If you loved the emotional depth and gripping storytelling of 'The Rest of Us' (2020), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same raw intensity, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes. Whether you're looking for more heart-wrenching drama or compelling narratives about resilience, this list has something for every fan.

Jericho (2006)
Description: Follows a small town's residents as they deal with the aftermath of nuclear attacks on the US, highlighting themes of community, survival, and conspiracy.
Fact: The show was canceled after one season but was revived for a second season due to a fan campaign that involved sending tons of nuts to CBS, referencing a line from the show.


Station Eleven (2021)
Description: A post-apocalyptic narrative that examines the resilience of humanity and the importance of art and culture in rebuilding society after a devastating pandemic.
Fact: The series is an adaptation of Emily St. John Mandel's novel and uniquely intertwines the lives of its characters before and after the apocalypse.


Falling Skies (2011)
Description: A story of resistance and survival against an alien invasion, focusing on a group of survivors trying to reclaim their world while dealing with personal and collective trauma.
Fact: The series was produced by Steven Spielberg and blended family drama with sci-fi action, a hallmark of his storytelling style.


The Walking Dead (2010)
Description: A survival horror series that delves into human nature and societal breakdown in the face of a zombie apocalypse, focusing on group dynamics and moral choices.
Fact: The comic book series it's based on was created by Robert Kirkman, who intended to explore how people live in a world overrun by zombies rather than how the outbreak started.


The Man in the High Castle (2015)
Description: An alternate history where the Axis powers won WWII, examining resistance, identity, and the moral complexities of living under oppressive regimes.
Fact: The series is based on Philip K. Dick's novel and features intricate world-building that explores what life might look like under Nazi and Japanese rule in America.


The Last Ship (2014)
Description: A naval crew must navigate a world decimated by a global pandemic, combining military strategy with the struggle to find a cure and rebuild civilization.
Fact: The show was inspired by a 1988 novel of the same name but took significant creative liberties to adapt the story for modern audiences.


The 100 (2014)
Description: Centers on a group of survivors returning to a post-apocalyptic Earth, dealing with moral dilemmas, leadership struggles, and the fight for survival against both human and environmental threats.
Fact: Originally marketed as a teen drama, the show evolved into a gritty survival story with complex characters and high stakes.


The Leftovers (2014)
Description: Explores themes of grief, loss, and societal collapse after a mysterious event, focusing on how people cope with an inexplicable tragedy.
Fact: The show was based on a novel by Tom Perrotta, who also served as a co-creator. It was praised for its deep philosophical questions and emotional depth.


Into the Badlands (2015)
Description: Set in a post-apocalyptic world where feudal barons rule, the series blends martial arts with a quest for freedom and justice in a fractured society.
Fact: The show is notable for its highly choreographed fight scenes, which were inspired by classic Hong Kong action cinema.


The Handmaid's Tale (2017)
Description: A dystopian drama that explores themes of oppression, resistance, and survival in a totalitarian society where women's rights have been stripped away.
Fact: Based on Margaret Atwood's 1985 novel, the series has been praised for its timely and unsettling reflection of contemporary societal issues.
