10 Shows & Movies Similar to Sanctuary (2008)

Description: Like Sanctuary, The X-Files combines monster-of-the-week episodes with a larger conspiracy storyline. Both shows feature government agents investigating paranormal phenomena, though The X-Files has a stronger focus on extraterrestrial life.

Fact: The X-Files was initially rejected by Fox executives who didn't understand the concept. The famous 'I Want to Believe' poster in Mulder's office was a last-minute prop addition. The show's creator, Chris Carter, was inspired by real-life UFO reports and government conspiracy theories.

Description: Doctor Who shares Sanctuary's blend of science fiction and fantasy, with a focus on time travel and alien encounters. Both shows feature charismatic leads who gather teams to combat supernatural threats across time and space.

Fact: Doctor Who holds the Guinness World Record for longest-running science fiction television show. The TARDIS's chameleon circuit (which makes it appear as a police box) was originally meant to change its appearance in every episode. The show's iconic theme music was one of the first electronic music compositions created for television.

Description: Supernatural resembles Sanctuary in its monster-hunting premise and exploration of mythological creatures. Both shows feature a mix of standalone monster episodes and overarching storylines about ancient conspiracies.

Fact: Supernatural was originally planned as a five-season story arc. The show's creator, Eric Kripke, based the brothers' relationship on his own with his sibling. Many of the monsters featured in early seasons were drawn from real-world folklore and urban legends.

Description: Torchwood, like Sanctuary, follows a secret organization that deals with extraterrestrial and supernatural threats. Both shows feature morally ambiguous characters and explore themes of immortality and the price of power.

Fact: Torchwood is an anagram of 'Doctor Who', from which it was spun off. The show was originally conceived as a more adult-oriented counterpart to Doctor Who. Captain Jack Harkness, the show's protagonist, is the first openly pansexual character in mainstream science fiction.

Description: Eureka shares Sanctuary's setting of a hidden community where advanced science and technology are the norm. Both shows feature brilliant scientists dealing with the unintended consequences of their experiments, often with humorous results.

Fact: Eureka was originally titled 'A Town Called Eureka'. The show's premise was inspired by real-life secret government research towns like Los Alamos. Many of the scientific concepts in the show were vetted by actual physicists to ensure accuracy.

Description: Fringe is similar to Sanctuary in its exploration of fringe science and supernatural phenomena. Both shows feature a team of experts investigating strange occurrences, often involving genetic mutations and advanced technology. The blend of procedural storytelling with overarching mythology is a key similarity.

Fact: Fringe was created by J.J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci. The show's protagonist, Olivia Dunham, is named after a character from the novel '1984'. Fringe's alternate universe storyline was inspired by the real-life multiverse theory in quantum physics.

Description: Warehouse 13 shares Sanctuary's premise of a secret organization safeguarding dangerous artifacts and creatures. Both shows mix science fiction with fantasy elements and feature a team of quirky, highly skilled agents solving mysteries.

Fact: Warehouse 13 was originally conceived as a spin-off of The Librarian TV movies. The show's titular warehouse is said to be located in South Dakota, but the exterior shots were filmed in Toronto. Many of the artifacts featured in the show are based on real historical objects with legendary properties.

Description: Alphas shares Sanctuary's focus on people with extraordinary abilities and the government agencies that monitor them. Both shows explore the social and ethical implications of superhuman powers in a grounded, scientific way.

Fact: Alphas was created by Zak Penn, who wrote several X-Men films. The show's concept was partially inspired by real-life cases of people with extraordinary abilities. Alphas was canceled after two seasons due to low ratings, despite critical acclaim.

Description: Grimm shares Sanctuary's premise of a hidden world of supernatural creatures existing alongside our own. Both shows feature protagonists with special abilities who must balance their normal lives with their secret duties.

Fact: Grimm was inspired by the classic Grimm's Fairy Tales. The show's creature designs were based on descriptions from the original fairy tales. Portland was chosen as the setting because of its rainy, atmospheric weather which suited the show's tone.

Description: The Librarians is similar to Sanctuary in its premise of a team protecting magical artifacts and knowledge from falling into the wrong hands. Both shows blend action, adventure, and humor with mythological and historical elements.

Fact: The Librarians is a spin-off of The Librarian TV movies starring Noah Wyle. The show's Library is said to be located beneath the Metropolitan Public Library in New York. Many of the artifacts featured in the show are based on real historical mysteries.