10 Movies and Shows Similar to The Substance (2024)

Description: Both 'Westworld' and 'The Substance' examine themes of identity, consciousness, and the blurring line between human and artificial existence. They share a philosophical depth and a visually striking aesthetic.

Fact: The show is based on the 1973 film of the same name. Anthony Hopkins' character was originally planned to appear only in the first season. The park's logo contains hidden binary code.

Description: Like 'The Substance' (2024), 'Black Mirror' explores dystopian futures and the dark side of technology, often delving into psychological and existential themes. Both use speculative fiction to critique societal norms and human behavior.

Fact: 'Black Mirror' was inspired by 'The Twilight Zone' and modern technology's impact on society. The episode 'San Junipero' won two Emmy Awards. Charlie Brooker initially thought the show would be a one-off series.

Description: Like 'The Substance', this series examines collective trauma and existential questions following a mysterious global event. Both feature surreal elements and focus on human psychology under extreme circumstances.

Fact: Damon Lindelof created the show after 'Lost'. The theme song changes each season. The show was originally planned for five seasons.

Description: Like 'The Substance', this show features a protagonist with a fractured psyche navigating a corrupt system. Both use innovative cinematography and explore themes of reality manipulation and societal collapse.

Fact: Rami Malek won an Emmy for his role. The show's hacking scenes are technically accurate. Creator Sam Esmail directed every episode of the final season.

Description: Both 'Legion' and 'The Substance' feature unreliable narratives and explore the nature of reality. They share psychedelic visuals and themes of mental illness versus supernatural abilities.

Fact: Noah Hawley created the show. The dance sequence in Season 1 was filmed in one take. The series plays with comic book tropes while being highly unconventional.

Description: Similar to 'The Substance', this series presents a disturbing vision of the future where human rights are stripped away. Both explore themes of bodily autonomy, oppression, and resistance in authoritarian systems.

Fact: Margaret Atwood made a cameo in Season The red costumes were inspired by Dutch Old Master paintings. Elisabeth Moss directs several episodes.

Description: Like 'The Substance', 'Devs' deals with cutting-edge technology's philosophical implications, featuring a mysterious research facility and exploring determinism versus free will. Both have a slow-burning, atmospheric tension.

Fact: Alex Garland wrote and directed every episode. The quantum computing lab set was built practically, not CGI. The show's title refers to both 'developers' and 'deus ex machina'.

Description: Both works explore alternate realities and the consequences of technological mediation of human experience. They share themes of identity across different timelines and corporate control of future technologies.

Fact: Based on William Gibson's novel. The show was renewed then canceled after one season. Features Chloe Grace Moretz in the lead role.

Description: Both works blend sci-fi with deep human drama, exploring how extraordinary circumstances affect ordinary lives. They share a melancholic, contemplative tone and focus on emotional consequences of technological advancement.

Fact: Based on Simon Stålenhag's art books. Each episode tells a standalone story. The show features little dialogue in some episodes.

Description: Like 'The Substance', this series deals with parallel worlds and the duality of human nature. Both explore how small differences can lead to radically different outcomes, with a strong espionage thriller element.

Fact: J.K. Simmons plays dual roles. The show was canceled after two seasons. Features a mix of sci-fi and Cold War spy thriller elements.