6 Best Movies Like Mickey 17 You Need To Watch Next

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Static Media

If you’ve finished shaking off the snow from Niflheim and have picked out your preferred size of pet creeper to take home, you’re probably in the mood for some more sci-fi fun like Bong Joon-ho’s “Mickey 17.” The newest film from the Oscar-winning director comes with two Robert Pattinsons for the price of one (well, 18 Robert Pattinsons if you count all the previous multiples lost to outer space mishaps). The Pattinsons occupy a captivating sci-fi world that sometimes feels like the most expensive “Doctor Who” episode ever made, and we say that with the utmost respect. “Mickey 17” is the kind of refreshing and daring movie we need now more than ever, but it also shared DNA with a handful of other sci-fi gems you can watch right now.

We’ve compiled a list of excellent post-watches after “Mickey 17” that share the same vibe, themes, and wonderfully bizarre ideas that even Bong Joon-ho himself would likely enjoy watching (mainly because he directed some of them). So clear your queue and add these to your watchlist immediately — starting with an overlooked Netflix gem that showcases Bong’s love for science fiction and bonkers beasties in equal measure. 

Okja

Netflix

Before “Parasite,” Bong Joon-ho’s filmography was a mixed bag of wild worlds and neo-noir thrillers. Nestled somewhere between “Pete’s Dragon” and “Babe,” Bong’s epic story “Okja” follows a girl who must cross waters and brave foreign lands to rescue her genetically modified (and incredibly adorable, hippo-sized pig, Okja.

Featuring an extraordinarily impressive cast that, like Bong’s previous film “Snowpiercer,” stretches beyond his native South Korea, “Okja” showcases some big names at their wackiest and most ludicrously loathsome. Jake Gyllenhaal plays the mad zoologist Johnny Wilcox, while Tilda Swinton delivers a remarkable performance as the CEO twins Lucy and Nancy Mirando. Both are scene-stealers in their own right, along with the likes of Steven Yeun, Paul Dano, and Giancarlo Esposito, but at the heart of the story is Ahn Seo-hyun’s Mija, who simply wants to take her friend home.
The brilliance of this film lies in its brutal and unflinchingly honest nature, wrapped in what feels like a family-friendly movie. This isn’t “Mighty Joe Young” or “Free Willy,” though. “Okja” is a tale that makes sure you’re watching when the worst of the worst comes for our poor movie mascot, obliquely shining a light on the real-life horrors of mass food production. Bong’s creature feature might turn your stomach, but it’s hard to look away.

Parasite

CJ Entertainment

What’s to be said about “Parasite” that hasn’t been said already? Bong carefully constructed a masterful satire of social class in his 2019 movie, which felt like a culmination of his best work up to that point. A home invasion movie like no other, the biggest win and testament to the director’s storytelling capability is that he tiptoes around genres he’s delved into previously, like the Kim family themselves tiptoe around their home away from home.

What will go down as one of the most gob-smacking moments in recent movie history, however, is the mid-movie reveal of what’s in the basement, taking us even deeper into a perfectly layered story. From here, Bong ratchets up the tension beyond the highs he’s already kept his audience in for so long. Some filmmakers may struggle with such a balancing act, but here, he makes it look easy and keeps everyone precisely where they need to be until the film’s end credits allow us to get off the edge of our seats. If, by some miracle, you’ve managed to miss this four-time Oscar winner, then now is the time to find out why it deserved all the attention. And if you’ve already seen it, here’s the excuse to simply watch it again.

The Double

StudioCanal

If you like a chalk-and-cheese combo of the same actor stepping on his own toes like Robert Pattinson does in “Mickey 17,” then you might have fun with Richard Ayoade’s dark comedy-thriller “The Double.” Jesse Eisenberg plays drab, down-on-his-luck office worker Simon James, who has his world rocked when the company he works for gets a new addition to the staff that looks exactly like him. James Simon (also Eisenberg) is everything Simon wishes he was, and his doppelgänger knows it. As those around him ignore the fact that this new addition that looks exactly like him, Simon fights his twin for his identity in a surreal but funny movie about battling to become everything you could be, but won’t.

Eisenberg makes a great effort to not only bring his signature style as a character uncomfortable in his own skin, but also to master a character who is perfectly comfortable in it. There’s also a streak of deftly-applied humor throughout the film, which is understandable given that Ayoade made a name for himself in the British comedy series “The IT Crowd” and with the equally quirky movie, “Submarine.” This under-the-radar pick deserves more attention, so be a dear and give it some.

