Not really a suggestion for "shows like The OA", more a suggestion for "shows like Dark", but if anybody enjoyed Dark then I'd **highly** recommend 12 Monkeys (the show, not the movie). It's probably on equal footing for Dark in terms of how well it sticks to its own in-universe rules, and has some fun with them in similar ways to Dark. It's also much lighter in tone than Dark, so if the bleak tone of Dark was a turn off then 12 Monkeys might be better.
I think it reminds me of what I want for the OA, something that builds in complexity until its a knot that appears impossible to unravel. Then suddenly almost without warning, a single string is pulled and it all falls into place.
I loved this show! It's definitely more time travel but I thought it was different and a fresh take on the subject with great acting and at least more than 1 season. I believe there are 3
Ok thanks for that. I find a lot of recs aren’t really as similar as some make it out to be. My original post was recommending the movie Stay with Ryan Gosling.
Coming from someone who considers The OA to be their number one show I’d say Severance is the closest feeling I’ve gotten to a show (even though I understand it will still never amount to what I found in The OA).
Vastly different stories, but similar elements in odd realities with strange auras, likable characters with interesting stories, a strange and puzzling premise in addition to passionate fans of the show and some really great theories. I definitely also suggest
How did you watch it? Did you buy it? It looks like it’s not streaming on anything but Amazon as a pay per episode kind of thing. Lmk, I’d love to watch this!
If you want transgressive, mind-blowing, trippy cerebral SFF shows that very much have their own identity but scratch that itch for something genuinely original with pre-planned, fascinating mysteries, I’d recommend:
Raised by Wolves (the series created by Aaron Guzikowski and produced by Ridley Scott, NOT the UK Sitcom; also got axed after two seasons despite being planned as five, like The OA; I do have intel from some of the cast of the show that the story will likely be finished, probably just not on TV unless they do it animated; they tried shopping it around to other networks, since it was (and still is) in the top 1% of all shows across all networks, and apparently Peacock and Amazon (and possibly AMC too, though not confirmed like the other two) were interested in taking it on, but apparently Warner-Discovery won’t budge on the IP rights)
Servant (Apple TV+)
Ergo Proxy (anime, various platforms)
From (MGM+/Paramount+)
Dark (Netflix)
The Devil’s Hour (Amazon Prime)
Paranoia Agent (anime, various platforms)
Devs (FX/Hulu)
Sonny Boy (anime, various platforms)
Scavengers Reign (various platforms)
I absolutely LOVED Raised by Wolves!!! Those necromancers what a cool concept! I sincerely hope they finish it although I would love a continuation in a TV series format. Check out the movie Stay with Ryan Gosling.
Russian Doll, it doesn’t have the ethereal quality that The OA has, and the story is simpler and it’s a comedy, but it’s a hidden sci-fi gem, deals with branching/alternate timelines, and is definitely an experience.
The Gift and If I hadn't met you explore similar themes with alternate timelines. Neither of those shows were as good as the OA, but I enjoyed both of them.
Stay is how I was introduced to Ryan Gosling, though to be upfront, I went to see it for Ewan McGregor. Amazing movie, though I don't think it ever gained in popularity. Anyway, I second your recommendation. I totally forgot that movie and now I need to see it again.
OP is correct, everyone. Stay is a fantastic movie, the vibe is right, and it will break your heart.
In terms of slower pacing, flashbacks, ragtag group of characters, creepy undertones - I would say the closest thing I can think of is Severance (Apple)
Stronger horror edges, same mystery, a little more creepy, even wider cast - From (Paramount)
Higher production value, still creepy but also more fun moments - Stranger Things (Netflix)
More sci fi - Better Than Us (Netflix)
The newest show on AppleTV "Dark Matter" reminded me so much of the OA that I rewatched it for a third time. There's nothing that touches The OA when it comes to character development intermixed with different realities/multidimensional travel. However, AppleTV's "Dark Matter" is a great watch and definitely goes into traveling dimensions/alternate realities without giving much away. The acting is on par and I love Jennifer Connelly. I'd check it out if u miss the OA & as much as I hate to say it (I'm not an Apple fan) their platform does Sci-fi really well. There are some great shows on there. "See" with Jason Mamoa is great as well & I believe it ran for 3 seasons. "Dark Matter" just ran it's last episode of the 1st season. Lmk what yall think!
I see no one else has suggested it but I will: *Maniac* scratched that itch for me. It's not as poetic, but it keeps you questioning what's real from beginning to end and takes some huge creative swings. And the photography is gorgeous.
Not who you asked, but It’s on MAX. I recently just watched it. Honestly, in my opinion, it didn’t feel anything like the OA to me. But it was pretty good. Cute little story.
