10 Must-Watch Movies & Shows Like The Return

10 Must-Watch Movies & Shows Like The Return Similar movies

If you loved the gripping mystery and emotional depth of The Return (2020), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and shows that share its haunting atmosphere, intricate storytelling, and themes of rediscovery. Whether you're drawn to psychological thrillers or character-driven dramas, these picks will keep you hooked.

Twin Peaks (1990)
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Twin Peaks (1990)

Description: A surreal blend of small-town mystery, supernatural horror, and soap opera melodrama. Its dreamlike atmosphere and cryptic symbolism create a uniquely unsettling experience.

Fact: The iconic 'Red Room' sequences were inspired by David Lynch's own dreams. The show's famous dancing dwarf, The Man from Another Place, speaks his lines backward and then reversed in post-production to create his eerie voice.

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The Killing (2011)
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The Killing (2011)

Description: A moody crime drama that focuses as much on the emotional toll of investigations as the mysteries themselves. Its rainy Pacific Northwest setting and slow-burning character development create a brooding atmosphere.

Fact: The series was adapted from a Danish show called Forbrydelsen. The iconic rain-soaked aesthetic was achieved by using rain towers and shooting almost entirely at night or during overcast days.

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Black Mirror (2011)
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Black Mirror (2011)

Description: An anthology series that explores the dark side of technology and human nature through standalone stories. Its unsettling visions of near-future dystopias often leave viewers with lingering existential questions.

Fact: The show's title refers to the black, reflective screens of devices when they're turned off. Creator Charlie Brooker initially conceived the series as a way to update The Twilight Zone for the digital age.

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True Detective (2014)
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True Detective (2014)

Description: A neo-noir crime anthology that blends philosophical musings with gritty detective work. Its nonlinear storytelling and exploration of existential themes elevate it beyond typical police procedurals.

Fact: The first season's famous six-minute tracking shot was rehearsed for weeks and filmed in a single take. The show's distinctive yellow color palette was inspired by the chemical spills of Louisiana's Cancer Alley.

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Sharp Objects (2018)
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Sharp Objects (2018)

Description: A Southern Gothic psychological thriller that explores intergenerational trauma, mental illness, and the dark secrets lurking beneath a small town's surface. Its oppressive atmosphere and unreliable narrator create a deeply unsettling experience.

Fact: The series was filmed in Barnesville, Georgia, which stood in for the fictional Wind Gap, Missouri. Many of the haunting flashback sequences were shot using a vintage 1970s camera for added authenticity.

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The Leftovers (2014)
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The Leftovers (2014)

Description: A deeply philosophical drama that explores loss, existential dread, and the search for meaning in a world where 2% of the population mysteriously vanishes. Its ambiguous storytelling and emotional weight resonate long after viewing.

Fact: The show's opening theme changes slightly each season to reflect the evolving tone of the story. The creators intentionally left many questions unanswered to focus on the characters' emotional journeys.

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The Terror (2018)
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The Terror (2018)

Description: A historical horror drama that combines real-life tragedy with supernatural elements. The claustrophobic tension and psychological unraveling of characters in extreme conditions make for gripping viewing.

Fact: The series is based on the real-life Franklin Expedition, though it adds a supernatural twist to the historical disappearance. Much of the show was filmed in Hungary, standing in for the Arctic.

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The Haunting of Hill House (2018)
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The Haunting of Hill House (2018)

Description: A psychological horror series that blends supernatural elements with deep family drama, exploring themes of grief, trauma, and unresolved pasts. Its atmospheric tension and nonlinear storytelling create a hauntingly immersive experience.

Fact: The series features hidden ghosts in nearly every episode, often lurking in the background unnoticed by the characters. The iconic 'Red Room' changes its appearance based on who is inside it.

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The Outsider (2020)
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The Outsider (2020)

Description: A crime thriller with supernatural undertones, delving into the uncanny and the inexplicable. The slow-burning mystery and eerie atmosphere keep viewers questioning reality.

Fact: Based on Stephen King's novel of the same name, the series was initially planned as a film before being adapted into a TV show. The show's unsettling tone is amplified by its use of minimalistic sound design.

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The Sinner (2017)
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The Sinner (2017)

Description: A psychological crime drama that focuses on why crimes were committed rather than who did them. Its deep dives into trauma, memory, and hidden motives create a tense, character-driven mystery.

Fact: Each season features a completely new case and set of characters, with only the detective protagonist carrying over. The show was originally based on a German novel by Petra Hammesfahr.

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