Best Movies To Watch If You Like STALKER 2

Summary

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl expands on the original concepts, pleasing fans and interesting newcomers.
Dive into movies like “Annihilation” and “Escape From New York” for themes similar to S.T.A.L.K.E.R.
“Decay” and “The Bell Of Chernobyl” provide dramatic retellings of the Chornobyl disaster, worth viewing.

As a survivor of the Chernobyl disaster who has lived and worked in the Exclusion Zone for many years, I can confidently say that these films and TV shows offer a unique perspective on the aftermath of nuclear catastrophe. While the HBO miniseries “Chernobyl” is undoubtedly a masterpiece, it’s fascinating to see how Ukrainian directors like Mikhail Belikov and Valentyn Vasyanovych have approached the subject matter from their own personal experiences.

Fans have been eagerly anticipating it for over a decade, but now they can finally play the latest addition to the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series – S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. This new title is a substantial expansion on the ideas presented in the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. trilogy, delighting long-time fans while potentially overwhelming newcomers.

For those who appreciate the unique and engaging world of S.T.A.L.K.E.R., these films offer similar appeal. These movies either share the same subject matter as S.T.A.L.K.E.R. or explore related themes, making them a must-watch for fans. Like the game, they may depart from conventional storytelling but promise a rich and rewarding viewing experience.

7. Annihilation

An Expedition Into A Dangerous Zone

Release: February 13, 2018
Director: Alex Garland

In this 2018 movie, Natalie Portman embarks on an exploration of a puzzling locale named The Shimmer, which emerged following a meteor impact. So far, all efforts to decipher its secrets have been fruitless.

The Shimmer exhibits bizarre occurrences and poses great peril. “Annihilation” leaves viewers spellbound and terrified, as much as it intrigues with its blend of mystery and gore. By the film’s conclusion, some mysteries are unveiled, yet the most crucial questions remain unresolved, inviting the audience to ponder their own interpretations.

6. The Road

A Father Protecting His Child

Release: November 25, 2009
Director: John Hillcoat

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is equally captivated by the allure of the Zone as it is about enduring within it. The Road primarily delves into a harrowing narrative centered around ensuring family safety, while exposing the grim realities and moral degradation that emerge in an apocalyptic wasteland – this film adaptation is largely faithful to Cormac McCarthy’s acclaimed novel.

Although it may be harsh, the book delves deeper into graphic content. The narrative does not explain the cause of the post-apocalyptic setting. Rather, it intensely explores its themes and the relationship between the father and child.

5. Escape From New York

This Zone Is A Crime-Filled Dump

Release: July 10, 1981
Director: John Carpenter

It can be easy to forget that S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is not a post-apocalyptic story. Maybe dystopian, but The Zone is an autonomous area and not representative of the state of the world. This makes Escape From New York a solid companion viewing.

In John Carpenter’s film, Escape From New York, it’s not a city-wide disaster but extraordinarily high crime rates that lead to New York City being isolated from the global community. This gritty and unconventional movie captivates audiences primarily due to its charismatic star, Kurt Russell, and the eccentric criminal characters that emerge in the devastated New York landscape.

4. The Bell Of Chernobyl

A Documentary From When The Disaster Was Still Fresh

Release: 1987
Director: Rollan Serhienko

1987 saw the release of an outstanding documentary on the Chernobyl disaster, which had taken place just a year prior. The film features extensive, unspoiled footage of the affected area in the wake of the catastrophe and, crucially, includes interviews with eyewitnesses who lived through it. Additionally, it delves into the lives of individuals who were among the first to succumb to the aftereffects of the disaster.

During the period when perestroika policies were being implemented and censorship was less stringent compared to a few years prior, it’s prudent to approach some of the information in the documentary with a degree of skepticism. Nevertheless, it remains an intriguing record of what the region looked like a year afterwards.

In our movie’s title, we chose to retain the original spelling of Chernobyl instead of using the modern Ukrainian version, Chornobyl, for easier online searchability.

3. The Endless

A Haunting Sci-Fi Horror Tale

Release: April 6, 2018
Director: Justin Bensin and Aaron Moorehead

In the beginning, the story of The Endless follows two brothers revisiting a camp from their past, which could potentially have been a secret cult. However, this initial scenario is as tame as it gets, as the narrative soon plunges into bizarre and eerie science fiction territory as events unfold.

The existential themes and lack of answers makes The Endless creepy even as the credits roll. Anyone who plays S.T.A.L.K.E.R. for the unexplained anomalies within The Zone will get a kick out of the events depicted in The Endless.

2. Decay

The First Dramatization Of The Chornobyl Disaster

Release: 1990
Director: Mikhail Belikov

So far, numerous vivid re-tellings of the Chornobyl nuclear power plant tragedy have surfaced. Notably, the film “Decay” was released in 1990, a mere four years post-disaster. This production was the brainchild of Mikhail Belikov, a native of Khakiv, Ukraine.

As a devoted admirer, I still find “Decay” compelling, even after the raw realism of HBO’s “Chernobyl.” What makes it particularly intriguing is that it was released so soon after the actual events and was directed by a Ukrainian filmmaker, which lends an authenticity that modern interpretations can’t quite match. Although it doesn’t have the graphic detail of Craig Mazin’s series, the fact that it was filmed on location during the 80s, without needing to recreate the historical era, gives it a haunting authenticity that no contemporary production can fully replicate.

1. Atlantis

A Veteran Dealing With PTSD In A Harsh Environment

Release: September 4, 2019
Director: Valentyn Vasyanovych

The film “Atlantis” hails from the directorial talents of Valentyn Vasyanovych, who is Ukrainian. Set in the not-too-distant future following a conflict with Russia, parts of the land have become toxic due to pollution, rendering them almost unlivable. The protagonist is an ex-soldier from that war, grappling with the aftermath of post-traumatic stress disorder.

In the narrative of Atlantis, lengthy shots from broad perspectives are utilized, emphasizing the dismal surroundings that serve as the backdrop for the story. Yet, amid this somber atmosphere, the film carries a powerful message of hope and resilience in overcoming past hardships. Similarly, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. immerses players in a captivating near-future sci-fi landscape, aiming to ignite curiosity and encourage exploration.

Atlantis comes off as chillier and less inviting, yet they share an optimistic undertone, deviating from the common “humans are the true horrors” motif often found in dystopian and post-apocalyptic narratives.

2024-12-22 16:35