Moon

Sony Pictures

Duncan Jones’ excellent isolated entry, “Moon” is another space-age film that tackles the idea of identity as well as “Mickey 17.” Easily one of the best sci-fi films ever made, “Moon” sees Sam Rockwell delivering a one-man show as Sam Bell, a spaceman who’s reaching the end of his required time on the moon, only to encounter a problem. After an accident out on his space rover, Bell finds an unconscious doppelganger, sparking a severe bit of self-reflection and the discovery that he isn’t as alone as he thought, and that his time out in space has been much longer than he ever imagined.

A brilliantly executed concept with Rockwell giving it his all and then some, “Moon” was a tiny little sci-fi film that made a significant impact. Unlike the hustle and bustle of the brutally blunt colony world in “Mickey 17,” “Moon” thrives because of its limitations and expert handling of the character caught in the center of it. Rockwell going it alone, albeit with the added aid of an artificial intelligence voiced by Kevin Spacey (yeah, we know), never gets old. It has a much firmer grip on the matter of one’s own identity than “Mickey 17” etches near, even if it never entirely takes hold of it fully. Give “Moon” a watch (or a rewatch) immediately.

Source Code

Summit

Duncan Jones’ follow-up to “Moon” was a nail-biter that blends the fantastical elements of “Groundhog Day” and “Quantum Leap.” In “Source Code,” Jake Gyllenhaal finds himself inside the body of a passenger on a doomed train that is about to explode, assigned with reliving the last eight minutes of the journey in order to identify the bomber. Once again, Jones deftly handles the matter of a character living life on repeat while rarely stepping outside the confines of the rollercoaster ride he’s planted his hero on. Gyllenhaal, as always, delivers an excellent performance as a man trying to make every second count.

There’s added support from Vera Farmiga and Jeffrey Wright as his allies out of time tasked with breaking the bad news that this mission isn’t going to go the way both he and the audience hope. “White Lotus” star Michelle Monaghan also adds charm as the stranger he crushes on during the chaos, which we totally get. It’s a shame that after this, Jones’ work derailed slightly with the box-office bomb that was “Warcraft” and the misfire of a sci-fi that was “Muse.” Nevertheless, “Source Code” still stands as a sci-fi worth revisiting repeatedly, and oh boy, what a great little nod to “Quantum Leap.”

Edge of Tomorrow

Doug Liman’s “Edge of Tomorrow” sees Tom Cruise do something we’ve not seen him do in decades: a true hero’s journey, albeit one where the hero dies a lot along the way. During an alien invasion that has humanity on the back heel, Major William Cage (Cruise) finds himself caught in a time loop that could turn the tide on Earth’s invaders — if he could only get a little bit better at killing them. To gain the advantage and figure out how and why he’s stuck on a treadmill of live, die, repeat (hey, that’d be a good alternative title), he enlists the help of Full Metal B***h, Sergeant Rita Vrataski (Emily Blunt) to lend a hand and a big f***ing sword.

He might’ve saved cinema with “Top Gun: Maverick” and continued to give the Grim Reaper the finger with every “Mission: Impossible” set piece, but “Edge of Tomorrow” still feels like the most refreshing Tom Cruise outing even after a decade. Cruise’s shift from desk weasel to alien killing machine actually feels solid and believable for a star that we’re pretty sure can do just about anything now. One thing he can’t do here, however, is steal the show; Blunt effortlessly takes it from him the second she arrives to slice and dice time-traveling squid aliens like sushi. The world is still crying out for a sequel to “Edge of Tomorrow” (and we’re still hopeful).

Peacock Is Streaming The Prequel To The Highest-Grossing Animated Movie Ever

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Well Go USA

“Ne Zha 2,” or “Ne Zha: The Demon Boy Havoc in the Sea,” is making waves at the box office, breaking records and making history every week. Like its predecessor, it took five years to make this movie, and over 100 animation companies around the world and thousands of artists contributed to it. That’s an epic production worthy of its epic story, and audiences are responding in kind, showing up to movie theaters in droves to see it. This has catapulted “Ne Zha 2” to the very top of the list of highest-grossing animated films ever made, despite only releasing outside of China a couple of weeks ago.

