With anticipation building for HBO’s new series Lanterns, audiences are already eager for films that channel the show’s unique combination of science fiction, suspenseful investigations, and the rapport between complex lead characters. If Lanterns has left you seeking more clever mysteries and sharp buddy-cop exchanges set against a supernatural backdrop, a variety of films stand ready to fill the void until the series resumes.
‘Men in Black’: The Blueprint for Sci-Fi Buddy Partnerships
For fans of Lanterns, the essential pick is the original Men in Black. Tommy Lee Jones (Agent K) teams up with Will Smith (Agent J) as they police alien visitors on Earth, leveraging the near-superhuman tech and clandestine reach of the MIB. Their relationship—a blend of wise mentorship and rookie energy—mirrors the dynamic of Hal Jordan (played by Kyle Chandler) and John Stewart (performed by Aaron Pierre). If you enjoyed their interplay and the procedural, investigation-centered structure of Lanterns, Men in Black’s witty conflict and partnership will hit the mark. Stream Men in Black on Hulu or rent via Prime Video.
Explore More: Darker Heroes and Complex Sci-Fi Investigations
If you crave additional titles with detective-driven plots set in imaginative worlds, several standouts offer what you seek:
Watchmen (2009)
Zack Snyder directed this adaptation of Alan Moore’s renowned graphic novel, delivering a vision of America populated by costumed heroes during turbulent times. Watchmen stands apart for its grounded approach to vigilantes, much like Lanterns does for superheroes. Highlighting an ensemble cast and probing a conspiracy with ambiguous morality, this film serves up sophisticated drama and psychological intrigue. Rent Watchmen on Prime Video.
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Fans of Lanterns drawn to noir-inspired investigations will appreciate Blade Runner 2049. This sequel brings together Harrison Ford (as Rick Deckard) and Ryan Gosling (as K), weaving a haunting narrative of identity and future technology. The generational mentor-protégé dynamic between Ford and Gosling reflects Lanterns’ own pairings, anchoring the movie’s searching mystery. Watch Blade Runner 2049 by streaming on Paramount+, Fubo, or by renting on Prime Video.
Films Highlighting Odd-Couple Duos and Interplanetary Mysteries
The Nice Guys (2016)
Writer-director Shane Black brings The Nice Guys to life with Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling as an improbable pair—a burly enforcer and a bumbling detective—in 1970s Los Angeles. Their bickering partnership on a fast-paced missing-persons case mirrors the push-pull dynamic between Lanterns’ protagonists. The Nice Guys is available for rent via Prime Video.
Alien Nation (1988)
In a society where alien “Newcomers” have recently arrived on Earth, Alien Nation invites viewers into a landscape shaped by otherworldly refugees and social friction. The story focuses on a veteran cop (James Caan) partnering reluctantly with a newcomer officer (Mandy Patinkin) to solve a homicide, tying in themes of prejudice and learning to trust. If offbeat partnership intrigues you, Alien Nation can be rented through Prime Video.
The Hidden (1987)
The Hidden intertwines criminal investigation and alien horror, following Detective Tom Beck (Michael Nouri) and FBI agent Lloyd Gallagher (Kyle MacLachlan) as they confront a shape-shifting extraterrestrial that possesses humans to commit violence. The film excels through its relentless pace and the evolving trust between the leads. For those interested in a tense sci-fi thriller with a strong central partnership, it’s available to rent at Prime Video.
A Genre Rich With Fresh Stories
Those drawn to the imaginative world-building and detailed character interplay in Lanterns will discover plenty to love among these films. Whether your tastes lean towards lighthearted alien escapades or serious meditations on morality, this collection offers a spectrum of science fiction investigations and unlikely teammate dynamics—perfect to enjoy while waiting for Lanterns to continue.