10 Shows Like ‘Black Mirror’ That’ll Twist Your Mind

by

If you find yourself captivated by the chilling atmosphere of ‘Black Mirror’, you’re certainly not alone! This collection of episodes has us all enthralled with its haunting portrayal of technology and human nature, leaving us yearning for more thought-provoking tales that challenge our minds and keep us on the edge of our seats. Fortunately, there are numerous other shows that strike a similar chord, seamlessly blending sci-fi, dystopian elements, and that unsettling quality we just can’t get enough of. Ranging from standalone episodes to full-fledged explorations into future chaos, these recommendations will ensure your list of shows to watch remains vibrant and engaging.

Here are ten series that capture the essence of ‘Black Mirror’, offering a blend of unsettling technology, moral quandaries, and settings strikingly similar to our own reality. Each show has its unique twist, ranging from dark comedy to sheer terror, making them ideal for those who enjoy thought-provoking entertainment. Join me on this journey as we delve into these captivating gems, and you’ll soon understand why they are essential viewing.

‘The Twilight Zone’ (1959)

‘The Twilight Zone’, a timeless masterpiece, has been sending shivers down viewers’ spines since its debut in 1959, brought to life by Rod Serling. It’s an intriguing anthology series that transports you into a fresh story every time—ranging from science fiction and horror to the simply peculiar. You’ll find stories about time travel, extraterrestrial meetings, and ordinary folks finding themselves in extraordinary situations, all neatly packaged within approximately 25 minutes. The initial run lasted five seasons, featuring stars such as William Shatner and Burgess Meredith among others.’

Both ‘Black Mirror’ and ‘The Twilight Zone’ share a common trait of standalone stories that end with unexpected twists. They both explore and critique human weaknesses and societal idiosyncrasies, often leaving viewers with a thought-provoking conclusion. While ‘Black Mirror’ primarily focuses on technology, ‘The Twilight Zone’ encompasses a broader spectrum, incorporating supernatural elements. However, they both excel at making you question the nature of reality.

‘Westworld’ (2016)

In 2016, the series ‘Westworld’ premiered on HBO, created by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy. This show is set within a technologically advanced amusement park where wealthy individuals indulge in their Wild West dreams through lifelike robots known as Hosts. The first season chronicles these Hosts, such as Dolores (played by Evan Rachel Wood), discovering their true nature, while human characters like Ed Harris’s Man in Black add intrigue to the plot. Now, with four seasons under its belt, the series continues to delve into increasingly complex and unpredictable narratives.

This show shares similarities with ‘Black Mirror’, particularly its deep exploration of artificial intelligence and the consequences of technology becoming excessively intelligent. Like ‘Black Mirror‘, it delves into themes of free will and morality, although it tends to stretch these ideas across multiple episodes. If you enjoyed thought-provoking stories like ‘White Bear’ or ‘Hated in the Nation’ from ‘Black Mirror’, this show offers the same chilling, tech-focused impact.

‘Severance’ (2022)

In 2022, ‘Severance’ debuted on Apple TV+, a series crafted by Dan Erickson. The central character is Adam Scott, portraying Mark, an employee at Lumon Industries who undergoes a process that separates his work and personal memories. He’s oblivious to his life outside the office, which he experiences as an ‘innie’, until conflicts with colleagues like Zach Cherry and Britt Lower arise. The show has released two seasons so far, with plans for a third in development.

This one seems reminiscent of a sibling to ‘Black Mirror’, with its chilling corporate overtones. The concept of technology dissecting your consciousness echoes episodes such as ‘White Christmas’, where identities get blurred. Both series keep you on the edge of your seat, pondering just how far control can be stretched before it snaps.

‘Love, Death & Robots’ (2019)

In the year 2019, ‘Love, Death & Robots’ made a striking entrance on Netflix, courtesy of Tim Miller and David Fincher. This animated series features standalone episodes, each lasting between six to twenty minutes, and offers a unique narrative for each one. The stories encompass a variety of themes, from lethal robots to cosmic terrors, with talented actors like Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Topher Grace providing the voices. As of now, there have been three seasons released, showcasing vibrant graphics and stories that transition seamlessly from humorous to grim.

This work has a similar atmosphere to “Black Mirror,” where each episode offers an unexpected twist. Like “Black Mirror,” it explores themes of technology malfunction and human peculiarity, but it tends to focus more on animation and genre blends. If you appreciate “Black Mirror” for its miniature dystopias, then this should appeal to you as well.

‘Dark’ (2017)

Back in 2017, I stumbled upon a captivating masterpiece called ‘Dark’ on Netflix, jointly created by Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese. This intriguing German series revolves around four families living in the small town of Winden, who find themselves ensnared in a time-bending conundrum that extends over several decades. I was Jonas, a character played by Louis Hofmann, a young man caught in the turmoil, alongside seasoned actors like Oliver Masucci. Over three seasons, we unraveled an intricate plot as stunningly complex as it was dismal, leaving us all pondering about the intricacies of time and fate.

