7 sci-fi movies to watch if you loved 'Bugonia'

The newest feature film by Yorgos Lanthimos, Bugonia, may be a remake of an old Korean movie, but the filmmaker's distinctive storytelling style helps it stand apart. In the movie, Emma Stone plays Michelle Fuller, the well-known CEO of a major pharmaceutical company. She is kidnapped by Jesse Plemons' Teddy Gatz, who believes she is an extraterrestrial seeking to destroy Earth and everyone on it.

After the success of Kinds of Kindness (2024), people had high expectations from Bugonia, especially as it witnessed the return of fan-favorites, Stone and Plemons, in new avatars. The Lanthimos way of doing things, which refers to his capable fusion of different genres and utilization of black humor to add layers to the narrative, helps keep the viewer immersed and entertained.

Viewers who enjoyed Bugonia should make a point to check out the sci-fi movies on this list that also boast unconventional plots.

Disclaimer: This list contains information from various sources.

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Dual, Mickey 17 and five other sci-fi movies like Bugonia with clever plots that keep viewers on their toes

1) Colossal (2016)

Bugonia fans will enjoy this character-driven movie (Image via Official Website/Neon)

Both Bugonia and Colossal feature intriguing female leads who capture the attention of the viewer. Directed by Nacho Vigalondo, it stars Anne Hathaway as Gloria, an unemployed writer. Her relationship dissolves due to her alcoholism. After she returns to her hometown, Gloria receives news of a giant creature causing havoc in Seoul, and realizes that it is somehow linked to her.

What Colossal does well is that it doesn't take the predictable path, just like Bugonia. Whenever the audience feels that they have a grasp on where the story is headed, it changes direction. In addition to the creative premise, another big reason to watch this movie would be for Hathaway, who does a great job capturing the complexities of her on-screen character.

Where to watch: Colossal can be streamed on Apple TV+, Prime Video and Tubi.

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2) Sorry to Bother You (2018)

This movie's lead is flawed but relatable (Image via 20th Century Studios)

Similar to Bugonia, Sorry to Bother You explores a series of events that feel absurd, but make the viewer curious about the consequences of the same. Set in a dystopian near future, it marks Boots Riley's directorial debut.

LaKeith Stanfield plays Cassius Green, aka Cash. He desperately needs a job and ends up working as a telemarketer. But he has trouble getting his customers to respond positively. As per the advice of a senior co-worker, he adopts a "white voice" which works better than he imagined. But his success brings plenty of unwanted complications.

From the lead character's relatability to the witty writing that covers everything from corruption to discrimination, this film has a lot of plus points that make it worth the watch.

Where to watch: Sorry to Bother You is available on Prime Video and Apple TV+.

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3) James vs. His Future Self (2019)

This underrated title shares meaningful messages about living in the present (Image via Banana-Moon Sky Films)

Like Bugonia, Jeremy Lalonde's James vs. His Future Self uses witty dialogue to present poignant messages. This Canadian sci-fi movie stars Jonas Chernick in the titular role. A driven scientist, he is determined to crack the math behind time travel. But a wrench appears in his plans when his older self, portrayed by Daniel Stern, travels back in time in order to stop him.

Even though the screenplay has a humorous vein, it does prompt the viewer to ponder on important questions regarding life, purpose and relationships. Usually, when movie plots have a deeper meaning, it can feel a bit preachy at times, but Lalonde is able to get the point across without taking the holier-than-thou stance, which makes it much more palatable and impactful.

Where to watch: James vs. His Future Self is available for streaming on Apple TV+ and Prime Video.

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4) Dual (2022)

This exciting premise will appeal to fans of Bugonia (Image via RLJE Films)

In Bugonia, Stone's Michelle finds herself in a precarious position that proves to be life-threatening. The same is the case with the protagonist of Dual, directed by Riley Stearns. Dual's story is set in the future.

Karen Gillan's Sarah is an alcoholic who finds out that she is terminally ill. She undergoes a cloning process to ensure that her loved ones don't have to suffer the pain of losing her. However, when she makes a miraculous recovery, she is unable to decommission her clone, which eventually leads to a duel to the death.

It is rare for sci-fi movies to shift the focus away from special effects, but even without dramatic visuals, Dual is still able to bring futuristic angles to the forefront through clever writing, very much like Bugonia.

Where to watch: Dual can be streamed on Prime Video, Tubi and Plex.

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5) Bigbug (2022)

Bigbug thrives on vibrant visuals (Image via Netflix)

Bugonia's premise is complemented by characters who are much more complex than they first appear. Similarly, Bigbug by Jean-Pierre Jeunet also boasts well-developed characters who come across as realistic. It stars Elsa Zylberstein, Youssef Hajdi, Isabelle Nanty, and others.

Set in a retrofuturistic world, the narrative introduces the audience to a world wherein domestic robots are a part and parcel of daily life. But when an android uprising takes place, a couple of suburbanites are locked in by their household robots to keep them safe.

The humans aren't the only ones who make an impact, the robots often steal the spotlight when on screen. While Bugonia's strengths lie in the blend of genres, Bigbug stands out because of the striking set design. There is a nostalgic feel to the visuals, and at the same time, they also feel futuristic.

Where to watch: Bigbug can be viewed on Netflix and Plex.

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6) It's What's Inside (2024)

The fresh take on body swapping adds to the anticipation (Image via Netflix)

Lanthimos urges the audience to put their thinking caps on while watching Bugonia. It's What's Inside by Greg Jardin also has a similar effect. The cast includes Brittany O'Grady, Gavin Leatherwood, James Morosini, and Nina Bloomgarden, among others.

In the movie, a group of college friends reunite for a wedding. They are excited to reminisce about the old days during the pre-wedding party. However, things start to spiral when they decide to play a seemingly innocent game involving body swaps.

Like Bugonia, the audience never gets a chance to become distracted because there is always something interesting happening on screen. The actors deserve credit for seamlessly embodying multiple personalities, as it gets really hard to tell who is who at certain points.

Where to watch: It's What's Inside is available on Netflix.

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7) Mickey 17 (2025)

Mickey 17 has its fair share of funny and emotional moments (Image via Warner Bros)

Like Bugonia's Lanthimos, Mickey 17's Bong Joon Ho is also a talented filmmaker with a knack for unconventional stories. Adapted from Edward Ashton's Mickey7, this 2025 movie stars Robert Pattinson in the lead. He plays Mickey Barnes, a disposable worker in a space colony who undertakes dangerous tasks. Whenever he dies, a new body is regenerated, which retains most of the old memories.

Similar to Bugonia, Mickey 17 is humorous but thought-provoking at the same time. Cloning is one topic that hasn't been explored a whole lot in sci-fi movies, and this narrative certainly does a good job of capturing the many challenges and dilemmas it presents. Pattinson's well-rounded performance is complemented by futuristic effects that feel engaging and believable.

Where to watch: Mickey 17 is available for rent on Prime Video and Apple TV+.

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Cinephiles who enjoyed watching Bugonia will find these sci-fi movies interesting because they feature quirky characters and funny dialogue.

Edited by Meeta Borah