Perhaps it's a race to get the movie released before the other?
Often times people can't remember the name of a film and resort to sharing conversations consisting of comments like "you know, that one movie with the guy who knew the girl from that one place."
It may be happening because you've either seen a lot of movies, or it may be occurring because there are so many similar films out there. Frankly, it's even more obvious when a "twin film" lights up the big screen.
No, I'm not talking about the film Twins with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny Devito, or the bundle of movies the Olsen twins ruthlessly released in the 90s.
I'm talking about two separate movies that get released in the same year and pretty much have the same exact plot.
Some see it as a phenomenon while others know that the production companies were investing in similar scripts around the same time. Perhaps it's a race to get the movie released before the other?
Here are a couple of examples but they were released in different years...
Street Fighter (1994) vs. Mortal Kombat (1995)
Showgirls (1995) vs. Striptease (1996)
Let's get back on track, though.
Check out the following list of films that were released in the same year with the same or very similar plots. For me, it brings back a sense of nostalgia looking at these and I've found myself trying to decide which film I like better.
Here's just a handful of plots that came out in the same year. Which film reigned supreme?
Ready... FIGHT!
Babe vs. Gordy (1995)
If you're one of the people that thought Hollywood needed more movies about piglets than you were in luck in the mid-90s. Now that I think about it... I can't really remember what either of them were about, but I found myself imagining the pig meeting a crafty spider by the name of Charlotte. Wrong movie, right?
Dante's Peak vs. Volcano (1997)
This pair of films erupted onto the big screen in the late 90s and both were a disaster, I mean, disaster movies. Actually, Volcano was a lot of fun to watch and I don't remember much about Dante's Peak. I was young when I saw it in the theater and I think I mistook it for a James Bond movie.
Antz vs. A Bug's Life (1998)
One of these films had a more childish vibe. Here's a hint: it's not the story featuring an ant voiced by Woody Allen, which may "bug" certain audiences. However, I always preferred that film (Antz) over A Bug's Life. Did you know Antz was the first fully computer-generated production by DreamWorks? That big, green ogre and donkey soon followed.
Beautiful Boy vs. Ben is Back (2018)
Both of these films are about addiction and honestly really great. My favorite is Beautiful Boy because of its raw, realistic situations. It's also a true story and based on two written novels — one was written by the father and the other by the son. It gives you two sides to the story. Although, Ben is Back has plenty of realism to it. It's based on situations the director experienced throughout his life.
After Earth vs. Oblivion (2013)
For a moment, I thought I was looking at the same person standing the middle of nowhere, with a gun on their back and a waterfall in the distance. Perhaps the graphic artists who were responsible for these movies posters are roommates or share the same computer.
Paul Blart: Mall Cop vs. Observe and Report (2009)
Neither one of these movies gives mall security guards a good image... Well, maybe Paul Blart. Honestly, I enjoyed both of these movies for different reasons. Paul Blart is good, old fashioned fun while Observe and Report is much ruder and cruder.
The Illusionist vs. The Prestige (2006)
Two of the same films in the same year?! This must be witchcraft! Actually, in this case, it's revolving around magic. I only ever saw one of these movies and really liked it (The Illusionist) but so many people have told me to watch The Prestige, too. I don't know. I think I had my fair share of magic by watching one of them.
Over the Hedge vs. Open Season (2006)
Well, these wild and crazy animals are having a dang good time. Both of these movies make me happy, too. It's also refreshing to know that Disney didn't create either one of these furry films. Here's a strange tidbit: RJ the raccoon in Over the Hedge is voiced by Bruce Willis, and the one-horned mule deer named Elliot in Open Season is voiced by Ashton Kutcher — both were married to Demi Moore at one point.
Armageddon vs. Deep Impact (1998)
I only ever saw Armageddon when I was younger, so I supposed Deep Impact didn't have much of an impact on me. However, I caught the end of it at a brewery. So if you were having trouble choosing which to watch, consider this: Do you want to see the world saved from an asteroid or see it destroy everything in sight?
Mission to Mars vs. Red Planet (2000)
I'm seeing red here. Are these the same movie? I wonder if the two crews met up on Mars — the red planet — and had a beer together in a hidden speakeasy that our rovers haven't discovered yet.
Orange County vs. Stealing Harvard (2001)
Oh, the pressure of getting excellent grades in college... For some reason, there was a weird trend to make movies surrounded by the stresses of being accepted and these two movies nailed it — in the same year. I like all of the actors in these two movies, but my heart has to settle with Jack Black in Orange County. Also, maybe it's what inspired him to be a teacher in School of Rock...
No Strings Attached vs. Friends With Benefits (2011)
Did we really need two of these movies? Probably. I ended up liking one of them. I'll keep that information to myself, though. If you look close enough you'll notice that the tagline for No Strings Attached is "Friendship has its benefits." Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis are married now... I wonder which film they prefer to watch?
Turner & Hooch vs. K-9 (1989)
For a second there, I could've sworn they were wearing the same tie. Nonetheless, both of these movies are great buddy cop-dog films about an officer who gets a dog for a partner. Maybe I'm just a sucker for pups. "Who's a good boy?!"
In conclusion, these types of strange phenomenons, coincidences, or perfectly planned productions are still happening and will never stop happening — in my opinion.
If this is the first time you're noticing these "twin films" or copycats then I apologize because you'll never stop noticing the connection. Usually, the films are a year or two apart so if you're noticing something fishy don't try to deny the similarities.
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