Movies like How They Save the World! (2012)
The best movies like How They Save the World! (2012) are Real Men (1987), Dark Star (1974) and Afterburn (2025). If How They Save the World! hooked you with its comedy and science fiction, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedBugonia (2025)7.3/10 from 2,598 votes
- NewestBugonia (2025)Released 2025
Real Men (1987)
A womanizing CIA agent and an insecure insurance agent are paired together to make sure a deal goes through with aliens for the future of mankind.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDark Star (1974)
A group of scientists are sent on a mission to destroy unstable planets. Twenty years into their mission, they have to battle their alien mascot as well as a "sensitive" and intelligent bombing device that starts to question the meaning of its existence.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAfterburn (2025)
Set against the backdrop of a postapocalyptic Earth whose Eastern Hemisphere was destroyed by a massive solar flare, leaving what life remains mutated from radiation and fallout. The story revolves around a group of treasure hunters who extract such objects as the Mona Lisa, the Rosetta Stone and the Crown Jewels while facing rival hunters, mutants and pirates.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both science fiction & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAmazon Women on the Moon (1987)
Centered on a television station which features a 1950s-style sci-fi movie interspersed with a series of wild commercials, wacky shorts and weird specials, this lampoon of contemporary life and pop culture skewers some of the silliest spectacles ever created in the name of entertainment.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & science fiction
SnoozefestMovies like thisThe Bed Sitting Room (1969)
In the hazy aftermath of World War III, the fallout from a 'nuclear misunderstanding' is producing strange mutations amongst the survivors, and the noble Lord Fortnum finds himself transforming into a bed sitting room.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & science fiction
SnoozefestMovies like thisRelax, I'm from the Future (2023)
Casper is a time traveller who arrives in the 2020s in an attempt to prevent a major future catastrophe. He meets Holly, a queer black woman he befriends and draws into his plan by giving her his knowledge of the future so that she can make quick money. However, they unwittingly alter the future themselves with their actions, until Doris, another time traveller, arrives to stop them.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & science fiction
SnoozefestMovies like thisSleeper (1973)
Miles Monroe, a clarinet-playing health food store proprietor, is revived out of cryostasis 200 years into a future world in order to help rebels fight an oppressive government regime.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisPower Rangers Samurai: Clash of the Red Rangers - The Movie (2011)
The Samurai Rangers team up with the mysterious RPM Ranger Red to fight off Master Xandred's Mooger army and a robotic supervillain from the RPM Ranger's dimension. But when both Red Rangers get struck with hypnobolts, they turn against one another.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & science fiction
Worth the HypeMovies like thisFamily Guy Presents: Blue Harvest (2007)
With the Griffins stuck at home during a blackout, Peter tells the story of "Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope".
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & science fiction
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy (1981)
Don't Panic! The story of Arthur Dent, an average Englishman whose life was spared by his friend, who turned out to be an alien, while the planet Earth is destroyed. His friend tells him about the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, a guide with anything you ever needed, and wanted to know. They travel across the galaxy, meeting friendly, and not so friendly characters in order to find the great question (the answer being 42).
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & science fiction
Worth the HypeMovies like thisRobot Chicken: Star Wars Episode III (2010)
Millions of years from now, after Socrates, Shakespeare and the bible are long forgotten, only two great works will remain: the sci-fi cinema epic Star Wars and Adult Swim's stop-motion animated, cheap gag extravanganza Robot Chicken. And now, for the first time, they come together for the third time, in this all new special. That's right, all your mot beloved Star Wars characters are going back through the comedy meat grinder.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & science fiction
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Man in the White Suit (1951)
The unassuming, nebbishy inventor Sidney Stratton creates a miraculous fabric that will never be dirty or worn out. Clearly he can make a fortune selling clothes made of the material, but may cause a crisis in the process. After all, once someone buys one of his suits they won't ever have to fix them or buy another one, and the clothing industry will collapse overnight. Nevertheless, Sidney is determined to put his invention on the market, forcing the clothing factory bigwigs to resort to more desperate measures...
