Fifth-generation (5G) wireless communication systems utilize millimeter-wave (mm-wave) frequency bands to achieve high data rate transmission. To meet stringent system requirements, high-performance antenna arrays are essential. This paper proposes and analyzes the design and performance of single-element, \(2\times 1\) , and \(4\times 1\) metamaterial-inspired millimeter-wave antenna (MIA) arrays. The antennas are designed using Rogers 5880 substrate with a dielectric constant of 2.2 and a thickness of 0.35 mm, optimized for a center frequency of 38 GHz. The simulated performance metrics for the single, \(2\times 1\) , and \(4\times 1\) MIA arrays include return loss (−82.95 dB, −67.1 dB, −69.12 dB), bandwidth (1.971 GHz, 2.278 GHz, 4.704 GHz), gain (7.36 dBi, 9.11 dBi, 11.4 dBi), and total efficiency (95.55%, 94.01%, 95.87%). Compared to previous designs, this work shows improved performance through metamaterial integration on both the radiator and ground plane of microstrip patch antennas (MPAs). This metamaterial configuration enhances fringing fields at the MPA edges, improving radiation efficiency and reducing surface wave loss. The proposed MIA arrays address limitations of traditional MPAs, making them well-suited for 5G communication demands.