Movies like Playing God (2024)
The best movies like Playing God (2024) are Night of the Animated Dead (2021), The Spine of Night (2021) and Mad God (2021). If Playing God hooked you with its animation and horror, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedThe Amazing Digital Circus: The Last Act (2026)8.8/10 from 312 votes
- NewestWildwood (2026)Released 2026
Night of the Animated Dead (2021)
An animated retelling of ‘Night of the Living Dead’, in which a group of people in a rural farmhouse struggle to survive the threat of bloodthirsty zombies.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Spine of Night (2021)
When ancient dark magic falls into sinister hands and unleashes ages of suffering onto mankind, a group of heroes from different eras and cultures must band together in order to defeat it at all costs.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMad God (2021)
A silent figure known as The Assassin travels through a nightmare underworld of tortured souls, ruined cities and wretched monstrosities forged from the primordial horrors of the unconscious mind of Phil Tippett, the world's preeminent stop-motion animator.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWaking Life (2001)
Waking Life is about a young man in a persistent lucid dream-like state. The film follows its protagonist as he initially observes and later participates in philosophical discussions that weave together issues like reality, free will, our relationships with others, and the meaning of life.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & drama
Worth the HypeMovies like this$9.99 (2009)
Have you ever wondered "What is the meaning of life? Why do we exist?" The answer to this vexing question is now within your reach! You'll find it in a small yet amazing booklet, which will explain, in easy to follow, simple terms your reason for being! The booklet, printed on the finest paper, contains illuminating, exquisite colour pictures, and could be yours for a mere $9.99.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & drama
SnoozefestMovies like thisCoraline (2009)
Wandering her rambling old house in her boring new town, 11-year-old Coraline discovers a hidden door to a strangely idealized version of her life. In order to stay in the fantasy, she must make a frighteningly real sacrifice.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & horror
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisDC Showcase: Death (2019)
Vincent, an artist with unresolved inner demons, meets a mysterious girl who helps him come to terms with his creative legacy… and eventual death.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & drama
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisWildwood (2026)
Prue and her classmate Curtis are drawn into a magical forest filled with enchanted creatures, loyal allies, and formidable adversaries as they embark on a desperate quest to rescue Prue's abducted baby brother from a murder of crows led by a mysterious woman named Alexandra.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & drama
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisDC Showcase: The Phantom Stranger (2020)
Jess joins her friends at a party in a dilapidated mansion hosted by the mysterious Seth. When odd things begin to happen to Jess and her friends, the Phantom Stranger intervenes to save her from a dreary fate.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Amazing Digital Circus: The Last Act (2026)
With Caine gone and the circus dark, the cast are left with only the mistakes and traumas of their pasts to keep them company. As the prospect of eternity closes in around them, they discover the truth about the Digital Circus and its history. Will they come to terms with what they uncover, or will they make... the other choice? Also, presumably at some point someone says something funny, because this ending can’t be THAT depressing, can it? A theatrical screening of episode 8 and the all new, hour-long episode 9.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & drama
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisHilda and the Mountain King (2021)
When Hilda wakes up in the body of a troll, she must use her wits and courage to get back home, become human again — and save the city of Trolberg.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDinosaur (2000)
An orphaned dinosaur raised by lemurs joins an arduous trek to a sancturary after a meteorite shower destroys his family home.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHellboy Animated: Sword of Storms (2006)
A folklore professor becomes unwittingly possessed by the ancient Japanese demons of Thunder and Lightning. But when The Bureau of Paranormal Research & Defense dispatches a team of agents to investigate, a cursed samurai sword sends Hellboy to a supernatural dimension of ghosts, monsters, and feudal mayhem. Now while pyrokinetic Liz Sherman and fishboy Abe Sapien battle one very pissed-off dragon, a lost and cranky Hellboy must find his way home.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisCranston Academy: Monster Zone (2020)
An intelligent 15-year-old high school student is unexpectedly transferred to a boarding school where he opens a portal of monsters from another dimension.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDC Showcase - Constantine: The House of Mystery (2022)
John Constantine wakes up in the eerie House of Mystery with no recollection of how he got there. Fortunately, Zatanna and his friends are all there. Unfortunately, they have a bad habit of turning into demons and ripping him to shreds, over and over again!
