Movies like Space Runaway Ideon: Contact (1982)
The best movies like Space Runaway Ideon: Contact (1982) are Gurren Lagann the Movie: The Lights in the Sky Are Stars (2009), Gurren Lagann The Movie: Childhood's End (2008) and Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space (1982). If Space Runaway Ideon: Contact hooked you with its animation and science fiction, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedEvangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance (2009)7.8/10 from 1,065 votes
- NewestPokémon: Dragonite and the Special Delivery (2025)Released 2025
- In JapaneseGurren Lagann the Movie: The Lights in the Sky Are Stars (2009)Also in Japanese
Gurren Lagann the Movie: The Lights in the Sky Are Stars (2009)
Seven years have passed after the battle of Teppelin... Humans have since reclaimed the surface of the earth and enjoy an unprecedented period of peace and prosperity. However, humanity's increasing population growth triggers the sudden emergence of an unknown, powerful enemy. The fearsome, manipulative power of the mysterious Anti-Spiral proves too overwhelming for humans to even fight back. When everyone becomes desperate and loses hope, Team Dai-Gurren members reunite to stand up once again!
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both science fiction & animation
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisGurren Lagann The Movie: Childhood's End (2008)
Simon and Kamina live in an underground city monitored by the village chief. When Simon stumbles upon an artifact and beastmen invade from the surface, Simon and Kamina rebel against them.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space (1982)
Amuro Ray and the rest of the White Base crew, now denominated the 13th Autonomous Corps, return to outer space to support the rest of the Earth Federation forces for the decisive battle against the Principality of Zeon's forces.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Worth the HypeMovies like thisCode Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion I - Initiation (2017)
The world is at war. Lelouch Lamperouge, an exiled prince, encounters a strange girl known as C.C., who gifts him with a great power. With this ability, Lelouch can get anyone to do as he wills. But the power of Geass: is it a blessing…or a curse?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both science fiction & animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisEVANGELION: DEATH (TRUE)² (1998)
A highly experimental film presenting a story out of chronological order taking place 15 years after a near-apocalyptic catastrophe, about four traumatized 14 year olds who are tasked with piloting massive humanoid decisive weapons called Evangelion, the psychologically maladjusted adults who handle and command them, and the events and forces that affect them or which they take part in as they engage massive hostile invaders known as "Angels."
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMobile Suit Gundam F91 (1991)
U.C. 0123. After a generation of peace, the Earth Federation has begun to build new space colonies to house humanity's growing population. But a new force, the aristocratic Crossbone Vanguard, plans to seize the colonies of the newly constructed Frontier Side for itself. As their home becomes a battlefield, a handful of young civilians struggle to escape the conflict. To save his friends and family, the reluctant warrior Seabook Arno becomes the pilot of a new Gundam which bears the code name F91.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMobile Suit Gundam I (1981)
In the year Universal Century 0079, humans have colonized the area of space lying in between the Earth and the moon. However, the ambitious Zabi family, rulers of the Duchy of Zeon, the grouping of colonies furthest from the earth, has sparked a war.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisNeon Genesis Evangelion: Death and Rebirth (1997)
Originally a collection of clips from the Neon Genesis Evangelion TV series, Death was created as a precursor to the re-worked ending of the series. Rebirth was intended as that re-worked ending, but after production overruns Rebirth became only the first half of the first part of The End of Evangelion, with some minor differences.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Worth the HypeMovies like thisCode Geass: Akito the Exiled 2: The Wyvern Divided (2013)
The war between Euro Britannia and the European Union continues. New orders are given to the W-0 Unit. To land in the middle of the enemy territory as a diversion. The pilots of the W-0 Unit consist only of the commanding officer, Leila, the only surviving Japanese from their last battle, Akito, and the three that escaped from the Eleven ghettos and lived in the underworld, Ryou, Yukiya, and Ayano. With everyone holding their respective expectations, the operation moves forward. On the other side in Euro Britannia, Shin, who made his benefactor commit suicide with the mysterious power of “Geass”, is appointed the leader of the Knights of St. Michael. As Shin steadily advances for the sake of his own ambition, he and his subordinates in the Ashura squad are given orders to deploy. The one that lives in order to fight, and the one that fights in order to live.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisCode Geass: Akito the Exiled 4: Memories of Hatred (2015)
