* The Island of Doctor Moreau (1896) by H.G. Wells: This novel explores the dangers of scientific hubris and the ethical implications of creating artificial life, similar to Frankenstein. Moreau, a brilliant but eccentric scientist, conducts gruesome experiments on animals, transforming them into human-like creatures.
* The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1886) by Robert Louis Stevenson: This novella focuses on the duality of human nature and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Dr. Jekyll, driven by a desire to separate his good and evil sides, creates a potion that transforms him into the monstrous Mr. Hyde.
* The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890) by Oscar Wilde: This novel explores the themes of beauty, youth, and the corrupting influence of desire. Dorian Gray, a handsome young man, sells his soul to retain his youthful appearance while allowing his portrait to bear the burden of his sins.
* The Time Machine (1895) by H.G. Wells: This science fiction novel, while not directly about creating life, explores the potential consequences of technological advancement and the dangers of unchecked progress, similar to Frankenstein's themes of unintended consequences.
* The Golem (1915) by Gustav Meyrink: This novel tells the story of a golem, an artificial being made of clay and given life by a Jewish mystic. The golem is initially intended to protect the Jewish community but becomes a symbol of the dangers of unchecked power and the potential for creation to go awry.
Movies:
* Blade Runner (1982) by Ridley Scott: This science fiction film explores the ethical dilemmas of creating artificial life, the nature of humanity, and the potential consequences of technological advancements.
* The Matrix (1999) by Lana and Lilly Wachowski: This science fiction film presents a world where humans are unaware they are living in a simulated reality controlled by machines. The film explores themes of free will, consciousness, and the nature of reality, similar to Frankenstein's questioning of the nature of life and creation.
* Splice (2009) by Vincenzo Natali: This science fiction horror film centers on a pair of scientists who create a hybrid creature through genetic splicing. The film explores the ethical implications of genetic engineering and the potential for scientific experimentation to create monstrous beings.
* Ex Machina (2014) by Alex Garland: This science fiction film focuses on a programmer who is invited to test the intelligence of a highly advanced AI, Ava. The film explores themes of artificial intelligence, consciousness, and the nature of humanity.
* A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001) by Steven Spielberg: This science fiction film follows the journey of a robot boy who is programmed to love. The film explores the themes of artificial intelligence, sentience, and the desire for human connection, similar to Frankenstein's exploration of the yearning for acceptance and belonging.
These are just a few examples, and there are many other books and movies that share similar themes and plot elements with Frankenstein. It's a story that continues to resonate with audiences because it explores universal questions about humanity, ethics, and the consequences of our actions.