10 Shows & Movies Similar to Lovecraft Country (2020)

Description: Twin Peaks shares Lovecraft Country's surreal approach to horror and mystery, blending small-town drama with supernatural elements. Both shows feature a distinctive visual style and willingness to embrace the bizarre. The exploration of alternate dimensions and ancient evils in Twin Peaks resonates with Lovecraft Country's cosmic horror themes.

Fact: David Lynch initially turned down directing the pilot. The show's cancellation led to one of TV's first major fan campaigns. The 2017 revival was shot in secret under the fake title 'Wisteria.'

Description: The X-Files shares Lovecraft Country's blend of supernatural investigation with government conspiracy elements. Both shows feature protagonists uncovering hidden truths about the world, often facing cosmic horrors. The mix of monster-of-the-week episodes with larger mythology arcs in The X-Files is similar to Lovecraft Country's structure.

Fact: The iconic theme song was composed by series creator Chris Carter. The show popularized the phrase 'The truth is out there.' It holds the record for most Emmy nominations for a sci-fi series.

Description: Supernatural shares Lovecraft Country's road trip format and monster-of-the-week structure, though with a lighter tone. Both shows draw from American folklore and urban legends while exploring deeper themes of family and destiny. The brothers' investigation of supernatural phenomena parallels Atticus's journey in Lovecraft Country.

Fact: Originally planned as a five-season arc but ran for 15 seasons. The Impala used in the show is a 1967 Chevrolet. Holds the record for longest-running North American sci-fi series.

Description: Like Lovecraft Country, American Horror Story blends various horror subgenres with social commentary. Both shows feature anthology formats (though Lovecraft Country was a single season) that allow exploration of different horror themes. AHS's frequent examination of American history and its dark underbelly parallels Lovecraft Country's approach.

Fact: Each season has a different theme but shares some actors and connections. Jessica Lange won two Emmys for her performances in the series. The show has inspired multiple spin-offs including American Horror Stories.

Description: While primarily a crime drama, True Detective's first season shares Lovecraft Country's Southern Gothic atmosphere and themes of occult horror. Both shows feature complex narratives that unfold over multiple timelines and explore the intersection of personal trauma with larger cosmic horrors. The philosophical undertones and existential dread in True Detective resonate with Lovecraft Country's themes.

Fact: Each season features a completely new cast and storyline. Season 1 was heavily influenced by Robert W. Chambers' The King in Yellow. Matthew McConaughey's performance in season 1 is considered one of his best.

Description: Penny Dreadful shares Lovecraft Country's approach of blending classic horror elements with deep character studies and social commentary. Both shows feature an ensemble cast facing supernatural threats while dealing with personal demons. The Victorian setting of Penny Dreadful provides a different historical backdrop but similar gothic horror sensibilities.

Fact: The title refers to the cheap, sensational serialized stories popular in 19th century Britain. Features characters from Dracula, Frankenstein, and Dorian Gray. Eva Green's performance earned her a Saturn Award for Best Actress.

Description: The Terror shares Lovecraft Country's historical horror approach, blending real historical events with supernatural elements. Both shows explore themes of survival against both human and inhuman threats, with a strong emphasis on period detail and psychological horror. The slow-building dread and isolation in The Terror mirror Lovecraft Country's atmospheric tension.

Fact: Based on Dan Simmons' novel about the lost Franklin Expedition. Features a supernatural Inuit creature called the Tuunbaq. The show's first season was so well-received it spawned an anthology series.

Description: Castle Rock shares Lovecraft Country's love for weaving together horror, psychological thriller, and supernatural elements. Both shows are deeply rooted in American gothic traditions and explore the dark underbelly of small-town America. The anthology format of Castle Rock allows it to delve into various horror subgenres, much like Lovecraft Country's episodic adventures.

Fact: Set in the Stephen King multiverse, featuring characters and locations from his novels. Bill Skarsgård, who played Pennywise in IT, stars in season The show's name comes from the fictional town that appears in many King stories.

Description: Like Lovecraft Country, The Haunting of Hill House combines family drama with supernatural horror. Both shows use flashbacks to explore how past traumas manifest in the present. The careful attention to visual storytelling and atmospheric dread in Hill House mirrors Lovecraft Country's approach to horror.

Fact: Based loosely on Shirley Jackson's novel. Features hidden ghosts in nearly every episode. The famous 'car scene' in episode 6 was shot in one continuous take.

Description: Like Lovecraft Country, The Outsider blends horror, mystery, and supernatural elements with deep social commentary. Both shows explore themes of racism, justice, and the unknown, often blurring the lines between reality and the supernatural. The Outsider's eerie atmosphere and slow-burning tension mirror the unsettling tone of Lovecraft Country.

Fact: Based on Stephen King's novel of the same name. Features a shapeshifting entity as the central antagonist. The show was initially planned as a limited series but was later considered for a second season.