Movies with similar plots (released at the same time)

'Friends With Benefits' (2011), 'No Strings Attached' (2011), 'The Prestige' (2006), 'Turner & Hooch' (1989), 'K-9' (1989), 'Mirror Mirror' (2012), 'Snow White And The Huntsman' (2012), 'A Bug's Life' (1998), 'Olympus Has Fallen' (2013), 'Volcano' (1997), 'Captain America: Civil War' (2016), 'Red Planet' (2000), 'Deep Impact' (1998), 'The Matrix' (1999), 'The World's End' (2013), 'Capote' (2005), 'The Truman Show' (1998), 'Tombstone' (1993), 'Wyatt Earp' (1994), 'Jobs' (2013)

Screenwriting is an art, and it's definitely not easy to come up with an interesting, original plot. This might be why there have been many cases where two strikingly similar movies have come out in close succession. It's possible that there was a particularly hot topic in the world at the time, or perhaps there was competition between Hollywood studios. However it came to pass, cinemagoers ended up with two bizarrely similar films in theaters at the same time! It's not surprising that these movies often get mixed up... 

In this gallery, we take a look at some of the most glaring examples. Click through to get started. 

'Friends With Benefits' (2011)

'Friends With Benefits' (2011), 'No Strings Attached' (2011), 'The Prestige' (2006), 'Turner & Hooch' (1989), 'K-9' (1989), 'Mirror Mirror' (2012), 'Snow White And The Huntsman' (2012), 'A Bug's Life' (1998), 'Olympus Has Fallen' (2013), 'Volcano' (1997), 'Captain America: Civil War' (2016), 'Red Planet' (2000), 'Deep Impact' (1998), 'The Matrix' (1999), 'The World's End' (2013), 'Capote' (2005), 'The Truman Show' (1998), 'Tombstone' (1993), 'Wyatt Earp' (1994), 'Jobs' (2013)

Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis play two friends who agree to have sex without compromising their friendship. Of course, feelings got in the way. The movie was a hit, and so was another rom-com with the same plot.

'No Strings Attached' (2011)

'Friends With Benefits' (2011), 'No Strings Attached' (2011), 'The Prestige' (2006), 'Turner & Hooch' (1989), 'K-9' (1989), 'Mirror Mirror' (2012), 'Snow White And The Huntsman' (2012), 'A Bug's Life' (1998), 'Olympus Has Fallen' (2013), 'Volcano' (1997), 'Captain America: Civil War' (2016), 'Red Planet' (2000), 'Deep Impact' (1998), 'The Matrix' (1999), 'The World's End' (2013), 'Capote' (2005), 'The Truman Show' (1998), 'Tombstone' (1993), 'Wyatt Earp' (1994), 'Jobs' (2013)

In 'No Strings Attached,' Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman's characters also decided to go to bed but stay "just friends." 

'The Prestige' (2006)

'Friends With Benefits' (2011), 'No Strings Attached' (2011), 'The Prestige' (2006), 'Turner & Hooch' (1989), 'K-9' (1989), 'Mirror Mirror' (2012), 'Snow White And The Huntsman' (2012), 'A Bug's Life' (1998), 'Olympus Has Fallen' (2013), 'Volcano' (1997), 'Captain America: Civil War' (2016), 'Red Planet' (2000), 'Deep Impact' (1998), 'The Matrix' (1999), 'The World's End' (2013), 'Capote' (2005), 'The Truman Show' (1998), 'Tombstone' (1993), 'Wyatt Earp' (1994), 'Jobs' (2013)

A thriller featuring illusionists? Yes, please. 'The Prestige' is about the competition between two magicians. But there was yet another movie released in the same year which features an illusionist. 

'Turner & Hooch' (1989)

'Friends With Benefits' (2011), 'No Strings Attached' (2011), 'The Prestige' (2006), 'Turner & Hooch' (1989), 'K-9' (1989), 'Mirror Mirror' (2012), 'Snow White And The Huntsman' (2012), 'A Bug's Life' (1998), 'Olympus Has Fallen' (2013), 'Volcano' (1997), 'Captain America: Civil War' (2016), 'Red Planet' (2000), 'Deep Impact' (1998), 'The Matrix' (1999), 'The World's End' (2013), 'Capote' (2005), 'The Truman Show' (1998), 'Tombstone' (1993), 'Wyatt Earp' (1994), 'Jobs' (2013)

In 1989, two buddy cop films came out with the exact same plot: a California detective who finds himself with a dog partner against his will. The dog then helps them solve their cases. Tom Hanks plays the protagonist in 'Turner & Hooch.'

