10 Shows and Movies Similar to Chernobyl (2019)

Description: Like Chernobyl, The Americans is a critically acclaimed drama that delves into the complexities of Cold War-era politics and espionage. Both shows excel in building tension and exploring the human cost of ideological conflicts. The meticulous period setting and morally ambiguous characters are shared strengths.

Fact: The Americans was praised for its accurate depiction of 1980s America and Soviet spy tactics. Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys learned to speak Russian for their roles. The show's finale is often cited as one of the best in television history.

Description: True Detective shares Chernobyl's bleak tone and focus on unraveling a complex, morally fraught mystery. Both shows feature exceptional cinematography and a haunting atmosphere. The nonlinear storytelling and deep character studies are also points of similarity.

Fact: The first season of True Detective was directed entirely by Cary Fukunaga. Matthew McConaughey's performance revitalized his career. The show's opening credits sequence became iconic for its visual style.

Description: Similar to Chernobyl, The Terror is a historical drama that blends real events with fictional elements to create a tense, atmospheric narrative. Both shows explore the psychological and physical toll of extreme situations—Chernobyl with nuclear disaster, The Terror with Arctic exploration. The meticulous attention to period detail and the slow-burning tension are key similarities.

Fact: The Terror is based on Dan Simmons' novel, which fictionalizes the doomed Franklin Expedition. The show features Jared Harris, who also starred in Chernobyl as Valery Legasov. It combines historical drama with supernatural horror elements.

Description: Like Chernobyl, The Honourable Woman is a tense political thriller that explores complex international relations (Middle East conflict vs. Soviet bureaucracy). Both feature strong performances and morally ambiguous characters. The themes of betrayal and duty resonate similarly.

Fact: Stars Maggie Gyllenhaal in an Emmy-winning role. Created by Hugo Blick, who also directed every episode. The show's title references the British peerage system.

Description: The Bureau (Le Bureau des Légendes) is similar to Chernobyl in its meticulous, realistic portrayal of a closed professional world (French intelligence vs. Soviet science). Both shows build tension through procedural detail and psychological depth. The emphasis on institutional culture is a strong parallel.

Fact: Praised by real intelligence officers for its accuracy. Originally aired on French network Canal+. The show's tradecraft details are remarkably authentic.

Description: The Looming Tower shares Chernobyl's approach to historical drama, meticulously reconstructing events leading to a catastrophic failure (9/11 in this case). Both shows examine institutional failures and the human cost of bureaucracy. The tense, procedural storytelling is similar.

Fact: Based on Lawrence Wright's Pulitzer-winning nonfiction book. Features Jeff Daniels in a standout performance as John O'Neill. The show explores the rivalry between FBI and CIA before 9/

Description: ZeroZeroZero, like Chernobyl, is an international production that examines large-scale systems (global drug trade vs. Soviet nuclear industry) through personal stories. Both shows feature stunning cinematography and a relentless, tense atmosphere. The theme of invisible forces controlling lives connects them.

Fact: Based on Roberto Saviano's book about the cocaine trade. Filmed in multiple continents for authenticity. Features Andrea Riseborough in a powerful lead role.

Description: The Spy, like Chernobyl, is based on true events and explores the high-stakes world of Cold War espionage. Both shows focus on individuals operating in dangerous, morally complex environments. The tension between personal sacrifice and duty is a central theme in both.

Fact: The Spy stars Sacha Baron Cohen in a rare dramatic role. It's based on the life of Israeli spy Eli Cohen. The show was filmed in multiple countries to maintain authenticity.

Description: The Plot Against America shares Chernobyl's alternate history approach, imagining a different 20th century (Nazi-sympathizing US president vs. nuclear disaster). Both shows explore how societies respond to existential threats. The atmospheric tension and political themes are comparable.

Fact: Based on Philip Roth's novel. Created by David Simon (The Wire). Features a haunting score by Marcelo Zarvos.

Description: The Night Manager shares Chernobyl's high production values and tense spy thriller elements. Both shows feature ordinary people navigating dangerous, high-stakes worlds. The moral ambiguity and international scope are similar, though Night Manager is more action-oriented.

Fact: Based on John le Carré's novel. Tom Hiddleston's performance boosted his post-Loki career. Won multiple Golden Globes and Emmys.