If V for Vendetta Stoked Your Fire You Should Check Out These Films

Captive State (2019)

This vastly underrated dystopian sci-fi film starring John Goodman (Roseanne) and Ashton Sanders (The Equalizer 2) follows the lives of both collaborators and dissidents living in a Chicago neighborhood nearly a decade after occupation by extraterrestrials. Society has become saturated with extensive surveillance and restrictions of individual rights. Members among the populace are determined to rise up against the authoritarian system at whatever cost, coming up with unique and valiant ways to triumph.

Outlaw King (2018)

This action film is based on the true story of Robert the Bruce (Chris Pine) defeating a much superior and well-equipped British military occupying 14th century Scotland. After being declared an outlaw by the English Empire he is motivated to assemble an army of Scottish fighters to join him in rebellion. Packed with bravery and spectacular battle scenes, this film portrays the many complexities of the Scottish War of Independence while staying committed to historical accuracy.

Equilibrium (2002)

Taking place in an oppressive future, this beautifully shot dystopian film starring Christian Bale (American Psycho) explores a world in which a strict regime has been implemented to suppress emotions. Things such as art, books, and music are forbidden and the feeling of any emotions is punishable by death. After missing a dose of his emotion suppressing drug, a law enforcer begins to view the world beyond the curtain of lies. He soon becomes determined to overthrow the system he spent his life defending.

Fahrenheit 451 (2018)

Loosely based on Ray Bradbury’s infamous book of the same name, this film following firefighter Montag (Michael B. Jordan) explores a future in which firemen are tasked with burning books under the guise of keeping society safe. It explores various forms of extreme censorship, including the erasing and tinkering with of history, as well as relentless surveillance. This encouraging film explores the story of a man’s worldview being flipped upside down when he realizes that everything that he has ever believed in was based on lies.

The Patriot (2000)

Taking place in 1776, Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson) living in colonial South Carolina, must make the choice between trying to live a peaceful life with his family or joining in the rebellion against England. After a fateful incident Benjamin realizes he actually only has one choice, for unless he is to stand and fight now, his family will never truly know peace. A well carved period piece exploring the American Revolutionary War and the convolutions it brought on. A must see inspiring revolutionary flick that explores the essence of being a patriot, the cost of freedom, and the value of family.

The X-Files: Fight the Future (1998)

Special Agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) must fight the government in a conspiracy that threatens all life on Earth. After a bomb goes off in a federal building seemingly linked to a deadly virus that appears to be of extraterrestrial origin, the Agents must clash against government agencies trying to cover up the truth. The infamous Cigarette Smoking Man (William B. Davis), A.D. Skinner, and The Lone Gunmen also make appearances rounding off this incredible cinematic experience. Full of twists and surprises, this film will ultimately leave you with a fighting spirit even in the face of insurmountable odds.

The King (2019)

When an undisciplined prince (Timothée Hal Chalamet) becomes the unwilful heir to the throne he is forced to take responsibility for his kingdom. Navigating a world of duplicitous politics and grasping the complexities of war, King Henry V struggles to gain a quick grasp on the legacy his father left behind. This is a marvelously shot period piece with brutal battles scenes that offer a lively picture of medieval combat. Exploring the love for country and the convolutions of politics, one will be left contemplating whom can really be trusted and the travesties that can arise from a mere fabrication.

1984 (1984)

Yearning for freedom and love in a totalitarian society, a lowly worker (John Hurt) whose job is to rewrite history, summons up the courage to rebel against the establishment. Based on the novel of the same name by George Orwell, this film exploring the horrors of a society that has allowed the government complete control over their lives. A brilliant adaption of a classic novel that captures the hopelessness and banality of a tyrannical regime. Chillingly brutal, Orwell’s disturbing vision of the future packs a truthful punch to the gut, warning that once liberties are relinquished, it will be too late to ever go back.

Minority Report (2002)

In the year 2054 a precrime unit that can foresee the future has been implemented virtually eliminating all crime. John Anderton (Tom Cruise) head of the precrime unit believes that the system is flawless and righteous, until the day that he himself is accused of committing a murder within the next 36 hours. He is determined to get to the bottom of the seemingly mysterious error, unveiling unpleasant truths along the way, while steadfast on proving his innocence. This mystery crime thriller explores civil liberty issues and the tribulations of putting trust into a Big Brother type justice system.

Total Recall (2012)

This action-packed re-creation of the classic 1990 film examines a future in which people can experience Rekall, an artificially produced reality where one can live out their fantasies. Aside from that aspect, this movie greatly differs from the original. Starring Colin Farrell, in a unique setting in which the Earth has been devastated by nuclear and chemical warfare, leaving only two inhabitable nations; The United Federation of Britain and the Colony. A resistance that wishes to improve living conditions has been labeled as a terrorist organization, its members pursued by both human and robot police. This film is a wild adrenaline ride that will keep you guessing even after it ends.

Escape From New York (1981)

In a dystopian future New York City has become the country’s only maximum-security prison. When the President’s plane crashes over the area, a rebellious warrior Snake Plissken (Kurt Russel) is coerced by the government into retrieving him. This apocalyptic action film boasts excellent theme tracks by John Carpenter that match perfectly with the independent live free vibes. Snake is an unstoppable force compelled by self-determination and his mindset of distrust towards government and society, creating an unforgettable character.

Braveheart (1995)

Based on the true story of William Wallace (Mel Gibson), a Scottish rebel leads an uprising against a callous English regime. After witnessing multiple people close to him lose their lives attempting to free Scotland, he becomes determined to make Scotland free once and for all. In his pursuit he employs the assistance of Robert the Bruce (Angus Macfadyen) and goes on a heart wrenching quest in the name of liberty. This film is a stirring masterpiece illustrating the complexities of human existence, from love and anguish to the significance of courage and the value of freedom.

Black 47 (2018)

This action drama follows an Irish Ranger (James Frecheville) who returns home to Ireland during the Great Famine after having been abroad fighting for the British Army. He is shocked to learn of the vast suffering the famine has caused, and horrified upon discovering the mistreatment of his people and family. Devastated by the fact that the very people he had been fighting for levied such destruction upon his homeland and loved ones, he begins on a journey of vengeance. This film provides a thoughtful and dreary look at human sufferings and the lengths that one will go to in order to execute justice.