While W-0 is away, Leila and the remaining crew at base find themselves surrounded by Britannian Knightmares. Piloting the Vercingetorix, Shin Hyuuga leads the enemy charge, having usurped the position of Grand Master in the Knights of St. Michael. With her core members unavailable, it's up to Leila to protect her comrades, but this may be much tougher than she realizes: a spy lurking among them is finally ready to reveal himself. Left with no choice but to surrender, Leila arranges a meeting with Shin in order to ensure the safety of her squad. But as negotiations begin to fall apart, Akito and an unexpected ally return in the nick of time to turn things around.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisCode Geass: Akito the Exiled 3: The Brightness Falls (2015)
After discovering the face of their true enemy, someone who is related to Akito and responsible for the Geass placed upon him, W-0 attempts to return to their base at Castle Weisswolf. However, stranded in Warsaw due to a complication involving their military identification, they are forced to accept the help of local gypsies, allowing the squad to take some time to deepen their bonds. Meanwhile, Britannian advisor Julius Kingsley and his guard Suzaku Kururugi begin working together with the Knights of St. Michael in order to crush the European resistance once and for all, armed with the destructive power of a giant weapon known as the Ark Fleet.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisPatlabor 2: The Movie (1993)
A Japanese police unit who use giant anthropomorphic robots (called Labors) is caught up in a political struggle between the civilian authorities and the military when a terrorist act is blamed on an Air Force jet. With the aid of a government agent, the team gets close to a terrorist leader to stop things from going out of control when after the military is impelled to impose martial law.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMazinger Z: Infinity (2017)
When the evil Dr. Hell attacks the Earth, the mighty giant mecha Mazinger Z is formed to stop him.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both science fiction & animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisCode Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection (2019)
The story takes place several years after Lelouch's "Zero Requiem" plan. He gave up his life to save the world and protect the ones he loved. The day Lelouch vi Brittannia fell was the day this war-torn world found peace. Now, as his friends work to keep the peace, a terrorist attack could risk everything. Can the brilliant tactician outwit death and save them all? Or will Lelouch’s legacy fall here?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMacross: Do You Remember Love? (1984)
It is A.D. 2009 and the human race is caught in a war between giant humanoids, male Zentrans and female Meltrans. Returning from the edge of our solar system after making a space fold, the SDF-1 Macross makes the long journey back to Earth with survivors of South Ataria Island.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Worth the HypeMovies like thisEvangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance (2009)
Under constant attack by monstrous creatures called Angels that seek to eradicate humankind, U.N. Special Agency NERV introduces two new EVA pilots to help defend the city of Tokyo-3: the mysterious Makinami Mari Illustrous and the intense Asuka Langley Shikinami. Meanwhile, Gendo Ikari and SEELE proceed with a secret project that involves both Rei and Shinji.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMobile Suit Gundam II: Soldiers of Sorrow (1981)
After surviving attacks by Zeon's Char Aznable and Garma Zabi, the crew of Federation warship White Base and its mobile suits must battle Zeon forces through Asia, Europe, and the Atlantic Ocean if they are to reach Earth Federation's headquarters alive. During that process, many of its crewmembers must overcome their fears, losses, immaturities, and insecurities in order to persevere.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Worth the HypeMovies like thisCode Geass: Akito the Exiled 5: To Beloved Ones (2016)
The Ark Fleet has been destroyed, and a significant number of the enemy's troops have been wiped out due to its crash landing. As the remaining forces of the Holy Order of Michael regroup in order to launch a final assault on Weiswolf Castle, the wZERO unit, along with their new ally Ashley Ashra, stand ready to intercept them. Meanwhile, with his Geass out of control, Shin moves to erase his younger brother's existence once and for all. But Akito, having promised Leila that he will come back alive, refuses to accept such a fate, and the two clash in their final battle.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMetropolis (2001)
In the midst of societal conflict in the futuristic city of Metropolis, Kenichi and his uncle Shunsaku Ban set out to uncover the mystery behind the first human-like robot, Tima.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Worth the HypeMovies like thisPatlabor WXIII the Movie (2002)
Set in the year 2000, when the level of Labor accidents begin to escalate around Tokyo Bay, police detectives Kusumi and Hata are assigned to investigate. What they discover leads to a series of government cover-ups, conspiracy concerning a new biological weapon entitled WXIII-Wasted Thirteen and a tragic, personal connection to Hata. The only hope to stop this threat is to cooperate with the military and lead WXIII into a showdown with the Labors of Special Vehicle Division 2.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisCode Geass: Rozé of the Recapture - Act 1 (2024)
