In this section of our Colossus Movie Guide for Her, we provide recommendations for movies with similar themes and vibes.
In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, the impact of artificial intelligence and advanced technology on human relationships and the nature of love is a topic of increasing fascination. As AI systems become more sophisticated, the potential implications on our emotional connections become more complex and, at times, disconcerting. Over the past few decades, numerous films have sought to explore this intricate dynamic, shedding light on the intersection of humanity, love, and technology. From Spike Jonze’s thought-provoking film, Her, to other classics like Blade Runner and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, these movies delve into the emotional fabric of human connection in a digital age.
This article presents a curated selection of twelve films that, like the 2013 movie Her, weave together themes of artificial intelligence, human emotion, and the search for intimacy in a world where technology is reshaping our understanding of what it means to be human. Ranging from heart-wrenching dramas to darkly comedic dystopias, these movies offer unique perspectives on the challenges and consequences of forming connections in a time of rapid technological advancement. By examining the ways in which these films tackle the complexities of love and human relationships, we hope to inspire reflection on our own emotional needs and experiences in an increasingly interconnected world.
Cast
- Joaquin Phoenix – Theodore Twombly
- Scarlett Johansson – Samantha
- Amy Adams – Amy
- Rooney Mara – Catherine Klausen
- Olivia Wilde – Blind Date
- Matt Letscher – Charles
- Luka Jones – Mark Lewman
- Chris Pratt – Paul
- Kristen Wiig – Sexy Kitten
- Bill Hader – Chat Room Friend #2
- Portia Doubleday – Isabella
- Soko – Isabella’s voice
- Brian Cox – Alan Watts
- Spike Jonze – Writer and director
Movies like Her
Ex Machina (2014)
Directed by Alex Garland, this science fiction thriller stars Domhnall Gleeson, Alicia Vikander, and Oscar Isaac. The film follows Caleb (Gleeson), a young programmer, who is invited to administer the Turing Test to an intelligent humanoid robot named Ava (Vikander) at a secluded research facility owned by a tech CEO (Isaac). As Caleb interacts with Ava, he becomes increasingly enamored with her, leading to a complex exploration of artificial intelligence, consciousness, and the ethical implications of creating sentient beings.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Directed by Michel Gondry and written by Charlie Kaufman, this romantic science fiction film stars Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, and Tom Wilkinson. The story follows Joel (Carrey) and Clementine (Winslet), who undergo a procedure to erase each other from their memories after a painful breakup. The film explores themes of love, memory, and the nature of human connections, using a nonlinear narrative structure to emphasize the complexity of relationships.
Lost in Translation (2003)
Written and directed by Sofia Coppola, this drama stars Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson as two lonely individuals who form an unlikely bond while visiting Tokyo. Bob (Murray), an aging actor, and Charlotte (Johansson), a young woman questioning her marriage, share a series of intimate conversations and experiences that highlight the challenges of connecting with others in a world that often feels isolating.
The Shape of Water (2017)
Directed by Guillermo del Toro, this romantic fantasy film stars Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, and Doug Jones. Set in the 1960s, the story follows Elisa (Hawkins), a mute janitor who works at a government research facility. She forms a deep bond with an amphibious creature (Jones) held captive there. The movie explores themes of loneliness, acceptance, and the transformative power of love in the face of adversity.
Blade Runner (1982)
Directed by Ridley Scott and based on Philip K. Dick’s novel “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?”, this science fiction classic stars Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, and Sean Young. The film takes place in a dystopian future where human-like androids known as replicants are created for various tasks. When a group of rogue replicants escapes, it’s up to Rick Deckard (Ford), a blade runner, to track them down. The movie explores themes of artificial intelligence, identity, and what it means to be human.
Lars and the Real Girl (2007)
Directed by Craig Gillespie, this dramedy stars Ryan Gosling, Emily Mortimer, and Paul Schneider. The film follows the socially awkward Lars (Gosling), who purchases a life-sized doll named Bianca and treats her as his real girlfriend. As the community learns to accept Lars and Bianca, the movie delves into themes of loneliness, mental health, and the importance of empathy and understanding in forming human connections.
AI: Artificial Intelligence (2001)
Directed by Steven Spielberg and based on a short story by Brian Aldiss, this science fiction film stars Haley Joel Osment, Jude Law, and Frances O’Connor. The story follows David (Osment), a highly advanced humanoid robot designed to resemble a human child, who is adopted by a grieving couple. As David yearns for love and acceptance, the movie explores themes of artificial intelligence, what it means to be human, and the potential consequences of creating sentient beings.
Moon (2009)
Directed by Duncan Jones, this thought-provoking science fiction film stars Sam Rockwell and Kevin Spacey. Set on a lunar mining base, the story follows Sam Bell (Rockwell), a solitary astronaut nearing the end of his three-year mission. When he discovers a shocking secret about his identity and the purpose of his mission, the film delves into themes of isolation, humanity, and the ethical implications of advanced technology.
Anomalisa (2015)
Directed by Charlie Kaufman and Duke Johnson, this stop-motion animated film features the voices of David Thewlis, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Tom Noonan. The story revolves around Michael Stone (Thewlis), a self-help author who perceives everyone around him as having the same voice and face. When he meets Lisa (Leigh), a unique individual in his eyes, the film explores themes of loneliness, the search for connection, and the human desire to find meaning in relationships.
Marjorie Prime (2017)
Directed by Michael Almereyda and based on a play by Jordan Harrison, this science fiction drama stars Jon Hamm, Geena Davis, and Tim Robbins. The film takes place in a near-future world where holographic companions, called “Primes,” are used to help people cope with loss and memory. When an elderly woman named Marjorie (Lois Smith) interacts with a Prime version of her deceased husband (Hamm), the movie examines themes of memory, grief, and the complexities of human relationships in the face of advancing technology.
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