10 Shows and Movies Similar to Upload (2020)

Description: Westworld, like Upload (2020), examines the concept of artificial consciousness and the moral dilemmas surrounding digital immortality. Both series feature advanced technology that allows humans to exist in a virtual space, raising questions about identity and free will.

Fact: Westworld is based on the 1973 film of the same name. The show's opening theme is played on a self-playing piano. Anthony Hopkins' character was written specifically for him.

Description: Dollhouse, similar to Upload (2020), revolves around the concept of uploading and altering human consciousness. Both series explore the ethical and personal ramifications of technology that can erase, implant, or transfer memories and personalities.

Fact: Dollhouse was created by Joss Whedon of Buffy fame. The show was initially canceled after one season but got a second due to fan demand. It features early roles for actors like Dichen Lachman and Olivia Williams.

Description: Like Upload (2020), Black Mirror explores the intersection of technology and human consciousness, often delving into dystopian futures where digital existence blurs the line between reality and virtual life. Both series question the ethical implications of uploading human minds into digital realms.

Fact: Black Mirror was inspired by The Twilight Zone, focusing on modern societal issues. The episode 'San Junipero' won two Emmy Awards. Charlie Brooker, the creator, initially thought the show would be a one-off.

Description: Orphan Black shares with Upload (2020) a narrative centered around cloning and the duplication of human identity, paralleling Upload's themes of digital replication of consciousness. Both series delve into the ethics and personal identity crises arising from such technologies.

Fact: Tatiana Maslany plays multiple clones in the series. The show won a Peabody Award for its storytelling. It was initially conceived as a film before becoming a TV series.

Description: While primarily a post-apocalyptic drama, The 100 shares with Upload (2020) themes of survival in altered realities and the use of technology to preserve human consciousness. Both series question what it means to be human when faced with extreme technological and environmental changes.

Fact: The 100 is based on a book series by Kass Morgan. The show was initially marketed as a teen drama but evolved into a darker sci-fi series. It features a strong female lead, rare for sci-fi at the time.

Description: The Expanse, like Upload (2020), presents a future where human identity is challenged by technology. While The Expanse focuses more on space colonization, both series explore how advanced tech can redefine human existence and societal structures.

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

Description: Humans shares with Upload (2020) a focus on synthetic beings and the blurring line between human and artificial life. Both series explore the emotional and societal impacts of advanced AI and digital consciousness.

Fact: Humans is a remake of the Swedish series Real Humans. The show was praised for its realistic portrayal of AI. It explores themes of love and family through the lens of robotics.

Description: The Good Place shares with Upload (2020) a humorous yet philosophical take on the afterlife, where human consciousness is digitized and placed in a designed paradise. Both shows blend comedy with deep questions about morality, existence, and what it means to be human in a digital world.

Fact: The Good Place was praised for its accurate depiction of philosophy. Ted Danson's character was originally supposed to be a villain. The show's twist in the first season was kept secret from the cast initially.

Description: This anthology series, like Upload (2020), delves into futuristic scenarios where technology alters human existence. Many episodes explore themes of virtual realities, artificial intelligence, and the merging of human consciousness with digital worlds.

Fact: Each episode is based on a different Philip K. Dick short story. The series features a diverse range of directors and writers. It was produced by Ronald D. Moore of Battlestar Galactica fame.

Description: Devs parallels Upload (2020) in its exploration of digital consciousness and the philosophical implications of technology that can simulate or upload human minds. Both series present a near-future where technology challenges our understanding of reality and existence.

Fact: Devs was created by Alex Garland, known for Ex Machina. The series was filmed in Silicon Valley to capture its tech-centric atmosphere. The show's title refers to both 'developers' and 'deus ex machina'.