Movies like Light Up the Night (2016)
The best movies like Light Up the Night (2016) are The Electric State (2025), Terminator Genisys (2015) and Terminator Salvation (2009). If Light Up the Night hooked you with its science fiction 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
- NewestGood Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die (2026)Released 2026
The Electric State (2025)
An orphaned teen hits the road with a mysterious robot to find her long-lost brother, teaming up with a smuggler and his wisecracking sidekick.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisTerminator Genisys (2015)
The year is 2029. John Connor, leader of the resistance continues the war against the machines. At the Los Angeles offensive, John's fears of the unknown future begin to emerge when TECOM spies reveal a new plot by SkyNet that will attack him from both fronts; past and future, and will ultimately change warfare forever.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both science fiction & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisTerminator Salvation (2009)
All grown up in post-apocalyptic 2018, John Connor must lead the resistance of humans against the increasingly dominating militaristic robots. But when Marcus Wright appears, his existence confuses the mission as Connor tries to determine whether Wright has come from the future or the past -- and whether he's friend or foe.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisChappie (2015)
Every child comes into the world full of promise, and none more so than Chappie: he is gifted, special, a prodigy. Like any child, Chappie will come under the influence of his surroundings—some good, some bad—and he will rely on his heart and soul to find his way in the world and become his own man. But there's one thing that makes Chappie different from any one else: he is a robot.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisTerminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
Ten years after the events of the original, a reprogrammed T-800 is sent back in time to protect young John Connor from the shape-shifting T-1000. Together with his mother Sarah, he fights to stop Skynet from triggering a nuclear apocalypse.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & science fiction
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisRoboCop (2014)
In RoboCop, the year is 2028 and multinational conglomerate OmniCorp is at the center of robot technology. Overseas, their drones have been used by the military for years, but have been forbidden for law enforcement in America. Now OmniCorp wants to bring their controversial technology to the home front, and they see a golden opportunity to do it. When Alex Murphy – a loving husband, father and good cop doing his best to stem the tide of crime and corruption in Detroit – is critically injured, OmniCorp sees their chance to build a part-man, part-robot police officer. OmniCorp envisions a RoboCop in every city and even more billions for their shareholders, but they never counted on one thing: there is still a man inside the machine.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & science fiction
SnoozefestMovies like thisBumblebee (2018)
On the run in the year 1987, Bumblebee finds refuge in a junkyard in a small Californian beach town. Charlie, on the cusp of turning 18 and trying to find her place in the world, discovers Bumblebee, battle-scarred and broken. When Charlie revives him, she quickly learns this is no ordinary yellow VW bug.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Matrix Resurrections (2021)
Plagued by strange memories, Neo's life takes an unexpected turn when he finds himself back inside the Matrix.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both science fiction & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Terminator (1984)
In the post-apocalyptic future, reigning tyrannical supercomputers teleport a cyborg assassin known as the "Terminator" back to 1984 to kill Sarah Connor, whose unborn son is destined to lead insurgents against 21st century mechanical hegemony. Meanwhile, the human-resistance movement dispatches a lone warrior to safeguard Sarah. Can he stop the virtually indestructible killing machine?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & science fiction
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSurrogates (2009)
Set in a futuristic world where humans live in isolation and interact through surrogate robots, a cop is forced to leave his home for the first time in years in order to investigate the murders of others' surrogates.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both science fiction & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Matrix Reloaded (2003)
The Resistance builds in numbers as humans are freed from the Matrix and brought to the city of Zion. Neo discovers his superpowers, including the ability to see the code inside the Matrix. With machine sentinels digging to Zion in 72 hours, Neo, Morpheus and Trinity must find the Keymaker to ultimately reach the Source.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & science fiction
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHow to Talk to Girls at Parties (2017)
In 1970s London, a teenage outsider named Enn falls in love with a rebellious alien girl named Zan, who has come to Earth for a party. Together, they navigate the complexities of intergalactic culture and the trials of first love.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBill & Ted Face the Music (2020)
Yet to fulfill their rock and roll destiny, the stakes are higher than ever for the now middle-aged Bill and Ted who set out on a new adventure when a visitor from the future warns them that only their song can save life as we know it.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both science fiction & music
SnoozefestMovies like this57 Seconds (2023)
When a tech blogger lands an interview with a tech guru and stops an attack on him, he finds a mysterious ring that takes him back 57 seconds into the past.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both science fiction & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Matrix Revolutions (2003)
The human city of Zion defends itself against the massive invasion of the machines as Neo fights to end the war at another front while also opposing the rogue Agent Smith.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Matrix (1999)
