Rebel Moon and Its Influences: A Journey Through Space Opera Films

Influences of Rebel Moon

Rebel Moon: Part One - A Child of Fire's release on Netflix may have stirred up a hunger of quality space-operas, bringing some old movies back into the limelight due to their similarity. Having been a passion project for Zack Snyder for years, Rebel Moon has finally come to fruition, releasing the first part of its epic, galaxy-spanning science fiction saga for streaming on Netflix. While the slated release date for Rebel Moon: Part Two - The Scargiver bubbles on the horizon, eager fans can subsist on some strikingly similar sci-fi fare and action fare in the meantime.

Han Solo (Harrison Ford) looking smug in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope.

Rebel Moon: Part One - A Child of Fire wears its influences on its sleeve, being described by Snyder himself as a blend between space fantasy and the works of famed Japanese director, Akira Kurosawa. Specifically, Snyder points to Seven Samurai as the film's progenitor, being the first thoughtful action spectacle to popularize the trope of putting together a crew of misfits to protect a vulnerable community. Whether being similar in setting or narrative, there are plenty of films that can satisfy the Rebel Moon itch before the release of the saga's second entry.

Mark Hamill as Luke, Carrie Fisher as Leia, and Harrison Ford as Han looking in the same direction in Star Wars: A New Hope.

Galactic Epics and Space Fantasy

Rebel Moon draws inspiration from the paragon of science fiction, Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope. The film popularized space fantasy and shares clear resemblances with Rebel Moon, complete with plasma-based melee weaponry, exotic practical aliens, and an Empire equivalent. A New Hope was also the first film to blend science fiction with Akira Kurosawa, with Star Wars' plot emulating Kurosawa's The Hidden Fortress almost beat-for-beat.

Alderaan destroyed in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope.

Another film that echoes the darker tone of Rebel Moon is Heavy Metal, a Canadian fantasy anthology film known for its sex appeal, violence, and outlandish imagery. It's an earnest delve into depravity through the lens of slick 80s hand-drawn animation, offering a different yet compelling take on the space opera genre.

Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope

The Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy stands alone as a venerated, praise-worthy science fiction action-comedy series. The ensemble cast of alien misfits' endlessly watchable dynamic makes it a standout choice for a Rebel Moon stand-in, especially with the fate of the series remaining unclear following the conclusive end of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

Darth Vader's TIE Fighter from Star Wars Episode IV A New Hope.

Exploring the Uncharted Cosmos

Jupiter Ascending, a fascinating science fiction epic, presents a world of great potential with dizzyingly beautiful visuals. Despite its mixed critical reception, a look back at Jupiter Ascending may benefit Snyder and his fans, especially considering Rebel Moon's own contentious reception.

Exploring the Uncharted Cosmos

The Fifth Element, while more comedic and light-hearted than Rebel Moon, is an undeniable classic of the genre. Its quirky characters and bizarre aliens make it a must-watch for any space fantasy binge, offering a different yet equally captivating experience.

guardians of the galaxy in the kiln in 2014

Flash Gordon, a daring resuscitation of ancient science fiction hero Flash Gordon, provides a memorable and entertaining experience. It's a good appetite cleanser on a journey backwards through American sci-fi, bringing a sense of awareness and fun to the space opera genre.

Chris Pratt as Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) holding an orb