19 Sci-fi shows/movies like Silo that you cannot simply miss out on

Apple TV's Silo has been making waves among sci-fi lovers since its debut in May 2023. Based on the trilogy novel series - Wool, Shift and Dust by Hugh Howey, the show follows the lives of a community living deep underground in a post-apocalyptic world. Created by Graham Yost, the show captures their struggles and apprehensions carefully. Sci-fi movies and shows are often loved for their world-building and dystopian storytelling. Whether it’s the philosophical inquiries of Westworld or the ethical dilemmas posed in Ex Machina, there’s something to captivate every sci-fi lover. Here is a list of 19 such movies and TV shows that you must not miss if you loved Silo.

19) Annihilation (2018)

This 2018 film directed by Alex Garland explores themes of identity and mutation. The story follows a group of scientists who venture into a recently formed anomalous zone on Earth and are met with terrifying and mysterious circumstances. The film is a visual treat and the eerie atmosphere adds to the movie experience blending sci-fi with horror.

18) The 100 (2014- 2020)

Adapted from the book of the same name by Kass Morgan, The 100, set in the post-apocalyptic world, follows 100 young convicts who are sent back to Earth to check whether the Earth is habitable. The show's intense drama, complex characters, and exploration of moral dilemmas make it a captivating and thought-provoking watch.

17) The Twilight Zone (2019- 2020)

Helmed by Jordan Peele, The Twilight Zone is an anthology series where each episode is a standalone story of a character who tries to tackle terrifying or mysterious situations thrown at them. The show explores various topics of the sci-fi genre like parallel universes, dystopian futures, and time travel making it a must-watch for sci-fi enthusiasts.

16) The Peripheral (2022)

Amazon Studios' sci-fi show The Peripheral premiered in 2022. Based on the novel of the same name by William Gibson, the show focuses on Flynne Fisher, played by Chloe Grace Moretz, who discovers a connection to a future world through a virtual reality headset. The sci-fi show further explores themes like the future of technology and human consciousness making it a worthy watch.

15) Looper (2012)

Looper is a 2012 film directed by Rian Johnson, also known for making films like Knives Out. The movie is set in a future where hitmen, known as "loopers" eliminate targets sent back from the future. The film has a stellar ensemble cast like Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, Emily Blunt, and Paul Dano who give strong performances, making the time-traveling thriller a must-watch.

14) Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

Directed by Doug Liman, this sci-fi action film is adapted from Hiroshi Sakurazaka's novel All You Need Is Kill. It stars Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt and focuses on Cruise's character Major William Cage as he fights against alien invaders while stuck in a time loop. The movie cleverly blends the elements of alien invasions and time travel.

13) Orphan Black (2013- 2017)

This Canadian Thriller series focuses on Sarah Manning, played by Tatiana Maslany, a woman who discovers she is one of many clones created as part of a mysterious scientific experiment. With its compelling narrative, complex characters, and standout performances, particularly by Tatiana Maslany in multiple roles, for which she even earned a Primetime Emmy Award, this show is a great watch.

12) Fringe (2008- 2013)

This 2008 sci-fi series blends procedural drama with elements of the supernatural and fringe science. The show follows a team of investigators, led by FBI agent Olivia Dunham, played by Anna Torv, as they tackle bizarre and unexplained phenomena linked to parallel universes and advanced technology. In its five-season run, the series won many accolades and praise and deserves a watch.

11) Ex Machina (2014)

Ex Machina is Alex Garland's directorial debut movie. It focuses on the story of a young programmer Caleb Smith, played by Domnhal Gleeson who is invited to administer a Turing test to Ava (Alicia Vikander), an advanced humanoid robot created by his boss, Nathan, played by Oscar Isaac. The film's minimalist setting, tense atmosphere, and exploration of human consciousness and AI make it a captivating watch.

10) The Expanse (2015- 2022)

Based on James S. A. Corey's novel series of the same name, this American sci-fi series follows the life of people in a dystopian world where humanity has colonized the solar system. With its rich world-building, complex plotlines, and multi-dimensional characters, the series offers a captivating and immersive viewing experience for sci-fi fans.

9) The Matrix Franchise

This classic sci-fi film, directed by Lana and Lily Wachowski follows Neo, played by Keanu Reeves, a computer hacker, who discovers that the world he knows is a simulated reality created by intelligent machines. With its innovative use of special effects and mind-bending concepts, the film has garnered love from around the world while also influencing many more sci-fi films to come.

8) Black Mirror (2011- present)

Black Mirror is an anthology series that explores the dark and often unsettling consequences of modern technology on society. Each episode presents a standalone story that delves into themes such as surveillance, social media, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality. The show offers an intriguing social commentary on the rise of technology and its effects on humanity.

7) Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Directed by one of the renowned directors of the sci-fi genre, Denis Villeneuve, Blade Runner 2049 follows the story of Officer K, played by Ryan Gosling, a replicant blade runner, as he uncovers a long-buried secret that could alter the course of society. The movie delves into themes of humanity and artificial intelligence in a dystopian future making it a must-watch for sci-fi lovers.

6) Severance (2022- Present)

Apple TV's critically acclaimed thriller series, Severance follows the employees of a biotech company Lumon Industries who decide to sever their consciousness into two, separating their professional from personal memories. The show's tense atmosphere, deep character development, and thought-provoking questions about identity and agency make it a standout entry into the sci-fi genre.

5) Westworld ( 2016- 2022)

Based on the 1973 film by Michael Crichton, the series is set in a high-tech amusement park where android hosts cater to the guests' fantasies, the show explores the boundaries between reality and artificiality. with its complex characters and intense storytelling, Westworld provides a compelling watch.

4) Fallout (2024- Present)

Set in the post-apocalyptic world, Fallout follows the story of Lucy, played by Ella Purnell, who begins a journey into the harmful wasteland to find her father. The series explores the complexities of living in a dystopian world with scarce resources which makes survival more challenging. This 2024 series is unmissable if you love shows like Silo.

3) Inception (2010)

Christopher Nolan's mind-bending sci-fi action movie follows a team of thieves led by Dom Cobb, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, who invade the subconscious minds of their targets to steal or implant information. The movie delves into the realm of dreams within dreams. Nolan's intricate storytelling and the movie's stunning visuals are sure to immerse the audience in its narrative.

2) Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

George Miller's post-apocalyptic movie tells the story of Max Rockatansky, played by Tom Hardy, and Imperator Furiosa, played by Charlize Theron as they rebel against their oppressors in a desperate bid for freedom. With stunning visuals and breathtaking action sequences, Mad Max: Fury Road captures the attention of sci-fi enthusiasts around the world.

1) Dark (2017- 2020)

Dark is a mind-bending German sci-fi series that explores the implications of time travel and its impact on humanity. With an intricate plot that combines multiple timelines, it delves into the interconnectedness of four families and the secrets they uncover in their small town. The show is filled with puzzles and twists that keep its viewers guessing, adding to the immersive experience of watching it.