Similar to ‘Black Mirror,’ it delves into the impact technology—or in this instance, time itself—has on us, often with unsettling consequences. Unlike traditional tech-focused stories, it explores themes of fate. The narrative structure is complex and thought-provoking, much like episodes such as ‘The Entire History of You.’ Both series encourage viewers to ponder the story long after the ending.

‘Inside No. 9’ (2014)

Since 2014, I’ve been captivated by the intriguing series ‘Inside No. 9’, broadcast on BBC Two. This unique creation is the brainchild of the talented duo, Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton, who not only mastermind it but also star in many episodes. The show presents an anthology of dark comedy, where each story subtly connects to the number nine, whether it’s a house, a train carriage, or another intriguing setting.

The tales are remarkably diverse, ranging from hearty laughter to bone-chilling horror. Even notable guest stars like Sheridan Smith have graced our screens as part of this captivating series. As of now, there are nine seasons available, each half-hour episode offering a self-contained story that can be enjoyed independently.

The show exhibits a similar affection for surprising, darkly humorous standalone episodes as ‘Black Mirror’. Although it lacks the technological emphasis, its unforeseen plot twists and witty storytelling bear resemblance to ‘Black Mirror’ classics like ‘Nosedive’. In essence, we’re discussing sharp, twisted tales that keep you on your toes.

‘Electric Dreams’ (2017)

2017 marked the debut of ‘Electric Dreams’ on Amazon Prime, an anthology series adapted from Philip K. Dick’s short stories. This collection offers ten distinct episodes, each featuring self-contained sci-fi narratives graced by actors like Bryan Cranston and Anna Paquin. The tales encompass themes of alternate realities, artificial intelligence, and technology that will make you question reality itself. All these captivating stories are presented in a stylish, retro-futuristic manner, making it a compelling one-season series.

As a movie enthusiast, let me tell you that “Electric Dreams” is quite similar to the thought-provoking series “Black Mirror,” both exploring the darker side of technology and innovation. However, while “Black Mirror” delves into the consequences of technology gone awry in a more direct manner, “Electric Dreams” leans more towards the dreamy, philosophical style of Philip K. Dick’s works. If you enjoy the grim, dystopian feel of “Black Mirror,” then “Electric Dreams” should definitely be on your watchlist.

‘Maniac’ (2018)

In 2018, the series titled ‘Maniac’ premiered on Netflix, helmed by director Cary Joji Fukunaga and written by Patrick Somerville. The star-studded cast includes Emma Stone and Jonah Hill as characters Annie and Owen, who are both participants in a drug trial that transports them into dreamlike dimensions together. Justin Theroux brings an eccentric touch to his role as the mastermind behind this experiment. The series seamlessly combines elements of dark humor with unusual sci-fi concepts across its ten episodes.

This show shares similarities with ‘Black Mirror’ in its exploration of thought-provoking technological experiments. If you enjoyed episodes like ‘USS Callister’ and ‘San Junipero’, you will find the same blend of twisted reality and emotional connections in this series. It delves into the question of how far we might go to rectify our flaws, offering a thrilling journey through unconventional territory.

‘Tales from the Loop’ (2020)

The series ‘Tales from the Loop’ debuted on Amazon Prime in 2020, based on the artwork of Simon Stålenhag and written by Nathaniel Halpern. This show is set in a quaint Ohio town situated above a lab known as the Loop. The storyline revolves around characters like Rebecca Hall and Jonathan Pryce encountering peculiarities such as robots, temporal distortions, etc. The series consists of eight episodes in its solitary season, characterized by a leisurely and captivating pace.

The show has a unique ability to intertwine technology and emotions, similar to ‘Black Mirror’. Each episode serves as a subtle yet powerful emotional impact, reminiscent of ‘Beyond the Sea’. It delves into how science impacts our lives in an intriguing manner, making it an ideal continuation with its contemplative, brooding atmosphere.

‘Made for Love’ (2021)

2021 marked the debut of the series ‘Made for Love’ on HBO Max, which was developed from Alissa Nutting’s novel and penned by Christina Lee. The lead role is played by Cristin Milioti as Hazel, a woman escaping her tech tycoon husband (Billy Magnussen), who has implanted a tracking device in her brain. Ray Romano lends warmth as her father. With two seasons of dark humor and chilling tension, it’s a captivating watch.

In this scenario, it delves deeply into the realm typically portrayed in ‘Black Mirror’, focusing on the intrusive aspect of technology – imagine ‘Hated in the Nation’ but with a more personal twist. The narrative weaves together elements of both humor and apprehension as it examines how our devices can control us. Hazel’s struggle for liberty fits perfectly within this context.

Read More

2025-04-10 19:17