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12 Shows Like Westworld For Fans Of Dystopian Thought Provoking Sci-Fi

March 3, 2023
shows like westworld

Westworld is a popular science fiction tv series that has captivated audiences with its stunning visuals, intricate plot, and thought-provoking themes. If you’re a fan of the dystopian genre and looking for something similar to watch, here are 12 shows like Westworld you might enjoy! 
Westworld has become one of the most popular shows on TV, and it is not hard to see why. The show is set in a futuristic amusement park where human-like androids, called “hosts,” interact with paying guests in a Wild West-themed setting. The show masterfully explores themes of consciousness, free will, the ethics of artificial intelligence and the ethics of creating life. Westworld boasts a talented cast, including Evan Rachel Wood, Thandie Newton, and Jeffrey Wright. The show’s creators have brilliantly woven together multiple plot threads to create an intricate and compelling narrative.

List of TV Shows Like Westworld

  1. Black Mirror
  2. The Expanse
  3. Altered Carbon 
  4. Humans
  5. Electric Dreams
  6. Battlestar Galactica
  7. Fringe
  8. Orphan Black
  9. Person Of Interest
  10. Lost
  11. Sense8
  12. The OA

1. Black Mirror (2011)

Black Mirror is a sci-fi anthology series that explores the darker side of technology and its impact on society. Created by Charlie Brooker, the show presents a series of cautionary tales that show the potential consequences of our obsession with the digital world. Each episode is a stand-alone story, with a different cast and setting, but all are united by a common theme – the dehumanizing effects of technology.

The show has won widespread critical acclaim for its insightful commentary on our relationship with the digital world, as well as its gripping and often unsettling storytelling. Black Mirror is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and society, similar to shows like Westworld.

2. The Expanse (2015)

Set in a distant future where humanity has colonized the solar system, The Expanse is a sci-fi tv series based on a series of novels by James S. A. Corey. The TV series tells the story of a group of people who find themselves at the centre of a political and military conflict that threatens to tear the solar system apart.

At the heart of the story are 2 characters, Jim Holden and Detective Miller, who team up to investigate a conspiracy that involves the governments of Earth, Mars, and the Belt. Along the way, they encounter powerful forces that will stop at nothing to keep the truth from being revealed. Similar to series like Westworld, The Expanse is a complex and engaging sci-fi drama that explores issues of politics, power, and human nature in a universe that is both breathtaking and dangerous.

3. Altered Carbon (2018)

The sci-fi Altered Carbon nails it with the perfect balance between human nature, religion, technology, politics, and character. Based on Richard K. Morgan’s novel of the same name, the show is in a futuristic world where human consciousness can be stored digitally and transferred to different bodies or “sleeves”. If you’ve already seen it, check out our list of shows like Altered Carbon.

The story follows Takeshi Kovacs, a former soldier and the last surviving member of a rebel group, as he investigates a wealthy man’s murder. With themes such as immortality, identity, and corruption, the show provides exhilarating action sequences. The show has a stellar cast and intricate plot worthy for fans of series like Westworld.

4. Humans (2015)

The sci-fi series Humans featuring Gemma Chan looks at AI and its impact on human society. The show is set in a parallel present where robots called Synths have become an integral part of everyday life. The show follows multiple stories of a diverse group of characters who are all connected by their relationship with Synths.

They grapple with questions of what it means to be human and the boundaries of technology. Humans are an engaging show with a talented cast of actors that examine the blurred line between humans and machines, leaving the audience with plenty to ponder long after the credits roll. Hence, Humans is perfect for shows similar to Westworld.

5. Electric Dreams (2017)

Electric Dreams is an anthology sci-fi series based on the works of renowned writer Philip K. Dick. Each episode in this show is a standalone story that explores the futuristic, dystopian world that Dick so eloquently crafted. With stunning visuals and an exceptional ensemble cast including Bryan Cranston, Richard Madden, and Terrence Howard, Electric Dreams is a must-watch if you know about Philip K. Dick.

