Imagine a world where shopping malls aren't just places for retail therapy, but settings for extraordinary sci-fi adventures. This curated list dives into the realm of futuristic shopping centres, where consumerism meets the cosmos. From dystopian futures to alien invasions, these films provide a fascinating look at how malls can serve as backdrops for tales of wonder, horror, and speculative fiction. Whether you're a fan of sci-fi or just love the idea of a mall turned into a battleground or a portal to another dimension, this collection has something for everyone.
Dawn of the Dead (1978)
Description: This classic horror film by George A. Romero uses a shopping mall as a refuge for survivors during a zombie apocalypse, highlighting consumerism's dark side.
Fact: The mall was so realistic that extras would often shop there during breaks, and the film's opening credits were shot in a real mall.
Watch Now
The Dead Zone (1983)
Description: Though primarily a thriller, the mall scene where Johnny Smith has a vision of a future disaster ties it into the theme of futuristic settings in malls.
Fact: The film was adapted from Stephen King's novel, and the mall scene was shot in a real mall in Maine.
Watch Now
Chopping Mall (1986)
Description: In this campy horror-comedy, a group of teenagers are trapped in a mall with malfunctioning security robots, turning a night of fun into a fight for survival.
Fact: The film was initially titled "Killbots" and was inspired by the idea of a mall as a fortress.
Watch Now
Mallrats (1995)
Description: While not strictly sci-fi, this Kevin Smith comedy features a mall as the setting for a day of misadventures, with a nod to comic book culture and a futuristic game show.
Fact: The film was initially panned but has since gained a cult following, with many scenes shot in the now-demolished Eden Prairie Center in Minnesota.
Watch Now
The Signal (2007)
Description: This indie sci-fi thriller involves a mysterious signal that leads to chaos in a small town, with a key scene set in a mall where reality starts to unravel.
Fact: The film was shot on a low budget and gained attention for its innovative use of location, including the mall.
Watch Now
The Mist (2007)
Description: In this adaptation of Stephen King's novella, a supernatural mist envelops a town, and a group of survivors take refuge in a supermarket within a mall.
Fact: The film's ending was controversial, differing significantly from the novella, and the mall setting was used to heighten the sense of isolation.
Watch Now
The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)
Description: While not entirely set in a mall, a significant scene involves an alien invasion affecting a shopping mall, showcasing humanity's reaction to extraterrestrial contact.
Fact: The film was a remake of the 1951 classic, with the mall scene added to modernize the setting.
Watch Now
The Mall Cop (2009)
Description: While primarily a comedy, this film includes elements of action and futuristic technology in a mall setting, making it a light-hearted addition to the list.
Fact: The film was a surprise hit, spawning a sequel, and the mall scenes were shot in a real mall in New Jersey.
Watch Now
The Dead (2010)
Description: This British zombie film features a mall as a temporary safe haven for survivors in Africa, showcasing a different cultural take on the zombie apocalypse.
Fact: The film was shot on location in Burkina Faso, providing an authentic backdrop for the mall scenes.
Watch Now
The Mall (2014)
Description: A group of friends find themselves trapped in a mall that turns into a deadly labyrinth after closing time, with a mysterious force at play.
Fact: The film was shot in a real abandoned mall in South Africa, adding to its eerie atmosphere.
30 Days Free
