10 Movies & Shows Like Press Play (2022)

Description: Explores themes of reality manipulation and the blurring of lines between constructed environments and genuine human experiences, focusing on a protagonist unaware of his life being a fabricated spectacle.

Fact: The film's concept was inspired by an episode of The Twilight Zone. It was one of the first major films to explore the idea of reality television before the genre became mainstream.

Description: Revolutionary in its depiction of a simulated reality controlled by machines, questioning the nature of existence and human autonomy within a digital construct.

Fact: The film's iconic bullet-dodging scene was achieved using a technique called 'bullet time,' which involved multiple cameras taking sequential shots. It won four Academy Awards.

Description: A surreal and psychological journey through time and alternate realities, blending elements of science fiction with deep existential questions about fate and free will.

Fact: The film initially performed poorly at the box office but gained a massive cult following after its DVD release. The director's cut includes additional scenes that clarify the time travel elements.

Description: Examines memory, identity, and the nature of relationships through a surreal narrative where technology can erase painful memories, questioning what it means to truly forget and remember.

Fact: The film's nonlinear narrative was inspired by the structure of a symphony. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

Description: A sci-fi series that questions the nature of reality and consciousness through the lens of a futuristic theme park where android hosts begin to gain self-awareness.

Fact: The show is based on a 1973 film of the same name. It was one of the first major series to explore artificial intelligence in a long-form narrative.

Description: A dramatization of the creation of a social media platform, highlighting the complexities of human relationships, ambition, and the unintended consequences of digital connectivity.

Fact: The film was written in a rapid-fire dialogue style to reflect the fast-paced world of tech startups. It won three Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay.

Description: A mind-bending exploration of dreams within dreams, challenging perceptions of reality and the subconscious, with a complex narrative structure that blurs the line between different layers of existence.

Fact: The spinning top at the end of the film was a last-minute addition. The film's concept took over 10 years to develop before production began.

Description: A poignant look at human relationships and loneliness in the digital age, focusing on a man who falls in love with an artificial intelligence, exploring themes of connection and artificial consciousness.

Fact: The voice of the AI was recorded before filming began, allowing the actor to react to the lines in real time. The film's futuristic setting was inspired by Shanghai's architecture.

Description: Delves into the dark side of technology and its impact on society, often presenting dystopian futures where digital and real-life boundaries are indistinct.

Fact: Each episode is a standalone story, allowing for a wide range of narratives and themes. The show's title refers to the reflective screens of devices like phones and monitors when turned off.

Description: A gripping series that delves into hacking, corporate control, and mental health, presenting a protagonist who navigates a world where reality and perception are constantly in flux.

Fact: The show's hacking scenes were praised for their accuracy by cybersecurity experts. It won multiple awards, including two Golden Globes.