10 Anthology Sci-fi Series to See Next If You Liked Black Mirror

Unlike conventional TV series that follow a continuous narrative with familiar characters and settings, anthology series embrace a different approach. They offer a collection of distinct stories featuring different characters and settings, and sometimes the same locations. The beauty of anthology series lies in their presentation of diverse, unique stories that are as strange as they are compelling. This format enables viewers to immerse themselves in a complete story without growing weary of recurring characters or prolonged storylines, making it ideal for those seeking entertainment without the need for long-term commitment.

Although anthology series may not be as popular as conventional shows, they have been present since the 1940s. Notable examples, such as The Twilight Zone and Tales from the Crypt, have captured the imaginations of audiences. In recent years, the emergence of thought-provoking shows like Black Mirror has revitalized interest in this genre. Created by Charlie Brooker, Black Mirror has been captivating viewers since its inception in 2011 and continues to do so with its thought-provoking stories. Similar to other seasons, its sixth season, which was released on June 15, introduces new tales that delve into the alarming consequences of overdependence on technology. Here are 10 other science fiction anthology series like Black Mirror to leave you fascinated.

10

Oats Studios (2017-2020)

For lovers of sci-fi anthology series, these series of short films made by the Oscar-nominated director Neil BlomKamp should be the next on their watch list. Oats Studios offers a captivating collection of sci-fi and fantasy shorts that have been likened to popular anthology shows like Love, Death & Robots.

While opinions on the collection may be mixed, one thing is certain; the films offer beautifully crafted worlds and chilling horrors from Blomkamp’s visionary mind. The meticulously designed characters, immersive soundscapes, captivating settings, and stunning effects all contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of the series, leaving viewers craving more. Despite how good the collection is, the disjointed plots and edited narration may be a turn-off for some viewers.

9

The Twilight Zone (2019-2020)

The Twilight Zone is among the several remakes of the original anthology series created by Rod Sterling, which aired from 1959 to 1964. Exploring common fears embedded in everyday life and skillfully twisting them, this captivating anthology delves into a variety of science fiction, mystery, and horror tales. However, this updated version has faced criticism from viewers who believe it fails to match the reputation of its predecessor.

Despite numerous attempts to replicate the original’s essence, no remake has truly captured the same bone-chilling atmosphere and darkness. Nonetheless, even with the backlash it received for deviating from the haunting and intricate nature that The Twilight Zone is renowned for, there are those who believe that Jordan Peele’s The Twilight Zone is underrated and underappreciated.

8

Love, Death & Robots (2019-Present)

With Love, Death & Robots, viewers never know what to expect. This Emmy-award winning animated anthology, crafted by Tim Miller and David Fincher, presents a diverse collection of stories, each with its own unique twists, unsettling worlds, and dark narratives. For enthusiasts seeking thought-provoking and visually mesmerizing tales akin to those found in Black Mirror, this anthology series is a must-watch.

From episodes like “Jibaro” to “Bad Traveling,” each installment showcases the limitless power of imagination. With three seasons under its belt, the series explores a wide range of stories encompassing humor, violence, and sorrow, leaving viewers with a myriad of emotions and varied opinions. While reviews may differ, many agree that Love, Death & Robots stands as a masterpiece within the animation genre.

Related: Black Mirror: 10 Epsiodes That Are Too Close To Reality

7

The Outer Limits (1995-2002)

The Outer Limits and the original The Twilight Zone stand as pioneering sci-fi anthology series and like The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits blew minds, though with a stronger emphasis on sci-fi elements. This series serves as a revival of the original, which aired from 1963 to 1965, and both old and new delve into the enigmatic and shadowy aspects of science and human nature.

Each episode presents captivating and scary storylines that often conclude with a moral perspective, leaving viewers both enthralled and unnerved. With over 152 episodes, this revamped version faithfully maintained the style and themes of its predecessor. The Outer Limits possesses a remarkable ability to conjure fantastic visions, solidifying its status as one of the greatest sci-fi shows of the 90s.

