These are six movies that have similar themes to Orion and the Dark (2024).
Orion and the Dark (2024) is an animated movie from Netflix and Dreamworks. It explores the growth of a young boy, named Orion, who learns to overcome his anxiety. This development comes through the forming of a friendship between himself and the personification of the night – “Dark”. It’s a very heartfelt and imaginative story, but is unfortunately only 90 minutes long. Therefore, you may left with a desire for more movies that provide a similar experience. Don’t worry, we have you covered!
1. Where The Wild Things Are (2009)
“Where the Wild Things Are” is a film adaptation of Maurice Sendak’s beloved children’s book. The story revolves around Max, a young boy with a wild imagination, who feels misunderstood and neglected. After a tantrum, he runs away and sails to an island inhabited by the Wild Things – fantastical creatures who are as untamed and unpredictable as his emotions. Max is crowned as their king, and through his adventures with them, he explores themes of anger, fear and loneliness.
This film connects deeply with the themes in “Orion and the Dark” as both stories delve into the inner emotional world of children, addressing fears and the journey towards understanding them. In “Orion and the Dark”, fear of the unknown is personified in a comforting manner, much like how Max’s fears and frustrations are externalized in the wild creatures.
2. Monsters, Inc. (2001)
“Monsters, Inc.” is an animated film set in a world where monsters power their city by collecting children’s screams. The story centres on two monsters, Mike and Sulley, who accidentally let a little girl, Boo, into their world. Initially frightened, they soon discover that children are not dangerous. As they strive to return Boo to her world, Mike and Sulley form a deep bond with her, transforming their fear into friendship. Similarly, in “Orion and the Dark”, the protagonist Orion, who fears the dark, learns to overcome this fear through an unexpected friendship with the Dark itself. Both stories creatively tackle the theme of confronting and understanding fears. Furthermore, they beautifully illustrate how perceived fears can transform into something positive through empathy, understanding, and the power of companionship.
3. The Iron Giant (1999)
“The Iron Giant” is an animated film set during the Cold War, telling the story of a young boy who discovers and befriends a giant robot. Despite the robot’s intimidating appearance, the boy learns that the giant is kind-hearted and poses no threat. They face challenges from the government, as the boy tries to save the robot from destruction. Similarly, in “Orion and the Dark,” Orion confronts his immense fear of the dark, only to discover that the Dark is a friendly, misunderstood entity. The transformative power of friendship plays a large role in both stories.
4. Inside Out (2015)
“Inside Out” is a Pixar animated film that takes an innovative approach to exploring emotions. The story follows Riley, a young girl navigating the challenges of a major life change after her family moves to a new city. Inside Riley’s mind, five personified emotions – Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust – struggle to guide her through this difficult transition. The film brilliantly illustrates how Riley’s fear and other emotions play a critical role in her development and understanding of the world. Similarly, “Orion and the Dark” delves into the theme of fear and understanding.
5. Coraline (2009)
“Coraline” is an animated fantasy film adapted from Neil Gaiman’s novel, centered around a young girl named Coraline. She discovers a secret door in her new home that leads to an alternate version of her life. This reality seems to be better than her home. However, this seemingly perfect world quickly turns sinister, and Coraline must use her wit and bravery to escape. This story connects with the themes in “Orion and the Dark” through its exploration of facing fears and the unknown. In “Orion and the Dark,” Orion confronts his fear of the dark and learns that it’s not as scary as he thought. This parallels Coraline’s journey of confronting the terrifying reality behind the alluring façade of the alternate world. Both narratives highlight the courage it takes to face what frightens us and the growth that comes from this confrontation.
6. Labyrinth (1986)
“Labyrinth” is a fantasy film about a teenaged girl named Sarah who, in a moment of frustration, wishes for her baby brother to be taken away by the Goblin King. When her wish unexpectedly comes true, Sarah must navigate the perplexing Labyrinth to rescue him. The journey through the Labyrinth, filled with bizarre creatures and perplexing puzzles, symbolizes Sarah’s passage into maturity. Through these trials: she learns about responsibility, bravery, and the complexities of her own emotions. This narrative connects with the themes in “Orion and the Dark,” particularly in how both protagonists face their fears and grow from the experience.
Which movies do you think would make a perfect pairing with Orion and the Dark? Let us know in the comments below.
See Also: Orion and the Dark (2024) Review
