1. Snowpiercer (2013)
Directed by Bong Joon-ho, Snowpiercer plunges viewers into a frozen dystopian future where the remnants of humanity live aboard a train that endlessly circles the globe. The train is divided by class, with the wealthy enjoying lavish lives in the front while the impoverished suffer in the back. As the oppressed begin to rise up against their captors, the film explores themes of social inequality and the struggle for power. Snowpiercer has received critical acclaim, boasting an IMDb rating of 7.1/10 and a Rotten Tomatoes score of 94%. You can stream it on Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.
2. Cube (1997)
In this cult classic, a group of strangers awakens in a mysterious, cube-shaped structure filled with deadly traps. As they navigate their way through the labyrinth, they must rely on their wits and face their inner demons. The tension mounts as paranoia and desperation set in, leading to moral dilemmas about trust and sacrifice. Cube is a gripping psychological thriller with an IMDb rating of 7.2/10 and a Rotten Tomatoes score of 61%. You can watch it on Tubi and Amazon Prime Video.
3. Parasite (2019)
Parasite is a masterful blend of dark comedy and social commentary, depicting the lives of a poor family that schemes to become employed by a wealthy household. As they infiltrate the lives of their wealthy employers, a series of twists and turns ensue, ultimately culminating in shocking revelations about class and privilege. Bong Joon-ho’s film won numerous accolades, including the Academy Award for Best Picture, and holds an IMDb rating of 8.6/10 and a Rotten Tomatoes score of 98%. You can stream it on Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.
4. The Belko Experiment (2016)
In this satirical horror film, employees of a corporate office in Colombia find themselves trapped and forced to participate in a deadly game where they must kill each other to survive. The film critiques corporate culture and human nature under extreme stress, raising questions about morality and survival instincts. With an IMDb rating of 6.1/10 and a Rotten Tomatoes score of 48%, it’s a visceral take on the darker aspects of society. You can watch it on HBO Max and Amazon Prime Video.
5. High-Rise (2015)
Adapted from J.G. Ballard’s novel, High-Rise portrays a luxurious apartment building that becomes a microcosm of society. As class tensions escalate, residents descend into chaos and violence, illustrating the breakdown of civilization. The film’s striking visuals and unsettling themes provide a compelling commentary on modern living and social stratification. It has an IMDb rating of 5.7/10 and a Rotten Tomatoes score of 60%. You can stream it on Amazon Prime Video.
6. The Divide (2011)
After a nuclear attack, a group of survivors takes refuge in a basement, but as supplies dwindle, their situation deteriorates. The film explores themes of survival and the fragility of social order under extreme pressure, leading to brutal confrontations. With an IMDb rating of 6.0/10 and a Rotten Tomatoes score of 53%, it’s a harrowing look at human nature in desperate times. You can stream it on Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.
7. Metropolis (1927)
Fritz Lang’s Metropolis (1927) is a pioneering silent film that established the visual and thematic foundations of dystopian science fiction. Set in a future where society is divided into two starkly contrasting classes, the elite live in towering skyscrapers enjoying endless luxury, while the laborers toil underground, keeping the machines that power the city running.
The narrative follows Freder, the son of the city’s ruler, who becomes aware of the dehumanizing conditions in the lower levels. After meeting Maria, a symbol of hope for the workers, he joins her in a quest to bridge the societal gap. However, the introduction of a robotic double of Maria, meant to provoke chaos, complicates matters, inciting rebellion among the workers. With its iconic visual style, pioneering special effects, and enduring message about industrialization and class disparity,
Metropolis continues to influence modern sci-fi films, including The Platform, which similarly explores the dehumanization and inequities within societal hierarchies. The film has an impressive IMDb rating of 8.3/10 and a Rotten Tomatoes score of 97%, and it can be streamed on the Criterion Channel and HBO Max.
8. The Exterminating Angel (El ángel exterminador, 1962)
Luis Buñuel’s The Exterminating Angel (El ángel exterminador, 1962) takes a more surrealistic approach to social critique. The film centers on a group of upper-class guests who attend a lavish dinner party only to discover, in an inexplicable twist, that they cannot leave the room. As the days pass, the once-polite and sophisticated partygoers are reduced to their most primal instincts, revealing the fragility of their societal veneers.
Buñuel’s biting satire exposes the hypocrisy and moral decay of the bourgeoisie, much like The Platform exposes the breakdown of human decency when people are subjected to harsh conditions. Through absurdity and surrealism, The Exterminating Angel forces viewers to confront how easily societal structures can crumble.
With an IMDb rating of 8.0/10 and a Rotten Tomatoes score of 93%, the film stands as one of Buñuel’s most celebrated works. It is available for streaming on the Criterion Channel.
These films not only complement The Platform 2 in their exploration of social themes and human behavior under pressure, but they also offer engaging narratives that keep you on the edge of your seat.
