10 Must-Watch Films That Inspired Francis Ford Coppola’s Epic Sci-Fi 'Megalopolis

Berfin Ceren Meray
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Legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola is about to unveil his long-awaited masterpiece, Megalopolis, hitting theaters on September 27. After decades of dreaming about this ambitious project, Coppola finally brings his vision to life, and he’s even shared a list of films that inspired this epic sci-fi journey on his Letterboxd account. We’ve compiled these must-watch movies that shaped Megalopolis for all film buffs out there. Dive into the cinematic influences behind what could be Coppola’s next big hit!

Things to Come (1936)

IMDb: 6.6

This film tells the story of a century, where decades of war leave behind plague and anarchy. A rational state then rebuilds civilization and embarks on space travel.

Director: William Cameron Menzies

Cast: Raymond Massey, Edward Chapman, Ralph Richardson

Cabiria (1914)

IMDb: 7.1

Cabiria is a Roman child whose home is destroyed by a volcano. She is sold to be sacrificed at a temple in Carthage but is rescued by Fulvio, a Roman spy. However, danger lurks, and the hatred between Rome and Carthage can only lead to war.

Director: Giovanni Pastrone

Cast: Italia Almirante-Manzini, Lidia Quaranta, Bartolomeo Pagano

Beauty and the Beast (1946)

IMDb: 7.9

A beautiful young woman takes her father's place as the captive of a mysterious beast who wants to marry her.

Directors: Jean Cocteau, René Clément

Cast: Jean Marais, Josette Day, Mila Parély

Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

IMDb: 7.5

A Manhattan doctor embarks on a strange, overnight journey after his wife confesses her unfulfilled desires.

Director: Stanley Kubrick

Cast: Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Todd Field

Raise the Red Lantern (1991)

IMDb: 8.1

In 1920s China, after the death of her father, Songlian is forced to marry the wealthy Master Chen. With three other wives living in separate houses, there is intense competition for attention and privileges.

Director: Yimou Zhang

Cast: Gong Li, Jingwu Ma, Saifei He

Citizen Kane (1941)

IMDb: 8.3

After the death of publishing tycoon Charles Foster Kane, reporters struggle to uncover the meaning of his final word: 'Rosebud.'

Director: Orson Welles

Cast: Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten, Dorothy Comingore

Caesar and Cleopatra (1945)

IMDb: 6.2

At the height of the Roman Civil War, young Cleopatra meets middle-aged Julius Caesar, who teaches her how to rule Egypt.

Director: Gabriel Pascal

Cast: Claude Rains, Vivien Leigh, Stewart Granger

The Invisible Man (1933)

IMDb: 7.6

A scientist discovers how to become invisible but, in the process, descends into madness and murderous intent.

Director: James Whale

Cast: Claude Rains, Gloria Stuart, William Harrigan

The Fountainhead (1949)

IMDb: 7

A visionary architect fights to maintain his integrity and individuality despite personal, professional, and economic pressures to conform to popular standards.

Director: King Vidor

Cast: Gary Cooper, Patricia Neal, Raymond Massey

The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)

IMDb: 8.1

Three WWII veterans, two of whom are traumatized or disabled, return to the American Midwest and discover that they and their families have been irreparably changed.

Director: William Wyler

Cast: Myrna Loy, Dana Andrews, Fredric March