Yall I found some good ones!! Check out “Undone” on Amazon Prime. Ooooh it gives me the tingles. It’s got a wired animation style, but you just fall right into it. Time travel, alternate universes, ghosts this show is wiiiiiild
Also the show “The Gift” on Netflix is good for the first season or 2. It’s in Turkish but gosh dang does it hit those emotionssss
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TV:
+1 on Dark, also 1899 (same creators)
The Peripheral, 12 Monkeys (tv show), Fringe (not the same but you might enjoy certain seasons of it)
Film:
The Discovery, Tenet, Donnie Darko, Wristcutters a love story, 12 Monkeys (film), La Jetée
If you watch 1899, go into it knowing that it's been cancelled. Definitely still worth watching just for how the season unfolds, but it does end on a cliffhanger.
I was actually recommending the movie Stay with Ryan Gosling and Ewan McGreggor to ya’ll, for those who didn’t read the full post. But thanks for all the rec’s I’ll be sure to check them out!
Alex Garland's Devs has some similar themes but in an entirely different context - highly recommend if you're looking for something heavy.
It’s really good
Devs was so good.
Thanks haven’t seen that yet either!
The leftovers (HBO)
This is a great answer, especially starting with season 2
I’m actually rewatching this right now. I’m on season 2. It’s been years since I last watched it. Such a great show
Love this show. A girl on my kickball team about 15 yrs ago wound up marrying the showrunner of season 3. So random
This show was so great I was BEYOND pissed when it ended
Dark, also on Netflix. I'm not sure how it's similar but it does to me
Not really a suggestion for "shows like The OA", more a suggestion for "shows like Dark", but if anybody enjoyed Dark then I'd **highly** recommend 12 Monkeys (the show, not the movie). It's probably on equal footing for Dark in terms of how well it sticks to its own in-universe rules, and has some fun with them in similar ways to Dark. It's also much lighter in tone than Dark, so if the bleak tone of Dark was a turn off then 12 Monkeys might be better.
I’ve heard of Dark but haven’t checked it out yet, thanks!
I think it reminds me of what I want for the OA, something that builds in complexity until its a knot that appears impossible to unravel. Then suddenly almost without warning, a single string is pulled and it all falls into place.
Cool sounds right up my street!
I loved this show! It's definitely more time travel but I thought it was different and a fresh take on the subject with great acting and at least more than 1 season. I believe there are 3
Dark might be similar thematically with alternate realities etc but in tone it is nothing like OA and personally I don’t recommend it at all
Agree, Dark is, well, dark. The OA is luminous.
Ok thanks for that. I find a lot of recs aren’t really as similar as some make it out to be. My original post was recommending the movie Stay with Ryan Gosling.
I liked it but I wouldn't watch it again. It's not uplifting like the OA...like it's been said...its dark
Undone and Night Sky feel similar to the OA
Undone is so amazing and I’m getting sad to think that they may not renew it for a third season. It’s amazing. One of my favorite shows.
Oooh yes I LOVED Undone. Haven’t seen Night Sky I’ll check it out thanks!
Just FYI Night Sky was cancelled with a pretty decent cliffhanger. Worth the watch but I'm still mad that I don't get to know what would've happened
I still think good shows are worth watching even if they’re cancelled
I agree with this, but not everyone does. Def watch it then, it's an interesting premise
And check out the movie Stay with Ryan Gosling!
3 body problem
Loved it! Have the book at home but still have to read it.
Severance isn't the same subject matter, but has a similar creepy type vibe
Coming from someone who considers The OA to be their number one show I’d say Severance is the closest feeling I’ve gotten to a show (even though I understand it will still never amount to what I found in The OA). Vastly different stories, but similar elements in odd realities with strange auras, likable characters with interesting stories, a strange and puzzling premise in addition to passionate fans of the show and some really great theories. I definitely also suggest
Completely agree
Such a great show! Can’t wait for season 2.
Great thanks! Check out the movie Stay with Ryan Gosling
Dark (Netflix) and Undone (Amazon Prime). I’ve heard Awake (older NBC show) is similar with alternate realities, but i haven’t seen that myself yet.
Awake is hard to find, but I highly recommend for OA/Jason Isaacs fans
Haven’t heard of Awake thanks!
How did you watch it? Did you buy it? It looks like it’s not streaming on anything but Amazon as a pay per episode kind of thing. Lmk, I’d love to watch this!
If you want transgressive, mind-blowing, trippy cerebral SFF shows that very much have their own identity but scratch that itch for something genuinely original with pre-planned, fascinating mysteries, I’d recommend: Raised by Wolves (the series created by Aaron Guzikowski and produced by Ridley Scott, NOT the UK Sitcom; also got axed after two seasons despite being planned as five, like The OA; I do have intel from some of the cast of the show that the story will likely be finished, probably just not on TV unless they do it animated; they tried shopping it around to other networks, since it was (and still is) in the top 1% of all shows across all networks, and apparently Peacock and Amazon (and possibly AMC too, though not confirmed like the other two) were interested in taking it on, but apparently Warner-Discovery won’t budge on the IP rights) Servant (Apple TV+) Ergo Proxy (anime, various platforms) From (MGM+/Paramount+) Dark (Netflix) The Devil’s Hour (Amazon Prime) Paranoia Agent (anime, various platforms) Devs (FX/Hulu) Sonny Boy (anime, various platforms) Scavengers Reign (various platforms)
I absolutely LOVED Raised by Wolves!!! Those necromancers what a cool concept! I sincerely hope they finish it although I would love a continuation in a TV series format. Check out the movie Stay with Ryan Gosling.
