The Movies
The Movies is a 2005 business simulation developed by Lionhead Studios under Peter Molyneux, blending studio management with creative filmmaking. Players run a Hollywood movie studio from the silent era of the 1920s through to the future, building sets, hiring stars, and producing films across changing eras.
The game combined tycoon-style management, such as constructing sound stages and back-lot buildings, nurturing temperamental actors whose fame and vices had to be managed, and researching new technologies like sound and colour, with a surprisingly deep filmmaking tool. That tool let players choose scenes, sets, costumes, and dialogue to script, shoot, and edit their own short films, which many players exported and shared online, helping fuel an early machinima community.
The Movies stood out for merging business simulation with genuine creative expression, an unusual combination for its time. It remains available on digital storefronts and is fondly remembered for empowering players to become virtual directors.
Play it today
Modern alternatives to The Movies, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
Game Dev Tycoon Indie
€ 7,99An indie tycoon about growing a studio through the eras of gaming.
Game Dev Tycoon runs on PC, Mac, Linux. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. It is Steam Deck Playable.
Hollywood Animal Indie
€ 34,99An indie movie-studio tycoon spanning the golden age of cinema.
Hollywood Animal runs on PC. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. It is Steam Deck Playable.
Two Point Hospital
€ 34,99A charming management sim in the spirit of classic tycoon games.
Two Point Hospital runs on PC, Mac. Not available on Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. It is Steam Deck Playable.
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