Movies like Outlanders (1986)
The best movies like Outlanders (1986) are Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II (2008), See Me After Class (2012) and Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space (1982). If Outlanders 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 ratedFairy Tail: Phoenix Priestess (2012)7.3/10 from 244 votes
- NewestKaiju No. 8: Mission Recon (2025)Released 2025
- In JapaneseSee Me After Class (2012)Also in Japanese
Robot 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 thisSee Me After Class (2012)
Due to an error the male student Kagami Yuuki is registered for a room in the girls dormitory of his new co-ed high school. Since no male rooms are available he is left with no other option than to sleep in the girls dormitory in the same room as the teacher that made the mistak in the first place, Ayane-sensei. To avoid getting kicked out of the school for being a boy in a girls dormitory he has to cross-dress whenever he is leaving his room. Needless to say that this brings him a lot of trouble.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
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 thisRoyal Space Force - The Wings of Honneamise (1987)
On a future Earth, war between the Kingdom of Honneamise and its rival, The Republic, is inevitable. As evolving technology creates new ways to wage war, a small group seeks to propel mankind into space in their world’s first spaceflight program. For astronaut candidate Shirotsugh Lhadatt, it’s a personal odyssey as he grows from an aimless young man into a leader willing to put everything on the line in order to move the human race forward and away from the brink of Armageddon.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLegend of the Galactic Heroes: My Conquest Is the Sea of Stars (1988)
For the past 150 years, humanity’s two greatest nations have been deadlocked in a meaningless war. In what is hoped to be a miraculous victory, the Alliance embarks on a battle to break through the Empire’s frontline. Like many other “decisive” battles, this can only end in disaster; a sentiment shared by Imperial nobleman Reinhard von Lohengramm and Alliance Commodore Yang Wen Li, both of whom realize how to turn the fight in their favor. And while the tides of war may never change, these two men must rise to the occasion, solidifying their place in history as heroes.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisAltered Carbon: Resleeved (2020)
On the planet Latimer, Takeshi Kovacs must protect a tattooist while investigating the death of a yakuza boss alongside a no-nonsense CTAC.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies 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 thisGhost in the Shell: SAC_2045 Sustainable War (2021)
In the year 2045, after an economic disaster known as the Synchronized Global Default, rapid developments in AI propelled the world to enter a state of "Sustainable War". However, the public is not aware of the threat that AI has towards the human race. A compilation film with newly added footage.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Garden of Sinners: Future Gospel (2013)
A side story of the original Kara no Kyōkai - the Garden of sinners movie series divided into 2 parts. In the first part, Shizune Seo, who finds her life too predictable due to her precognition, and Mitsuru Kamekura, who uses his precognition to be a professional bomber, meet Mikiya and Shiki, respectively, and their futures begin to change. In the second part, 10 years after the original series, Shiki and Mikiya's daughter, Mana Ryōgi, spends a day with Mitsuru.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSpace Adventure Cobra (1982)
Cobra, a notorious space pirate, is enlisted by bounty hunter Jane to rescue her sister from the strange being known as Crystal Bowie, but then finds himself drawn into a complex struggle over the fate of a mysterious wandering planet.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisFairy Tail: Phoenix Priestess (2012)
The film revolves around a mysterious girl named Éclair who appears before Fairy Tail, the world's most notorious wizard's guild. She lost all of her memories, except for the imperative that she must deliver two Phoenix Stones somewhere. The stones may spell the collapse of the magical world, and Natsu, Lucy, and the rest of the Fairy Tail guild are caught up in the intrigue.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDeathstroke: Knights & Dragons - The Movie (2020)
The assassin Deathstroke tries to save his family from the wrath of H.I.V.E. and the murderous Jackal.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Venture Bros.: Radiant Is the Blood of the Baboon Heart (2023)
A nationwide manhunt for Hank Venture leads to untold dangers and unexpected revelations, while The Monarch is literally out for Dr Venture's blood. An imposing evil from the past reemerges to wreak havoc on the Ventures, The Guild, and even the Monarch marriage—it will take friends and foes alike to restore the Ventures' world to order… or end it once and for all.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Worth the HypeMovies like thisStarship Troopers: Traitor of Mars (2017)
Federation trooper Johnny Rico is ordered to work with a group of new recruits on a satellite station on Mars, where giant bugs have decided to target their next attack.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
SnoozefestMovies like thisPSYCHO-PASS: The Movie (2015)
In a futuristic Japan, the Sibyl System is charged with keeping the peace. When the state of SEAUn brings the Sibyl System in to test its effectiveness, it becomes a haven of peace and safety—for a time. Eventually, terrorists from SEAUn begin appearing in Japan, somehow slipping through the System's security and attacking from within. Desperate for answers, Inspector Akane Tsunemori is sent overseas to bring the terrorists to justice. But when her investigation forces her into a standoff with an old ally, will she be able to pull the trigger?
