Clone Movies, Ranked

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In the world of cinema, numerous movies are remakes or adaptations of existing works. But have you ever considered a film about remakes itself? Bong Joon Ho’s latest production, titled Mickey 17, marks his return to directing since his groundbreaking film, Parasite won the Best Picture award. This innovative movie is based on an original concept and falls under a timeless category of films that delve into the essence of originality – it can be described as a film about clones.

As a cinema enthusiast, I’m eagerly anticipating the science fiction film adaptation of “Mickey7,” starring Robert Pattinson as Mickey Barnes. In this intriguing narrative, my character agrees to clone himself, leading to a cycle of life and death as he tackles perilous jobs. Director Bong skillfully employs cloning as a tool to delve into the complexities of living and dying, particularly under capitalism.

Clones in movies have always been fascinating, serving multiple thematic purposes over the years. They often invite viewers to ponder their pasts, and in many instances, allow actors to confront their own histories almost literally on screen. Clones provoke questions about our purpose in life or challenge us to consider if we’re truly real. They stir thoughts on mortality and immortality, and they’re a hotbed of ethical dilemmas. In essence, they offer a rich canvas for filmmakers to paint profound themes on.

Despite the intriguing concept of clones in storytelling, many films exploring this theme often fall short, with a majority being quite simplistic. The challenge lies in translating clone narratives into cinema effectively, either due to the genre’s tendency towards sensationalism or the filmmakers becoming overwhelmed by the grandiosity of the ideas. The history of clone movies resembles a row of pods from these very films – many attempts have failed. Yet, there are instances when clone movies succeed brilliantly. Here is a list ranking clone movies from least impressive to most, focusing only on those that involve clones in a scientific context rather than supernatural duplicates or mechanical counterparts.

25.
Repli-Kate (2002)

2002’s National Lampoon sex comedy, “This Movie Title,” embodies the maturity one might anticipate from such a film. The story revolves around Max, a graduate student developing a cloning device, who inadvertently duplicates Kate, a brilliant and attractive journalist covering the invention. This duplicate shares the original Kate’s attractiveness but is essentially a tabula rasa. Max and his friends proceed to mold her into their idea of the perfect woman… until the clone’s boisterous nature and sexual aggression become excessive for them, resulting in a series of crass, predictable jokes. Instead of a cloning device, this film might as well be a time machine, transporting us back to a period not far removed from our own, where gender dynamics are distressingly retrograde.

24.
Replicant (2001)

As a dedicated film aficionado, I must admit that Jean-Claude Van Damme’s stardom had waned by the release of “Replicant,” a direct-to-DVD thriller about clones, which coincidentally hit the shelves exactly one week after 9/11. In this film, Van Damme plays an infamous serial killer who preys on women, and the plot revolves around the authorities’ desperate plan to create a clone with his genetic memories, enabling him to utilize his instincts and some enigmatic psychic connection to track down the murderer. If you’re in the mood for some B-movie action, it’s not a terrible concept. However, the execution leaves much to be desired, as Van Damme’s clone is portrayed as a simple-minded toddler throughout most of the movie, treated more like a pet than a sentient being by those around him. The highly anticipated showdown between Van Damme and his clone falls flat, but Michael Rooker delivers an entertaining performance as the grumpy handler of the clone.

23.
Replicas (2018)

The film Replicas, despite boasting a profound and unsettling concept, often falls short in its execution, resembling something less intelligent than a dog’s droppings. Keanu Reeves portrays a scientist who employs advanced cloning and robotics technology to resurrect his deceased family following a tragic car accident. Due to limited resources, he must make a heart-wrenching sci-fi decision to erase the memory of his youngest daughter from the minds of his revived family members. However, instead of evoking the intended disturbance, Replicas is repeatedly undermined by the script’s confusing tone and comedic performances that seem out of place. For instance, a robot in the film tearfully disassembles itself upon receiving a deceased man’s consciousness, while in another scene, Alice Eve, playing Reeves’s spouse, casually scolds him for attempting to resurrect so many people in their kitchen.

22.
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)

As a die-hard cinema enthusiast, I’d rephrase it like this: In the world of Jurassic Park, the dinosaurs we see are technically clones, but cloning is just a arrogant step towards reviving these ancient beasts. The movie Fallen Kingdom, part of the Jurassic World trilogy, does touch on the ethical implications of cloning, albeit not too forcefully. It’s revealed that John Hammond had a rift with his unspoken partner, Benjamin Lockwood, due to Lockwood cloning his late daughter. This twist, where precocious Maisie Lockwood is discovered to be a clone, humanizes the abstract ethical dilemma that Fallen Kingdom barely hints at. If only any of the characters (or even the dinosaurs) in this sequel were worth rooting for.