Loosely based on the 16th-century Chinese novel “Investiture of the Gods,” the film tells the mythical story of Nezha, a popular character in Chinese mythology who becomes a deity. These films follow the rise of Ne Zha, a rebellious prankster of a boy born from a heavenly pearl, who is destined to bring destruction to the world and grows up feared and hated. The movie has action as epic and large-scale as any big-budget fantasy movie, and as many poop and booger jokes as a kids’ feature. It’s basically like if “Shrek” took place in Middle-earth.
It’s a great time for Chinese animation. As audiences worldwide are embracing international titles, animation not just from Japan, but also Korea and China are finding bigger audiences worldwide than ever, with shows like the nail-biting “Link Click” proving very successful.

This is to say, you should watch “Ne Zha 2” in theaters if you can, with the IMAX format in particular making the movie even better (a rare thing in animation, as it doesn’t always jibe with that format). Before you do that, however, you should definitely check out the first “Ne Zha,” which is now streaming on Peacock and also remains a rather spectacular animated feature.

Ne Zha remains an impressive feat of animation

Well Go USA

Like the sequel, the original “Ne Zha” finds inspiration in one of the biggest Chinese mythology tales, “Investiture of the Gods,” which tells the story of the young hero. The other story that involves Nezha (as the original deity is known as) is “Journey to the West,” the novel that inspired “Dragon Ball,” and sees Nezha as a god that becomes a rival of Sun Wukong, the monkey king, in martial arts skills before becoming rebellious allies.

Whether you are at all familiar with these characters or you simply want to know what the fuss is about with the highest-grossing animated film ever, the 2019 “Ne Zha” movie is still a grand time. Its not-so-cute hero who constantly defies the authority of the heavens is likable, complex, and funny as hell. The film’s roots in Chinese philosophy and Eastern religions, as well as ink paintings for the animation, give it a unique look and feel at a time when it seems we’re finally breaking away from the total domination of uniform American studio-made animated features. This movie has an impressive level of spectacle, with its dynamic action and vibrant colors, that simply isn’t found anywhere else and makes for an awe-inspiring watch. You should run to Peacock to watch it and then run to your nearest theater to watch “Ne Zha 2” as it continues to make history.

B.C. planning legislation that could toll trucks travelling to Alaska, Eby says

Travel

British Columbia is hitting back at economic threats from the United States by introducing tools to impose fees on U.S. truck traffic travelling through the province on the way to Alaska.Premier David Eby said the tolls may not be used, but warned that Canada needs to have tools available to fight the threat of tariffs coming from President Donald Trump until he backs down from his plans altogether.Eby made the announcement on the lawn of the Legislative Assembly building in Victoria, which had been draped with a large Canadian flag, while members of his party chanted “Canada” in the background.Eby said he was responding to an “unprecedented threat” from the United States, which he characterized as U.S. President Donald Trump wanting to “erase our border.””He wants to annex Canada and turn us into the 51st state,” Eby said. “That is a threat.”WATCH | Eby says Trump has declared ‘economic war’ on Canada:  B.C. premier says Trump wants to ‘eliminate the border’1 hour agoDuration 3:01B.C. Premier David Eby said Donald Trump is threatening Canada with his economic sanctions, which the premier described as a desire to annex the country.
The premier said he was unmoved by news that had come just moments earlier that 25 per cent tariffs on some Canadian goods sold into the United States had once again been placed on pause, this time until April 2, saying B.C. and Canada should not let up until the threat was removed altogether.”It’s all a deliberate tactic to weaken our resolve, and it will not work,” he said.”This is unacceptable, and we’re going to ensure that the Americans understand how pissed off we are, how unified we are, how committed we are to working as a country to stand up for each other,” Eby said. “And I say we don’t let up until the president takes the threat off the table.”Eby said that legislation will be introduced in the coming days, allowing the province to levy fees onto commercial trucks moving through the province to and from Alaska.The premier says he would also be introducing legislation giving the province the ability to remove interprovincial trade barriers between provinces and territories and mandating that low-carbon fuels added to gasoline and diesel be produced in Canada. He also reiterated actions the province has already taken, including removing alcohol from Republican-leaning states from B.C. Liquor Store shelves, de-prioritizing U.S. contractors on government contract bids, and fast-tracking the process through which energy and resource projects are vetted for approval in order to improve the province’s self-reliance and trade relationships with other nations.Eby says the tariffs imposed by Trump are a profound mistake and are hurting families on both sides of the border, and his team is working hard to ensure the province comes out stronger on the other side.  “Trump thinks he can bring us to our knees by threatening tariffs. Well, what he is seeing is that Canadians are standing tall [with] one voice.”How would the fees work?Eby did not share the details of how the new legislation will work.He also did not share information on the practicalities surrounding the plan to specifically fine commercial truck traffic through the United States, saying it was still early days.”It will not be implemented immediately but we will have it available if required,” he said when pressed on how the province would see the legislation working on the ground.In Nova Scotia, Premier Tim Houston has doubled the cost of tolls at the Cobequid Pass for commercial vehicles from the United States. But that’s an area which already has checks and fines in place.B.C., by contrast, does not have similar checkpoints, particularly along the Alaska Highway, which connects Alaska to Washington State through B.C. and Yukon.Speaking to CBC News earlier in the day, Yukon premier Ranj Pillai said he’d heard from many of his constituents interested in imposing similar restrictions on U.S. truck traffic but pointed out it may be easier said than done, as it would require new infrastructure, such as toll booths and new personnel to staff it.Eby said details of his plan would be revealed in the “coming days.”What could the impact be?The Alaska Highway is, in fact, a Canadian one. With its origin point in Dawson Creek, B.C., it extends more than 2,000 kilometres through Whitehorse, before ending just southeast of Fairbanks, Alaska.It was built in the Second World War by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after the bombing of Pearl Harbour as a way to ensure the United States had land access to Alaska in order to serve as a defence against Pacific incursions. It was funded by the United States, with Canadian leaders allowing the build on the condition that it be turned over to Canada following the war.The highway remains a popular tourist route and the only way for goods shipped by truck to reach Alaska.Flags for British Columbia, Canada and the United States mark Mile 0 of the Alaska Highway in Dawson Creek, B.C.