'K-9' (1989)

'Friends With Benefits' (2011), 'No Strings Attached' (2011), 'The Prestige' (2006), 'Turner & Hooch' (1989), 'K-9' (1989), 'Mirror Mirror' (2012), 'Snow White And The Huntsman' (2012), 'A Bug's Life' (1998), 'Olympus Has Fallen' (2013), 'Volcano' (1997), 'Captain America: Civil War' (2016), 'Red Planet' (2000), 'Deep Impact' (1998), 'The Matrix' (1999), 'The World's End' (2013), 'Capote' (2005), 'The Truman Show' (1998), 'Tombstone' (1993), 'Wyatt Earp' (1994), 'Jobs' (2013)

The stars of 'K-9,' on the other hand, are Jim Belushi and his German Shepherd. Whereas 'Turner & Hooch' is set in Northern California, 'K-9' is set in Southern California. How different, right?

'Mirror Mirror' (2012)

'Friends With Benefits' (2011), 'No Strings Attached' (2011), 'The Prestige' (2006), 'Turner & Hooch' (1989), 'K-9' (1989), 'Mirror Mirror' (2012), 'Snow White And The Huntsman' (2012), 'A Bug's Life' (1998), 'Olympus Has Fallen' (2013), 'Volcano' (1997), 'Captain America: Civil War' (2016), 'Red Planet' (2000), 'Deep Impact' (1998), 'The Matrix' (1999), 'The World's End' (2013), 'Capote' (2005), 'The Truman Show' (1998), 'Tombstone' (1993), 'Wyatt Earp' (1994), 'Jobs' (2013)

'Mirror Mirror' is a rendition of the fairytale Snow White. Basically Snow White and a guy try to stop her evil stepmother. 

'Snow White And The Huntsman' (2012)

'Friends With Benefits' (2011), 'No Strings Attached' (2011), 'The Prestige' (2006), 'Turner & Hooch' (1989), 'K-9' (1989), 'Mirror Mirror' (2012), 'Snow White And The Huntsman' (2012), 'A Bug's Life' (1998), 'Olympus Has Fallen' (2013), 'Volcano' (1997), 'Captain America: Civil War' (2016), 'Red Planet' (2000), 'Deep Impact' (1998), 'The Matrix' (1999), 'The World's End' (2013), 'Capote' (2005), 'The Truman Show' (1998), 'Tombstone' (1993), 'Wyatt Earp' (1994), 'Jobs' (2013)

'Snow White And The Huntsman' is also an adaptation of the classic fairytale. Although it took a darker approach than 'Mirror Mirror,' did the world really need two Snow White movies in 2012?

'A Bug's Life' (1998)

'Friends With Benefits' (2011), 'No Strings Attached' (2011), 'The Prestige' (2006), 'Turner & Hooch' (1989), 'K-9' (1989), 'Mirror Mirror' (2012), 'Snow White And The Huntsman' (2012), 'A Bug's Life' (1998), 'Olympus Has Fallen' (2013), 'Volcano' (1997), 'Captain America: Civil War' (2016), 'Red Planet' (2000), 'Deep Impact' (1998), 'The Matrix' (1999), 'The World's End' (2013), 'Capote' (2005), 'The Truman Show' (1998), 'Tombstone' (1993), 'Wyatt Earp' (1994), 'Jobs' (2013)

Two similar (and bizarrely specific) animations came out in 1998. They both featured ants and an oppressor. In the case of 'A Bug's Life,' the oppressor was another insect species: grasshoppers.  

'Olympus Has Fallen' (2013)

'Friends With Benefits' (2011), 'No Strings Attached' (2011), 'The Prestige' (2006), 'Turner & Hooch' (1989), 'K-9' (1989), 'Mirror Mirror' (2012), 'Snow White And The Huntsman' (2012), 'A Bug's Life' (1998), 'Olympus Has Fallen' (2013), 'Volcano' (1997), 'Captain America: Civil War' (2016), 'Red Planet' (2000), 'Deep Impact' (1998), 'The Matrix' (1999), 'The World's End' (2013), 'Capote' (2005), 'The Truman Show' (1998), 'Tombstone' (1993), 'Wyatt Earp' (1994), 'Jobs' (2013)

In this movie the White House is invaded by a group of North Koreans who hold the president hostage. Then, an ex-Secret Service agent tries to rescue him. 

