Finding a movie that hits that specific sweet spot of teenage snark, high-stakes sci-fi, and "Goonies-style" adventure is harder than it looks. Most people who search for movies like Rim of the World are looking for a very particular vibe. They want that feeling of kids being completely out of their depth, yet somehow becoming the only ones capable of stopping a global catastrophe.
It’s about the underdog.
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When Rim of the World dropped on Netflix in 2019, it was a weird, messy, and surprisingly fun throwback. Directed by McG, it didn’t try to be high art. It gave us four misfits at a summer camp—Alex, ZhenZhen, Dariush, and Gabriel—who stumble into an alien invasion. It was loud. It was full of product placement (remember those Adidas tracksuits?). And honestly, it was exactly the kind of mindless, heart-pumping fun that makes for a perfect Friday night.
But once you’ve finished it, where do you go?
The Best Science Fiction Adventures for Fans of Rim of the World
If you loved the "kids against the world" aspect, you’ve got to start with the classics and the modern spiritual successors. We aren't just talking about any sci-fi; we’re talking about movies where the adults are useless and the teenagers have to grow up in about five minutes.
Attack the Block (2011)
Before John Boyega was a Stormtrooper, he was Moses, the leader of a teen gang in South London. This movie is arguably the "gold standard" for this subgenre. When glowing-toothed aliens rain down on their council estate, these kids don't run for help. They grab bats, bikes, and fireworks.
It’s gritty. It’s fast.
Unlike the more polished Hollywood versions, Attack the Block feels lived-in. The stakes are personal. You’re not just saving the world; you’re saving your block. If you liked the "misfit" energy of Dariush and Gabriel, Moses and his crew will feel like a leveled-up version of that.
Super 8 (2011)
J.J. Abrams basically wrote a love letter to Steven Spielberg with this one. It’s set in 1979 and follows a group of kids making a zombie movie on a Super 8 camera when a train crash unleashes something... not from here.
It captures that "summer camp" nostalgia perfectly, even if they aren't actually at camp. The chemistry between the kids is the soul of the film. It reminds us that even in the middle of a government cover-up and an alien escape, kids are still worried about their first crush or their annoying parents.
Love and Monsters (2020)
This one is a bit more "post-apocalyptic" than a direct invasion, but the DNA is identical. Dylan O'Brien plays Joel, a guy who has spent seven years underground after the "Monsterpocalypse." He’s not a hero. He’s the guy who freezes when things get scary.
But he decides to traverse 80 miles of monster-infested wasteland to find his high school girlfriend. It’s funny, surprisingly moving, and features a very good dog named Boy. It captures that same "coming-of-age during the end of the world" spirit that made people look for movies like Rim of the World in the first place.
Why the "Kids-Save-The-World" Trope Still Works
You might wonder why we keep coming back to these stories. Is it just nostalgia? Sorta. But there’s a deeper psychological hook here.
Adolescence is already a disaster. Your body is changing, you’re trying to figure out who you are, and you feel like no one understands you. Alien invasions are just a giant, scaly metaphor for that chaos. When Alex in Rim of the World has to overcome his phobias to save the planet, it’s a hyper-inflated version of every teenager having to face their own fears for the first time.
The Power of the Misfit Group
Most of these films rely on a specific archetype:
- The Brains: Usually the one with the tech skills (Alex).
- The Wild Card: The kid with the "troubled" past (Gabriel).
- The Heart: The one who keeps everyone together (ZhenZhen).
- The Comic Relief: The one who masks fear with jokes (Dariush).
When these archetypes clash, it creates friction that makes the eventual teamwork feel earned. It’s satisfying to see the "spoiled rich kid" finally step up when the lasers start firing.
Hidden Gems You Might Have Missed
If you’ve already seen the big hits like Stranger Things or The Goonies, there are a few "under-the-radar" picks that carry that same energy.
Earth to Echo (2014)
This is a found-footage style movie that feels like a modern E.T.. It’s about a group of friends who receive strange encoded messages on their phones. It’s lower budget than Rim of the World, but it captures that "final night together before we all move away" sadness perfectly.
The 5th Wave (2016)
Based on the YA novel, this is a bit more serious and "dystopian." It follows Cassie (Chloë Grace Moretz) trying to find her brother during an invasion that happens in "waves." It lacks the humor of McG’s film, but it doubles down on the "teenagers being forced into soldiers" aspect.
65 (2023)
While the protagonist is an adult (Adam Driver), the secondary lead is a young girl named Koa. They are stranded on prehistoric Earth, fighting off dinosaurs. It’s essentially a "survival sci-fi" that focuses on the bond between a protector and a kid. If you liked the "protect the asset" vibe of the cryptokey in Rim of the World, this will hit home.
What’s Coming in 2026?
The genre isn't slowing down. Looking at the 2026 slate, we have several projects that lean into this "youth vs. the unknown" vibe.
Keep an eye out for the upcoming Star Trek: Starfleet Academy series. While it’s a show rather than a movie, the focus is entirely on a new generation of cadets who are clearly out of their league. There’s also buzz around a Spielberg-led UFO project that many insiders suggest will return to his "suburban wonder" roots—the very thing Rim of the World was trying to emulate.
Finding Your Next Watch: Practical Steps
If you’re sitting on your couch right now trying to decide what to play next, don't just scroll endlessly. Use these filters to find your perfect match:
- Check the "Coming-of-Age" Tag: On platforms like Netflix or Disney+, search for "Teen Sci-Fi" rather than just "Action." You want the character growth, not just the explosions.
- Look for "Amblin-esque": This is a term used for movies that feel like 80s Spielberg. Think Super 8 or even Monster House (which is animated but fits the vibe).
- Vary the Tone: If you want something funny, go for Love and Monsters. If you want something that will make you sweat, go for Attack the Block.
The magic of movies like Rim of the World isn't in the CGI aliens—it’s in the friendship. It’s about the four kids on bikes (or in a stolen Mustang) who decide that even if the adults have given up, they won't.
To find your next favorite, start by revisiting Attack the Block. It’s the rawest version of this story and will remind you why you liked this genre in the first place. Once you’ve done that, dive into Love and Monsters for a dose of optimism. You can find most of these on major streaming platforms like Netflix, Max, or for rent on Amazon.