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBugonia (2025)
Two conspiracy obsessed young men kidnap the high-powered CEO of a major company, convinced that she is an alien intent on destroying planet Earth.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both science fiction & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisStewie Griffin: The Untold Story (2005)
The maniacal baby of the Griffin family, Stewie, meets his future self. In doing this he discovers that his future image is not what he has anticipated because of a near death experience.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisA.R.C.H.I.E. (2016)
A recently orphaned 15-year-old who has moved to a small town to live with her uncle befriends a robotic canine with super strength, x-ray vision and the ability to talk and the pair take on a military complex, bullies, kidnappers, romance and the world.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both science fiction & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBritannia Hospital (1982)
Britannia Hospital, an esteemed English institution, is marking its gala anniversary with a visit by the Queen Mother herself. But when investigative reporter Mick Travis arrives to cover the celebration, he finds the hospital under siege by striking workers, ruthless unions, violent demonstrators, racist aristocrats, an African cannibal dictator, and sinister human experiments.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Meteor Man (1993)
One night Jefferson Reed gets hit in the chest by a souped-up chunk of meteor. So he can fly, but he's scared of heights. He can master the information in any book ... for about thirty seconds. Now his friends and family want him to protect their community from the dreaded Golden Lords.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & science fiction
SnoozefestMovies like thisPlanet 51 (2009)
When Earth astronaut Capt. Chuck Baker arrives on Planet 51 -- a world reminiscent of American suburbia circa 1950 -- he tries to avoid capture, recover his spaceship and make it home safely, all with the help of an empathetic little green being.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy & science fiction
SnoozefestMovies like thisCode 8 Part II (2024)
In a world where superpowered people are heavily policed by robots, an ex-con teams up with a drug lord he despises to protect a teen from a corrupt cop.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSteve Martin and Martin Short: An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life (2018)
Comedians and writers Steve Martin and Martin Short perform a live comedy set with music by The Steep Canyon Rangers and jazz pianist, Jeff Babko, at the Peace Center in Greenville, South Carolina.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDead Bite (2011)
A band travelling by ship becomes stranded on Mermaid Island, and the locals hunt them down to make their forest goddess happy.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Talking Dick (2003)
A native teenage boy who, with an urge from his gang tried to take his girlfriend, Ning, to bed. The mission failed and even worse, Berm’s ” little brother” began to talk on his own after being Ning’s kicking target. The “little brother” holding on his desire for a girl for too long, started messing around with his naughty uncontrollable behavior and Berm had to come after him to fix things right. Whether the boy wins over his “little brother” and understands the meaning of love depends only on his strong mind and the inspiration from his true love.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Panya Raenu 2 (2012)
Raenu is back to win Panya's heart. Her competitor is growing prettier and more interesting to Panya her first love. With the help of her new friends, what will happen to this cute romantic innocent love.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Teenage Love (2012)
It's love at first sight when a rebellious playboy falls in love with a girl. He now has to go to great lengths to win her heart.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
The Adventure of Iron Pussy (2004)
A gang of local thugs come in and start roughing up the customers and get abusive with the daughter. Suddenly, an elaborately coifed and tastefully dressed woman shows up and rescues the young woman and her father from further harm. This is Iron Pussy.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Goodman Town (2002)
After the end of nuclear war era, people chose to be criminals, thieves or even joined Mafias but all foolishly believed in fate and superstition. The story began when “Sua Yai” the leader of the head Mafia in “Goodman Town” had a nightmare which foretold that the only remedy was to get married or else misfortune would befall upon him.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
32 December Love Error (2009)
Through a mix-up both Note and Joe has a joint medical examination. Because of this Joe establishes a bond with the more hesitant Note. Note's problem is a rare disorder that gives him partially amnesia until he figures who he really loves.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Best Supporting Actor (2010)
Destiny has brought Ten and Pao to meet through a story in touring book. Though they haven't seen each other yet, the letters in the book was written and sent to both of them. Until one day, when they meet by chance, the acquaintance they've made through the book begins to blossom and develop to love.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Stupid Cupid (2012)
A clumsy young many falls in love with a beautiful girl. Realizing she's out of his league, he calls on the help of a love guru.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Fabulous 30 (2011)
Ja, a beautiful woman has everything a woman is supposed to dream of having; a successful career, a partying lifestyle, and a handsome sweetheart. On her 30th birthday, Ja finds her perfect life changed when her boyfriend wants to halt the relationship.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy
Like How They Save the World! and something else?
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like How They Save the World!?
The closest matches to How They Save the World! are Real Men (1987), Dark Star (1974) and Afterburn (2025). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after How They Save the World!?
Start with Real Men (1987), the closest match to How They Save the World!.
What is the highest-rated movie like How They Save the World!?
Bugonia (2025), rated 7.3/10 by 2,598 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like How They Save the World!?
Bugonia (2025) is the most recent release on this list.
How are movies similar to How They Save the World! chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside How They Save the World!, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.