21.
Star Trek: Nemesis (2002)

Nemesis,” often considered one of the weaker films in the series, features a battle between the Enterprise, led by Captain Jean-Luc Picard (played by Patrick Stewart), and a clone of Picard who has seized control of the Romulan Empire. The clone, Shinzon, portrayed by a young Tom Hardy, was intended to infiltrate Star Fleet but was left as a slave after that plan failed. Shinzon symbolizes what Captain Picard might have become if he had endured the same harsh upbringing as his counterpart. Unfortunately, neither character is developed enough to make viewers care about this contrast the film aims to explore. Instead, you’re left with some basic philosophical discussions, unimpressive action sequences, and one of Star Trek’s less appealing visual styles.

20.
Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones (2002)

The cartoons derived from Star Wars, such as Clone Wars and particularly The Bad Batch, delve deeply into the societal and philosophical impacts of having a massive clone army throughout the galaxy. Contrastingly, Attack of the Clones, the movie that introduces them, primarily focuses on their role as an attack force for the Republic against the Separatist droids, rather than exploring their individual identities or the implications of being identical clones destined to die in battle. Only Boba Fett, who is unique because he wasn’t artificially aged up and thus differs from all other Jango Fett clones, receives any attention. Instead, it would be less complex (and arguably less engaging) to investigate the personal experiences of being a single clone in a legion of identical soldiers.

19.
The Other Me (1996)

Despite being ranked near the bottom by Vulture among all Disney Channel Original Movies, “The Other Me” is far from the poorest example of clone movies. The character Will, portrayed by Andrew Lawrence, is struggling with his schoolwork and faces the possibility of military summer camp if he doesn’t improve. In a strange incident involving tiny sea creature-like organisms, he inadvertently produces a clone named Twoie, who attends school while Will indulges in mischief. Although the subsequent events are predictable, “The Other Two” offers a decent dose of entertaining antics and heartfelt emotion as Will comes to understand that people prefer his clone because Twoie is putting in the effort and trying hard. A valuable lesson can be gleaned from this story.

18.
Multiplicity

Michael Keaton skillfully stars in the sci-fi comedy “Multiplicity,” portraying a character reminiscent of ’90s sitcom dads who prioritize their jobs over family time. His character Doug, a construction worker, discovers a method of cloning, creating multiple versions of himself to handle both work and home responsibilities. However, things get complicated when the clones start reproducing, leading to an imperfect copy of a copy. The film occasionally touches upon themes of work-life balance that became more prominent in shows like “Severance” years later. Primarily, it’s enjoyable to watch Keaton interacting with his multiple selves. While not his finest performance, the movie offers the unique advantage of Keaton appearing numerous times, making it his most extensive role, which is noteworthy.

17.
(tie) Parts: The Clonus Horror (1979)

1970s sci-fi films often feature intriguing concepts paired with a gloomy, almost pessimistic outlook, but their low-budget and amateurish production values undermine the impact. The film Parts: The Clonus Horror embodies this pattern perfectly. A group of individuals live in a secluded compound under the illusion of a peaceful existence, with the hope of someday visiting “America.” However, one character discovers the grim reality: they are all clones, bred for their organs to be used by wealthy elites when they fall ill. While it’s an engaging premise and the movie ends on a dark note, its obvious budget constraints and inadequate filmmaking skills make it challenging to take it seriously. This is why Mystery Science Theater 3000 made fun of this film.

17.
(tie) The Island (2005)

The Clonus Horror” are similar movies, with “The Island” being a big-budget, flashy version of the original. Despite sharing the same plot, the makers of “Parts” sued DreamWorks and received a large sum of money because of it. While “Parts” might appear amateurish, “The Island” looks overly polished and action-packed. However, “The Island” lacks the depth that makes you yearn for the raw, low-fi atmosphere of ’70s sci-fi. It’s ironic that a film about clones, which is supposed to be a copy, is visually impressive but lacks some of the original’s soul.

15.
Swan Song (2021)

In a future that resembles an Apple Store, the Apple TV+ film titled “Swan Song” unfolds, focusing on Mahershala Ali’s character, Cameron Turner, who is battling a terminal illness and contemplating the creation of a clone to take his place without his family’s awareness. Ali delivers a nuanced performance as he portrays both Cameron and his clone, navigating their predicaments while exploring the impact this decision might have on their loved ones. However, “Swan Song” tends to be overly sentimental, making it a more melancholic journey than one might expect from a contemplative exploration of mortality.

14.
Oblivion (2013)

In Joseph Kosinski’s post-apocalyptic film, Oblivion, the concept of cloning isn’t introduced until late in the story when it’s disclosed that Tom Cruise’s character, a repair technician, is not working for the remaining Earth population; instead, he’s one of many clones created by an intelligent machine that dominates Earth. Critics argue that this twist and other aspects such as character development and narrative consistency are weak points in the movie. However, the film does offer stunning visuals of Iceland’s landscapes serving as a backdrop for a desolate future Earth, which provides an almost compelling sci-fi experience. Is it good enough to make a great sci-fi movie? Almost, but not quite.

