If You Liked the Movie Lanterns, There Is Another Movie You Should Definitely Watch.
You’re not alone: everyone loves HBO’s Green Lanterns . The rebooted DC universe got off to a rocky start, but the new series about Green Lantern Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) trying to groom his future successor, John Stewart (Aaron Pierre), is a terrific entertainer, somehow finding the perfect balance between superhero madness and witty True Detective- style dialogue. The chemistry between Chandler and Pierre is off the charts, and the writing is truly brilliant. It’s a series that will appeal to both superhero fans and those who’ve never seen a DC or Marvel movie. If you’re looking for more of the same (and you’ve already watched other shows in the same vein ), there’s one perfect movie for you: the original Men in Black .
Why Lantern Fans Should Watch Men in Black
Agents K (Tommy Lee Jones) and J (Will Smith) aren’t superheroes, but with access to alien technology and the vast resources of the Men in Black (MIB), they might as well be. If you particularly enjoyed the conflicted, feuding relationship between disillusioned, burned-out veteran Hal Jordan and his eager young protégé John Stewart in Lanterns , you’ll love the chemistry between Smith and Jones as they investigate a dangerous, unregistered alien on Earth seeking an artifact of incredible power. The film is a bit more lighthearted, but it will satisfy your Lantern craving. Watch Men in Black on Hulu or rent it on Prime Video .
After Lanterns, there are a few more films worth watching.
If you’re looking to host your own private film festival to while away the time until the next season of Lanterns airs, here are a few more films with similar character dynamics and sci-fi mysteries to solve.
Watchmen (2009)
If you appreciated how Lantern portrays superheroes as complex human beings in a relatively realistic setting, then Zack Snyder’s adaptation of Alan Moore’s iconic 2009 comic book is a great choice. Set in a universe where masked vigilantes have risen to prominence in an increasingly dystopian America, the film is slightly less realistic in its depiction of the world, but no less gritty, and you’ll definitely enjoy the detective elements and character interactions if you enjoyed Lantern . Watch Watchmen on Prime Video .
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
If you’re drawn to the detective and noir elements of Lanterns , then the sequel to 1982’s Blade Runner is perfect—especially when it brings together Harrison Ford’s gritty Rick Deckard and Ryan Gosling’s tormented replicant K. Structured like a detective story, Blade Runner 2049 also creates a robust, believable future world that feels frighteningly real, and the interplay between K and Deckard makes it a great choice for fans of the series. Watch Blade Runner 2049 on Paramount+ or Fubo , or rent it on Prime Video .
Good Boys (2016)
The chemistry and charisma between Stewart and Jordan in Lanterns is simply superb and is one of the main reasons for the show’s success. Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling create a similar atmosphere in the underrated film Goodfellas . As a down-on-his-luck private investigator and a criminal thug who team up to find a young woman in distress, both actors are incredibly funny and share a similar dynamic to Jordan and Stewart: Crowe plays the gruff, cynical older partner, and Gosling the younger one, irritated by the more experienced Crowe (though Gosling’s Holland March is far less intimidating and capable than Aaron Pierre’s Jon Stewart). Watch Goodfellas on Prime Video .
Alien Nation (1988)
While the script doesn’t quite reach the level of “Lanterns,” “Alien Nation” stands out thanks to its unique take on the relationship between two police officers. In a world where a ship carrying alien slaves crashes on Earth and the aliens integrate into society, James Caan plays a seasoned police detective who hates the “Rookies.” When he’s assigned to partner with a rookie alien (Mandy Patinkin) to investigate two murders, he must overcome his prejudices and learn to get along with the “Rookies.” If you’re looking for more sci-fi cop stories, check this out. Rent “Alien Nation” on Prime Video .
Hidden (1987)
In Los Angeles, a group of law-abiding, ordinary citizens is committing bloody massacres. Police detective Tom Beck (Michael Nouri) and FBI agent Lloyd Gallagher (Kyle MacLachlan) soon find themselves caught up in the pursuit of a slug-like alien creature that invades people’s bodies, taking over their brains and nervous systems. Beck must quickly catch up, especially when he discovers that Gallagher is not who he claims to be. This is a forgotten gem of sci-fi horror that will appeal to fans of The Lanterns . Rent The Hidden on Prime Video .