Ron Howard’s recently released 13 Lives has been met with critical acclaim, but with the applause came some comparisons. Many filmgoers have noted quite a few similarities to the 2019 Thai film Cave Rescue, which also chronicles the 2018 Tham Luang cave rescue and therefore puts both films in the category of twin movies. The concept of twin movies revolves around two films that have an obvious sameness, whether it be with the premise, actors, or even the distributing studio.
However, even with real-life twins, there can be differences amongst similarities, traits that make the two entities stand out in their respective deliveries. Not every entrant of a twin movie is able to stand alone, but s of Reddit have found some that succeeded.
No Strings Attached & Friends With Benefits
It is no surprise that romantic comedies have fallen into the twin movie trope. 2011 would see two standouts in the category, No Strings Attached and Friends With Benefits. Redditor hman9958 feels that FWB is better of the two because “Timberlake and Kunis had great chemistry”.
The leads of both films (Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman/Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis, respectively) played their parts well, it is the story's progression that sets the movies apart. However, the endings of the friends-with-benefits pairs becoming a legitimate couple are the same.
A Bug’s Life & Antz
Children’s movies thrive on anthropomorphism, which is the concept of providing human qualities to non-human creatures, as was seen with the entomology-themed A Bug’s Life and Antz, releasing a month apart from each other in 1998. Redditor B_Wylde was “so confused back as a child with these two,” a thought that has been echoed by many moviegoers today.
A Bug’s Life has become a millennial favorite, with many fans connecting it to Toy Story. Where Antz differs from its successor is in both cast and story. Antz possessed a distinct maturity, incorporating politics in a complex but kid-friendly light.
Battle Royale & The Hunger Games
Survival in the face of death and riches is a difficult game to play, with the Japanese thriller Battle Royale and American-made The Hunger Games making the struggles seamless in their
delivery. They were released twelve years apart, but both films deliver intensified action and solid performances, but the similarities were glaringly obvious. Redditor Saltriverjohnny feels that the two films “just mirrored each other too much.”
This complaint has been voiced since The Hunger Games’ novel release, with the only major difference being the lead actors. The two films would birth another survivalist hit in 2021’s Korean drama Squid Game.
Jobs & Steve Jobs
Biopics are a tricky genre to master, with some films paying extreme attention to detail and others veering off into their own version of the truth. This was seen with two biopics on Apple CEO Steve Jobs, 2013’s Jobs and 2015’s Steve Jobs. Redditor ignoresubs finds both films “enjoyable for different reasons”.
Jobs’ is a campier take on the business magnate’s life, with Ashton Kutcher providing his comedic styling to the role. In comparison to its predecessor, Steve Jobs is a more accurate biopic. Biopic expert Aaron Sorkin’s meticulous screenplay is brought to life through Michael Fassbender’s phenomenal performance.
Despicable Me & Megamind
Antiheroes aren’t always appreciated for their flaws, with audiences wanting one or the other. Twin movies Despicable Me and Megamind are examples of stories that embrace the main character’s imperfections. Reddit noonehasthisoneyet feels that these twin movies are one of “the few cases where both were/are great”.
The two films certainly turn the tables by proving that an antagonist can rise to a protagonist level while a hero can become a villain. Regardless of one having a negative start in their character journey, the formation of positive relationships and a happy ending can still be achievable.
Observe and Report & Paul Blart Mall Cop
While police procedurals are popular in television drama, they are also just as well known in comedy films. 2009 would see two cop comedies in the form of Paul Blart Mall Cop and Observe and Report, released almost three months apart. Reddit c-peg thinks that “Observe and Report was the better film by miles”.
Paul Blart Mall Cop incorporated the zany humor synonymous with Kevin James, making the film family-friendly. Even though Observe and Reportisn’t considered a rewatchable Seth Rogen movie, its incorporation of black comedy makes the story stand out.
The Prestige & The Illusionist
Magic is more than pulling a rabbit out of a hat. The performance art is about captivating the audience via majestic illusion. The Prestige saw one of Hugh Jackman’s best performances, but the film managed to eclipse another in the magic genre, which was The Illusionist. Redditor SnareSpectre feels The Illusionist never “got the recognition it deserved”.
Both films released in the same year with an all-star cast in a similar timeframe and storyline. What sets them apart is the directors, with The Prestige helmed by cinematic illusionist Christopher Nolan, his impeccable filmmaking reputation practically guaranteeing a hit.
The Thin Red Line & Saving Private Ryan
Wartime movies have long been a favorite staple of the historical genre, filled with brutal, battlefield action. 1998 would see two epic war films with The Thin Red Line and Saving Private Ryan. Redditor TuaTurnsdaballova feels that The Thin Red Line “never got the attention it deserved” due to the immense star power of Tom Hanks and Steve Spielberg.
Similar to The Prestige, the advantage of Saving Private Ryan lies in the advantage of both director and the cast. At the core, both films are designed to be realistic yet poignant war stories of courage and brotherhood.
Gulliver’s Travels & Rango
Not every twin movie is part of the same genre. Sometimes, they’re complete opposites. This was the case for the 2010 live-action Gulliver’s Travels and the 2011 CGI animated film Rango. Redditor TheNameless00 that despite the different settings, “the plot progression was the same”.
Both films revolve around a man on a journey in an attempt to find life’s purpose, having become disillusioned with their current state. They meet new faces and come across roadblocks along the way, but it is necessary to guide them on the path to their final destination.
Good Boys & Booksmart
Child stars Jacob Tremblay and Kaitlyn Dever have made great strides in the adolescent-to-adult transition of their respective careers. Both actors would make their mark in the coming-of-age genre with Good Boys (Tremblay) and Booksmart (Dever). Reddit RuneRavi69 feels that the two films “are very Superbad-esque movies”.
The films share the same journey of friends partaking in a life-changing adventure before advancing in their academics. Good Boys details a boyhood trio entering middle school while Booksmart revolves around two best friends graduating high school. Both films are breezy and delightful in their delivery.