6

Amazing Stories (2020)

Based on the series of the same name created by the mastermind Steven Spielberg in 1985, this anthology series offers unique and fascinating tales that range from science fiction, fantasy, to supernatural tales. Just like the original series, Amazing Stories seeks to capture the sense of wonder and imaginations present in Pulp magazines. In contrast to the darker narratives of The Twilight Zone, this series delves into themes of love, family, and the unbreakable human spirit, infusing each story with a touch of extraordinary and magical elements.

With an exceptional ensemble cast and the creative prowess behind its production, Amazing Stories manages to be charming and thoughtful. Nonetheless, despite these efforts, some viewers found the stories lacking the brilliance that the title suggests. While not every episode may resonate with all viewers, Amazing Stories remains a commendable addition to the realm of sci-fi and fantasy series.

5

Room 104 (2017-2020)

Set within the confines of a motel room, Room 104 weaves compelling and sometimes surreal stories that are both thought-provoking and uniquely captivating. Created by the talented Duplass brothers, Mark and Jay, this anthology series explores a diverse range of genres, including sci-fi, comedy, drama, and horror. By focusing on the individuals who occupy Room 104, the series delves deep into their personal struggles, desires, and conflicts.

For fans of the Duplass brothers’ films and series, Room 104 offers a cool and intriguing watch. The stories may unfold at a slower pace, but they are richly layered, masterfully acted, and possess a distinctive Alfred Hitchcock-style. While opinions about the series may vary, fans of Black Mirror are likely to find Room 104 appealing with its originality and depth.

4

Tales From the Loop (2020)

Drawing inspiration from Simon Stålenhag’s book illustrations of the same name, Tales From the Loop follows the story of different groups of people residing in a town where the loop is located. This mysterious machine buried beneath the Earth causes these townspeople to experience series of mysterious happenings. With only eight episodes, this captivating series delves into profound themes of loneliness, memory, love, and isolation.

Each episode delves into the unique experiences of different characters as they encounter the wonders and complexities of this scientific facility, ultimately altering their perception of reality. Through the skillful craftsmanship of the writers and directors, the show becomes a poignant and wondrous exploration that resonates deeply with viewers. In addition to the talented creators, the actors deliver equally impressive performances, further enhancing the overall impact of the series.

Related: Underrated Sci-Fi Movies of the 2000s, Ranked

3

Dimension 404 (2017)

Dimension 404 takes viewers on a thrilling journey through self-contained episodes, each set in a different dimension and centered around the realms of technology, the internet, and the mysterious corners of the digital universe. Exploring themes such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence, time travel, and the unpredictable nature of the online world, the series sheds light on the potential dangers and consequences that come with advanced technology.

Every episode presents fresh and captivating ideas, inviting viewers to contemplate the blurred line between reality and the digital realm. With its nostalgic 80s atmosphere, fans of 80s sci-fi films may find this hard to resist. While comparisons to shows like The Outer Limits and Black Mirror are inevitable, Dimension 404 distinguishes itself by offering a lighter exploration of technological phenomena.

2

Inside No.9 (2014-Present)

Featuring an ensemble cast of renowned actors who portray a diverse array of characters in each self-contained story, this anthology series offers a darkly comedic and suspenseful experience. Created by Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton, Inside No.9. presents a unique fusion of humor, suspense, and often twisted narratives, all set within the confines of various locations labeled “Number 9.”

From chilling horror tales to lighthearted comedic episodes and intriguing character studies, the series caters to a wide range of viewer preferences. With mind-blowing storytelling in each episode, it is evident that the show is crafted by brilliant minds. Despite its brilliance, Inside No.9 remains somewhat underrated within the realm of sci-fi series.

1

Electric Dreams (2017)

Drawing from the works of renowned author Philip K. Dick, Electric Dreams presents a collection of standalone stories that delve into a range of themes and concepts surrounding technology, humanity, and the future. Within its episodes lie tales that are profound and evocative that offer insightful reflections on the nature of humankind.

As is typical with anthology series, the tone, pacing, and execution of each episode can vary, leading to mixed reactions among viewers depending on their personal preferences. While some have embraced the series for its thought-provoking nature and its respectful tribute to Philip K. Dick’s stories, others have found it somewhat lacking in certain aspects. Nonetheless, fans of sci-fi series on Netflix such as Black Mirror and Stranger Things are likely to find pleasure in exploring this anthology as well.