Movies like Surf Wars (1978)
The best movies like Surf Wars (1978) are Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay (2018), Fire and Ice (1983) and LEGO Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out (2012). If Surf Wars hooked you with its animation and science fiction, these 20 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Surf Wars
Quick picks
- Highest ratedPhineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe (2020)7.2/10 from 424 votes
- NewestLEGO Star Wars: The Mandalorian (2026)Released 2026
Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay (2018)
Amanda Waller's top-secret "Task Force X" — consisting of Deadshot, Bronze Tiger, Killer Frost, Captain Boomerang, Harley Quinn, and Copperhead — is on a mission to retrieve a mystical object so powerful that they're willing to risk their lives to steal it. However, the Suicide Squad isn't the only group of villains seeking to possess the object. It's a race for the golden prize, and second place isn't an option if they want to stay alive.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both science fiction & animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisFire and Ice (1983)
The villainous Nekron and his mother, Queen Juliana, plot against the human race from their frigid fortress. Creating mass destruction with huge glaciers, mother and son incur the wrath of Larn, a warrior whose entire village was destroyed by ice. When Nekron's underlings kidnap the beautiful Princess Teegra, Larn sets out to rescue her, assisted by the fierce and enigmatic Darkwolf.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & fantasy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLEGO Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out (2012)
Luke Skywalker embarks on a mission to destroy an Imperial base, but is relentlessly chased by a group of fanatic girls who think of him as a celebrity. Meanwhile, Darth Vader engages a rivalry with Darth Maul, in order to prove that he's the best Sith Lord.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisRobot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II (2008)
Seth Green and Matthew Senreich serve up more hilarious Star Wars-inspired satire in this second compilation of sketches featuring the zany stop-motion animation of Adult Swim's "Robot Chicken." Gary the stormtrooper deals with irascible boss Darth Vader on Take Your Daughter to Work Day, while Anakin babysits a certain up-and-coming Jedi.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both science fiction & animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLEGO Star Wars: The Mandalorian (2026)
The Mandalorian and Grogu join their misfit allies for an epic party, celebrating their heroism. As friends regale the crowd with tales of their adventures, a pirate threat looms.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisPhineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe (2020)
Phineas and Ferb travel across the galaxy to rescue their older sister Candace, who has been abducted by aliens and taken to a utopia in a far-off planet, free of her pesky little brothers.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLEGO Star Wars Terrifying Tales (2021)
Poe Dameron and BB-8 must face the greedy crime boss Graballa the Hutt, who has purchased Darth Vader’s castle and is renovating it into the galaxy’s first all-inclusive Sith-inspired luxury hotel.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisStarship Troopers: Invasion (2012)
The troopers of two starships have joined forces to terminate a massive bug attack at a Federation outpost. Before the mission can be completed and the survivors evacuated, one ship abruptly departs and goes inexplicably dark. The remaining battle-hardened troopers race to the rescue only to discover that the threat from the bugs is about to hit home.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
SnoozefestMovies like thisBabylon 5: The Road Home (2023)
Travel across the galaxy with John Sheridan as he unexpectedly finds himself transported through multiple timelines and alternate realities in a quest to find his way back home. Along the way he reunites with some familiar faces, while discovering cosmic new revelations about the history, purpose, and meaning of the Universe.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Worth the HypeMovies like thisRobot Chicken: Star Wars (2007)
A series of 30 sketches, following the hilarious antics of various characters from a galaxy, far, far away.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Worth the HypeMovies like thisFinal Flight of the Osiris (2003)
Immediately before the events of The Matrix Reloaded, the crew of the hovercraft Osiris discovers a quarter of a million sentinels drilling through the surface of the earth towards the last human city of Zion. But can the Osiris survive long enough to warn Zion?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both science fiction & animation
Popcorn FlickMovies 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 science fiction & animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Brave Little Toaster to the Rescue (1997)
When Toaster and the gang spark friendships with the playful animals at the veterinary hospital, they soon discover their new pals are about to be sent to a testing laboratory.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & fantasy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisPlankton: The Movie (2025)
Plankton's tangled love story with his sentient computer wife goes sideways when she takes a stand — and decides to destroy the world without him.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Transformers: The Movie (1986)
The Autobots must stop a colossal planet-consuming robot who goes after the Autobot Matrix of Leadership. At the same time, they must defend themselves against an all-out attack from the Decepticons.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBen 10 vs. the Universe: The Movie (2020)
A blast from Ben's past returns to do double the damage on Team Tennyson and planet Earth itself, forcing Ben to go interstellar to save the day. Based on the 2016 reboot.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Witcher: Sirens of the Deep (2025)
When human sailors are attacked by mysterious creatures of the deep, only one person can stop the war between land and sea: the Witcher, Geralt of Rivia.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & fantasy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisRevolting Rhymes (2017)
Two half-hour animated films based on the much-loved rhymes written by Roald Dahl and illustrated by Quentin Blake.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & fantasy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDC Showcase: Blue Beetle (2021)
SUFFERIN' SCARABS! Silver Age Blue Beetle is back! Thrill to the adventures of Ted Kord, alias the Blue Beetle, as he teams up with fellow Charlton Comics heroes Captain Atom, The Questions and Nightshade to battle the nefarious finagler of feelings, Doctor Spectro!
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Incredible Mr. Limpet (1964)
Milquetoast Henry Limpet experiences his fondest wish and is transformed into a fish. As a talking fish he assists the US Navy in hunting German submarines during World War II.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & fantasy
Popcorn FlickMovies like this
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Surf Wars?
The closest matches to Surf Wars are Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay (2018), Fire and Ice (1983) and LEGO Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out (2012). Below are 17 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Surf Wars?
Start with Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay (2018), the closest match to Surf Wars.
What is the highest-rated movie like Surf Wars?
Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe (2020), rated 7.2/10 by 424 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Surf Wars?
LEGO Star Wars: The Mandalorian (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Surf Wars?
Yes: Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay (2018), Fire and Ice (1983) and LEGO Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out (2012).
How are movies similar to Surf Wars chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Surf Wars, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.