10 Shows & Movies Like Z Nation (2014)

Description: Falling Skies, like Z Nation, features a post-apocalyptic Earth where humanity fights against an overwhelming threat (aliens instead of zombies). Both shows focus on family dynamics within survival groups and feature military elements in their resistance efforts. The shows balance action with character development.

Fact: Falling Skies was executive produced by Steven Spielberg. The show's alien designs were intentionally kept secret during early marketing to preserve surprises. It features one of Noah Wyle's first major television roles after ER.

Description: Similar to Z Nation, The Walking Dead is a post-apocalyptic horror series that focuses on survival in a world overrun by zombies. Both shows explore human resilience, group dynamics, and the moral dilemmas faced in extreme situations. However, The Walking Dead tends to be more serious and dramatic, while Z Nation incorporates more humor and absurdity.

Fact: The Walking Dead is based on the comic book series of the same name by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard. The show's first season had a budget of $

Description: The Last Ship shares with Z Nation the theme of a post-apocalyptic world where a group of survivors must navigate dangerous new realities. While Z Nation deals with zombies, The Last Ship focuses on a viral pandemic. Both shows feature military elements and explore how different groups respond to catastrophe.

Fact: The Last Ship is based on a 1988 novel of the same name by William Brinkley. The show's production consulted with real naval officers to ensure accuracy in depicting life aboard a destroyer. Several episodes were filmed on an actual decommissioned naval ship.

Description: The Strain, like Z Nation, is a horror series featuring a viral outbreak that transforms people into monstrous creatures. Both shows blend horror with action and explore how society collapses under such threats. The Strain has a more Gothic horror tone compared to Z Nation's mix of horror and comedy.

Fact: The Strain was co-created by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan, based on their novel trilogy. Del Toro directed the first episode and was heavily involved in the show's visual design. The vampire creatures in the show were designed to be biologically plausible, with a unique feeding mechanism.

Description: The 100 shares with Z Nation a post-apocalyptic setting where survivors must navigate a dangerous new world. Both shows explore themes of leadership, morality, and survival, though The 100 starts with space-based survivors returning to Earth. The shows mix science fiction elements with human drama and action.

Fact: The 100 is based on a book series by Kass Morgan. The show was originally developed as a potential sequel to the movie The

Description: Fear the Walking Dead serves as a companion series to The Walking Dead, sharing the same universe and zombie apocalypse theme. Like Z Nation, it explores the collapse of society and the struggle to survive, but it focuses more on the initial outbreak and its immediate aftermath, providing a different perspective on the apocalypse.

Fact: Fear the Walking Dead was initially conceived as a standalone series before being connected to The Walking Dead universe. The show's title was kept secret until its official announcement, with the production using the working title 'Cobalt'. It features one of the first major television roles for Alycia Debnam-Carey, who later starred in The

Description: While not a zombie show, Into the Badlands shares with Z Nation a post-apocalyptic setting and a focus on survival in a dangerous world. Both shows feature extensive action sequences and explore how societies reorganize after collapse. Into the Badlands distinguishes itself with its martial arts focus and feudal society structure.

Fact: Into the Badlands was inspired by the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. The show features some of the most elaborate fight choreography on television, with sequences sometimes taking weeks to prepare. Daniel Wu, who stars in and produces the show, is a renowned martial artist in real life.

Description: Colony shares with Z Nation a setting where Earth has been taken over by hostile forces (aliens in Colony's case), and follows resistance efforts. Both shows explore collaboration versus resistance themes and how ordinary people become fighters. Colony focuses more on political intrigue and occupation dynamics.

Fact: Colony was created by Carlton Cuse, who also worked on Lost. The show was partially inspired by historical occupations like Nazi-occupied France. It features Josh Holloway in his first major television role since Lost.

Description: Van Helsing shares with Z Nation a post-apocalyptic setting where humanity is threatened by supernatural creatures (vampires instead of zombies). Both shows feature a strong female lead who possesses unique abilities to combat the threat. The shows mix action, horror, and survival elements in their storytelling.

Fact: Van Helsing is loosely inspired by the Dracula mythos but places the Van Helsing family in a futuristic setting. The show was originally developed as a potential Dracula series before being reworked. It features one of the first television roles for Kelly Overton, who plays the titular character.

Description: Black Summer is a prequel to Z Nation, set in the same universe but with a much darker and more intense tone. Both shows deal with the early days of a zombie apocalypse, but Black Summer focuses more on the raw survival aspect and the immediate chaos, while Z Nation has a more adventurous and sometimes comedic approach.

Fact: Black Summer was originally conceived as a more serious counterpart to Z Nation's often humorous tone. The show features long, continuous shots during action sequences to heighten tension. Despite being a prequel, it was released after Z Nation had already concluded.