10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Ash & Dust (2022)

Description: Falling Skies, like Ash & Dust (2022), follows a group of survivors in a post-apocalyptic world, though the threat is alien invaders rather than zombies. Both focus on family dynamics, leadership struggles, and the fight against overwhelming odds. The tone is a mix of action and emotional drama.

Fact: Falling Skies was produced by Steven Spielberg. The show ran for five seasons. It features Noah Wyle as the lead, a history professor turned resistance leader.

Description: Similar to Ash & Dust (2022), The Walking Dead explores survival in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies. Both emphasize human resilience, moral dilemmas, and the breakdown of society. The gritty, realistic tone and focus on character development are key similarities.

Fact: The Walking Dead is based on the comic book series by Robert Kirkman. It holds the record for the most-watched series premiere in cable television history. The show's zombies are referred to as 'walkers'.

Description: The Strain, like Ash & Dust (2022), involves a viral outbreak that turns people into monstrous creatures. Both series blend horror, action, and drama, with a focus on a group of survivors battling both the infected and human adversaries. The dark, eerie tone is a key similarity.

Fact: The Strain is based on novels by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan. The show's vampires are biologically plausible, with parasitic worms. It features a unique, ancient vampire mythology.

Description: The 100 and Ash & Dust (2022) both explore survival in a harsh, post-apocalyptic world. While The 100 starts with a sci-fi premise (survivors returning to Earth), it delves into tribal conflicts, moral ambiguity, and the struggle to rebuild society—themes central to Ash & Dust.

Fact: The 100 is based on a book series by Kass Morgan. The show evolved from a teen drama to a gritty survival series. It features a prequel spin-off, 'The 100: Second Dawn,' in development.

Description: The Last of Us and Ash & Dust (2022) both focus on survival in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a fungal infection (similar to zombies). They explore deep emotional bonds between characters, the cost of survival, and the remnants of humanity in a broken world. The storytelling is character-driven and emotionally intense.

Fact: The Last of Us is based on the critically acclaimed video game. It stars Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. The show features a groundbreaking episode focused solely on two side characters, Bill and Frank.

Description: Like Ash & Dust (2022), Fear the Walking Dead delves into the early days of a zombie apocalypse, focusing on societal collapse and survival. Both series highlight the psychological and emotional toll on survivors, with intense action sequences and a dark, suspenseful atmosphere.

Fact: Fear the Walking Dead is a spin-off of The Walking Dead. It initially takes place in Los Angeles before expanding to other locations. The show features a blended family as its central group of survivors.

Description: Z Nation shares with Ash & Dust (2022) a post-apocalyptic setting filled with zombies, but it adds a mix of dark humor and over-the-top action. Both explore the chaos of a world overrun by the undead, though Z Nation leans more into campy, B-movie aesthetics.

Fact: Z Nation was created by the makers of Sharknado. The show features a variety of zombie types, including 'zombie tornadoes.' It ran for five seasons and developed a cult following.

Description: While not a zombie series, Into the Badlands shares with Ash & Dust (2022) a post-apocalyptic setting where society has collapsed into feudal warfare. Both feature intense action, survival themes, and a blend of martial arts and dystopian storytelling. The visual style is highly stylized and cinematic.

Fact: Into the Badlands is inspired by classic martial arts films. The show features elaborate fight choreography. It was canceled after three seasons despite a passionate fanbase.

Description: Colony shares with Ash & Dust (2022) a dystopian setting where survivors must navigate life under oppressive rule (aliens in Colony, zombies in Ash & Dust). Both explore resistance, collaboration, and the moral complexities of survival. The tension between hope and despair is a key similarity.

Fact: Colony stars Josh Holloway and Sarah Wayne Callies. The show was canceled after three seasons, leaving some plot threads unresolved. It was created by Carlton Cuse, known for Lost.

Description: Black Summer, like Ash & Dust (2022), is a relentless, fast-paced survival thriller set during a zombie apocalypse. Both emphasize the brutality of human nature when society collapses, with minimal dialogue and maximum tension. The cinematography and chaotic action are standout similarities.

Fact: Black Summer is a spin-off of Z Nation but is much darker in tone. The show uses long, uninterrupted takes to heighten tension. It was praised for its realistic portrayal of survival in a zombie outbreak.