Movies like Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
The best movies like Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) are The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Star Trek Beyond (2016) and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019). If Star Wars: The Force Awakens hooked you with its adventure and action, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedThe Empire Strikes Back (1980)8.4/10 from 19,115 votes
- NewestThe Mandalorian and Grogu (2026)Released 2026
- Same seriesThe Empire Strikes Back (1980)Star Wars
The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
The epic saga continues as Luke Skywalker, in hopes of defeating the evil Galactic Empire, learns the ways of the Jedi from aging master Yoda. But Darth Vader is more determined than ever to capture Luke. Meanwhile, rebel leader Princess Leia, cocky Han Solo, Chewbacca, and droids C-3PO and R2-D2 are thrown into various stages of capture, betrayal and despair.
Why it matches: Same series: Star Wars · both adventure & action
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisStar Trek Beyond (2016)
The USS Enterprise crew explores the furthest reaches of uncharted space, where they encounter a mysterious new enemy who puts them and everything the Federation stands for to the test.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & adventure
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisStar Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
The surviving Resistance faces the First Order once again as the journey of Rey, Finn and Poe Dameron continues. With the power and knowledge of generations behind them, the final battle begins.
Why it matches: Same series: Star Wars · both adventure & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSolo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
Through a series of daring escapades deep within a dark and dangerous criminal underworld, Han Solo meets his mighty future copilot Chewbacca and encounters the notorious gambler Lando Calrissian.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both science fiction & adventure
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisStar Trek: Nemesis (2002)
En route to the honeymoon of William Riker to Deanna Troi on her home planet of Betazed, Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise receives word from Starfleet that a coup has resulted in the installation of a new Romulan political leader, Shinzon, who claims to seek peace with the human-backed United Federation of Planets. Once in enemy territory, the captain and his crew make a startling discovery: Shinzon is human, a slave from the Romulan sister planet of Remus, and has a secret, shocking relationship to Picard himself.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both science fiction & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisRogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
A rogue band of resistance fighters unite for a mission to steal the Death Star plans and bring a new hope to the galaxy.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & adventure
Worth the HypeMovies like thisStar Trek (2009)
The fate of the galaxy rests in the hands of bitter rivals. One, James Kirk, is a delinquent, thrill-seeking Iowa farm boy. The other, Spock, a Vulcan, was raised in a logic-based society that rejects all emotion. As fiery instinct clashes with calm reason, their unlikely but powerful partnership is the only thing capable of leading their crew through unimaginable danger, boldly going where no one has gone before. The human adventure has begun again.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both science fiction & action
Worth the HypeMovies like thisStar Trek: Generations (1994)
Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the crew of the Enterprise-D find themselves at odds with the renegade scientist Soran who is destroying entire star systems. Only one man can help Picard stop Soran's scheme...and he's been dead for seventy-eight years.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both science fiction & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisStar Trek: Insurrection (1998)
When an alien race and factions within Starfleet attempt to take over a planet that has "regenerative" properties, it falls upon Captain Picard and the crew of the Enterprise to defend the planet's people as well as the very ideals upon which the Federation itself was founded.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both science fiction & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisStar Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)
Rey develops her newly discovered abilities with the guidance of Luke Skywalker, who is unsettled by the strength of her powers. Meanwhile, the Resistance prepares to do battle with the First Order.
Why it matches: Same series: Star Wars · both adventure & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisStar Trek Into Darkness (2013)
When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization has detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a state of crisis. With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction. As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & adventure
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSerenity (2005)
A group of rebels travel the outskirts of space evading the sinister Alliance regime. Their lives of smuggling and cargo-running are interrupted by a psychic passenger who harbours a dangerous secret. Soon, the crew find themselves being pursued by an Alliance agent who will stop at nothing to find them.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both science fiction & action
Worth the HypeMovies like thisReturn of the Jedi (1983)
Luke Skywalker leads a mission to rescue his friend Han Solo from the clutches of Jabba the Hutt, the Emperor prepares to crush the Rebellion with a more powerful Death Star, and the Rebel fleet mounts a massive attack on the space station. Luke Skywalker confronts Darth Vader in a final climactic duel before the evil Emperor.
Why it matches: Same series: Star Wars · both adventure & action
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisStar Wars (1977)
Princess Leia is captured and held hostage by the evil Imperial forces in their effort to take over the galactic Empire. Venturesome Luke Skywalker and dashing captain Han Solo team together with the loveable robot duo R2-D2 and C-3PO to rescue the beautiful princess and restore peace and justice in the Empire.
Why it matches: Same series: Star Wars · both adventure & action
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisStar Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
Anakin Skywalker, a young slave strong with the Force, is discovered on Tatooine. Meanwhile, the evil Sith have returned, enacting their plot for revenge against the Jedi.
