10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to New Life (2024)

Description: 'Station Eleven' and 'A New Life' both depict post-apocalyptic worlds where survivors must rebuild and find meaning after catastrophe. The focus is less on the disaster itself and more on the human connections that endure. Both series use non-linear storytelling to weave together past and present, highlighting how memories and art sustain us.

Fact: Based on Emily St. John Mandel's novel, the series was developed by Patrick Somerville, who also worked on 'The Leftovers'. The show was filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic, adding a layer of real-world resonance to its themes. The traveling theater troupe in the series performs Shakespeare, emphasizing the enduring power of art.

Description: This series, like 'A New Life', follows an alien protagonist navigating human society, offering a fresh perspective on humanity's flaws and virtues. Both stories blend sci-fi with deep emotional resonance, exploring themes of isolation, identity, and the search for belonging. The narrative is both intimate and epic, with a strong visual style that underscores the protagonist's otherness.

Fact: The series is a continuation of the 1976 film starring David Bowie, but with a new storyline and characters. Chiwetel Ejiofor plays the alien protagonist, bringing a nuanced performance to the role. The show explores contemporary issues like climate change and corporate greed through its sci-fi lens.

Description: Similar to 'A New Life' (2024), 'The Leftovers' explores themes of existential crisis, loss, and the search for meaning in a world that has fundamentally changed. Both series delve into the psychological and emotional impacts of inexplicable events on individuals and communities. The storytelling is deeply character-driven, focusing on personal transformation and the human condition.

Fact: 'The Leftovers' is based on the novel by Tom Perrotta, who also served as an executive producer on the show. The series was praised for its haunting score by Max Richter, particularly the piece 'On the Nature of Daylight'. Despite critical acclaim, the show never won a major television award during its run.

Description: 'Legion' and 'A New Life' share a surreal, visually inventive approach to storytelling, blending psychological drama with sci-fi and fantasy elements. Both series challenge the viewer's perception of reality, using unreliable narrators and shifting timelines. The themes of mental illness and self-discovery are central, explored through bold, artistic direction.

Fact: 'Legion' is based on the Marvel Comics character David Haller, the son of Professor X. The series was created by Noah Hawley, who also developed 'Fargo' for TV. The show's unique visual style was inspired by 1960s and 70s psychedelic art and cinema.

Description: 'Undone' and 'A New Life' both tackle themes of reality, perception, and the fluidity of time. They use innovative visual techniques—rotoscoping in 'Undone'—to create a dreamlike atmosphere that mirrors the protagonist's journey of self-discovery. Both stories are deeply personal, exploring family dynamics and the search for truth.

Fact: 'Undone' is one of the first adult animated series to use rotoscoping, a technique where animation is traced over live-action footage. The show was created by Kate Purdy and Raphael Bob-Waksberg, the latter known for 'BoJack Horseman'. Rosa Salazar, who voices the protagonist Alma, also performed the live-action reference for the animation.

Description: 'Devs' shares with 'A New Life' a fascination with technology's role in shaping human destiny and the philosophical questions surrounding free will versus determinism. Both narratives are steeped in a moody, atmospheric tension, blending sci-fi elements with deep psychological drama. The visual aesthetics are striking, using symmetry and minimalist design to evoke a sense of otherworldliness.

Fact: 'Devs' was created by Alex Garland, known for his work on 'Ex Machina' and 'Annihilation'. The series was shot on location in Silicon Valley, adding to its authentic tech atmosphere. Nick Offerman's performance as the enigmatic Forest was a departure from his usual comedic roles.

Description: Both 'The Peripheral' and 'A New Life' explore the implications of advanced technology on personal identity and reality. They feature protagonists who are thrust into larger, more complex worlds than they ever imagined, forcing them to question their perceptions and loyalties. The storytelling is dense and layered, with a strong emphasis on world-building.

Fact: 'The Peripheral' is based on the novel by William Gibson, a pioneer of the cyberpunk genre. The series was created by Scott B. Smith, known for his work on 'A Simple Plan'. Chloe Grace Moretz stars as Flynne Fisher, a gamer who becomes entangled in a futuristic conspiracy.

Description: Like 'A New Life', 'The Wilds' is a character-driven drama that explores trauma, survival, and the forging of new identities in extreme circumstances. Both series use flashbacks to reveal the characters' backstories, creating a rich tapestry of personal and collective histories. The ensemble casts are diverse, with each character bringing their own struggles and strengths to the narrative.

Fact: 'The Wilds' was one of Amazon Prime's first major YA-oriented original series. The show features an all-female lead cast, with a second season introducing a male counterpart group. The series was canceled after two seasons, leaving some plot threads unresolved.

Description: Like 'A New Life', 'Tales from the Loop' explores the intersection of the mundane and the extraordinary, focusing on how advanced technology affects human relationships and emotions. Both series employ a slow, contemplative pace, allowing the audience to immerse themselves in the characters' inner lives. The visual style is painterly, with a muted color palette that enhances the melancholic tone.

Fact: The series is based on the art of Simon Stålenhag, whose work blends rural landscapes with futuristic technology. Each episode is a standalone story, but they are all connected through the setting and characters. The show features a haunting score by Philip Glass and Paul Leonard-Morgan.

Description: 'Counterpart' and 'A New Life' both delve into alternate realities and the concept of the multiverse, exploring how different choices lead to different lives. The series are grounded in espionage and political intrigue, but at their core, they are about identity and the paths not taken. The tone is cerebral and suspenseful, with a strong emotional undercurrent.

Fact: J.K. Simmons plays dual roles as two versions of the same man from parallel worlds. The show was canceled after two seasons but developed a cult following for its intricate plotting and Simmons' performance. The series was filmed in Berlin, adding to its Cold War-era espionage atmosphere.