10 Shows & Movies Similar to Wayward Pines (2015)

Description: Both 'The Twilight Zone' and 'Wayward Pines' explore themes of paranoia, isolation, and the unknown. The anthology format of 'The Twilight Zone' allows for a variety of stories, many of which share the same sense of unease and twist endings as 'Wayward Pines'. The shows also share a focus on moral and philosophical dilemmas.

Fact: 'The Twilight Zone' was created by Rod Serling. The show's iconic theme music was composed by Marius Constant. Serling wrote or adapted 92 of the show's 156 episodes.

Description: 'The Prisoner' and 'Wayward Pines' both feature a protagonist trapped in a mysterious village, trying to escape while uncovering its secrets. The shows share a surreal, psychological tone and a focus on themes of control, identity, and rebellion. The storytelling is often ambiguous and open to interpretation.

Fact: 'The Prisoner' was created by and starred Patrick McGoohan. The show was initially intended to be a seven-episode series but was expanded to 17 episodes. The iconic opening sequence features McGoohan resigning from his job and being abducted to 'The Village'.

Description: Like 'Wayward Pines', 'Twin Peaks' is a surreal mystery series that blends elements of psychological thriller and supernatural horror. Both shows feature a small town with dark secrets, an outsider protagonist trying to uncover the truth, and a pervasive sense of unease. The storytelling style in both is nonlinear and filled with unexpected twists.

Fact: 'Twin Peaks' was created by David Lynch and Mark Frost. The show was initially pitched as a murder mystery but evolved into a much more complex narrative. The iconic 'Red Room' scenes were inspired by Lynch's own dreams.

Description: 'The X-Files' shares with 'Wayward Pines' a focus on government conspiracies, unexplained phenomena, and a sense of paranoia. Both series involve protagonists who are outsiders trying to uncover hidden truths, often facing resistance from shadowy organizations. The mix of episodic and serialized storytelling is also a common feature.

Fact: 'The X-Files' was created by Chris Carter. The show's famous tagline, 'The truth is out there,' became a cultural catchphrase. David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson's chemistry was so strong that their characters' relationship became a central focus of the series.

Description: 'Lost' and 'Wayward Pines' both feature a group of people trapped in a mysterious location, dealing with strange occurrences and hidden agendas. Both shows use flashbacks and nonlinear storytelling to reveal character backstories and deepen the mystery. The sense of isolation and the blend of science fiction and supernatural elements are also similar.

Fact: 'Lost' was created by J.J. Abrams, Damon Lindelof, and Jeffrey Lieber. The show was originally planned to last only a few seasons but was extended due to its popularity. The iconic numbers (4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 4were chosen randomly by the writers.

Description: 'Fringe' and 'Wayward Pines' both blend science fiction, mystery, and horror, with a focus on unexplained phenomena and government conspiracies. Both shows feature a team of investigators trying to uncover the truth behind bizarre events, often facing opposition from powerful forces. The storytelling is serialized with a mix of standalone episodes.

Fact: 'Fringe' was created by J.J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci. The show was initially compared to 'The X-Files' but developed its own unique identity. John Noble's performance as Walter Bishop is considered one of the show's highlights.

Description: 'Under the Dome' and 'Wayward Pines' both involve a small town cut off from the outside world, with the residents forced to confront their own secrets and conflicts. The shows share a focus on community dynamics under extreme pressure, as well as a mix of science fiction and mystery elements.

Fact: 'Under the Dome' is based on the novel by Stephen King. The show was originally planned for a three-season arc but was canceled after three seasons. The dome's design was inspired by a soap bubble.

Description: 'Black Mirror' and 'Wayward Pines' both delve into dystopian and speculative fiction, often exploring the darker aspects of human nature and society. While 'Black Mirror' is an anthology series, many of its episodes share with 'Wayward Pines' a focus on technology, control, and the consequences of secrecy.

Fact: 'Black Mirror' was created by Charlie Brooker. The show's title refers to the black screens of devices when they are turned off. The episode 'San Junipero' won two Emmy Awards.

Description: Both 'The Leftovers' and 'Wayward Pines' explore themes of loss, isolation, and the search for meaning in a world that seems to have gone off the rails. The shows share a melancholic tone and a focus on how communities react to extraordinary events. The storytelling in both is character-driven and deeply emotional.

Fact: 'The Leftovers' was created by Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta. The show is based on Perrotta's novel of the same name. The series finale is often cited as one of the best in television history.

Description: Like 'Wayward Pines', 'The Outsider' is a psychological thriller with supernatural elements, focusing on a small town grappling with a terrifying and inexplicable event. Both shows feature a law enforcement officer as the protagonist, trying to make sense of the chaos. The tone is dark and suspenseful, with a slow-burning mystery.

Fact: 'The Outsider' is based on the novel by Stephen King. The show was initially planned as a limited series but was later expanded. Ben Mendelsohn's performance as Ralph Anderson was widely praised.