If you loved the mind-bending, darkly comedic chaos of 'John Dies at the End' (2013), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similarly surreal, genre-defying movies and shows that blend horror, sci-fi, and absurd humor. Whether you're craving more existential dread, bizarre twists, or laugh-out-loud weirdness, these picks will satisfy your craving for the unconventional.

Primer (2004)
Description: Both 'Primer' and 'John Dies at the End' deal with the consequences of tampering with the unknown. 'Primer's intricate, non-linear narrative and low-budget aesthetic mirror the DIY feel of 'John Dies at the End'. Both films challenge the viewer to piece together the story, making them highly rewatchable.
Fact: The film was made for just $7,


Timecrimes (2007)
Description: 'Timecrimes' shares with 'John Dies at the End' a penchant for dark humor and a plot that twists in on itself. Both films use time travel (or a similar concept) to explore themes of fate and free will, with a healthy dose of the bizarre.
Fact: The film was remade in Hollywood, but the remake was never released. Director Nacho Vigalondo also appears in the film as a minor character. The film was shot in just four weeks.


The Man from Earth (2007)
Description: This film, like 'John Dies at the End', is a dialogue-driven exploration of the impossible. Both films use a small, confined setting to tell a story that spans vast amounts of time and space. The philosophical undertones of 'The Man from Earth' will appeal to fans of the more cerebral aspects of 'John Dies at the End'.
Fact: The film was written by Jerome Bixby, a veteran sci-fi writer, on his deathbed. The entire film takes place in one room. The film has developed a cult following despite its low budget.


Predestination (2014)
Description: Like 'John Dies at the End', 'Predestination' is a mind-bending sci-fi film that doesn't shy away from the weird. Both films play with identity and time in ways that are both confusing and deeply satisfying. The twist in 'Predestination' is as shocking as anything in 'John Dies at the End'.
Fact: The film is based on a short story by Robert A. Heinlein. Ethan Hawke trained with real-life time travel theorists to prepare for his role. The film was shot in Melbourne, Australia.


The One I Love (2014)
Description: This film, like 'John Dies at the End', plays with identity and reality in a way that is both unsettling and darkly humorous. Both films use surreal elements to explore deeper emotional and psychological themes, making them more than just genre pieces.
Fact: The film's twist was kept secret from the audience in its marketing. It was Mark Duplass's first major film as a lead actor. The film was shot in just 12 days.


Coherence (2013)
Description: 'Coherence' shares with 'John Dies at the End' a love for the bizarre and the unexplainable. Both films use a small group of characters to explore complex, reality-bending scenarios. The improvisational style of 'Coherence' gives it a raw, unpredictable feel, similar to the chaotic energy of 'John Dies at the End'.
Fact: The film was shot in just five nights. The actors were given minimal direction and were often unaware of what would happen next in the story. The film's budget was only $50,


The Endless (2017)
Description: Like 'John Dies at the End', 'The Endless' blends horror, science fiction, and dark comedy. Both films explore surreal and mind-bending concepts, with a focus on existential dread and the unknown. The directors, Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, are known for their unique storytelling style, much like Don Coscarelli's work in 'John Dies at the End'.
Fact: The film is a quasi-sequel to Benson and Moorhead's earlier film 'Resolution'. The directors also star in the film as the two main characters. The film was made on a very low budget, but received critical acclaim for its originality.


Legion (2017)
Description: 'Legion' shares with 'John Dies at the End' a surreal, visually striking approach to storytelling. Both works blend horror, comedy, and science fiction in a way that feels fresh and unpredictable. The show's exploration of mental illness and reality is reminiscent of the themes in 'John Dies at the End'.
Fact: The show was created by Noah Hawley, who also created 'Fargo'. The show's visual style was heavily influenced by Stanley Kubrick. The show was canceled after three seasons due to declining ratings.


Undone (2019)
Description: Like 'John Dies at the End', 'Undone' uses a unique visual style to tell a story that blurs the line between reality and fantasy. Both works explore themes of mental illness, time, and the nature of existence, with a mix of humor and pathos.
Fact: The show is one of the first to use rotoscope animation for an entire series. The show was created by the team behind 'BoJack Horseman'. The show was renewed for a second season in


Devs (2020)
Description: 'Devs' shares with 'John Dies at the End' a fascination with the unknown and the limits of human understanding. Both works use science fiction to explore deep philosophical questions, with a visual style that is both striking and unsettling.
Fact: The show was created by Alex Garland, who also directed 'Ex Machina' and 'Annihilation'. The show's score was composed by Geoff Barrow of Portishead. The show was filmed in Silicon Valley to give it an authentic tech industry feel.