A recap of Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture episodes 1–3, with new footage.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & science fiction
Mazinkaiser vs Great Darkness General (2003)
Mazinkaiser vs the Great general of darkness is a retelling of 1974's Mazinger Z vs. The Great General of Darkness. The new Mazinger Team is overwhelmed by the surprise assault of the subterranean Mykene empire resulting in many casualties, but Mazinkaiser ultimately defeats the forces of evil, ending with a bitter duel against the leader of Mykene, the Great General of Darkness.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & science fiction
Space Battleship Yamato 2199: Odyssey of the Celestial Ark (2014)
2199 AD. Yamato tried to leave behind the Large Magellanic Cloud galaxy, after receiving a "Cosmo Reverse System" at its destination, Iscandar. However, suddenly, it encounters a mysterious group at the edge of the Large Magellanic Cloud. The crew finds out that the group is called the "Gatlantis," and that its leader is the Gutaba expeditionary force commander who calls himself "Goran Dagaamu of Thunder." The commander demands that Yamato be handed over to him. Yamato, wanting to hurry to Earth, escapes the fray. However, Yamato is attacked by a devastating beam weapon called the "Flame Direct Attack Cannon" that can transcend space.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & science fiction
Getter Robo (1974)
When earthquakes shake up Japan, Professor Saotome is certain that it is the work of the Dinosaur Empire. Michiru goes out to investigate in the Command Module but is quickly shot down and injured; the culprit is none other than Megazaus! Team Getter Robo is eager to get revenge for Michiru, but first they have to brave the fractured roads and find a physician for her. Once Getter Robo is formed, they must track Megazaus underground and defeat him before he destroys the cities of Japan.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both science fiction & animation
Bright: Samurai Soul (2021)
Izo, a Ronin, and Raiden, an orc, work to bring a young elf girl and the wand she carries to the land of the elves in the north.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
SnoozefestMovies like thisThe Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim (2024)
A sudden attack by Wulf, a clever and traitorous lord of Rohan seeking vengeance for the death of his father, forces Helm Hammerhand, the King of Rohan, and his people to make a daring last stand in the ancient stronghold of the Hornburg.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisPokémon: Dragonite and the Special Delivery (2025)
Hana dreams of becoming an ace mail carrier, just like her hero, Dragonite. Upon finding a letter with no address, she journeys with her partner Pokémon, Fuecoco, to locate the sender. Will Hana and Fuecoco find the mystery sender and get the letter to its destination?
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Aggretsuko: We Wish You a Metal Christmas (2018)
Red panda Retsuko, worked to the bone, unleashes her frustration in the form of death metal. Lately, though, she's found another joy—getting the most likes possible on her Instagram posts. In fact, it is said that social media attention can release endorphins. As Christmas falls upon the city, Retsuko's hunger for validation only grows, pushing her to find new ways to embellish and sugarcoat her otherwise drab life for the internet to see.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Justice League: Starcrossed - The Movie (2004)
When the Thanagarians visit Earth, Hawkgirl is forced to choose between loyalty to her people and love for her friends on her adopted planet Earth.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisBonobono (1993)
The first theatrical release, titled Bonobono, opened in theaters on 1993-11-13. The film has since been broadcast on domestic television in Japan, including on broadcast satellite channels such as NHK BS-2. The film has been released on VHS and DVD in Japan, including in a "no cut" edition.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Space Runaway Ideon: Contact?
The closest matches to Space Runaway Ideon: Contact are Gurren Lagann the Movie: The Lights in the Sky Are Stars (2009), Gurren Lagann The Movie: Childhood's End (2008) and Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space (1982). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Space Runaway Ideon: Contact?
Start with Gurren Lagann the Movie: The Lights in the Sky Are Stars (2009), the closest match to Space Runaway Ideon: Contact.
What is the highest-rated movie like Space Runaway Ideon: Contact?
Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance (2009), rated 7.8/10 by 1,065 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Space Runaway Ideon: Contact?
Pokémon: Dragonite and the Special Delivery (2025) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there Japanese movies like Space Runaway Ideon: Contact?
Yes: Gurren Lagann the Movie: The Lights in the Sky Are Stars (2009), Gurren Lagann The Movie: Childhood's End (2008) and Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space (1982).
How are movies similar to Space Runaway Ideon: Contact chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Space Runaway Ideon: Contact, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.