Have you ever been watching a film in theaters and felt like you'd seen this kind of film before? Well, don't be shocked, as it happens all the time in Hollywood. Many of the same films from different production studios often compete with similar story premises. This phenomenon occurs because the studios are trying to win the box office games and "borrow" film ideas from one another. After two companies start producing similar films, it's a race to the box office to get their films first in movie theaters. This can definitely make for an interesting moviegoing experience. So, here is a list of similar movies that came out at the same time!
1. Surfs Up (2007) and Happy Feet (2006)
These two children's films came around the same time in the late-2000s with similar premises -- penguins with passions! While surfing and dancing aren't entirely the same, the chances of two different penguin children's films happening at the same time should raise some eyebrows. Either way, the two films are definitely cute! Stream on YouTube and Max.
2. Captain America: Civil War (2016) and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
It's no secret that DC and Marvel have been competing for years for the top spot in the comic book extended movie universes. However, both franchises released films about iconic superheroes fighting against each other in the same year. While Captain America: Civil War definitely did better in the box office and by critics, at least Batman v Superman introduced us to the iconic Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman! Stream on Disney+ and Max.
3. White House Down (2013) and Olympus Has Fallen (2013)
While neither of these films had critical success, these two are often remembered together as basically the same movie. Well, it just so happened that, in the same year, there were two separate movies about saving the White House from an attack! While we can tell them apart, we sure love to talk about them! Stream on Netflix and rent on Prime Video, YouTube, and Apple TV.
4. Antz (1998) and A Bug's Life (1998)
Well well well, if it isnt two animated children's movies about bugs in the same year. There isnt much more to say about it except to choose which bug dramas are your favorite. Are you Team A Bug's Life or Team Antz? Either way, these films are a great watch for kids with valuable life lessons! Stream on Peacock and Disney+.
5. No Strings Attached (2011) and Friends With Benefits (2011)
These two rom-coms are about two separate couples who are friends -- you guessed it -- with benefits! While it's no surprise these friends end up finding love in one another, it is surprising that these films both came out in the same year! No, it's not deja vu, it's Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher! (Just not together.) Stream on Paramount+ and Netflix.
6. Snow White and the Huntsman (2012) and Mirror Mirror (2012)
Although these films are different takes on the classic Snow White story, it's no coincidence they came out in the same year. While one is a light-hearted comedy and the other an action drama, they are both worth a watch! Rent on Prime Video, YouTube, and Apple TV and stream on Max.
7. Turner and Hooch (1989) and K-9 (1989)
These two films are about detectives and police officers who fight crime and learn to love their crime-fighting canine partners. Both of these films are an adorable watch and can be enjoyed by anyone. That being said, you can interchange these films for one another on any movie night! Stream on Disney+ and Netflix.
9. Armageddon (1998) and Deep Impact (1998)
For some reason, Hollywood had an obsession with end-of-the-world scenarios back in the late-'90s. This was hilariously evident with the nearly-simultaneous releases of Armageddon and Deep Impact, both of which are about mankind trying to avoid being wiped out by a giant asteroid. Deep Impact was released first, in May 1998, and Armageddon came out only 2 months later. Both featured all-star casts, but somehow Armageddon is the one we remember the most now -- perhaps for its goofy premise, perhaps for Ben Affleck's weirdly perfect teeth, or perhaps for Aerosmith's epic theme song. You be the judge! Stream on Hulu and Paramount+.