10 Movies and TV Shows Like Serenity (2005)

Description: Lexx shares Serenity's dark humor and unconventional storytelling. Both feature a mismatched crew on a unique ship, navigating a bizarre and often dangerous universe. The tone is similarly a mix of absurdity and existential drama.

Fact: Lexx was a Canadian-German co-production, giving it a distinct visual style. The show was known for its surreal and often controversial content. It has a dedicated cult following despite its limited mainstream success.

Description: Stargate SG-1, like Serenity, features a team exploring new worlds and dealing with both alien threats and human politics. Both series mix action, humor, and a sense of adventure, with a focus on teamwork and camaraderie.

Fact: Stargate SG-1 is one of the longest-running North American sci-fi series. It is based on the 1994 film Stargate. The show spawned multiple spin-offs, including Stargate Atlantis and Stargate Universe.

Description: Farscape shares Serenity's focus on a diverse crew aboard a single ship, navigating a dangerous and unpredictable universe. Both series blend humor, drama, and action, and explore themes of identity and belonging.

Fact: Farscape was one of the first shows to use a combination of puppetry and CGI for its aliens. The show was co-produced by the Jim Henson Company. It was canceled after four seasons but concluded with a miniseries due to fan demand.

Description: Andromeda shares Serenity's themes of a lone ship trying to restore order in a chaotic universe. Both feature a charismatic captain and a crew with diverse backgrounds, working together against overwhelming odds.

Fact: Andromeda was created by Gene Roddenberry, based on his unused concepts for Star Trek. The show starred Kevin Sorbo, known for Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. It was one of the first sci-fi series to be shot in high definition.

Description: Cowboy Bebop shares Serenity's blend of genres, mixing sci-fi with Western and noir elements. Both focus on a crew of misfits living on the fringes of society, taking on odd jobs to survive. The tone is similarly a mix of action, humor, and melancholy.

Fact: Cowboy Bebop is often credited with helping to popularize anime in the West. The show's soundtrack, heavily influenced by jazz and blues, is iconic. It was intended to be a hybrid of multiple genres, hence the title 'Cowboy Bebop'.

Description: Firefly is the direct predecessor to Serenity, as the movie serves as a continuation of the TV series. Both share the same creator, Joss Whedon, and feature the same characters, setting, and themes of found family, survival, and resistance against oppressive regimes. The blend of Western and sci-fi elements is a hallmark of both.

Fact: Firefly was canceled after only one season due to low ratings, but gained a massive cult following. The show's unique language mix of English and Mandarin reflects a future where China and the US are superpowers. Nathan Fillion, who plays Captain Mal Reynolds, is a huge fan of the series and often references it in his other roles.

Description: Battlestar Galactica, like Serenity, deals with themes of survival, identity, and the cost of war. Both feature a diverse crew on a ship, struggling against overwhelming odds. The moral dilemmas and complex characters are a strong point in both series.

Fact: The show is a reimagining of the 1978 series of the same name. It was one of the first TV shows to popularize the 'reboot' concept. The phrase 'So say we all' became a cultural catchphrase.

Description: Defiance, like Serenity, is set in a post-apocalyptic future where humans and aliens coexist uneasily. Both explore themes of survival, community, and resistance against oppressive forces. The blend of Western and sci-fi elements is also present in both.

Fact: Defiance was a unique multimedia project, with a companion MMORPG game. The show was filmed in Toronto and features a diverse cast. It was one of Syfy's more ambitious projects, with a large budget and extensive world-building.

Description: The Expanse shares Serenity's gritty, realistic approach to space travel and its focus on political intrigue and class struggle. Both explore the lives of a ragtag crew navigating a complex and often hostile universe. The themes of rebellion and the fight against authoritarianism are central to both.

Fact: The Expanse was saved from cancellation by fan campaigns, much like Firefly's cult following. The show is based on a series of novels by James S.A. Corey. It is praised for its realistic depiction of physics in space.

Description: Killjoys, like Serenity, follows a team of bounty hunters in a futuristic setting, dealing with both personal and larger political conflicts. The show shares a similar tone, balancing action, humor, and character-driven drama.

Fact: Killjoys was created by Michelle Lovretta, who also created Lost Girl. The show was filmed in Canada and features many Canadian actors. It was praised for its strong female characters.