'Volcano' (1997)

'Friends With Benefits' (2011), 'No Strings Attached' (2011), 'The Prestige' (2006), 'Turner & Hooch' (1989), 'K-9' (1989), 'Mirror Mirror' (2012), 'Snow White And The Huntsman' (2012), 'A Bug's Life' (1998), 'Olympus Has Fallen' (2013), 'Volcano' (1997), 'Captain America: Civil War' (2016), 'Red Planet' (2000), 'Deep Impact' (1998), 'The Matrix' (1999), 'The World's End' (2013), 'Capote' (2005), 'The Truman Show' (1998), 'Tombstone' (1993), 'Wyatt Earp' (1994), 'Jobs' (2013)

The year was 1997 and the world was apparently in need of two disaster movies where the protagonist's warnings are ignored by authorities and then there's a race against time, and lava. 

'Captain America: Civil War' (2016)

'Friends With Benefits' (2011), 'No Strings Attached' (2011), 'The Prestige' (2006), 'Turner & Hooch' (1989), 'K-9' (1989), 'Mirror Mirror' (2012), 'Snow White And The Huntsman' (2012), 'A Bug's Life' (1998), 'Olympus Has Fallen' (2013), 'Volcano' (1997), 'Captain America: Civil War' (2016), 'Red Planet' (2000), 'Deep Impact' (1998), 'The Matrix' (1999), 'The World's End' (2013), 'Capote' (2005), 'The Truman Show' (1998), 'Tombstone' (1993), 'Wyatt Earp' (1994), 'Jobs' (2013)

Hollywood can't get enough of feuding superheroes. In 2016, we saw Captain America and Iron Man disagreeing over a government decision. 

'Red Planet' (2000)

'Friends With Benefits' (2011), 'No Strings Attached' (2011), 'The Prestige' (2006), 'Turner & Hooch' (1989), 'K-9' (1989), 'Mirror Mirror' (2012), 'Snow White And The Huntsman' (2012), 'A Bug's Life' (1998), 'Olympus Has Fallen' (2013), 'Volcano' (1997), 'Captain America: Civil War' (2016), 'Red Planet' (2000), 'Deep Impact' (1998), 'The Matrix' (1999), 'The World's End' (2013), 'Capote' (2005), 'The Truman Show' (1998), 'Tombstone' (1993), 'Wyatt Earp' (1994), 'Jobs' (2013)

Both 'Red Planet' and 'Mission To Mars' are set on Mars. The first one takes place in 2056 as humans are trying to make Mars habitable, but fail miserably. 

'Deep Impact' (1998)

'Friends With Benefits' (2011), 'No Strings Attached' (2011), 'The Prestige' (2006), 'Turner & Hooch' (1989), 'K-9' (1989), 'Mirror Mirror' (2012), 'Snow White And The Huntsman' (2012), 'A Bug's Life' (1998), 'Olympus Has Fallen' (2013), 'Volcano' (1997), 'Captain America: Civil War' (2016), 'Red Planet' (2000), 'Deep Impact' (1998), 'The Matrix' (1999), 'The World's End' (2013), 'Capote' (2005), 'The Truman Show' (1998), 'Tombstone' (1993), 'Wyatt Earp' (1994), 'Jobs' (2013)

Both of the following movies are about how the government deals with the fact that a comet is on a collision course with Earth. In 'Deep Impact,' the president responds by building a network of caves.

'The Matrix' (1999)

'Friends With Benefits' (2011), 'No Strings Attached' (2011), 'The Prestige' (2006), 'Turner & Hooch' (1989), 'K-9' (1989), 'Mirror Mirror' (2012), 'Snow White And The Huntsman' (2012), 'A Bug's Life' (1998), 'Olympus Has Fallen' (2013), 'Volcano' (1997), 'Captain America: Civil War' (2016), 'Red Planet' (2000), 'Deep Impact' (1998), 'The Matrix' (1999), 'The World's End' (2013), 'Capote' (2005), 'The Truman Show' (1998), 'Tombstone' (1993), 'Wyatt Earp' (1994), 'Jobs' (2013)

'The Matrix' was a huge hit, but it wasn't the only movie to come out in 1999 exploring the limits of reality.

'The World's End' (2013)

'Friends With Benefits' (2011), 'No Strings Attached' (2011), 'The Prestige' (2006), 'Turner & Hooch' (1989), 'K-9' (1989), 'Mirror Mirror' (2012), 'Snow White And The Huntsman' (2012), 'A Bug's Life' (1998), 'Olympus Has Fallen' (2013), 'Volcano' (1997), 'Captain America: Civil War' (2016), 'Red Planet' (2000), 'Deep Impact' (1998), 'The Matrix' (1999), 'The World's End' (2013), 'Capote' (2005), 'The Truman Show' (1998), 'Tombstone' (1993), 'Wyatt Earp' (1994), 'Jobs' (2013)

Who doesn't like an apocalyptic comedy, right? Five friends reunite in their hometown to go on a drinking marathon, but end up trying to save the world. 