Business student earns MBA through partnership with university in India

Business News

KOKOMO, Ind. — With a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in international business, one might expect to find Dhivya Balabascarin working as an executive in a global company.

Instead, for the last few years, she’s been a cashier in the Cougar Café at Indiana University Kokomo – part of her plan to grow her skills and build her brand by earning a second MBA in business analytics.

“The IU Kokomo degree adds value to me,” said Balabascarin, who enrolled on campus as part of a dual degree program with Pondicherry University in India. Chancellor Mark Canada and Chittibabu Govindarajalu, dean of the School of Business, signed an agreement with the Indian university’s leaders in 2022, providing opportunities for students from both campuses to study overseas.

She left her family behind and moved to Indiana on her own, and says it was a bit of a culture shock.

“I learned one thing, that I have to face the world bravely,” she said. “Getting an American university degree is the dream. My parents really wanted me to come here to study. I feel really proud of making them proud.”

Moving from one of India’s densely populated cities to Indiana was her first culture shock.

“When I came here it seemed like the whole city was so silent,” Balabascarin said. “In India you have lots of people surrounding you, and lots of noise. I feel like Kokomo is so silent and peaceful. Coming from noise pollution to a calm and peaceful place makes a lot of difference.”

She took advantage of many opportunities to get involved on campus, including serving as vice president of the international student association.

Her campus job with Rozzi’s Catering allowed her to meet people and led to an internship with the campus food service providers.

“I was working as a cashier, so everybody knew me,” she said. “The Rozzis really helped me with the marketing internship. I’m so grateful. They are good people.”

Faculty members and the alumni association also were valuable resources.

“The professors were so helpful and helped me to grow with the people I met,” Balabascarin said. “The alumni association provided opportunities to network with IU Kokomo alumni, which is helping me as I look for a job.”

She added that Chancellor Canada also helped her.

“He’s a really good person,” she said. “I see him as an example of how to become a good leader. He advised me a lot.”

After graduating in December, she’s seeking a career in the United States. She previously worked as a marketing specialist and social media marketing analyst, as well as in project management, and hopes to find a similar position.

She looks forward to participating in Commencement May 13, even though her parents will be unable to make the trip from India. She hopes to bring them to the United States after she’s established her career.

“They were nervous to send me here, but they saw the value for me here, and they believe in that,” she said. “They see me working hard for my goals. My mom is so proud of me that I’ve earned my degree, I’ve lived on my own, and I will be able to make money for myself.”

Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.

