Released on February 21st, 2024, on Apple TV+, Constellation marks a unique experience in the sci-fi genre, utilizing an abstract narrative that blurs the lines of reality. Moreover, the Apple TV+ original, backed by a big budget, has proven to be a visual wonder that masterfully builds suspense and horror to create a constant sense of unease that makes the show utterly engrossing. This is all even before looking at the performances, which include a stand-out performance from Noomi Rapace as Jo Ericsson that perfectly balances her character’s emotions and fears.
There will not be many shows one can directly compare to Constellation, but as the series develops and more people discover it, there will certainly be people looking for other Sci-fi thrillers/horror that touch on some of the same themes or have similar vibes. Here we have gathered 10 shows to check out if you loved Constellation.
10 V (1983)
V was a TV-Miniseries on NBC that followed the invasion by aliens who represented themselves as friendly and seeking cooperation with Earth. However, a small group, including a cameraman, a medical student, and a biologist, start to learn of the darker intentions of the aliens referred to as “Visitors,” with the group becoming the sole resistance against the planned domination of Earth’s inhabitants.
The Greatest Sci-fi TV Event of the ’80s
It is hard to convey how much of an event the 1983 version of V turned out to be, ahead of its time in investing in a cinematic budget for a two-episode miniseries and boasting some of the best effect work of the era. Not just a visual wonder for the medium, the story was sharply written and delivered sci-fi thrills with an engaging cast of characters while exploring the perils of fascism. While there was a follow-up/remake to the series in 2009, the original is really the best version to check out.
For fans of Constellation, the 80s aesthetic may clash slightly with the smoothly polished visuals of the Apple TV original. However, the miniseries plays wonderfully on the paranoia of Earth’s people and will still hold enough visual flair and 80s nostalgia to entice viewers still. Also, it is only two episodes long, so the commitment is not as cumbersome as checking out other long-running TV series. Buy V (1984) on Apple TV.
9 Black Mirror (2011–)
Black Mirror
- Release Date
- December 4, 2011
- Main Genre
- Sci-Fi
- Seasons
- 6
- Studio
- Netflix
British satirical comedian Charlie Brooker created Black Mirror and soon established itself in its native Britain as a stand-out in the sci-fi genre, offering speculative stories of how tech can shape our future. This led to the anthology formatted show being adapted into a Netflix Original, with the series showing no signs of slowing down. Each episode depicts a unique scenario based around technology or aspects of culture pushed to their most extreme, horrific, and harrowing.
A Modern-Day Anthology Masterpiece
It is easy to draw many comparisons from the reality-bending Constellation to Black Mirror, with the Apple TV+ Original only distinguishing itself by having a continued narrative but both taking a similar abstract approach; both series like to play with audience expectations and have a flair for the visuals.
If you really want to lean into Black Mirror at its most sci-fi, horror indulgent, a good comparison for those unfamiliar with the series would be “USS Callister,” “Beyond the Sea,” or “Playtest.” Still, it is worth watching through the entire series to get a scope of the unique writing talent of Brooker that has made Black Mirror so iconic with its blend of dark humor, horror, sci-fi, and drama. Watch Black Mirror on Netflix.
8 Falling Skies (2011–2015)
Falling Skies follows former history professor Tom Mason (Noah Wyle) who becomes the second in command of the 2nd Massachusetts Militia Regiment after an alien invasion. Mason, along with a small group of survivors, fight against the aliens known as “skitters” in a bid to protect the remaining human population from extinction.
A Great Sci-fi Thriller for a Change of Pace
We get it, Constellation is a bit abstract and out there at points, and some viewers will be left loving certain elements but craving something more straightforward. While TNT’s Falling Skies is a bit more limited by budget, the five-season run on the show certainly knew how to bring action and create some wonderfully suspenseful moments as a few survivors navigate a post-apocalypse brought on by an alien invasion.
The elements of horror and suspense are about all that binds the two series. Still, Falling Skies is a nice little hidden gem for Sci-fi fans that was largely overlooked because of its network but has since developed a decent following thanks to its engaging story and diverse cast. In particular, Noah Wyle does a sensational job in the lead role. Stream Falling Skies on Max.