The series deals with various themes like artificial intelligence, totalitarianism, and alternate realities, leaving the viewers with unsettling questions about humanity. Electric Dreams is a captivating and thrilling experience that will take you on a wild ride through the vast and intricate universe if you want to see a series like Westworld.

6. Battlestar Galactica (2004)

Battlestar Galactica (2004) is a darker version of the 1978 sci-fi series of the same name. The show features a group of human survivors travelling through space in search of a new home after their home planet is destroyed by an alien race known as the Cylons. Despite running only for 4 seasons, the show garnered a huge following and critical appreciation.

Westworld shares a lot of similarities with Battlestar Galactica. From the themes of AI, the creation of robots and what it means for humanity to characters struggling with their identities and searching for a sense of purpose. Fans of a series like Westworld will likely enjoy Battlestar Galactica for its philosophical exploration.

7. Fringe (2008)

Fringe is a great science-fiction show similar to Westworld that ran for 5 seasons. The story revolves around a team of FBI agents and their investigations into strange and inexplicable phenomena. One of the show’s central characters is Dr. Walter Bishop, a brilliant but eccentric scientist who is released from a mental institution to help solve the cases. If you are already a fan, check out more shows like Fringe.

Alongside his son Peter Bishop and FBI agent Olivia Dunham, they work to uncover a larger conspiracy involving parallel universes, time travel, and advanced technology. Fringe is considered one of the most innovative and ambitious sci-fi series of its time. Be sure to try watching it after shows like Westworld!

8. Orphan Black (2013)

The Canadian series Orphan Black has a little bit of a different premise compared to the rest of the shows in the list. Following the story of Sarah Manning (Tatiana Maslany), a young woman discovers that she is a clone. As she delves deeper into the world of cloning, she finds herself in a dangerous web of conspiracy and intrigue.

Tatiana Maslany’s incredible performances as multiple clones earned her a Primetime Emmy, amongst many other awards. The show is intriguing, clever and constructed with an intelligent plot. Orphan Black is an all-around incredible, binge-worthy shows like Westworld.

9. Person Of Interest (2011)

A mysterious tech genius, Harold Finch develops an advanced surveillance system that can predict violent crimes before they happen. He recruits a former CIA operative, John Reese, to help him prevent these crimes and save lives. As the show progresses, Finch and Reese discover a conspiracy between the government and powerful private organisations, threatening the safety of ordinary citizens. If you’re also interested in other similar series, check out our list of shows like Person of Interest.

They are forced to use their skills and resources to unravel the mystery and save the world from a catastrophic disaster. Person of Interest features a gripping plot, excellent performances, and thrilling action sequences. A criminally underrated sci-fi series, Person of Interest is worth watching for fans of shows like Westworld.

10. Lost (2004)

Lost is a superbly suspenseful TV show that ran in the early days of the internet world where fans tried to theorise every minor mystery. Lost follows the story of a group of survivors who are stranded on a mysterious island after their plane crashes. Also check our list of shows similar to Lost.

This survival show starred a large and talented ensemble cast, including Matthew Fox, Evangeline Lilly, and Terry O’Quinn. Lost received critical acclaim and won numerous awards during its 6-season run. While the finale was highly controversial, the show remains a cult classic and a beloved part of television history. If you want to see series like Westworld, then there’s a good chance you might like this as well.

11. Sense8 (2015)

8 individuals from different parts of the world suddenly become “sensates,” a group of people who are psychically and emotionally connected. This series, Sense8 follows their struggles to understand their newfound abilities and navigate through personal and societal conflicts, including a secret organization that hunts and experiments on sensates.

Sense8 explores themes of diversity, identity, human desire. Though the series was highly praised for its inclusive representation and powerful storytelling, it was unfortunately cancelled after 2 seasons due to production costs. However, fans of the show continue to advocate for its return. You can watch Sense8 if you enjoy shows like Westworld.

12. The OA (2016)

The OA tells the story of Prairie Johnson, a young blind woman who resurfaces after disappearing for 7 years. Prairie, who now goes by the name of  “The OA,” possesses unexplained abilities and claims to have been held captive by a mad scientist who experimented on her and others.