13.
Gemini Man (2019)

In the movie “Gemini Man,” Will Smith portrays a skilled sniper whose retirement is disrupted when he’s pursued by a deadly clone, who happens to be a younger version of himself. Unfortunately, Ang Lee’s film didn’t perform well at the box office, possibly due to the fact that it was primarily shown in a high-frame rate Imax format, which many people couldn’t access. Without the immersive experience provided by 120fps, Gemini Man becomes just another typical sci-fi action movie. If you aren’t impressed by the motorcycle chases, gun battles, and explosions, you might find yourself analyzing the digital de-aging technology that brings present-day Smith face-to-face with his younger “Bel-Air” self. It’s unfortunate that the film’s strengths are hidden behind a movie format that audiences consistently snub, as there is exciting action and an intriguing (albeit not especially profound) meta aspect to seeing a major Hollywood star battle his past due to cloning/cinematic trickery.

12.
The Boys From Brazil (1978)

In this peculiar and suspenseful thriller, titled “The Boys From Brazil“, acting greats Laurence Olivier and Gregory Peck take center stage. The plot revolves around a group of former Nazis, led by Josef Mengele (played by Peck), who are attempting to resurrect Hitler through cloning. Mengele has placed 94 miniature Adolf Hitlers with unsuspecting adoptive parents who resemble the original dictator’s family. To ensure that his Hitler clones meet a similar fate, Mengele orchestrates a series of murders, making sure each clone loses their father at the same age as the original Hitler. On the other side, Olivier portrays an eccentric but effective Nazi hunter who uncovers a secret operation involving Nazi fugitives in Paraguay. This film, while seemingly more outrageous than a movie about cloning Hitler would suggest, offers an entertaining spectacle as it explores legendary actors in such a distinctive and thought-provoking narrative, adding a touch of Godwin’s law to the “nature vs. nurture” debate.

11.
Infinity Pool (2023)

Occasionally, a vacation might make you feel like an entirely different individual. The movie “Infinity Pool” takes this concept literally by employing a distressing form of cloning, as portrayed when Alexander Skarsgård’s character encounters legal troubles during his visit to the fictional country Li Tolqa. For a fee, criminals can have themselves duplicated, allowing them to escape justice while their protesting replicas are killed instead. Despite having little more than superficial criticisms about wealthy individuals misbehaving, director Brandon Cronenberg delivers these themes with an enthusiastic flair, even going so far as to use violence to reinforce the message.

10.
Pokémon: The First Movie (1998)

Is it hard to imagine that the first feature-length Pokémon movie presents one of the most heartbreaking clone tales in any film, whether it’s a children’s cartoon or not? Although some of Mewtwo’s darker origins were removed in the American version, this legendary Pokémon wasn’t merely a clone of Mew designed as a weapon for Team Rocket. Instead, Dr. Fuji, his creator, was driven by the desire to resurrect his deceased daughter, Amber, through cloning. As Mewtwo grows up in a tube, he develops powerful psychic bonds with Ambertwo and clones of Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. However, when these clone friends start deteriorating and dying in a heartrending sequence, Mewtwo turns to villainy. Unlike Ash Ketchum’s companion, Ambertwo does not recover from this tragic event.

9.
They Cloned Tyrone (2023)

In a twist of unfortunate timing, this stylish, intelligent, sci-fi-infused revival found itself premiering on Netflix during the chaos of Barbenheimer weekend, thereby getting somewhat overshadowed by explosions and blonde beauties. It’s too bad, really, because “They Clone Tyrone” is a real laugh riot! John Boyega and Jamie Foxx play a drug dealer and a flamboyant pimp, respectively, who stumble upon a sinister plot in their neighborhood. Alongside a sassy sex worker portrayed by Teyonah Parris, these characters reminiscent of blaxploitation archetypes uncover the reasons behind their stereotypical roles. The storyline weaves together themes of cloning, mind control, and assimilation.

As the film progresses, “The Cloned Tyrone” starts to lose its way amidst the growing number of plot twists, but it’s an impressive debut for director Juel Taylor, offering a fun and promising start to what could be a captivating series.

8.
Us (2019)

In Jordan Peele’s second film, “Us,” the characters known as The Tethered walk a fine line between being excessively supernatural and fitting into the category of proper clone movies. However, they were created through a failed experiment by a clandestine organization. The movie employs these doppelgängers to portray the sinister side of privilege. When Lupita Nyong’o’s family is on vacation, their Tethered are forced to live in squalor. The surprising ending underscores the striking similarities between them and highlights how class can be a purely arbitrary construct. “Us” explores the connection between privilege and suffering, which are two sides of an unavoidable coin. Unlike many clone movies that depict cloning as a controversial luxury for the wealthy, “Us” delves deeper into its broader implications.