7 Dark Matter (2015–2017)
Dark Matter
- Release Date
- June 12, 2015
- Main Genre
- Sci-Fi
- Seasons
- 3
A crew of six people awake from stasis on a derelict spaceship, the Raza, with no recollection of their past lives or how they got to that location. Their only clues come from a cargo bay full of weapons and a destination for a mining colony that is set to become a war zone. Paranoia and distrust grow even more as they slowly learn the reasoning for their banishment, which may rest with their past actions.
Drifting Through Space
For those who loved Stargate SG-1, Dark Matter came from the same writers and producers and also features actor David Hewlett (Dr. Rodney McKay in SG-1) in the lead role. What differentiates the series from SG-1 and brings it closer to Constellation is how the show’s basis is built on identity loss and confusion about who one is.
While Dark Matter is not heavy on horror, it is wonderfully suspenseful and is just as good as its predecessor in writing. Unfortunately, the show was canceled prematurely, but there is still a cult following around it, and it is certainly worth checking out. Stream Dark Matter on The CW.
6 Alice in Borderland (2020–)
Alice in Borderland
- Release Date
- December 10, 2020
- Cast
- Kento Yamazaki , Tao Tsuchiya , Nijirô Murakami , Eleanor Noble
- Seasons
- 2
- Studio
- Robot Communications
An obsessed gamer, Arisu, along with his friends, is transported to a deserted Tokyo where they must compete in a series of dangerous games to survive. Each new challenge unravels more about the world and why they have been forced to compete. The Netflix Original Sci-fi drama has proved a fan and critical hit, currently sitting at 85% fresh critic score and 90% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Do You Want to Play a Game?
With the New York Times review of Constellation referred to it as “Alice in Wonderspace,” it seems suitable to bring up the hit Netflix show Alice in Borderland. Approaching the sci-fi genre more from a place of ‘gamer culture’ than outer space exploration, both shows have a wonderfully tense atmosphere and a sense of uncertainty. Stream on Netflix.
The series also touches on some similar themes, with morality tied to survival that leaves the viewer pondering grander themes. Alice in Borderland is also a great introduction to Japanese dramas, given the show’s unique approach to storytelling in both visuals and story. Also similar to Constellation, the show heavily emphasizes character development and blending genres to make a wholly original experience.
5 Raised by Wolves (2020–2022)
Two androids, named Mother and Father by their creator, are sent to start a peaceful, godless colony on the planet Kepler-22b raising children away from religion. However, when a religious order led by surviving humans, known as the “Mithraic,” shows up, the androids and their children’s quiet existence is challenged. Raised by Wolves was created by Aaron Guzikowski, whose previous original show The Red Road was well received. However, Ridley Scott’s influence on the project as the executive producer is apparent in crafting the world and themes explored in the series.
Exploring Faith and Family Through Sci-fi
Thematically and the way it approaches using sci-fi to tackle larger philosophical and moral issues, Constellation and Raised by Wolves make a pretty ideal pairing. Notably, the way it explores the complexities between children and adults in a sci-fi landscape. Visually, the works also both have a sharp and distinct style, while also taking a slightly abstract approach to storytelling through its lush visuals and somewhat disjointed narrative meant to draw in viewers to try to unravel the events taking place.
Despite being canceled after the second season, Raised by Wolves was praised for its unique take on the sci-fi genre with a very pronounced visual style that made it stand out in the genre, much in the same way as Constellation. There is a lot of emotional depth to Raised by Wolves as well, with great performances from the likes of Amanda Collin, Abubakar Salim, and Travis Fimmel. Buy Raised By Wolves on Google Play.
4 The Silent Sea (2021)
The Silent Sea
- Release Date
- December 24, 2021
- Cast
- Yoo Gong , Bae Doona , Kim Sun-young
- Seasons
- 1
- Studio
- Netflix, Artist Studio
A crew of crack scientists and military personnel head to an abandoned base on the moon to retrieve a sample to help save the Earth from desertification, which has depleted the water supply and led to rationing. The base was abandoned after 117 personnel were killed in a previous incident, but the crew, including Captain Han Yun‑Jae (Gong Yoo), Lieutenant Ryu Tae‑seok (Lee Joon), and a scientist affected by the past tragedy, Song Ji‑An (Bae Doona), volunteer to head into the unknown understanding the importance of their mission.