The story follows her as she tries to put her life back together and reunite with her family while also gathering a group of misfits to help her with a secret mission. The intriguing plot twists of The OA have captivated audiences and have become a cult favourite for fans of sci-fi and fantasy. Undoubtedly, The OA is a greatchoice for a shows like Westworld.

Honourable Mentions

Here are a few sci-fi shows like Westworld that didn’t make a list. But, you can check them out nonetheless: 

  1. Watchmen
  2. Severance
  3. Dollhouse
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When Lost aired over a decade ago, its successful narrative created a pop culture impact and changed the landscape of television. If you are a fan and want to watch shows like Lost then you can have a look at this list we made just for you.

Lost

The hugely successful television series Lost aired in 2004. The premise, as we know, deals with a group of people surviving a commercial passenger plane crash on a remote island. The show masterfully explores supernatural and sci-fi elements on this mysterious south Pacific island. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTu8iDynwNc

The use of cliffhangers at the end of each episode of Lost kept the viewers on the edge of their seats, desperately craving for the next episode to come. Even though it's a large ensemble cast, most of the characters receive a justifiable personal arch. Lost was inspired by the movie Castaway and became one of the most expensive pilots to be shot at the time! Lost continues to be appreciated for its originality in storytelling and dynamic character arcs. 

List of TV Shows Like Lost

  1. The Leftovers
  2. Manifest
  3. Lost Room
  4. Twin Peaks
  5. The Prisoners
  6. Battlestar Galactica
  7. The New People
  8. Flight 29 Down
  9. Fringe
  10. Alcatraz
  11. Under the Dome
  12. Dark

1. The Leftovers (2014)

IMDB ratings: 8.3/10

Cast: Carrie Coon, Justin Theroux, Amy Brenneman and Margaret Qualley

Creator: Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta

The director of Lost, Damon Lindel also created a supernatural drama series called The Leftovers. The show begins 3 years after an unexplainable global event called ‘Sudden Departure’  where almost 2 per cent of the population, nearly 140 million people, disappear. The Leftovers isn't about WHY people are gone, it's about how the ones who remain dealt with their loss, people often try to comfort themselves with dreams, angels, gods, or even death.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLT3YUALJno&t=8s

The Leftovers will leave you with so many questions but beyond words, you have to feel it and savour its unanswered questions to find peace. The Leftovers is an incredible television series that starts incredibly well but loses its way by the series's end. I have to say though, Carrie Coon has brilliant moments in the end. The Leftovers is so weird, fragmented and nonsensical at times that it reminds me of Lost. If you are looking for shows like Lost, I recommend that you give The Leftovers a try.

2. Manifest  (2018) 

IMDB ratings: 7.1/10

Cast: Melissa Roxburgh, Josh Dallas and J.R. Ramirez 

Creator: Jeff Rake


The Manifest is a supernatural drama show about a bunch of people who discover that they lost 5 years of their lives when they landed in New York after their aeroplane faced severe turbulence. All the people on the plane were presumed to be dead. Now, these people have to find a way to adjust themselves to a new life around their loved ones. Mild spoiler! They learn their loved ones and the rest of society is not as they left it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1hNAIzkQWY

I found that the show’s premise was very intriguing and the actors give a very convincing performance. The narrative details of the show, however, in my opinion, are a bit sloppy and inconsistent. The writers surely have room for improvement but their concept is incredibly thrilling. Every episode of Manifest keeps you on your toes. Manifest has completed 3 seasons up until now and continues to be on air. Manifest is a pretty good choice if you want to watch TV shows like Lost.