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDead Space: Aftermath (2011)
The year is 2509 and not only has Earth lost contact with the Ishimura and Isaac Clarke, but now also the USG O'Bannon, the first responder ship sent to rescue them. Four crew members of the O'Bannon have survived. But what happened to the rest of the crew? What were they doing? What secrets are they keeping? All to be revealed...in the Aftermath! --- Dead Space: Aftermath is a fast paced, horrifying thrill ride told through the perspective of the four survivors by several renowned international directors. Dead Space: Aftermath is an animated film that bridges the storyline between the video games Dead Space and Dead Space 2.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & horror
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisEthel & Ernest (2016)
This hand drawn animated film, based on the award winning graphic novel by Raymond Briggs, is an intimate and affectionate depiction of the life and times of his parents, two ordinary Londoners living through extraordinary events.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisPrimal: Tales of Savagery (2019)
Genndy Tartakovsky's Primal: Tales of Savagery features a caveman and a dinosaur on the brink of extinction. Bonded by tragedy, this unlikely friendship becomes the only hope of survival.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & drama
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisStrings (2004)
The story of Prince Hal who sets out to avenge his dead father against the city's rivals, the Zeriths, little knowing it was his wicked uncle Nezo who is the real killer, with his own designs on the throne.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAbraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter: The Great Calamity (2012)
A motion comic follow-up to a chapter from Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter novel where Abe's friend, Edgar Allan Poe, tells him the tale of historical Hungarian countess Elizabeth Bathory, often tied to vampire legends due to her brutality.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both horror & animation
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisCELSIUM (TBA)
When a young man opens his window on a hot summer night, an unwanted demonic creature is allowed inside - throwing him into a hot, sweaty fight for his life.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both horror & animation
Slow Bob in the Lower Dimensions (1991)
Nightmarish pilot about Robert Potemkin, a man with deformed back, who lives in the attic of his family's house. One night, his siamese sisters plan a prank on him, but sentient lizards send him to a parallel world to save photo-people.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & horror
MutantLand (2010)
As the sun goes down in the dark and terrifying Mutantland, hunters are lured into a forbidden zone in their quest for food only to find themselves candidates for the main course.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both horror & animation
GIRLS BAND CRY The Movie: Hey, Our Future (2025)
After forming the band Togenashi Togeari, Nina confronts her issues at the hometown she escaped from. Momoka also confronts Diamond Dust, the band that she left. Their overcoming of the past inspires the others to do the same, and aim to become pro musicians, but they are unable to adapt to the demands of society and decide to continue as an indie band.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & drama
GIRLS BAND CRY The Movie: Youth Rhapsody (2025)
After she drops out of school and moves to Tokyo by herself, Nina Iseri meets Momoka Kawaragi, the vocalist of her favourite band, and discovers the allure of music. Together with Subaru Awa, who always hides her true intentions, Tomo Ebizuka, who was ignored by her parents, and Rupa who has no relatives, Nina starts the rock band Togenashi Togeari. The five girls who all have their own worries confront the absurdities of the world and search for their place to belong.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & drama
Meet the Robinsons (2007)
Lewis, a brilliant young inventor, is keen on creating a time machine to find his mother, who abandoned him in an orphanage. Things take a turn when he meets Wilbur Robinson and his family.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLuxna (2016)
A man named Tom, who as a young boy, was passionate about astronomy and always dreaming about outer space.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
To Life (2016)
Anouk, a little orphan, meets the Grim reaper and becomes a fan. A love that the servant of Death will have to cope with.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Hé Mademoiselle (2015)
Being a prey to the males she meets in the street, that is the daily life of this young Parisian girl. What will happen to her suitors?
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Throne of Seal The Movie: The Crownless God (2025)
The legendary epic of Elekes, re - presenting the glorious path of the great Necromancer of the Undead Scourge, Elekes.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Playing God?
The closest matches to Playing God are Night of the Animated Dead (2021), The Spine of Night (2021) and Mad God (2021). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Playing God?
Start with Night of the Animated Dead (2021), the closest match to Playing God.
What is the highest-rated movie like Playing God?
The Amazing Digital Circus: The Last Act (2026), rated 8.8/10 by 312 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Playing God?
Wildwood (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Playing God?
Yes: Night of the Animated Dead (2021), The Spine of Night (2021) and Mad God (2021).
How are movies similar to Playing God chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Playing God, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.