12 Best Movies Like Men in Black to Watch Next (2026)
Looking for movies like Men in Black? Explore sci-fi comedies, alien thrillers, and action picks such as Starship Troopers, The X Files, and more.
If you’re searching for movies like Men in Black, you probably want a mix of sci-fi, action, and a little humor or suspense. This list keeps that spirit alive with titles such as Men in Black II and Men in Black: International, plus other picks that lean into alien threats, secret missions, and high-stakes investigation. Starship Troopers delivers a military sci-fi edge, while The X Files and Star Trek: Insurrection bring government intrigue and extraterrestrial tension. For a more animated cyber-thriller angle, Ghost in the Shell is a strong fit, and Back in Action adds an espionage spin for viewers who want a lighter action-comedy vibe.
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01
Starship Troopers
1 Oscar nomination
action · adventure · sci-fi · thriller
Set in the future, the story follows a young soldier named Johnny Rico and his exploits in the Mobile Infantry. Rico's military career progresses from recruit to non-commissioned officer and finally to officer against the backdrop of an interstellar war between mankind and an arachnoid species known as "the Bugs."
Why watch: If you want a bigger military sci-fi angle, this one fits well. Its action-adventure setup and interstellar war premise make it a good choice for viewers who like tough missions and alien conflict.
Directed by Paul VerhoevenCast Casper Van Dien, Dina Meyer, Denise Richards, Jake Busey, Neil Patrick HarrisNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
02
Men in Black: International
action · adventure · comedy · sci-fi
The Men in Black have always protected the Earth from the scum of the universe. In this new adventure, they tackle their biggest, most global threat to date: a mole in the Men in Black organization.
Why watch: If you mainly want another Men in Black story, this is the most direct follow-up on the list. It keeps the action-comedy-sci-fi blend and centers on a new threat inside the organization.
Directed by F. Gary GrayCast Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson, Kumail Nanjiani, Rebecca Ferguson, Rafe SpallParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
03
Men in Black II
action · adventure · comedy · mystery · sci-fi
Kay and Jay reunite to provide our best, last and only line of defense against a sinister seductress who levels the toughest challenge yet to the MIB's untarnished mission statement – protecting Earth from the scum of the universe. It's been four years since the alien-seeking agents averted an intergalactic disaster of epic proportions. Now it's a race against the clock as Jay must convince Kay – who not only has absolutely no memory of his time spent with the MIB, but is also the only living person left with the expertise to save the galaxy – to reunite with the MIB before the earth submits to ultimate destruction.
Why watch: If you liked the earlier mix of comedy, mystery, and alien policing, this sequel is a natural pick. It keeps the same core idea while adding a race-against-time mission.
Directed by Barry SonnenfeldCast Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith, Rip Torn, Lara Flynn Boyle, Johnny KnoxvilleParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
04
An American Werewolf in Paris
comedy · fantasy · horror · thriller
An American man unwittingly gets involved with werewolves who have developed a serum allowing them to transform at will.
Why watch: If you’re open to a stranger genre mix, this combines comedy, fantasy, horror, and thriller elements. It may appeal if you want something offbeat rather than a straight sci-fi agent story.
Directed by Anthony WallerCast Tom Everett Scott, Julie Delpy, Vince Vieluf, Phil Buckman, Julie BowenFreeveeMore details on IMDb → -
05
Star Trek: Insurrection
action · adventure · sci-fi · thriller
When an alien race and factions within Starfleet attempt to take over a planet that has "regenerative" properties, it falls upon Captain Picard and the crew of the Enterprise to defend the planet's people as well as the very ideals upon which the Federation itself was founded.
Why watch: If you like spacefaring adventures with a serious side, this should be on your radar. Its action-adventure-sci-fi-thriller mix and planet-defense setup suit viewers who enjoy alien-related stakes.
Directed by Jonathan FrakesCast Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, LeVar Burton, Michael DornParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
06
Back in Action
action · comedy
Fifteen years after vanishing from the CIA to start a family, elite spies Matt and Emily jump back into the world of espionage when their cover is blown.
Why watch: If you want an action-comedy that leans into spy work instead of aliens, this is a reasonable choice. The premise centers on former elite spies pulled back into the world they left behind.
Directed by Seth GordonCast Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz, McKenna Roberts, Rylan Jackson, Kyle ChandlerNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
07
Adventures in Babysitting
adventure · comedy · crime · romance
When plans with her boyfriend fall through, high school senior Chris Parker ends up babysitting the Anderson kids, Brad and Sara. What should be a quiet night in, however, turns into a series of ridiculous exploits, starting when they leave the house to pick up Chris' friend Brenda. Soon, Brad's buddy Daryl is involved, and the group must contend with car thieves, blues musicians and much more.