3. Lost Room (2006)

IMDB ratings: 8.1/10

Cast: Peter Krause, Julianna Margulies and Peter Jacobson

Creator: Christopher Leone, Laura Harkcom

This lesser-known show The Lost Room is an American Sci-fi television miniseries which only had 3 episodes of 90 mins each and no follow-up seasons. The show was based on a very unique idea where the room in question (known as the ‘Lost Room’) and the objects in the said room had supernatural powers. This strange room is set in a 1960s motel along the iconic U.S. Route 66. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfWrECLnFYU

One day the protagonist (Peter Krause) Joe Miller’s daughter disappears inside the room. Joe, with the help of objects present in the room, tries to find his daughter Anna (Elle Fanning). The story of Lost Room was intensely engaging. I found the direction and the actor’s performances to be absolutely brilliant. It baffles me that the creators did not return to make another short season within the same concept. If you have been searching for TV series like Lost then I can assure you that Lost Room will be worth a watch.

4. Twins Peaks (1990) 

IMDB ratings: 8.8/10

Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Mädchen Amick, Sherilyn Fenn and David Lynch

Creator: David Lynch

David Lynch, the well-known director of weird and captivating films such as Eraserhead and Blue Velvet created an iconic show called Twin Peaks. It is a hauntingly eccentric show about the investigation of the mysterious murder of a small-town homecoming queen named Laura Palmer. Believe me, as odd as the show may seem at first, you will grow to love it, after all, it is considered to be one of the best mystery shows ever created. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwn9ou_nf-I

With the mysteries, the supernatural elements and the list of bizarre characters, Twin Peaks has it all. In my opinion, the cinematography of the show was truly ahead of its time. Kyle’s Dale Cooper was especially entertaining. Twin Peaks’ experimental formula of the satirical soap opera is extremely unsettling yet rewarding to watch, I must warn you, it’s not for the faint-hearted!  If you are in search of TV shows like Lost then Twin Peaks won’t disappoint you.

The Prisoners (1967)

IMDB ratings: 8.5/10

Cast: Patrick McGoohan, Angelo Muscat and Geroge Markstien

Creator: Patrick McGoohan


The Prisoner centres around an unnamed British agent (Patrick McGoohan) who tries to flee his country after abruptly quitting his high-ranking government job. He is abducted and held captive in a strange ‘sea-side’ village that is isolated from the rest of the world. This village is a highly secure and monitored place filled with weird technology. There are only 17 episodes to this late 60s show but it manages to bring up such surreal surprises, it's sure to leave a great impact on the viewer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JrNr85fPms

The Prisoner’s unique concept influenced many popular shows including Lost. The creators of Lost even cited the show. I was very impressed by how ahead of its time The Prisoners proves to be. If you want to watch more shows similar to Lost the Prisoners should definitely be on your list.

6. Battlestar Galactica (2004)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Katee Sackhoff, Edward James Olmos and Tricia Helfer 

Creator: Glen A. Larson

The 2004 Battlestar Galactica is a reboot of the original 1978 miniseries of the same name. Do not be mistaken by the title, the show is not related to Star Trek.  Battlestar Galactica is set in the 7th millennium AD and follows Cylons, the robot enemy of humanity that resurfaces to destroy the 12 colonies of Mankind. Only a few survive and are able to escape on ships led by a powerful warship called Battlestar Galactica. Mankind struggles to fight the Cylons and work their own political agendas and disputes while finding their long-lost 13th colony Earth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnYsf2Yv8i8

The show is a dark, intense and gritty socio-political commentary with EPIC cinematic value. The script is especially clever and as a huge fan of sci-fi shows, this show ticks the boxes in all the right categories. When the show was released, it blew the viewers and critics away. As far as an obsessive and gripping story goes, Battlestar Galactica is one of the most similar to shows like Lost. 

7. The New People (1969)

IMDB ratings: 7.3/10

Cast: David Moses, Zooey hall and Tiffany Boiling

Creator: Larry Gordon Aaron Spelling

The New People is an American Tv series that aired only for 1 season and is focused on a couple of college students who survive a plane crash. The incident takes place while they were returning from a trip to Southeast Asia, their plane crashes on an island in the south of the Pacific ocean. 

By now this show must already be sounding a lot like Lost to you, and it surely is. The remaining group of people discover an unusual truth about the island: there’s an above-ground unused nuclear test site filled with supplies for the survivors. If you want to see more plane survival stories like Lost then The New People should definitely be on your list.

