Considered to be one of the best shows and one of the most controversial ones (mainly due to the ending), Lost was a revolutionary story that grabbed the hearts and minds of audiences ever since the first episode aired in 2004. It opened up new possibilities with its mystery box approach, where each episode was filled with drama, intrigue, and a bunch of mind-bending curve balls.
After finishing all Lost episodes, it is natural to feel a little lost. Here are the eight shows that can match up to the caliber of Lost and offer their unique take on the supernatural aspect.
Watchmen, Severance, and 6 other shows similar to Lost
1) Snowpiercer
Lost and Snowpiercer are captivating series exploring themes of survival, class, and conflict in unique settings.
In Lost, plane crash survivors find themselves on a mysterious island. The introduction of "the others," a pre-existing group of island inhabitants, creates a compelling power dynamic and class divide among the survivors.
Snowpiercer is set on a train that circles a frozen Earth, housing the remnants of humanity. The series delves into the class struggles between the wealthy and the impoverished passengers as the lower-class citizens revolt against the oppressive system.
Both series feature intriguing characters, complex relationships, and a sense of urgency as the protagonists fight for survival in their respective environments.
2) Watchmen
Watchmen is a critically acclaimed HBO limited series that is a semi-sequel to the iconic graphic novel. Damon Lindelof created the show, and it reimagines the world of masked vigilantes decades after the events in the original story.
Featuring a stellar cast, including Regina King and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, being a show rated for adults, Watchmen delves deep into the complexities of race, justice, and the enduring legacy of heroes in America. The series' exploration of the 1921 Tulsa race massacre is particularly noteworthy, offering a thought-provoking commentary on its impact on the present.
Watchmen is a remarkable achievement in television, with its intriguing storytelling and impressive ways of handling controversial themes, solidifying Damon Lindelof's reputation as a master storyteller. An animated version of the Watchmen has also been released, with a second part in the works.
3) Severance
A captivating comedy/fantasy/thriller series, Severance explores a mind-bending premise: employees at Lumon Industries undergo a procedure to separate their work consciousness from real consciousness. The show revolves around a mysterious conspiracy, and at the heart of it is Mark, an employee who gets a hint of the unethical business practices being followed at Lumon.
While not directly reminiscent of Lost, Severance shares its proclivity for slowly unraveling a complex narrative. The show's Lumon Industries evokes a similar sense of nefariousness as Lost's Dharma Initiative. As Mark discovers new hints and clues against Lumon, the viewers feel they are part of the investigation, which becomes a rewarding experience.
4) Dark
Dark is a German series that breaks all boundaries of time, space, and storytelling with its captivating plot. Much like Lost, Dark is also a critically acclaimed show released in the past decade that has puzzled audiences. When two children disappear, the community becomes consumed by the search for answers.
The story takes a mind-bending turn as the investigation reveals a web of secrets spanning generations. This intricate plot demands viewers to pay full attention but rewards them with a thrilling and intellectually stimulating experience.
5) Black Mirror
Black Mirror is a critically acclaimed anthology series that explores the other side of technology's impact on modern life. Inspired by The Twilight Zone, each episode presents a standalone story, often set in a futuristic or dystopian world.
Unlike Lost, the mysteries in Black Mirror don't rely on a complex overarching puzzle. But like Lost, jaws always drop when the truth behind the mystery is revealed. The anthology format allows for self-contained narratives that can be appreciated in a single sitting. With its thought-provoking premises and stacked cast for each episode, Black Mirror offers a unique experience like no other.
6) Doctor Who
Many believe Doctor Who and Lost share a symbiotic relationship, each likely influencing the other. With its long history and rotating cast, the world of Doctor Who's list of episodes is quite long.
The show blends science fiction, fantasy, time travel, and many cool scenes that set it apart from others. The unconventional hero, the Doctor, who rejuvenates into different bodies, adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. Fans of Lost who enjoy complex storylines and imaginative worlds will find much to appreciate in Doctor Who.
7) Westworld
Westworld shares similarities with Lost in its intricate storytelling and mysterious setting. The show takes place in a futuristic theme park populated by android hosts designed to serve human visitors. While the park encourages guests to indulge their desires, the hosts are programmed to avoid harming humans. However, as the show unfolds, the lines between reality and fiction blur, leading to a complex and thought-provoking exploration of the consequences of advanced technology.
Like Lost, Westworld is known for its intricate plotlines. Some viewers have criticized the series for its endless twists and turns, arguing that it ultimately led to its cancellation. Despite this, Westworld remains a captivating and stimulating series that is a must-watch for almost every Lost fan.
8) Stranger Things
Lost opened the doors for weird and wild storytelling for mainstream TV audiences, and Stranger Things continues that trend. Not only did this Netflix original completely shatter the ceiling on modern science fiction shows, but it did all of that in a retro timeline that's fun, unique, and perfectly suited to cater to the viewer's nostalgia.
Each character has grown since season 1 into a well-defined and important part of the cast, and the characters introduced during the last season fit seamlessly into what is now one of Netflix's most significant accomplishments. It features shocking plot twists which keep the fans hooked on the series.
These shows have pushed the envelope of thrilling and supernatural genres and have garnered a cult following. Anyone who has just finished binging on Lost can enjoy these amazing shows for endless entertainment.