'Capote' (2005)

'Friends With Benefits' (2011), 'No Strings Attached' (2011), 'The Prestige' (2006), 'Turner & Hooch' (1989), 'K-9' (1989), 'Mirror Mirror' (2012), 'Snow White And The Huntsman' (2012), 'A Bug's Life' (1998), 'Olympus Has Fallen' (2013), 'Volcano' (1997), 'Captain America: Civil War' (2016), 'Red Planet' (2000), 'Deep Impact' (1998), 'The Matrix' (1999), 'The World's End' (2013), 'Capote' (2005), 'The Truman Show' (1998), 'Tombstone' (1993), 'Wyatt Earp' (1994), 'Jobs' (2013)

How many films about Truman Capote does one need in the space of a year? Two, apparently. 

'The Truman Show' (1998)

'Friends With Benefits' (2011), 'No Strings Attached' (2011), 'The Prestige' (2006), 'Turner & Hooch' (1989), 'K-9' (1989), 'Mirror Mirror' (2012), 'Snow White And The Huntsman' (2012), 'A Bug's Life' (1998), 'Olympus Has Fallen' (2013), 'Volcano' (1997), 'Captain America: Civil War' (2016), 'Red Planet' (2000), 'Deep Impact' (1998), 'The Matrix' (1999), 'The World's End' (2013), 'Capote' (2005), 'The Truman Show' (1998), 'Tombstone' (1993), 'Wyatt Earp' (1994), 'Jobs' (2013)

Reality TV wasn't as popular in the late 1990s as it is today, and of course, how far it might go hadn't been explored yet. 'The Truman Show' is about a man who unknowingly has his entire life made into a TV show.

'Tombstone' (1993)

'Friends With Benefits' (2011), 'No Strings Attached' (2011), 'The Prestige' (2006), 'Turner & Hooch' (1989), 'K-9' (1989), 'Mirror Mirror' (2012), 'Snow White And The Huntsman' (2012), 'A Bug's Life' (1998), 'Olympus Has Fallen' (2013), 'Volcano' (1997), 'Captain America: Civil War' (2016), 'Red Planet' (2000), 'Deep Impact' (1998), 'The Matrix' (1999), 'The World's End' (2013), 'Capote' (2005), 'The Truman Show' (1998), 'Tombstone' (1993), 'Wyatt Earp' (1994), 'Jobs' (2013)

Released just one year apart, these two movies focus on the famous law enforcement officer Wyatt Earp.

'Wyatt Earp' (1994)

'Friends With Benefits' (2011), 'No Strings Attached' (2011), 'The Prestige' (2006), 'Turner & Hooch' (1989), 'K-9' (1989), 'Mirror Mirror' (2012), 'Snow White And The Huntsman' (2012), 'A Bug's Life' (1998), 'Olympus Has Fallen' (2013), 'Volcano' (1997), 'Captain America: Civil War' (2016), 'Red Planet' (2000), 'Deep Impact' (1998), 'The Matrix' (1999), 'The World's End' (2013), 'Capote' (2005), 'The Truman Show' (1998), 'Tombstone' (1993), 'Wyatt Earp' (1994), 'Jobs' (2013)

While 'Tombstone' addresses Earp's life as a lawman in Tombstone, 'Wyatt Earp' delves into his past as a gambler and outlaw.

'Jobs' (2013)

'Friends With Benefits' (2011), 'No Strings Attached' (2011), 'The Prestige' (2006), 'Turner & Hooch' (1989), 'K-9' (1989), 'Mirror Mirror' (2012), 'Snow White And The Huntsman' (2012), 'A Bug's Life' (1998), 'Olympus Has Fallen' (2013), 'Volcano' (1997), 'Captain America: Civil War' (2016), 'Red Planet' (2000), 'Deep Impact' (1998), 'The Matrix' (1999), 'The World's End' (2013), 'Capote' (2005), 'The Truman Show' (1998), 'Tombstone' (1993), 'Wyatt Earp' (1994), 'Jobs' (2013)

Okay, these two movies didn't come at the exact same time, but two years is not that long for a biopic about the same person to hit the theaters. Ashton Kutcher portrayed Apple's Steve Jobs in this one.

Post Related