8. Flight 29 Down (2005)

IMDB ratings: 7.2/10

Cast: Allen Alvarado, Halle Hirsh and Corbin Bleu

Creator:  Stan Rowgow D. J. MacHale

The show Flight 29 Down is a drama series about a group of pre-teens/teens who are stranded on a South Pacific island after their plane crashes in a tropical storm while they were flying from an eco-adventure camping trip in Palau. The show is in many ways a younger version of the Adult-centred show Lost but sans the supernatural elements. I’d say that the show draws inspiration from the show The New People.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLeG0w3kL8k

Flight 29 Down uses the technique of a video diary as a plot device for the viewers to keep up with the story of these children. It was very engaging to watch young intelligent characters finding their way on the island. The first two seasons of the show are quite engaging but I seemed to lose interest in its 3rd and final season. Regardless, Flight 29 Down is a really good series to watch if you want to see TV shows like Lost.

9. Fringe (2008)

IMDB ratings: 8.4/10

Cast: Anna Torv, John Noble and Joshua Jackson

Creator: J. J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci

Fringe is a popular Sci-fi crime drama television series. It may seem like a standard procedural drama at first, but the show actually explores the parallel universe, alternate versions of people filled with crazy scientific experiments. I personally had a great time watching this show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29bSzbqZ3xE

Fringe is actually inspired by shows like Lost, The X-files and The Twilight Zone. The 3 main characters of the show work with a special division called Fringe. There are so many brilliant twists and turns in Fringe that in my opinion, the show is at the top of its category. If you are searching for TV series like Lost, I strongly recommend you watch Fringe. 

10. Alcatraz (2012)

IMDB ratings: 6.9/10

Cast: Sarah Jones, George Garcia and Jonny Coyne 

Creator: Elizabeth Sarnoff, Steven Lilien, Bryan Wynbrandt

This American fiction show is based on the infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary built on Alcatraz island in San Francisco Bay. The prison is now closed but once kept some of the most dangerous criminals of America. The show takes the liberty to make a show around the conspiracies of the place.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V514ACIGp_k

In the interesting premise we see that under unknown circumstances, 256 inmates and 46 guards of the prison disappear without a trace. Later the disappeared ones start to appear one by one without ageing a day and resume their criminal activities with no realisation of disappearance. A special government unit is dedicated to finding and putting those criminals back in prison. If you are looking for mystery shows similar to Lost, try watching Alcatraz. 

11. Under the Dome (2013)

IMDB ratings: 6.5/10

Cast: Alexander Koch and Rachelle Lefevre

Creator: Stephen King

Based on a novel written by the sci-fi legend Stephen King, Under the Dome tells the story of the residents of the fictional small town called Chester's Mill, when a huge, transparent and indestructible dome suddenly cuts them off from the rest of the world. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Y5YeYrqUk

Now the trapped residents try to find a way to discover the truth, origin and purpose of these domes. This journey forces them into situations where they learn more about each other than they ever knew. Under the Dome may not be on the top of this list but it’s quite a decent watch if you’re looking for mystery shows similar to Lost. 

12. Dark (2017)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Louis Hofmann, Lisa Vicari and Gina Stiebitz

Creator: Baran bo Odar, Jantje Friese

The German-language Netflix series Dark is an interesting blend of Science fiction and Mystery. Truly a compelling and mind-bending story to watch. At the beginning of Dark, many children suspiciously start disappearing in the German town of Winden. The dark past of generational mysteries of 4 families living in the town namely, Kahnwald, Nielsen, Doppler, and Tiedemann is brought to light.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrwycJ08PSA

After the discovery of a wormhole, the lives of the families intertwine more than one can imagine. I believe every element of the show is top-notch, especially Dark’s cinematography, which is a TRUE masterpiece. If you are looking for TV series similar to Lost then the intense and gripping story of Dark is sure to keep you engrossed.

Honourable Mentions

Here are a few TV shows like Lost that didn’t make the list, but you can check them out nonetheless: 

  1. Carnivale
  2. Yellowjackets
  3. Game of Thrones
  4. Black Mirror
  5. Flashforward
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