleston, Megan Burns, Brendan Gleeson

Awards:

Saturn Award for Best Horror Film in 2004

European Film Award for Best Cinematographer in 2003

Empire Award for Best British Film in 2003

Where to watch

Summary: This science fiction and horror film is set in a post-apocalyptic Britain, deserted by an epidemic. The movie begins with chimps infected with the “rage” virus being freed by animal rights activists. The people infected by the virus turn into zombies and start killing other people.

Cillian Murphy plays Jim, who wakes up from a 28-day coma following a car accident and finds the London streets empty. He learns about the past and rules to survive in this new world order from Selena, played by Naomie Harris. Together, they embark on a journey of survival, picking up survivors along the way to a promised safety at the military outpost.

The sci-fi film intends to investigate the many facets of contemporary events and the world’s current state of affairs. The rage virus in the movie attempts to compare the modern issues of biological/chemical attacks or suicide bombings. The 28 Days Later reflects a loss-of-individuality plot; once an individual is infected, their humanity washes away to become a monster.

#4 Minority Report (2002)

The film deals with the intriguing premise of futuristic high-tech brain imaging and the use of the power of precognitive technology. This sci-fi classic, which adopts the elements of thriller and science fiction, touches upon the themes of free will versus determinism.

John Anderton and Agatha share a quiet, intense moment back-to-back as they confront a future they’re desperate to change in Minority Report. Credits: IMDb

Director: Steven Spielberg

Story by: Philip K. Dick

Adapted from: The Minority Report

Awards: Saturn Award for Best Director in 2003

Where to watch

Summary: The film takes place in 2054, where a special unit called PreCrime arrests criminals based on foreknowledge provided by psychics called "precogs." Special units, headed by John Anderton and played by Tom Cruise, arrest the “perpetrator” for the crime that he or she was about to commit but didn't.

The movie takes a wild turn when the precogs predict that John Anderton will commit a crime in the next 36 hours. A nail-biting encounter ensues as he tries to prove his innocence while exposing the dark truths behind the precogs.

Roughly based on the 1956 short story "The Minority Report," this Steven Spielberg masterpiece works well as an entertainment and a prophecy. They also discuss the effects of surveillance and preemptive punishment.

#3 Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Blade Runner 2049 is a visually stunning film whose screenplay is set in a dystopian world similar to V for Vendetta. This movie takes place thirty years after the events of the first film, Blade Runner. It touches upon themes of power and control and raises discussion on the power of artificial intelligence and humanity.

K and Luv descend into the eerie Wallace Corporation chamber lined with replicant prototypes in Blade Runner 2049. Credits: IMDb

Director: Denis Villeneuve

Cinematography: Roger Deakin

Adapted from: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?

Awards:

Academy Award for Best Visual Effects in 2018

Academy Award for Best Cinematography in 2018

Where to watch

Summary: The sequel to Ridley Scott’s 1982 classic struck the perfect balance between visually stunning imagery and deep philosophy. Blade Runner 2049 is a future-noir fantasy film in a dystopian future where synthetic humans known as replicants are bio-engineered by the Tyrell Corporation to work at space colonies.

Blade Runner 2049 is set thirty years after the events of the first film. The new Blade Runner, K, played by Ryan Gosling, finds a secret that can plunge society into chaos. K's discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard, played by Harrison Ford, an old rogue replicant.

This movie explores what it means to be human and raises ethical and moral questions about replicants. Blade Runner 2049 is a beautiful, complex, sometimes confusing, but all-around amazing film for those who enjoyed the prequel.

#2 Equilibrium (2002)

Followers and fans of V for Vendetta will not be disappointed in watching Equilibrium, released in 2002. This sci-fi thriller also encounters a dystopian future where emotions are outlawed and peace is maintained through rigid regulatory control.

The film outlines a totalitarian government that forces its citizens to consume a drug that suppresses feelings. The plot encompasses a man in charge of enforcing the law who rises to overthrow the system. Inspired by Orwell’s 1984 and Fahrenheit 451, this movie explores the power of emotions that make us human.

Cleric John Preston intensely studies surveillance data in a dystopian office setting from Equilibrium. Credits: IMDb

Director: Kurt Wimmer

Cinematography: Dion Beebe

Written by: Kurt Wimmer

Produced by: Jan de Bont, Lucas Foster

Awards: Nominee American Choreography Award in 2003

Where to watch

Summary: Equilibrium is a classic dystopian film centered around the protagonist, John Preston, played by Christian Bale. Preston is an elite enforcer whose life flips around after he skips a dose of the emotion-suppressing drug Prozium. What follows is the internal conflict within Preston to make the right call and his push to bring down the system from within.

This film boasts an incredible performance by Christian Bale, a stunning production design, and a neo-Wagnerian choral score by Klaus Badelt. Kurt Wimmer manages to create an action-packed thriller that explores the themes of humanity and rebellion against an authoritative regime.

#1 Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Mad Max: Fury Road is a wild experience. This apocalyptic story is set in a wasteland ruled by a tyrannical leader. He controls the water that is available and abducts the feeding mother to extract the mother’s milk. The movie offers an unabashed portrayal of authoritarianism and how, in a world where natural resources are depleted, humans lose their value.

This movie also raises questions about survival, women's empowerment, and environmental collapse. Even if the audience doesn’t relate to the themes of this movie, they will still enjoy the non-stop action that ensues. The movie also bagged 6 Oscars in the technical category.

Furiosa fiercely takes aim while Max steadies her in a high-octane moment from Mad Max: Fury Road. Credits: IMDb

Director: George Miller

Written by: George Miller, Brendan McCarthy, Nico Lathouris

Cinematography: John Seale

Edited by: Margaret Sixel

Awards:

AACTA Award for Best Film in 2015

Academy Award for Best Costume Design in 2016

Academy Award for Best Film Editing in 2016

Where to watch

Summary: Mad Max: Fury Road sets off in a wasteland and is centered on the Citadel, which Immortan Joe tyrannizes. In the post-apocalyptic world, Mad Max wanders alone to survive, but as fate would have it, he teams up with a mysterious woman, Furiousa, to try and survive.

Furiosa, shuttling the wives of Immortan Joe, decides to take a detour from the usual path in search of freedom and to escape the wasteland. As Joe discovers Furiosa’s move, he sends an army of armored vehicles to take down her and bring back his wives. The rest of the movie is an edge-of-the-seat popcorn entertainment for the ages.

The movie is a technical masterpiece and a lesson on the use of practical effects. The music adds to the nerve-wracking tension built into the visuals. However, underneath the exhilarating movie are deep discussions around environmental concerns, the control of water, and the tyranny of the people who control it. These themes are increasingly becoming relevant, which makes this movie even more engaging to watch.

People also ask

Why is V for Vendetta so controversial?

The movie uses Guy Fawkes's mask as a symbol of anti-establishment. Guy Fawkes is a controversial figure in history as he is linked to the Gunpowder plot of 1605. It also explores themes of totalitarianism, revolution, and the struggle for freedom.

What is V's favorite movie in V for Vendetta?

V identifies The Count of Monte Cristo (1934) as his favorite movie.

What type of fiction is V for Vendetta?

V for Vendetta is a seminal work of fiction based on the work of English graphic novelist Alan Moore.

Was V for Vendetta a graphic novel?

The film is an adaptation of the British graphic novel written by Alan Moore and illustrated by David Lloyd.

Is V for Vendetta based on a true story?

It has been said that V is loosely based on Guy Fawkes and his attempt to destroy the parliament building, which is compared to the V for Vendetta plot.