Rebooting the Bong Joon-ho thriller of the same name which in turn was based on a French graphic novel, the TNT series Snowpiercer focuses on the aftermath of our planet as it turns into a frozen wasteland. The surviving inhabitants of this dystopia end up in a train that perpetually circles the globe. Much like the planet, even this train (the titular Snowpiercer) functions according to a class system where a select few rule and oppress the majority of passengers. These sections fight thereon for basic survival and over the limited resources present on the train.
Snowpiercer is expected to gain footing by its second season but as of now, it seems like a good fit amongst other recent shows that tend to emulate 'philosophical' science-fiction. While waiting for Snowpiercer's next season -- which is expected to be released some time in 2021 -- here are ten similar shows to binge watch.
Devs (2020)
Created by Alex Garland, this limited series deals with a computer engineer (Sonoya Mizuno) who investigates the disappearance of her boyfriend. The answer seems to lie within the workings of a mysterious computing firm and its shadowy CEO (Nick Offerman).
With a satirically grim take on Silicon Valley, Devs questions the value of free will and determinism and to what extent can humanity preserve these values in the face of technological advances that constantly encroach on basic human rights.
Electric Dreams (2017-2018)
An anthology series based on sci-fi legend Philip K. Dick's short stories, Electric Dreams can be seen as the Amazon Prime equivalent of Black Mirror. The series tackles several questions around human-technology relations, with some episodes revolving around Orwellian authoritarian regimes much like Snowpiercer.
With high production value, the series also boasts of a stellar ensemble including the likes of Terrence Howard, Benedict Wong, Anna Paquin, Steve Buscemi, and many more.
Maniac (2018)
A surreal miniseries by Cary Joji Fukugawa, Maniac explores the adventures of its two leads (played by Jonah Hill and Emma Stone) as they engage in a company experiment that promises to erase their worst memories. However, the cerebral experiment goes awry and both are confronted to face their inner demons in a series of virtually simulated settings ranging from neon-lit futures to a medieval Viking-like past.
At its core, Maniac also functions as a romantic story, expressing how love and hope can help humanity survive in the face of an increasingly technological dystopia.
Black Summer (2019- )
The planet changes in the course of six weeks in Black Summer, as a zombie pandemic spreads all over the world. A single mother leads a group of refugees to fight the rising undead and survive, as she also tries desperately to find her missing daughter.
Black Summer was praised by critics and even by horror icons like Stephen King for attempting to create a raw and realistic picture of the quest for survival in the face of an apocalypse like this.
The 100 (2014-2020)
The 100 has its share of dramatic clichés but it still functions well enough as a dystopian teen drama. The basic premise revolves around a future in which most of humanity has been wiped out. The survivors dwell in an 'Ark,' which also inhabits a few criminals. Among these are a few juvenile delinquents who aren't eligible for capital punishment, so they're sent as scapegoats to the vast expanse outside in order to explore the chances of life outside while facing the dangers the authorities would rather avoid.
Garnering a cult fanbase just like the novel series it's based on, The 100 ended this year after an impressive seven-season run.
Under The Dome (2013-2015)
Stephen King's modern epic inspired this series that explores a small town that is suddenly entrapped in a colossal dome, being cut off from the rest of the world. The inhabitants of this town try to adapt to this new setting while understanding what caused this anomaly in the first place. Even the ones outside try their best to rescue the dwellers of this dome.
Apart from the usual tropes of survival, this sci-fi series also uses allegories to show how our environment suffers when trapped with the industrial creations of humanity.
Into The Night (2020- )
In this Belgian post-apocalyptic drama, the sun's energy gains capabilities that are destructive enough to wipe out all signs of life from the planet. As the destruction starts, a passenger plane is being hijacked. The passengers unite in the face of disaster to steer the plane away from the sun's light.
What follows is a thrilling drama of fighting all odds like fuel shortage, radiated food, and humanity's worst nemesis: sunlight.
Westworld (2016- )
Arguably one of the greatest sci-fi shows of recent memory, Westworld is set in a futuristic Western-themed amusement park that caters to elite guests who can do whatever they wish with the robotic hosts of the park. Hell breaks loose when its robot populace start malfunctioning when they suddenly become self-aware, and several moral questions are raised.
Based on the B-grade horror movie of the same name, Westworld takes the core concept of its campy source material and takes it into existential heights. The polarizing third season brought the story in the real world where AI rules the minds of humans, but the first two seasons make for essential viewing. This is especially true for those who are interested in sci-fi dramas that emphasize world-building and philosophical themes of their worlds.
Ghoul (2018)
Ghoul is an Indian Netflix miniseries set in a totalitarian fascist regime. When a new military recruit is assigned to interview a terrorist, she chances upon harrowing truths that explore the regime's human rights violations and extremist propaganda. Matters turn violent as the terrorist also seems to be possessed by the supernatural being known as the 'ghoul.'
Ghoul drew praise for its blend of supernatural and Orwellian themes while building a compelling horror narrative.
The Handmaid's Tale (2017- )
Gilead is an extreme society of the future that violates the basic rights of women, reducing them to as just baby-makers. While all the privileged few women of this society suffer from infertility, the rest of the women are forcibly recruited by the state as 'handmaids' to produce children for the upper class. One such handmaiden, Offred, decides to reunite with her family and fight against all forces on the top, starting a revolution of her own.
Based on the novel of the same name, the televised adaptation of The Handmaid's Tale is unflinchingly brutal in the depiction of its tragic events and would be too disturbing for a few viewers, but it still makes for a relevant watch and a warning sign for civilization.