7.
Moon (2009)

In “Moon,” Sam Rockwell brilliantly anchors this critically praised indie sci-fi film, leading viewers to believe it’s essentially a two-person production. The unique nature of clone movies allows for top-tier actors like Rockwell to take on multiple roles (and more), and the limited yet thought-provoking storyline of “Moon” offers him ample opportunities. He portrays a man who is nearing the end of a solitary, three-year mission mining helium-3 on the moon. Following an accident, he uncovers the truth about his existence; confronted with a recently activated clone, they both grapple with their identities. On one level, “Moon” delves into the concept of loneliness by literally representing being alone, save for your own self as company.

6.
Never Let Me Go (2010)

In a remarkable display of understated melancholy, the movie “Never Let Me Go” stands out, despite its storyline being profoundly heart-wrenching due to an alternate, subtly dystopian setting in Britain. The film features Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightley, and Andrew Garfield as a close-knit group of friends, who discover they are clones, destined to have their organs harvested until their untimely deaths or “completion.”

The narrative bears similarities to “Parts: The Clonus Horror” or “The Island,” but the film and Kazuo Ishiguro’s 2005 novel diverge by focusing more on emotional depth than conspiracy. Instead of questioning if these characters possess souls, we find ourselves questioning the inhumane society that allows such atrocities to occur.

“Never Let Me Go” elicits a powerful mix of painful empathy and uncomfortable complacency.

5.
Mickey 17 (2025)

Contrary to the presumption derived from the title and synopsis of Mickey 17, Bong Joon Ho’s newest film does not involve Robert Pattinson’s character meeting a grisly or comically morbid demise on sixteen occasions. While Pattinson plays Mickey Barnes, an “Expendable” who undertakes hazardous missions or serves as a test subject for medical research, the focus of Mickey 17 deviates from the manner in which these clones perish to instead explore their existence and survival under capitalism.

4.
Logan (2017)

In superhero comics and films, clones are often common, but in the movie “Logan,” Hugh Jackman’s final portrayal of the legendary X-Men character (excluding Deadpool and Wolverine), the two clones are used to add extra emotional depth to Logan’s goodbye. Dafne Keen’s character, X23, symbolizes his future, while the clone of Logan in his prime, X24, stands for his violent past. Typically, pop culture cloning provides characters with a chance to endure or battle their darkest selves; however, “Logan” strengthens these thematically significant clones by equipping them with adamantium skeletons, making the connections both literal and metaphorical more powerful.

3.
The Prestige (2006)

In an unconventional twist, “The Prestige,” directed by Christopher Nolan, is often hailed as his finest work despite the absence of cloning in the scientific sense. However, David Bowie’s portrayal of Nikola Tesla inventing a device that duplicates Hugh Jackman’s Angier character might suggest otherwise. This device enables Angier to drown himself repeatedly, allowing his duplicate to survive and continue performing in the following night’s show. This film, rich with surprises, delves into the world of rival stage magicians, examining themes of obsession and the extent one is willing to sacrifice for their art. The concept of cloning serves to intensify these themes, as both Angier and his adversary, Christian Bale’s Borden, push the boundaries by living partially through their mirrored selves.

2.
Dual (2022)

In the film titled “Dual“, Karen Gillan, known for her role in “Guardians of the Galaxy“, plays Sarah, a young woman grappling with depression who decides to be cloned due to a terminal illness diagnosis. However, when she miraculously recovers, law dictates that she must engage in a life-or-death combat (more like a duel) with her clone within a year. The strange atmosphere of the movie is reminiscent of low-budget ’70s sci-fi but with modern production values. The setting, resembling a high school football field, and the deliberate stiffness in Riley Stearns’ writing create an eerie, fitting ambiance for a clone-related story.

1.
World of Tomorrow (2015, 2017, 2020)

Describing Don Hertzfeldt’s trio of short films titled “World of Tomorrow” can be challenging, as its depth and complexity surpass the simple lines that create its strikingly expressive stick-figure characters. This time-traveling saga revolves around clones of a woman named Emily from the distant future who visit their original in the present, a young girl. The series delves into the potentials of the future, the intricacies of the human mind, and the captivating, sometimes painful attraction to the past. With an expansive yet intimate scope, “World of Tomorrow” employs clones, mental backups, and time travel to argue powerfully that what truly matters is living in the present. To quote one of the series’ many thought-provoking lines, “Now is the envy of all the dead.

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2025-03-06 21:38