Why it matches: Same series: Star Wars · both adventure & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisStar Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)
As the Clone Wars sweep through the galaxy, Anakin Skywalker and his new Padawan learner Ahsoka Tano plunge into a dangerous mission to rescue the kidnapped son of crime lord Jabba the Hutt.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisValerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017)
In the 28th century, Valerian and Laureline are special operatives charged with keeping order throughout the human territories. On assignment from the Minister of Defense, the two undertake a mission to Alpha, an ever-expanding metropolis where species from across the universe have converged over centuries to share knowledge, intelligence, and cultures. At the center of Alpha is a mysterious dark force which threatens the peaceful existence of the City of a Thousand Planets, and Valerian and Laureline must race to identify the menace and safeguard not just Alpha, but the future of the universe.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both adventure & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisRebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver (2024)
The rebels gear up for battle against the ruthless forces of the Motherworld as unbreakable bonds are forged, heroes emerge — and legends are made.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both science fiction & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGuardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Light years from Earth, 26 years after being abducted, Peter Quill finds himself the prime target of a manhunt after discovering an orb wanted by Ronan the Accuser.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & science fiction
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisStar Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)
When the sinister Sith unveil a thousand-year-old plot to rule the galaxy, the Republic crumbles and from its ashes rises the evil Galactic Empire. Jedi hero Anakin Skywalker must choose a side.
Why it matches: Same series: Star Wars · both adventure & action
Worth the HypeMovies like thisJupiter Ascending (2015)
In a universe where human genetic material is the most precious commodity, an impoverished young Earth woman becomes the key to strategic maneuvers and internal strife within a powerful dynasty…
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both science fiction & action
SnoozefestMovies like thisAvatar (2009)
In the 22nd century, a paraplegic Marine is dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission, but becomes torn between following orders and protecting an alien civilization.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both science fiction & action
Worth the HypeMovies like thisRebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire (2023)
When the ruthless forces of the Motherworld threaten a quiet farming village on a distant moon, a mysterious outsider becomes its best hope for survival.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both science fiction & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Mandalorian and Grogu (2026)
The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they have enlisted the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin and his young apprentice Grogu.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & adventure
Worth the HypeMovies like thisStar Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)
Following an assassination attempt on Senator Padmé Amidala, Jedi Knights Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi investigate a mysterious plot into the heart of the Separatist movement and the beginning of the Clone Wars.
Why it matches: Same series: Star Wars · both adventure & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDune: Part Two (2024)
Follow the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a path of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, Paul endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both science fiction & adventure
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisTransformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)
The Autobots continue to work for NEST, now no longer in secret. But after discovering a strange artifact during a mission in Chernobyl, it becomes apparent to Optimus Prime that the United States government has been less than forthright with them.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisStar Wars Rebels: The Siege of Lothal (2015)
The Inquisitor is dead. The Ghost crew has connected with other rebel cells. And a new ally named Ahsoka Tano has emerged. Despite these successes and developments, the fight against the Empire takes a deadly turn, as the evil Sith Lord Darth Vader comes to Lothal.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both adventure & science fiction
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisJohn Carter (2012)
John Carter is a war-weary, former military captain who's inexplicably transported to the mysterious and exotic planet of Barsoom (Mars) and reluctantly becomes embroiled in an epic conflict. It's a world on the brink of collapse, and Carter rediscovers his humanity when he realizes the survival of Barsoom and its people rests in his hands.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & adventure
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisStargate: The Ark of Truth (2008)
SG-1 searches for an ancient weapon which could help them defeat the Ori, and discover it may be in the Ori's own home galaxy. As the Ori prepare to send ships through to the Milky Way to attack Earth, SG-1 travels to the Ori galaxy aboard the Odyssey. The International Oversight committee have their own plans and SG-1 finds themselves in a distant galaxy fighting two powerful enemies.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both action & adventure
Worth the HypeMovies like this
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Star Wars: The Force Awakens?
The closest matches to Star Wars: The Force Awakens are The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Star Trek Beyond (2016) and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Star Wars: The Force Awakens?
People who watched Star Wars: The Force Awakens most often go on to Star Trek Beyond (2016), Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) and Star Trek: Nemesis (2002).
What is the highest-rated movie like Star Wars: The Force Awakens?
The Empire Strikes Back (1980), rated 8.4/10 by 19,115 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Star Wars: The Force Awakens?
The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Is Star Wars: The Force Awakens part of a series?
Yes. It belongs to Star Wars, which includes The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019), Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) and Return of the Jedi (1983).
Are there English movies like Star Wars: The Force Awakens?
Yes: The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Star Trek Beyond (2016) and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019).
How are movies similar to Star Wars: The Force Awakens chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Star Wars: The Force Awakens, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.