10 Movies and Shows Similar to Six Feet Under (2001)

Description: Twin Peaks shares Six Feet Under's surreal elements and exploration of grief (Laura Palmer's death vs. Nathaniel Fisher's death). Both shows blend genres, mix humor with pathos, and feature supernatural elements that comment on human psychology. The small-town setting with dark undercurrents creates a similarly haunting atmosphere.

Fact: The show was originally pitched as a movie about the investigation of Laura Palmer's murder. David Lynch refused to reveal the killer until network pressure forced him in season The iconic Red Room scenes were inspired by a dream Lynch had.

Description: Like 'Six Feet Under', 'The Sopranos' is a groundbreaking HBO drama that explores complex family dynamics, existential themes, and the human condition. Both shows blend dark humor with deep psychological insights, and feature flawed, multi-dimensional characters. The Sopranos' exploration of mortality and the meaning of life parallels Six Feet Under's central themes.

Fact: James Gandolfini originally auditioned for the role of Mel in Six Feet Under before being cast as Tony Soprano. Creator David Chase initially envisioned the show as a movie about a mobster in therapy. The famous final scene's abrupt cut to black was controversial but now considered one of TV's greatest endings.

Description: While more focused on societal institutions, The Wire shares Six Feet Under's novelistic approach to storytelling and deep character development. Both shows present a mosaic of interconnected lives and examine how systems (funeral industry vs. urban bureaucracy) shape human behavior. The unflinching realism and moral complexity are hallmarks of both series.

Fact: Creator David Simon based many characters on real people he knew as a police reporter. The show initially had low ratings but gained prestige through DVD sales. It was the first TV show preserved by the Library of Congress.

Description: Deadwood shares Six Feet Under's Shakespearean dialogue and exploration of community dynamics. Both shows feature ensembles grappling with mortality and legacy, though in vastly different settings. The rich language and complex character relationships create similarly immersive worlds.

Fact: Much of the profanity was added to avoid a TV-MA rating requiring historical accuracy disclaimers. The sets were built on the same ranch as Little House on the Prairie. Timothy Olyphant's hat was the same one worn by Clint Eastwood in westerns.

Description: Mad Men shares Six Feet Under's meticulous character development and exploration of identity, repression, and societal expectations. Both shows use their specific settings (a funeral home and an ad agency) as metaphors for broader human experiences. The slow-burn storytelling and focus on existential questions make them spiritual cousins in prestige television.

Fact: Jon Hamm auditioned for the role of Nate Fisher before being cast as Don Draper. Creator Matthew Weiner wrote the pilot in 1999 but couldn't get it made until after The Sopranos ended. The show popularized mid-century modern aesthetic in contemporary design.

Description: While more action-driven, Breaking Bad shares Six Feet Under's examination of mortality and transformation. Both Walter White and Nate Fisher grapple with their impending deaths in radically different ways. The shows similarly feature ordinary professionals in extraordinary circumstances, with meticulous attention to character arcs and moral ambiguity.

Fact: Bryan Cranston's performance in an X-Files episode convinced Vince Gilligan he could play Walter White. The iconic pink teddy bear appears in 7 episodes. The show's title refers to both chemistry terminology and the protagonist's moral breakdown.

Description: Rectify's meditative pace and focus on life after trauma mirror Six Feet Under's contemplative storytelling. Both shows explore how families cope with profound changes and societal judgment. The emphasis on quiet moments and emotional authenticity creates a similarly immersive, character-driven experience.

Fact: It was the first original series from the Sundance Channel. Creator Ray McKinnon won an Oscar for his short film The Accountant. The show was partially inspired by real-life wrongful conviction cases.

Description: The Leftovers shares Six Feet Under's profound exploration of grief, loss, and existential meaning. Both shows use supernatural elements (the Departure vs. ghostly visitations) to examine human relationships and coping mechanisms. The emotional intensity and willingness to confront uncomfortable truths make them kindred spirits in television drama.

Fact: Damon Lindelof initially resisted adapting the book, fearing it was too bleak. The Guilty Remnant's costumes were inspired by Italian designer Piero Tosi. The show's theme song was changed each season to reflect narrative shifts.

Description: As a prequel/sequel to Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul inherits its similarities to Six Feet Under but adds deeper character studies and existential themes. Like Six Feet Under, it explores professional ethics, family obligations, and the slow unraveling of personal morality. Both shows feature protagonists struggling with their identities and legacies.

Fact: Bob Odenkirk initially turned down the role, fearing being typecast as a lawyer. The black-and-white future scenes were inspired by film noir classics. It holds the record for most Emmy nominations without a win (46).

Description: Succession shares Six Feet Under's dark humor and examination of dysfunctional family dynamics, though in a corporate rather than funeral setting. Both shows feature wealthy families grappling with inheritance (literal and metaphorical) and feature similarly complex, flawed characters who are both repellent and sympathetic.

Fact: The theme song combines classical and hip-hop elements. Many scenes are improvised within structured outlines. Brian Cox initially turned down the role of Logan Roy twice.