18 Movies Like Maze Runner That Are Action-Packed

“The Maze Runner” is a thrilling action-dystopian film based on James Dashner’s best-selling novel of the same name. The plot revolves around a group of teenagers who are stuck in a mysterious maze with no recollection of their history. Maze Runner exposes humanity’s evil side in a bleak future. Other themes addressed in the film include societal power imbalance, exploitation of the vulnerable, deadly pitfalls, and more.

If you enjoyed The Maze Runner, you may be seeking some more movies that will keep you on the edge of your seat with thrilling action, dystopian settings, and teenage protagonists. You’re in luck because I’ve put together a list of movies like Maze Runner that you can watch right now.

Here’s a list of the best movies like The Maze Runner that are a must-watch:

1. Ready Player One (2018)

Ready Player One is an action-packed and graphically spectacular film set in the year 2045. The world has become gloomy and desolate, yet individuals may escape their harsh reality by immersing themselves in the OASIS, a virtual reality game. Wade Watts, a young man, goes on a risky mission within the OASIS to uncover a hidden Easter egg left behind by its inventor, which offers tremendous money and power to the winner and is the protagonist of the film.

It takes audiences on a wild voyage into a futuristic world where everything is possible, with dazzling visual effects, exhilarating action sequences, and a nostalgic reference to 80s pop culture. A must for people who love to watch futuristic movies like Maze Runner.

2. The Hunger Games (2012)

Based on the best-selling book series, The Hunger Games is set in a futuristic society in which young people are chosen to compete in a televised tournament to the death. Jennifer Lawrence plays Katniss Everdeen, a young woman who volunteers to take her sister’s place in a violent tournament in which 24 teenagers from 12 districts are forced to fight to the death in a broadcast arena. While fighting against the odds and the merciless Capitol, she ignites a revolt that might determine the fate of her nation.

This film is a great choice for fans of The Maze Runner since it depicts strong themes of survival and opposition to authority. Apart from Lawrence, the cast also includes Lenny Kravitz, Woody Harrelson, and Josh Hutcherson in key roles giving excellent performances.

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3. Ender’s Game (2013)

In an epoch beyond ours, where Earth was once subjected to a pernicious assault by a species from another planet, Ender Wiggin, a precocious young lad, takes center stage in the sci-fi thriller Ender’s Game, based on Orson Scott Card’s eponymous novel. With his unexampled strategic acumen, Ender quickly ascends the ranks of the military hierarchy, ready to lead the war effort against the extraterrestrial horde. ‘

However, he is plagued by a lingering doubt as to whether his actions are morally justifiable. The movies features Asa Butterfield, Harrison Ford, and Ben Kingsley to name a few.

4. Divergent (2014)

Another popular book series turned movie, Divergent is set in a society where individuals are divided into factions based on their personalities. When the main character realises she does not fit into any of the established groups, she becomes a target for those in power. The film is full of action, adventure, and unexpected twists and turns.

The central character of Tris in the Divergent series (played by Shailene Woodley), like the main character in The Maze Runner, is only 16 years old. After viewing Divergent, you should watch Insurgent. Because the third film, Allegiant, fared poorly at the box office, the production company decided to cancel the fourth scheduled picture.

5. Mortal Engines (2018)

Mortal Engines is an epic adventure film set in a post-apocalyptic future in which cities have become mobile and compete for resources. The plot revolves around a little girl named Hester Shaw, who seeks vengeance on the merciless leader of the city of London for her mother’s death.

Hester goes on a deadly trip with her odd companion, Tom Natsworthy, that leads them to unearth the dark mysteries of their planet and question the status quo. One of the top movies like The Maze Runner that you can watch right now.

6. Uncharted (2022)

Based on one of the top video games of all-time, Uncharted is an action-packed movie. It stars Tom Holland as Nathan Drake, a youthful explorer who enjoys exploring ancient ruins and discovering hidden riches. He collaborates with Mark Wahlberg as Victor “Sully” Sullivan, a seasoned adventurer and mentor who understands how to deal with danger.

They explore the world together in search of the secrets of Magellan’s lost mission and the mythical treasure that he left behind. They confront several hurdles and foes along the way, including Antonio Banderas as Santiago Moncada, a ruthless millionaire who wants the gold for himself, and Tati Gabrielle as Jo Braddock, a competent mercenary who works for Moncada.

7. Escape Room (2019)

When it comes to action thriller movies like The Maze Runner, this one has to be on the list. Escape Room is a horror film about six strangers who are asked to play a secret game. They quickly realize that the escape rooms are dangerous traps that put their brains and survival abilities to the test. As they search for clues and solve riddles, they unearth terrible secrets about the game and its creator.

It is an exciting and suspenseful thriller movie that will have you on the edge of your seat until the very last frame. The movie features Taylor Russell, Logan Miller and Nik Dodani to name a few.

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8. The 5th Wave (2016)

The 5th Wave is a sci-fi film based on Rick Yancey’s novel of the same name. It tells the story of Cassie, a young woman who strives to live and find her brother when aliens assault Earth in four waves: an EMP, a tsunami, a virus, and mind control. She meets Evan, who assists her, but she is unsure whether she can trust him. Chloe Grace Moretz, Nick Robinson, and Liev Schreiber feature in the film.

It was not a box office hit and received negative reviews from critics. It’s a good film, but it’s not really creative or thrilling in my opinion. Apart from that, you can watch it if you loved movies like The Maze Runner.

9. Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

Edge of Tomorrow is a mind-boggling action movie starring none other than Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt. If you’re not a die-hard fan of the actor, don’t worry; you’ll still be awestruck by his impeccable acting skills in this flick. Cruise plays a character who is stuck in a time loop, but this isn’t your average deja vu. Instead, he’s caught in a perpetual cycle of fighting aliens!

The plot has elements that remind you of The Maze Runner, but it also pays homage to the classic film, Groundhog Day. Every day starts the same for Cruise’s character, but this time, there’s a twist. His daily routine consists of taking on an army of extraterrestrial invaders, and each time he dies, he wakes up to start the day all over again.

10. Bird Box (2018)

Bird Box is a movie that I watched on Netflix and I really liked it. It’s about a woman named Malorie who has to survive in a world where mysterious creatures make people kill themselves if they see them. She has to protect herself and two kids by wearing blindfolds and going on a dangerous journey to find a safe place. The movie is very suspenseful and scary but also has some emotional moments. Sandra Bullock plays Malorie and she does a great job.

The movie is based on a novel by Josh Malerman, which I haven’t read yet, but I want to. If you like horror and thriller movies, you should check out Bird Box.

11. Lucy (2014)

Lucy is a sci-fi action movie that stars Scarlett Johansson as a woman who gains superpowers after a drug enters her bloodstream. She has the ability to manipulate time, space, matter, and even her own body. She employs her skills to combat a vicious thug who wants the drug back. Morgan Freeman plays a scientist who assists her in understanding what is going on.

Luc Besson directed the film and also authored the script. It’s a fast-paced, exhilarating journey that pushes the boundaries of human potential.

12. Mad Max Fury Road (2015)

In no way did the creators of the original Mad Max film anticipate its continuation into 2015. Yet, George Miller, the director, produced a subsequent installment to the franchise that injected fresh and complex themes into the story. With the inclusion of both Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron, this sequel became a notable financial success.

The tale of Furiosa and Max attempting to survive in a frenzied, dystopian society vastly differs from The Maze Runner. Nevertheless, the adrenaline-pumping action sequences and thrilling adventures are worthy of admiration.

13. Oxygen (2021)

Oxygen is a movie that came out on Netflix in 2021. It’s a sci-fi thriller about a woman who wakes up in a cryogenic pod and has to figure out who she is and why she’s there before she runs out of air. The movie is in French, but you can watch it with subtitles or dubbing.

It’s a tense and claustrophobic film that keeps you guessing until the end. If you like movies that make you think and feel, you might enjoy Oxygen. The movie features Mélanie Laurent, Malik Zidi and Juno Temple to name a few.

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14. Boy 7 (2015)

Boy 7 is a Dutch sci-fi thriller film based on Mirjam Mous’ novel of the same name. The story revolves around Sam, a teen who wakes up on a tube train with no recall of his identity or background. He quickly realizes that he is one of a group of youngsters who have been subjected to experiments by an unknown organization that intends to utilize their heightened powers for evil reasons.

Sam must flee the organization and learn the truth about his history before it is too late.

15. The Giver (2014)

The Giver is a film based on Lois Lowry’s classic dystopian novel of the same name. It portrays the story of Jonas, a little child who lives in a seemingly flawless society where everyone has a function and must adhere to rigid regulations. When Jonas is chosen to be the Receiver of Memory, he learns the truth about his planet from the Giver, an elderly man who possesses all of the past’s memories.

Jonas realizes that his civilization is a place of conformity, control, and agony, and he must choose whether to embrace or flee it. Another thriller that fans of The Maze Runner might love.

16. A Quiet Place (2018)

A world where silence is the key to survival, and even the slightest noise can mean instant death. This is the gripping premise of the 2018 masterpiece, A Quiet Place. Directorial debut by the talented John Krasinski, who also stars as the father of the family, and featuring the incomparable Emily Blunt as the mother, this movie is a rollercoaster of emotions that will have you thinking about what’ll happen next.

As the family navigates through a world overrun by terrifying aliens that hunt solely by sound, they must use all their wits and instincts to stay alive.

17. Chappie (2015)

Neill Blomkamp’s sci-fi film Chappie stars Sharlto Copley, Dev Patel, and Hugh Jackman in lead roles. The movie showcases the story of Chappie, an AI robot that is abducted by a band of criminals and nurtured as one of their own. Chappie discovers the world and his own identity while battling a corrupt company and a rogue military squad. With a combination of action, comedy, and drama, the film examines issues of awareness, morality, and family.

This could be a great watch nowadays as AI has been gaining a lot of buzz around the world. Apart from that, just like in The Maze Runner, you’ll see a futuristic society that has its good and evil sides.

18. The Tomorrow War (2021)

The Tomorrow War is a movie that I watched on Prime Video last weekend. It’s about a guy named Dan, played by Chris Pratt, who gets drafted to fight in a war against aliens in the future. He has to leave his wife and daughter behind and join a team of soldiers and civilians who travel through a wormhole to 2051. There, he meets his grown-up daughter, who is a scientist working on a way to stop the aliens, called White Spikes.

Apart from that, the movie is full of action, suspense, and some emotional moments. I liked the concept and the special effects, but I thought some parts were predictable and cliché. It was still an entertaining watch, though. If you like sci-fi and Chris Pratt, you might enjoy The Tomorrow War.

We hope you had fun exploring these top movies like The Maze Runner. Happy binging!

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