If you're a fan of 'The Walking Dead' (2010) and its gripping blend of survival horror, intense character drama, and post-apocalyptic thrills, you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and TV shows that capture the same heart-pounding tension, moral dilemmas, and zombie-infested chaos. Whether you're craving more undead action or stories of human resilience in the face of catastrophe, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Jericho (2006)
Description: 'Jericho' is a post-apocalyptic drama that, like 'The Walking Dead', focuses on a small community trying to survive after a catastrophic event. The show explores themes of leadership, resource scarcity, and the rebuilding of society, much like the early seasons of 'The Walking Dead'. The tension between different factions and the struggle to maintain order are key similarities.
Fact: 'Jericho' was canceled after one season but was revived for a second season due to fan campaigns. The show's premise involves a nuclear attack on the United States. It has since gained a cult following and even inspired a comic book continuation.


Falling Skies (2011)
Description: 'Falling Skies' is a sci-fi series about survival after an alien invasion, but it shares 'The Walking Dead's' focus on family, community, and resistance against overwhelming odds. The show's portrayal of a group of survivors banding together to fight a common enemy is reminiscent of 'The Walking Dead's' narrative structure.
Fact: 'Falling Skies' was produced by Steven Spielberg. The show stars Noah Wyle as a history professor leading a resistance group. It ran for five seasons and concluded with a definitive ending.


The Strain (2014)
Description: 'The Strain' is a horror series that, like 'The Walking Dead', deals with a viral outbreak that turns people into monsters. While the creatures are more vampire-like than zombies, the show explores similar themes of survival, government conspiracy, and the collapse of society. The dark, gritty tone and focus on a group of survivors fighting against overwhelming odds are key similarities.
Fact: 'The Strain' was created by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan, based on their novel trilogy. The show features a unique take on vampires, with a biological explanation for their existence. It ran for four seasons and concluded with a definitive ending.


The 100 (2014)
Description: 'The 100' is a sci-fi series that, like 'The Walking Dead', explores survival in a harsh, post-apocalyptic world. While the setting is more futuristic, the themes of moral ambiguity, leadership, and the cost of survival are similar. The show also features a diverse cast of characters who must navigate complex relationships and conflicts.
Fact: 'The 100' is based on a book series by Kass Morgan. The show evolved from a teen drama into a more mature sci-fi series over its seven-season run. It tackled themes like genocide, artificial intelligence, and the nature of humanity.


The Last of Us (2023)
Description: Based on the popular video game, 'The Last of Us' shares 'The Walking Dead's' post-apocalyptic setting and themes of survival, loss, and the bonds formed in desperate times. The show also explores the moral dilemmas faced by survivors, much like 'The Walking Dead'. The emotional depth and character-driven storytelling are key similarities.
Fact: 'The Last of Us' stars Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. The show was developed by Craig Mazin, creator of 'Chernobyl', and Neil Druckmann, the creator of the original game. It became one of HBO's most-watched series, breaking records for viewership.


Fear the Walking Dead (2015)
Description: As a spin-off of 'The Walking Dead', 'Fear the Walking Dead' shares the same post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies. It explores similar themes of survival, human morality, and societal collapse, but with a different setting and characters. The show also delves into the early days of the outbreak, providing a fresh perspective on the zombie apocalypse.
Fact: 'Fear the Walking Dead' was initially set in Los Angeles before moving to Mexico and later Texas. The show features crossover characters from 'The Walking Dead', linking the two series. It was the first spin-off of 'The Walking Dead', expanding the franchise's universe.


Z Nation (2014)
Description: 'Z Nation' is another zombie apocalypse series that focuses on survival and human resilience. Unlike 'The Walking Dead', it incorporates more humor and over-the-top action, but still deals with the breakdown of society and the struggle to maintain humanity in the face of disaster. The show also explores different types of zombies and mutations, adding variety to the genre.
Fact: 'Z Nation' was created by Karl Schaefer and Craig Engler. The show features a unique zombie type called 'Blends', which are zombies that can think and act like humans. It ran for five seasons and developed a cult following for its campy tone.


Into the Badlands (2015)
Description: While 'Into the Badlands' is more of a martial arts drama than a zombie show, it shares 'The Walking Dead's' post-apocalyptic setting and themes of power struggles and survival. The show's visual style and action sequences are a departure, but the underlying narrative of rebuilding society amidst chaos is a common thread.
Fact: 'Into the Badlands' stars Daniel Wu and features intense martial arts choreography. The show blends elements of Westerns, martial arts films, and dystopian fiction. It was canceled after three seasons but developed a dedicated fanbase.


Colony (2016)
Description: 'Colony' is a sci-fi drama about life under alien occupation, but it shares 'The Walking Dead's' themes of survival, resistance, and the moral complexities of living under oppressive rule. The show's focus on family dynamics and the cost of collaboration versus resistance mirrors the dilemmas faced by characters in 'The Walking Dead'.
Fact: 'Colony' stars Josh Holloway and Sarah Wayne Callies. The show was created by Carlton Cuse, who also worked on 'Lost'. It was canceled after three seasons, leaving some plot threads unresolved.


Black Summer (2019)
Description: Set in the same universe as 'Z Nation', 'Black Summer' is a more intense and gritty take on the zombie apocalypse. It shares 'The Walking Dead's' focus on survival and the human condition under extreme stress. The show's fast-paced, chaotic style mirrors the early seasons of 'The Walking Dead', where danger could come from anywhere at any time.
Fact: 'Black Summer' is a prequel to 'Z Nation', set in the early days of the zombie outbreak. The show is known for its long, uninterrupted action sequences. It was praised for its realistic portrayal of a zombie apocalypse, with less focus on dialogue and more on survival instincts.