Set in the 22nd century, The Matrix tells the story of a computer hacker who joins a group of underground insurgents fighting the vast and powerful computers who now rule the earth.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & science fiction
Absolute CinemaMovies 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 action & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGood Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die (2026)
A 'Man from the Future' arrives at an LA diner where he must recruit the precise combination of disgruntled patrons to join him on a one-night quest to save the world from the terminal threat of a rogue artificial intelligence.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both science fiction & action
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Creator (2023)
Amid a future war between the human race and the forces of artificial intelligence, a hardened ex-special forces agent grieving the disappearance of his wife, is recruited to hunt down and kill the Creator, the elusive architect of advanced AI who has developed a mysterious weapon with the power to end the war—and mankind itself.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both science fiction & action
Worth the HypeMovies like thisUpgrade (2018)
A brutal mugging leaves Grey Trace paralyzed in the hospital and his beloved wife dead. A billionaire inventor soon offers Trace a cure — an artificial intelligence implant called STEM that will enhance his body. Now able to walk, Grey finds that he also has superhuman strength and agility — skills he uses to seek revenge against the thugs who destroyed his life.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & science fiction
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe 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: Similar story and style · both action & science fiction
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisRed Hot Chili Peppers - Live at Fuji Rock Festival (2006)
The Red Hot Chili Peppers recorded live at Fuji Rock Festival 2006. Naeba Ski Resort, Niigata, Japan July 29, 2006.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Forbidden Planet (1956)
Starship C57D travels to planet Altair 4 in search of the crew of spaceship "Bellerophon," a scientific expedition that has been missing for twenty years. They find themselves unwelcome by the expedition's lone survivor and warned of destruction by an invisible force if they don't turn back immediately.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both science fiction
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBasique, le concert - Benjamin Biolay (2022)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
The Phantom of the Opera (1925)
The deformed Phantom who haunts the Paris Opera House causes murder and mayhem in an attempt to make the woman he loves a star.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMickey's Safety Club: Street Safe, Street Smart (1989)
Mickey and his friends take a close look at important street safety situations and tips.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere (2025)
Bruce Springsteen, a young musician on the cusp of global superstardom, struggles to reconcile the pressures of success with the ghosts of his past.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisKings of Leon Live at the Hammersmith Apollo, London (2007)
Full live show shot at Hammersmith Apollo 2007 includes tracks from Because Of The Times and classics from the KOL catalogue. 1.Black Thumbnail 2.Taper Jean Girl 3.King of the Rodeo 4.My Party 5.Fans 6.Soft 7.Arizona 8.Molly's Chambers 9.The Bucket 10.Milk 11.Four Kicks 12.On Call 13.California Waiting 14.Spiral Staircase 15.Trani Encore: 16.McFearless 17.Charmer 18.Slow Night, So Long
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Muse - Live at Austin City Limits 2013 (2013)
10/11/13 Zilker Park, Austin, Texas, USA Setlist: 01. The 2nd Law: Unsustainable 0:00 02. Supremacy 4:00 03. Map of the Problematique (0305030 riff outro) 9:10 04. Star Spangled Banner 14:53 05. Hysteria (Back In Black outro) 16:19 06. Panic Station 21:03 07. Resistance 24:35 08. Plug In Baby (Extended outro) 30:05 09. Monty Jam 34:52 10. United States of Eurasia 36:09 11. Follow Me 40:32 12. Liquid State 44:42 13. Madness 48:03 14. Time Is Running Out 52:48 15. Stockholm Syndrome (Freedom outro) 57:33 16. The 2nd Law: Isolated System 1:04:45 18. Uprising 1:09:15 19. Starlight 1:14:40 20. Survival 1:19:06 21. Knights of Cydonia (Man With a Harmonica intro) 1:24:00
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
The 69 Eyes: Helsinki Vampires - Live at Tavastia (2002)
Live at Tavastia Club in Helsinki, Finland, 23 November, 2002 - LIVE: 01. Crashing High 02. Angel On My Shoulder 03. Forever More 04. Gothic Girl 05. Velvet Touch 06. Don t Turn Your Back On Fear 07. Stolen Season 08. Sleeping With Lions 09. Betty Blue 10. Radical 11. Still Waters Run Deep 12. The Chair 13. Wasting The Dawn 14. Dance D Amour 15. Framed In Blood 16. Stigmata 17. Brandon Lee PROMO VIDEOS: 01. Betty Blue 02. Dance D Amour 03. The Chair 04. Brandon Lee 05. Gothic Girl 06. Wasting The Dawn 07. Call Me 08. Mr. Pain BONUS: * Beyond The Dawn (Director s Cuts by Sökö Kaukoranta) * From Russia With Goth (The 69 Eyes In Moscow, March 2003) * The 69 Eyes Over Germany (Photo Gallery) * Interviews With The Vampires * Discography
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Like Light Up the Night and something else?
Blend two favourites and we’ll find the films in between.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Light Up the Night?
The closest matches to Light Up the Night are The Electric State (2025), Terminator Genisys (2015) and Terminator Salvation (2009). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Light Up the Night?
Start with The Electric State (2025), the closest match to Light Up the Night.
What is the highest-rated movie like Light Up the Night?
The Empire Strikes Back (1980), rated 8.4/10 by 19,115 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Light Up the Night?
Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Light Up the Night?
Yes: The Electric State (2025), Terminator Genisys (2015) and Terminator Salvation (2009).
How are movies similar to Light Up the Night chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Light Up the Night, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.