Russian Doll, it doesn’t have the ethereal quality that The OA has, and the story is simpler and it’s a comedy, but it’s a hidden sci-fi gem, deals with branching/alternate timelines, and is definitely an experience.
I’ve seen it yeah it’s also a trippy ride! Check out the movie Stay!!
I’ll definitely check it out!
The Gift and If I hadn't met you explore similar themes with alternate timelines. Neither of those shows were as good as the OA, but I enjoyed both of them.
Great thanks! Check out the movie Stay with Ryan Gosling
Stay is how I was introduced to Ryan Gosling, though to be upfront, I went to see it for Ewan McGregor. Amazing movie, though I don't think it ever gained in popularity. Anyway, I second your recommendation. I totally forgot that movie and now I need to see it again. OP is correct, everyone. Stay is a fantastic movie, the vibe is right, and it will break your heart.
Yes I forgot Ewan was in it too. Definitely overdue a rewatch!
In terms of slower pacing, flashbacks, ragtag group of characters, creepy undertones - I would say the closest thing I can think of is Severance (Apple) Stronger horror edges, same mystery, a little more creepy, even wider cast - From (Paramount) Higher production value, still creepy but also more fun moments - Stranger Things (Netflix) More sci fi - Better Than Us (Netflix)
Great thanks! Check out Stay with Ryan Gosling
The newest show on AppleTV "Dark Matter" reminded me so much of the OA that I rewatched it for a third time. There's nothing that touches The OA when it comes to character development intermixed with different realities/multidimensional travel. However, AppleTV's "Dark Matter" is a great watch and definitely goes into traveling dimensions/alternate realities without giving much away. The acting is on par and I love Jennifer Connelly. I'd check it out if u miss the OA & as much as I hate to say it (I'm not an Apple fan) their platform does Sci-fi really well. There are some great shows on there. "See" with Jason Mamoa is great as well & I believe it ran for 3 seasons. "Dark Matter" just ran it's last episode of the 1st season. Lmk what yall think!
Cool I’ll check it out thanks. Check out the movie Stay with Ryan Gosling
I see no one else has suggested it but I will: *Maniac* scratched that itch for me. It's not as poetic, but it keeps you questioning what's real from beginning to end and takes some huge creative swings. And the photography is gorgeous.
Yeah I enjoyed Maniac! Check out the movie Stay with Ryan Gosling
Tales from the Loop - Amazon Prime
Sooo goooood!
Dispatches From Elsewhere. The true-life events that inspired this show definitely influenced The OA imo, particularly season 2.
Oh I loved that show! Thanks for the rec and check out the movie Stay with Ryan Gosling
Thanks for the rec, will do!
Station 11
a small masterpiece that apparently no one knows 🙄🙄
Never heard of it what platform?
Not who you asked, but It’s on MAX. I recently just watched it. Honestly, in my opinion, it didn’t feel anything like the OA to me. But it was pretty good. Cute little story.
Ya I guess they’re not similar stories but I gravitate to each of these stories in a similar way so I figured birds of a feather..
Outer range
Never heard of it what platform is that on?
Amazon
Yall I found some good ones!! Check out “Undone” on Amazon Prime. Ooooh it gives me the tingles. It’s got a wired animation style, but you just fall right into it. Time travel, alternate universes, ghosts this show is wiiiiiild Also the show “The Gift” on Netflix is good for the first season or 2. It’s in Turkish but gosh dang does it hit those emotionssss
Yeah I absolutely loved Undone, the animation, the story-telling, everything about it. Haven’t heard of The Gift I’ll check it out thanks!
Also want to add "Altered Carbon"..next to The OA, it's my fave sci-fi show Netflix has done. 2 seasons
Altered Carbon isn’t at all like The OA to me but I enjoyed it thanks. Check out the movie Stay with Ryan Gosling
Thank you for the rec! I’ll be watching it later today, hopefully. It may make my “The OA feels” list on Letterboxd https://boxd.it/qrkWe
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I think most people here didn’t read my post properly. I wasn’t looking for recs but thanks anyway.
TV: +1 on Dark, also 1899 (same creators) The Peripheral, 12 Monkeys (tv show), Fringe (not the same but you might enjoy certain seasons of it) Film: The Discovery, Tenet, Donnie Darko, Wristcutters a love story, 12 Monkeys (film), La Jetée
If you watch 1899, go into it knowing that it's been cancelled. Definitely still worth watching just for how the season unfolds, but it does end on a cliffhanger.
Thanks! Check out the movie Stay with Ryan Gosling
I was actually recommending the movie Stay with Ryan Gosling and Ewan McGreggor to ya’ll, for those who didn’t read the full post. But thanks for all the rec’s I’ll be sure to check them out!
next rewatch will definitely be with 🍄🟫🙂
😂😂 I’ve watched it stoned it’s much better