10 shows to stream like Black Mirror for your sci-fi needs

As a sci-fi and anthology series enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the realms of alternate realities, I must say that the list you’ve compiled is nothing short of a treasure trove for us fellow connoisseurs. From the dark comedic brilliance of Inside Number 9 to the mind-bending adventures of Maniac, each series offers a unique perspective on the world of the extraordinary.

Black Mirror, broadcasted on Netflix, has emerged as one of television’s most popular shows. Its anthology format captivates audiences due to its chilling narratives that explore science fiction motifs, showcasing exceptional performances and production values. Each episode serves both as an independent story and a mini-movie, provoking thoughts while offering insights on human nature.

Many shows incorporate complex narrative concepts, yet I find the allure of anthology series more captivating. Some mirror the thought-provoking themes as “Black Mirror” in their audacious storylines, which skillfully blur the boundaries between reality and fiction, often leaving viewers in a state of shock. However, there are others that offer a more heartwarming experience. Regardless, it’s intriguing to explore the diverse narratives presented. If you appreciate “Black Mirror,” these 10 anthologies serve as an engaging watch, demonstrating the boldness of some writers.

The Twilight Zone

Watch on Paramount+ and Prime Video

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but acknowledge the undeniable influence that Rod Serling’s 1960s masterpiece, “The Twilight Zone,” has had on every enigmatic anthology series of the past six decades. Each episode showcases writing and acting at their finest from that era, with many still holding up today against the twists, performances, and exceptional direction they offered.

The twists may be famous, but the show still works beautifully. Whether it’s one scary or a surprisingly heart-warming ending, the series still remains a TV gem. Choose the original, the underrated 1980s version, the overlooked 2000s UPN one or the more recent Jordan Peele production and enjoy this twisted trip into the 5th Dimension with style. 

The Outer Limits

Watch on MGM+

Back in the ’60s, I found this sci-fi anthology quite engaging, and it held its own against the legendary “The Twilight Zone.” However, when it returned in the ’90s, it truly shone, offering a breathtaking blend of science fiction concepts and an array of talented actors. Occasionally, future stars like Kirsten Dunst graced our screens. The episodes could be quite eerie with their plot twists, but they always managed to keep things entertaining.

“A notable feature is ‘Stitch in Time,’ featuring Amanda Plummer delivering an Emmy-winning performance as a character who journeys through time to prevent serial killers from committing their crimes. The series skillfully combines compelling narratives for each standalone episode, and its seven-season span ranks among the best in anthology shows.

Room 104

Watch on Max

This HBO series takes its name from the single hotel room where each episode unfolds. The narratives span genres like thriller, horror, and sci-fi, but being confined to one room intensifies the atmosphere and builds suspense. The acting is commendable given the limited screen time, and the brief 30-minute episodes prevent the show from feeling overly prolonged.

multiple narratives may feature ghosts or someone conversing with their past or future self. These stories can have unexpectedly dark turns, but they also offer entertaining tales such as a man trapped in a 1990s sitcom, bargaining with the devil and more. Although the sci-fi elements are relatively light, the fact that the entire series consists of “bottle episodes” makes it an overlooked gem in the realm of anthologies.

Electric Dreams 

Watch on Prime Video

Philip K. Dick is often recognized as the pioneer of cyberpunk literature and one of the most impactful figures in the realm of science fiction. Consequently, a Prime Video series inspired by his works is undeniably promising. Each installment takes on a unique Dick story and features high-caliber actors, coupled with exceptional production quality.

The tales maintain a balance between showcasing technological advancements and preserving their human relevance, which gives them greater value. Simultaneously, they explore the danger of losing our humanity due to technology and militarism, themes that remain relevant throughout time. Despite its brief run, it was worth watching as it effectively paid tribute to a sci-fi trailblazer.

Love Death + Robots

Watch on Netflix

This Netflix animated show stands out because each episode changes not only its genre but also the art style of animation. Ranging from traditional to cell-shaded, 3D, and even stop-motion, you’ll never experience two identical episodes. The result is an exciting viewing experience that keeps things fresh. To top it off, excellent writing and voice acting contribute to some truly remarkable episodes.

The storylines can vary from a trio of robots in a post-apocalyptic world to a killer caught in a time loop to space vampires. No matter what episode you watch, the style of animation will suck you in and provide one of the best animated series on television. 

Solos

Watch on Prime Video

This Prime Video anthology boasts an extraordinary lineup of stars. Names like Morgan Freeman, Anne Hathaway, Helen Mirren, Anthony Mackie, Constance Wu, among others, grace these stories, each one distinct. Anne Hathaway portrays a scientist conversing with her future self, while Helen Mirren takes on the role of an elderly astronaut. A woman navigates the journey of her son growing from newborn to adult in just a day.

The links between the stories are interesting, but each can be watched easily on its own. The actors are the best part as the A-listers taking part makes this series more striking than others so seeing them alone makes this one of the better sci-fi anthologies out there. 

American Horror Stories

Watch on FX and Hulu

Regardless of whether you’ve never seen an episode of “American Horror Story,” you can still enjoy this spin-off anthology series. While some episodes reference past seasons of the FX show, the standout ones are self-contained original stories. The majority lean towards horror, but there are a few intriguing sci-fi tales as well. For instance, one involves a man becoming obsessed with his electronic device (voiced by Gwenyth Paltrow), and another is about a film that drives anyone who watches it insane.

The guest cast can have the Ryan Murphy regulars, but a few fresher faces like Bella Thorne can spark it up. The length of the episodes can vary a bit, yet each story is well-written, hits a lot of good themes, and, in many ways, a much more entertaining watch than a standard muddled AHS series to be entertaining. 

Inside Number 9

Watch on Brit Box and Prime Video

It’s typical of the British to push black comedy anthologies to their limits, and a unique element found in each episode is weaving the number nine into the plot somehow. However, beyond this shared trait, no two episodes are alike. They can range from serious dramas to incorporating whimsical themes at times.

Some tales may call out like a fan trying to “fix” the divisive ending to his favorite fantasy work or a few ghost tales. The guest stars are a who’s-who of British television and it all culminates in a wonderful meta finale. It may seem more comedic yet some darker edges for one of the best British anthology series ever. 

Maniac

Watch on Netflix

This Netflix series doesn’t follow the format of an anthology, but it offers multiple alternate realities and characters that would captivate fans of “Black Mirror”. Additionally, its strong point is having Academy Award-winning actress Emma Stone in a leading role. Alongside Jonah Hill, they participate in a drug trial designed to unleash hidden personas, providing Stone with an opportunity to display her remarkable acting versatility.

In this production, the duo ventures into surreal landscapes inspired by fantasy sagas, science fiction tales, character-driven stories, and other genres, as the drugs alter their mental states. The quality of the production is impressive, and the narrative becomes increasingly complex as it unfolds, making it an entertaining ride for fans of shows like ‘Black Mirror’.

Tales From The Loop

Watch on Prime Video

This lesser-known Prime Video series is a hidden treasure. It’s based in an Ohio town that somehow spans various decades, and its residents strive to achieve the seemingly impossible. Each episode centers around a unique character, revealing their connections through a mysterious lab called The Loop. The series tastefully explores themes such as body swaps, robots, time travel, and more.

This series offers an enjoyable blend of acting and nostalgic vibes reminiscent of old-school sci-fi narratives. The eight episodes seamlessly connect, making it a captivating watch for those who appreciate the style of shows like “Black Mirror.

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2024-12-01 02:28