Are These Movies So Similar That They’re Basically the Same Film?

When it comes to the world of cinema, similarity in storytelling and themes is not a rarity. Often, filmmakers reuse tropes and formulas that have proved to be successful, resulting in movies that feel almost indistinguishable from one another. In this article, we explore a few examples where movies are so similar that they almost feel like they’re the same film. From remakes to spin-offs, let's dive into some fascinating cases.

REMAKES AND SEQUELS

Remakes and sequels have become a staple in the film industry, and sometimes, they can blur the lines between original and copy. One striking example is:

Breakin’ and Beat Street: Both feature street dance, music, and the struggles of urban youth. While Breakin’ (1984) was a pioneering film, Beat Street (1987) followed with a similar narrative and style, feeling like a simultaneous version of the same story.

Another case is:

Volcano and Dante’s Peak: Both deal with the threat of a volcanic eruption and the evacuations of towns around it. The scenarios and climaxes are incredibly similar, making it difficult to differentiate one from the other.

For a more modern take, consider:

Armageddon and Deep Impact: Both depict humanity’s fight against a cosmic threat—comets and asteroids heading towards Earth. These movies showcase similar scenarios, bombastic action sequences, and emotional undercurrents, making them feel almost identical in their overall narrative arc.

FRANCHISES AND SEQUENCES

Franchises often have varying installments that can be so similar that they feel like they’re part of the same story. Here are some notable examples:

A Bug’s Life and Antz: Both are animated films featuring a key character who is exiled from their family and must return to save them. The plot devices and character arcs are remarkably similar, making these two films almost interchangeable.

Another franchise that shows this phenomenon is:

The Wild and Madagascar: Both films revolve around a group of animals who find themselves in a dangerous situation and embark on an adventure to return home. The underlying themes and quests are so similar that it’s easy to confuse them, especially for viewers who haven’t closely studied each film.

MYSTERY AND TRADING RIGHTS

The film industry isn't just about remakes; it can also include legally manufactured similarities through trading rights. For example:

Thunderball (1965) and Never Say Never Again (1983): Both are Bond movies, but they belong to different franchises. However, the second film was a remake of the original, effectively not an independent movie but a legal negotiation gone wrong. Thunderball (1965) was produced by Kevin McClory, who was a co-writer and producer. He won a legal battle against Ian Fleming to produce a sequel. The agreement was that McClory's version would effectively be a remake of the original, ensuring it remained within the spirit of the original story.

FANTASY AND FAIRYTALE ORIGINALS

Movies based on fairytales often offer fresh takes on old classics, but sometimes, the stories are so similar as to be considered the same. Here are some notable cases:

Mirror Mirror and Snow White and The Huntsman: Both films adapt the basic Snow White story but offer distinct artistic and narrative approaches. However, the core plot and characters remain remarkably similar, leading to a blend of familiarity and novelty. The Prestige and The Illusionist: Both are films about magical rivalry and the darker side of magicians. While they each have unique twists, the style and overall narrative structure often make them feel like siblings from different families.

Another example could be:

The Wild and Madagascar: Both films present group of animals who must embark on an adventure to save themselves, but the execution and artistic styles vary enough to make them feel distinct, yet similar enough that viewers might wonder why they weren’t the same movie.

CONCLUSION

The film industry is a vast and ever-evolving landscape, where remakes, sequels, and franchises can lead to stories that feel almost indistinguishable. From basic formulas to legal negotiations, there are countless examples of movies that are so similar that they can be considered the same. Understanding these similarities not only highlights the creativity and consistency of filmmakers but also sheds light on the complex business practices behind movie-making.