Why watch: If you enjoy light adventure with comedy and escalating chaos, this one may work for you. It’s less sci-fi than the main pick, but it has the same kind of fast-moving energy.
Directed by Chris ColumbusCast Elisabeth Shue, Maia Brewton, Keith Coogan, Anthony Rapp, Calvin LevelsDisney PlusMore details on IMDb → -
08
Ghost in the Shell
action · crime · drama · mystery · sci-fi · thriller
In the near future, Major is the first of her kind: a human saved from a terrible crash, then cyber-enhanced to be a perfect soldier devoted to stopping the world's most dangerous criminals.
Why watch: If you prefer a darker, more modern sci-fi thriller, this could be a good fit. Its cyber-enhanced agent premise should appeal to viewers who like futuristic crime-fighting.
Directed by Rupert SandersCast Scarlett Johansson, Pilou Asbæk, Takeshi Kitano, Juliette Binoche, Michael PittParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
09
The X Files
adventure · drama · mystery · sci-fi · thriller
Mulder and Scully, now taken off the FBI's X Files cases, must find a way to fight the shadowy elements of the government to find out the truth about a conspiracy that might mean the alien colonization of Earth.
Why watch: If you like conspiracy stories with alien involvement, this is a strong match. Its mystery and thriller elements make it a good pick for anyone drawn to secretive government plots.
Directed by Rob BowmanCast David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, John Neville, William B. Davis, Martin LandauAmazon Prime VideoMore details on IMDb → -
10
Ghost in the Shell
animation · action · crime · drama · mystery · sci-fi · thriller
In the year 2029, the barriers of our world have been broken down by the net and by cybernetics, but this brings new vulnerability to humans in the form of brain-hacking. When a highly-wanted hacker known as 'The Puppetmaster' begins involving them in politics, Section 9, a group of cybernetically enhanced cops, are called in to investigate and stop the Puppetmaster.
Why watch: If you want a more intense sci-fi mystery, this animated feature is worth a look. Its cybernetics, investigation angle, and thriller tone make it a smart choice for genre fans.
Directed by Mamoru OshiiCast Atsuko Tanaka, Akio Ôtsuka, Iemasa Kayumi, Kôichi Yamadera, Tamio ÔkiTubiMore details on IMDb → -
11
Five Minarets in New York
action & adventure · drama
Two Turkish anti-terrorist agents are sent to New York City on a mission to find and bring back the dangerous Islamic leader codenamed "Dajjal", believed to be hiding in there. Working with the FBI and NYPD, the agents orchestrate the arrest of Hadji Gumus, a well-respected Muslim scholar and family man who years before fled to the United States after being released from a Turkish prison, where he served time for murder. This tale love, friendship, peace and prejudices, takes us on a journey seeking to answer the question of whether innocence or guilt even matters to one who lusts for vengeance.
Why watch: If you’re interested in an action-drama with an investigative mission in New York City, this may appeal. It’s more serious than the main pick, but it still centers on agents working on a dangerous case.
Directed by Mahsun KirmizigülCast Haluk Bilginer, Danny Glover, Burak Tut, Gina Gershon, Mahsun KirmizigülFreeveeMore details on IMDb → -
12
To Live and Die in L.A.
action · crime · drama · thriller
When his longtime partner on the force is killed, reckless U.S. Secret Service agent Richard Chance vows revenge, setting out to nab dangerous counterfeit artist Eric Masters.
Why watch: If you want crime-and-thriller energy instead of comedy, this is the title to consider. Its revenge-driven plot and fast-paced law-enforcement angle may suit viewers who like tense pursuits.
Directed by William FriedkinCast William Petersen, Willem Dafoe, John Pankow, Debra Feuer, John TurturroTubiMore details on IMDb →
Wrapping Up
Whether you want aliens, covert agencies, or fast-moving sci-fi with a playful streak, these picks offer a solid next step after Men in Black. Some lean closer to comedy, while others shift toward thriller, mystery, or full-on action, so there’s room to match your mood. Bookmark this page and come back when you want another recommendation, since it’s updated regularly with fresh matches and related titles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these movies similar to Men in Black?
These picks were matched by tone, themes, and story style using a similarity model trained on plot synopses, genres, and cast — not just shared genre tags — so the connection runs deeper than a simple category match.