10 Best Shows Like ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ You Need to Watch Next

If you can’t get enough of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale,’ you’re not the only one. We all seem to be drawn to that blend of suspense, powerful characters, and thought-provoking plots that linger in our minds even after the final scene. There are shows that immerse us in a dark, twisted world and keep us on tenterhooks, cheering for the underdog. Many viewers share this craving, and I’ve rounded up some top-notch series similar to ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ that you might want to explore next.

As a film enthusiast, I’ve scoured the landscape of television to uncover captivating series that delve into complex societies, strong female characters, and struggles against power. Shows that resonate with a chilling yet empowering vibe. Here are ten shows I believe you won’t want to miss! Let’s embark on this journey together.

‘Alias Grace’ (2017)

This miniseries transports us to 19th-century Canada, focusing on the story of Grace Marks, a young servant who is imprisoned for allegedly murdering her employer. A doctor delves into Grace’s hazy recollections to uncover the truth behind her alleged crime. The series unfolds gradually, offering a mix of suspense and subtle resilience, with Sarah Gadon portraying Grace.

The connection to ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ lies in how it portrays women confined within a strict system, much like Grace. Both June and Grace live in worlds that scrutinize their bodies and decisions, both stories being written by Margaret Atwood. The atmosphere of powerlessness transforming into resistance is reminiscent and intense.

‘The Man in the High Castle’ (2015-2019)

Picture an alternate 1960s America where the Axis powers emerged victorious from World War II. This series portrays individuals living under Nazi and Japanese rule, with some choosing to resist, while others merely strive to endure. Rufus Sewell assumes a chilling role as a ruthless Nazi officer, while Alexa Davalos leads the opposition.

It carries an eerily similar sense of weight and suffocating atmosphere as “The Handmaid’s Tale.” Both immerses you in a twisted interpretation of America where freedom is elusive and rebellion becomes the only means of survival. The implications seem immense, and the characters’ struggles resonate deeply.

‘Black Mirror’ (2011-present)

Each installment of this collection offers a fresh, sinister storyline involving technology malfunctioning, ranging from menacing robot dogs to app controls over minds. It’s both ominous and unforeseeable, featuring actors like Bryce Dallas Howard among its cast. Since each story is self-contained, you can start watching at any point.

As a film enthusiast, I’d say that the connection between “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Black Mirror” lies in their chilling exploration of control. While the former paints a bleak picture through the lens of religion in Gilead, the latter employs technology and gadgetry to create similar dystopian societies where individuals lose their identities. The unsettling, thought-provoking atmosphere they both evoke is captivating, much like the world of June.

‘The Leftovers’ (2014-2017)

This series follows the lives of survivors – including a police officer portrayed by Justin Theroux and a mourning mother played by Carrie Coon – as they navigate through cults, grief, and a quest for purpose. The storyline is peculiar, melancholic, yet somehow aesthetically captivating.

This work also evokes the feeling of a shattered world, similar to ‘The Handmaid’s Tale.’ Both delve into how individuals adapt when they lose fundamental aspects of their lives such as faith, family, and personal rights. Notably, Aunt Lydia, portrayed by Ann Dowd, makes an appearance here, lending her powerful presence.

‘Harlots’ (2017-2019)

18th-century London serves as the backdrop for this drama, where characters such as Margaret Wells, portrayed by Samantha Morton, run brothels. They engage in power struggles against rivals and societal norms. The story is raw, brimming with machinations, and highlights women establishing their own laws within a domain traditionally dominated by men.

Similar to ‘The Handmaid’s Tale,’ this narrative revolves around women resisting a system that controls their lives. Instead of handmaids serving commanders, the women here find themselves in situations with clients. Despite being trapped, they continue to fight back. The strong female perspective and rebelliousness make it a close relative of this dystopian series.

‘The Americans’ (2013-2018)

In the 1980s, Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys portray a seemingly ordinary American couple, who in reality, are Soviet spies. Balancing covert operations, domestic responsibilities, and increasing uncertainty regarding their allegiance, they navigate through an atmosphere of tension and personal conflict.

The theme shared by ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ and this scenario revolves around subtle acts of defiance. June, much like these spies, undermines Gilead covertly, while both scenarios interweave peril with the ordinary, demonstrating human resilience under stressful conditions.

‘Yellowjackets’ (2021-present)

In the ’90s, a girls’ soccer team experiences a catastrophic accident in the wilderness, leaving them to learn survival skills. The story then jumps forward to their troubled lives as adults, haunted by their experiences. Melanie Lynskey and Christina Ricci headline the mature cast, delving into long-buried secrets from their past.

The narrative shares striking similarities with ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, as it portrays strong female characters battling harsh circumstances. The tension and lingering emotional scars seem reminiscent of June’s harrowing journey. It skillfully intertwines past and present, illustrating how the struggle leaves an indelible mark on one’s spirit.

‘Mrs. America’ (2020)

I had the privilege of immersing myself in a gripping miniseries that delves into the intense struggle during the 1970s surrounding the Equal Rights Amendment. In this captivating production, Cate Blanchett brilliantly portrays Phyllis Schlafly, a staunch opponent of feminism, who found herself at odds with feminist icons like Rose Byrne’s Gloria Steinem. This riveting tale is based on authentic historical events, artfully dramatized to keep viewers hooked.

As a cinephile, I can’t help but ponder the intricate nature of Serena Joy in Gilead, a character that embodies an eerie form of power manipulation. On the other hand, Phyllis Schlafly serves as her polar opposite, using her influence to restrict women’s choices and freedoms. The parallels between ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ and this real-life figure underscore the complex ways in which control over women’s lives becomes a battleground, with compelling characters on all sides.

‘Colony’ (2016-2018)

Extra-terrestrial beings have seized control of our planet, leaving Los Angeles under lockdown for Josh Holloway’s former FBI agent and his family. While some individuals rebel against this new order, others choose to cooperate. Gradually, we learn more about these mysterious conquerors and their intentions.

In the realm of captivating narratives, I find myself utterly enthralled by works that mirror the gripping dystopia of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale.’ Just as this series portrays families struggling under the yoke of occupation, be it Gilead’s commanders or alien proxies, so too does it echo in my favorite stories. The poignant blend of resistance and betrayal in a world reduced to ruins seems to resonate harmoniously with June’s journey.

‘Station Eleven’ (2021-2022)

In a scenario where a flu pandemic nearly eradicates mankind, those who survive, such as the character portrayed by Mackenzie Davis, construct a fresh existence centered around art and recollection. The narrative leaps between the catastrophe and two decades later, weaving together threads of hope and sorrow.

In a more casual, conversational tone: After the turmoil, these two worlds – our wrecked society and Gilead from ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ – share similarities. They’re both on the path to recovery, with women taking charge. The understated strength and chilling history make it an intriguing series to watch next.

2025-04-09 15:45