Stand Up for Science Protest Friday from Federal Building to Free Speech Wall

Science and Health

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Local residents and scientists are gathering at the federal building than march to the Free Speech Wall on the Downtown Mall protesting what they call the Trump/Musk attack on research funding. Scientists and medical researchers, such as UVA medical grad student Isaiah Swann, explain what they call “devastating effects of this unexpected assault on America’s core research competencies” with NIH funding on pause. Dr. Scott Heysell, director of UVA’s Center for Global Health Equity as well microbiology, immunology, and cancer biology professor Dr. Marie-Louise Hammarskjold say these actions serve as a “brain drain” as researchers leave, and med students go elsewhere. They also point out research into deadly illnesses like ALS and cancer gene therapies are all on hold.
The rally begins with gathering at the federal building at 5, then a march starting at 5:15 to the Free Speech Wall on the Downtown Mall. A program starts at 5:45.Speakers will include:
*Prof. Manuel Lerdau, served on the EPA’s Clean Air Scientific Advisory Council until fired on 1/27* Dr. Scott Heysell, Director of UVA Center for Global Health Equity* Deborah Lawrence, Chief Scientist at Calyx Global, UVA Professor Emerita of Environmental Sciences* Prof. Mohan Nadkarni, co-founder of the Charlottesville Free Clinic* Prof. Marie-Louise Hammarskjold, Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology* Prof. Kathryn Laughon, UVA Nursing Department, Director of PhD Program

Trump confirms direct talks with Hamas

US & Canada

white house —  President Donald Trump on Thursday confirmed that his administration was negotiating with Hamas, a U.S.-designated terror group, to free the remaining hostages, and he doubled down on his earlier ultimatum that there would be “hell to pay” in Gaza if they were not released immediately. “You’re going to find out,” Trump said…

Dragons’ Den entrepreneur is quitting the show to focus on own business

Business News

DRAGONS’ Den entrepreneur Sara Davies is quitting the show to focus on her own business.The 40-year-old TV presenter, author and businesswoman joined the BBC show in 2019.1Dragons’ Den entrepreneur Sara Davies is quitting the show to focus on her own businessAt the time she was 35, making her the show’s youngest female Dragon.She joined following the departure of Jenny Campbell.Sara wrote on Instagram: “As this last run of Dragons’ comes to an end I have to say I’ve loved every minute of this series so far and I’m so proud of the businesses I’ve invested in this year!“As a lot of you will know, I’ve taken up my position again as CEO of Crafter’s Companion and my business is my big priority this year.READ MORE ON DRAGONS’ DEN“And when I commit to a business, I really commit, which is why I find Dragons’ Den such a rewarding role.“As well as filming an incredible show, being a Dragon requires so much dedication and time behind the scenes as you join the life of each business you invest in.“It means seeing through your investment and committing to your part in that organisation. It’s so much more than a TV show.“That’s why I’ve taken the decision to step away from the Den for now, to focus on my own business, which was my first baby! “So I won’t be filming with the team this year for the next series.”Sara, from County Durham will continue to be seen on episodes to be shown later this year.Sara Davies’ Inspiring Weight Loss Journey

Catering to protein-rich diets is a tasty business

Business News

Alongside the crisps in the snack aisle, supermarkets are now stacking shelves with roasted chickpeas, cheese bites and beef jerky. An array of high-protein alternatives is appearing alongside low-fat and low-sugar foods. Dairy sections are packed with hard-to-pronounce fare such as skyr and kefir. High-protein diets have become mainstream. On social media, food and fitness influencers recommend protein. Celebrities have made it trendy to look strong, rather than skinny. A trend is verging on an obsession.

Finding an Alternative Fuel Source: The Work of Arya Gurumukhi | Teen Scientist

Science and Health

On this episode, Abigail Wood is joined by Arya Gurumukhi, a 15-year-old scientist from Texas whose work to create Bionic Leaf technology seeks to combat climate change and energy insecurity. She discusses how severe winter storms and resulting power outages inspired the project, and the comparison of her fuel source to gasoline and diesel.Arya talks about about the 15 communities in South Sudan that are currently using the technology, how she began the process of providing it to them, and feedback she’s received so far from implementation. She also discusses other scientific projects and interests she’s involved in and shares advice for other young scientists looking to pursue a major project.Teen Scientist with host Abigail Wood brings you groundbreaking innovation in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines – entirely from a teenage perspective. Catch it the first Thursday of every month from 6:00 to 6:30 PM following All Things Considered.(Original air-date: 3/6/25)