10 Movies and Shows Similar to The Handmaid’s Tale (2017)

Description: Like 'The Handmaid's Tale', 'Westworld' examines themes of autonomy, oppression, and rebellion against a controlling system. Both shows feature female protagonists who awaken to their subjugation and fight back. The narrative structures of both series are non-linear, revealing backstories that deepen the understanding of their dystopian worlds.

Fact: Inspired by the 1973 film of the same name. The series explores artificial intelligence and consciousness. Its intricate plot has led to numerous fan theories and analyses.

Description: Similar to 'The Handmaid's Tale', 'The Man in the High Castle' explores a dystopian alternate history where oppressive regimes control society. Both series delve into themes of resistance, survival under authoritarian rule, and the psychological impact of living in a totalitarian state. The visual aesthetics of both shows are bleak and atmospheric, reinforcing the grim realities their characters face.

Fact: Based on Philip K. Dick's novel, the series imagines a world where the Axis powers won WWII. The show features intricate world-building, including a neutral zone between Nazi and Japanese territories. It explores the concept of multiple realities, much like 'The Handmaid's Tale' hints at a pre-Gilead world.

Description: 'Black Mirror' shares with 'The Handmaid's Tale' a focus on societal critique, particularly how technology and power structures can dehumanize individuals. Episodes like 'The Handmaid's Tale' often mirror the anthology's exploration of dystopian futures where personal freedoms are stripped away. Both use speculative fiction to comment on contemporary social issues.

Fact: Created by Charlie Brooker, each episode is a standalone story. The show's title refers to the dark reflection seen in a turned-off screen. Episodes often feature twists that reveal the darker side of human nature and technology.

Description: Like 'The Handmaid's Tale', 'Orphan Black' centers on a woman fighting against a system that seeks to control her body and identity. Both shows tackle themes of autonomy, reproduction, and resistance against shadowy organizations. The strong female lead in both series drives the narrative through her struggle for agency.

Fact: Tatiana Maslany plays multiple clones in the series. The show explores the ethics of human cloning. It won Maslany an Emmy for her versatile performances.

Description: While more action-oriented, 'The 100' shares with 'The Handmaid's Tale' themes of survival in a harsh world, moral dilemmas, and the formation of new societies with flawed rules. Both shows feature strong female leads who must make difficult choices to protect their people, often in morally grey areas.

Fact: Based on Kass Morgan's book series. The show starts with 100 juvenile delinquents sent to Earth post-apocalypse. It explores themes of war, peace, and the cost of survival.

Description: 'The Leftovers' and 'The Handmaid's Tale' both explore how societies and individuals cope with profound trauma and loss. The emotional tone is similarly heavy, with both shows delving into grief, faith, and the search for meaning in a fractured world. The storytelling is character-driven, focusing on personal struggles within larger societal collapses.

Fact: Based on Tom Perrotta's novel. The series begins with the sudden disappearance of 2% of the world's population. It's known for its ambiguous and philosophical storytelling.

Description: 'The Expanse' and 'The Handmaid's Tale' both depict societies where systemic inequality and power struggles lead to conflict and oppression. While 'The Expanse' is set in space, it similarly explores how political factions manipulate and control populations. Both series feature complex characters navigating these fraught systems.

Fact: Based on James S.A. Corey's novels. The show is praised for its realistic depiction of space physics. It spans a solar system divided between Earth, Mars, and the Belt.

Description: 'The Wilds' and 'The Handmaid's Tale' both focus on female resilience and solidarity in the face of oppressive systems. While 'The Wilds' is more of a survival drama, it shares the exploration of how women navigate and resist structures designed to control them. The nonlinear storytelling in both shows reveals character backstories that inform their present struggles.

Fact: Features a diverse cast of young women stranded on an island. The series is part survival drama, part social experiment. It delves into each character's personal struggles and societal pressures.

Description: This series parallels 'The Handmaid's Tale' in its depiction of a near-future dystopia where political and social upheavals drastically alter everyday life. Both shows critique current trends by extrapolating them into terrifying futures, emphasizing how quickly freedoms can be eroded. The focus on a family's perspective makes the societal collapse deeply personal.

Fact: Created by Russell T Davies. The series spans 15 years, showing rapid societal changes. It incorporates real-world issues like Brexit and technological advancements.

Description: Similar to 'The Handmaid's Tale', this series presents an alternate history where America takes a dark turn towards authoritarianism. Both explore how ordinary lives are disrupted by rising extremism and the erosion of democratic norms. The intimate focus on a single family's experience mirrors the personal storytelling of 'The Handmaid's Tale'.

Fact: Based on Philip Roth's novel. It imagines Charles Lindbergh becoming U.S. president in