A Standout Netflix Original from Korea
Korea certainly knows how to do sci-fi, and the Netflix Original The Silent Sea is one of the best in the genre. Boasting an intriguing plot that slowly unravels to reveal greater conspiracies and frightening truths about Earth’s dystopian state, the series immediately captures the audience’s attention, much like Constellation.
In addition, the show also boasts a strong cast, with Bae Doona as Song Ji-An exploration of past trauma in having her sister die on the moon base, making for an emotionally engaging watch. The visuals here are also very sharp and succeed at immersing the viewer in the plight of the space crew, much in the way Constellation crafts a very distinct sci-fi world. Stream The Silent Sea on Netflix.
3 Archive 81 (2022)
Hired by a wealthy and mysterious benefactor to restore tapes from the ’90s, Dan Turner (Mamoudou Athie) gets drawn into a mysterious world. This includes a ‘demonic mold’ that distorts time and space and begins messing with Dan’s perceptions of reality, and a cult that is trying to resurrect an ancient god known as Kaelego. As he gets closer to the truth, his friend Melody Pendras (Dina Shihabi) is also drawn into the bizarre underworld of cults and otherworldly creatures.
Evoking Lovecraftian Horrors
Archive 81 is one of the many shows that suffered a short life on Netflix, with the streaming service ultimately cutting the show after one season due to budget concerns. This is a shame when considering how well the show balanced horror, noir, and abstract storytelling elements, which earned it an instant, dedicated fan following. The downside is that the show ends abruptly, but the first season is still worth checking out.
While the sci-fi elements here are not as pronounced as horror and mystery, the Netflix Original series masterfully crafted a suspenseful piece of drama using much of the same reality-blurring plot lines that Constellation executes so well. As a bonus, for those who love horror centered around cults, Archive 81 does an exceptionally great job of creating unease around the satanic “Vos Society.” It also has nods to Lovecraftian type horrors, further giving fans of sci-fi horror reason to check this one out. Stream Archive 81 on Netflix.
2 From (2022–)
From
- Release Date
- February 20, 2022
- Seasons
- 2
An unnamed town in Middle America is luring and capturing its residents to deal with the monsters that come out at night to hunt the people. The series follows a group recently brought into the town and their fight for survival under extreme circumstances. The first season of From was released to both critical and fan acclaim, with the series receiving a 96% fresh critic score and an 89% audience score from Rotten Tomatoes.
Terror in Small-Town America
For those looking for a sci-fi horror thrill ride, you can’t go wrong with From. The show does boast a degree of mystery, drawing early comparisons to Lost in its purposeful ambiguity, but the story is not as abstract as Constellation and is easily accessible. While the story is deeply engrossing, From has also seen fans of more gory horror brought into its fold, as the series can get wonderfully overindulgent in the chaos it crafts when it comes to the monsters preying on the unfortunate residents. Two seasons are currently out, with a third one confirmed, making it an ideal time to dive into the show. Stream From on Fubo.
1 Yakamoz S-245 (2022)
A group of scientists on a long-term expedition to study marine life at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea find themselves trapped when a global catastrophe turns the sun’s rays fatal to those exposed to them. The crew aboard the titular submarine, Yakamoz S-245, become increasingly confrontational as supplies run low, and they grapple with the inevitable.
Stuck Underwater While the World Ends
This Turkish TV show ended up being a pleasant hit surprise on Netflix, crafting a tense, sci-fi underwater drama. While not strictly horror, those with Thalassophobia (fear of the deep) will find the series uncomfortably claustrophobic thanks to the unique set-up that sees a crew trapped undersea, doomed to die underwater. Yakamoz S-245 really does make the best of its budget to create an entirely immersive thriller that will appease fans of drama, thriller, and sci-fi in equal measure. Stream Yakamoz S-245 on Netflix.
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