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 thisKaiju No. 8: Mission Recon (2025)
In a Kaiju-filled Japan, Kafka Hibino works in monster disposal. After reuniting with his childhood friend Mina Ashiro, a rising star in the anti-Kaiju Defense Force, he decides to pursue his abandoned dream of joining the Force, when he suddenly transforms into the powerful "Kaiju No. 8." An action-packed recap of the first season of Kaiju No. 8 and a new original episode, Hoshina's Day Off.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Absolute CinemaMovies 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 thisFairy Tail: Dragon Cry (2017)
Dragon Cry is a magical artifact of deadly power, formed into a staff by the fury and despair of dragons long gone. Now, this power has been stolen from the hands of the Fiore kingdom by the nefarious traitor Zash Caine, who flees with it to the small island nation of Stella. Frightened that the power has fallen into the wrong hands, the King of Fiore hastily sends Fairy Tail to retrieve the staff. But this task proves frightening as a shadowy secret lies in the heart of the kingdom of Stella. Dragon Cry follows their story as they muster up all their strength to recover the stolen staff and save both kingdoms.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDead Leaves (2004)
Pandy and Retro awaken naked on Earth with no recollection of their past. They embark on a crime spree in search of food and clothing, but are captured by authorities and sent to the infamous lunar penitentiary named Dead Leaves.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & science fiction
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDoraemon: Nobita's Great Adventure in the Antarctic Kachi Kochi (2017)
Doraemon and Nobita discover a mysterious golden ring far beneath the ice in Antarctica, leading them to uncover an ancient, ruined city.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLiberated from Paradise: Resonance of the Heart (2026)
In 2400, most of humanity still lives without physical bodies inside the digital paradise DEVA, but Angela Balzac's rebellion left consequences its security forces could not erase. During the chaos, numerous agents escaped to Earth after stealing material bodies and hardware containing their personal data, then vanished from DEVA's surveillance. These fugitives, now called the Fallen, have become a threat whose true purpose is unknown. Agents Gabriel, Arma, and Daniel are sent to track them across the surface, where the lingering Nano Hazard makes the environment itself dangerous. The closer they come to the Fallen, the harder it becomes to trust everything they were told about Angela's revolt and the 'paradise' they have been ordered to protect.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & science fiction
Coming SoonMovies like thisNO LITTERING (2013)
While enjoying a date in a park, a man carelessly tosses an empty bottle onto the ground. His selfish littering promptly summons an imposing figure wearing a white hockey mask. The gruesome events that follow tell an admonishing tale about the importance of preserving the outdoors and defending the environment from the ugly menace of litter. The short was made for the tve YouTube Relay project, but wasn't included because it's too violent.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy & animation
Fist of the North Star (1986)
After a nuclear holocaust tears the world apart, mankind is forced to the harshness of not only the oppression of others who are much more powerful, but the dead earth which seems to be getting worse with every passing moment. But a savior has risen from the ashes, a man who will defeat those who would torment the weak and make the world a livable place once more. A man named Kenshiro...
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisOne Piece: The Movie (2000)
There once was a pirate known as the Great Gold Pirate Woonan, who obtained almost one-third of the world's gold. Over the course of a few years, the pirate's existence faded, and a legend grew that he disappeared with his gold to a remote island, an island pirates continue to search for. Aboard the Going Merry, Luffy and his crew, starved and reckless, are robbed of their treasure. In an attempt to get it back, they wreck the getaway ship, guided by a young boy named Tobio, who's a captured part of El Drago's pirate crew. El Drago's love for gold has driven him to look for Woonan's island, and thanks to Woonan's treasure map, he finds it. During this time, Luffy's crew have been split up, and despite their own circumstances, they must find a way to stop El Drago from obtaining Woonan's gold.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisGundam Reconguista in G Movie II: Bellri's Fierce Charge (2020)
The second film in the five-part Gundam: G no Reconguista Movie series.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & science fiction
Digimon: The Movie (2000)
When a powerful new Internet Digimon hatches and begins to consume data at an alarming rate, the Digidestined - kids chosen to save the digital world - must put an end to the destruction before the damage becomes irreversible and worldwide communication halts forever. As computer-based missiles are launched, and a wayward Digimon kidnaps the Digidestined, only the combined efforts of a worldwide network of kids and a new group of "Digidestined" can rescue the others and stop global disaster.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & science fiction
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisTwilight of the Dark Master (1997)
Tsunami is an ancient guardian from days long ago when the Mother Spirit created demons and guardians to aid a fledgling human race. In 2089, only a few demons and guardians remain in the city of Neo-Shinjuku. Tsunami becomes involved with a woman who has just lost her fiance and her arm and now wants to figure out why this has happened. Meanwhile, the demon leader is still alive and plotting to enslave mankind.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & science fiction
Pokémon: The First Movie (1998)
Determined to prove its superiority, a bio-engineered Pokémon called Mewtwo lures Ash, Pikachu and others into a Pokémon match like none before.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAikatsu! Music Award: We all get a prize SHOW! (2015)
An Aikatsu! All-Star awards ceremony will take place. The film will feature songs and stages featured throughout the anime series.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Like Outlanders and something else?
Blend two favourites and we’ll find the films in between.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Outlanders?
The closest matches to Outlanders are Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II (2008), See Me After Class (2012) and Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space (1982). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Outlanders?
Start with Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II (2008), the closest match to Outlanders.
What is the highest-rated movie like Outlanders?
Fairy Tail: Phoenix Priestess (2012), rated 7.3/10 by 244 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Outlanders?
Kaiju No. 8: Mission Recon (2025) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there Japanese movies like Outlanders?
Yes: See Me After Class (2012), Mobile Suit Gundam III: Encounters in Space (1982) and Royal Space Force - The Wings of Honneamise (1987).
How are movies similar to Outlanders chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Outlanders, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.