The Last of Us, an adaptation of the esteemed video game, has set a new standard for video game series, earning widespread acclaim as a high-quality production on HBO. Set against the backdrop of a ravaged world brought to its knees by a devastating virus, the narrative follows Joel (Pedro Pascal), a determined protector, and Ellie (Bella Ramsey), a young girl whose survival holds the key to humanity’s future. Their journey through a hostile landscape teeming with dangerous creatures and hostile factions highlights both the external threats and the moral dilemmas they face.
With the release of Season 2 of The Last of Us slated for 2025, fans eager for more storytelling rooted in this harrowing universe may wish to explore alternative shows that evoke similar themes of survival, loss of humanity, and difficult choices. This series transcends traditional depictions of a zombie apocalypse, delving deep into the psychological and emotional landscapes of its characters. Here are some shows that resonate with fans while waiting for more from this dystopian saga.
10 The Mist (2017)
A Dense Fog Brings Dangerous Monsters To A Small Town
While many are familiar with the film adaptation of The Mist and its shocking conclusion, the television series merits attention as well. This captivating sci-fi horror series, inspired by Stephen King’s 1980 novella, transports viewers to Bridgeville, Maine, where a mysterious mist envelops the town, releasing nightmarish creatures. The residents must survive not only the predatory monsters lurking in the fog but also the escalating chaos among themselves, making the true danger ambiguous.
Just like in The Last of Us, themes of personal survival unfold as the characters grapple with the notion that sometimes, the greatest threats come from humanity itself. The series portrays a chilling fanaticism, where a character believes that a sacrificial act can appease the terror within the mist. Unfortunately, despite its intriguing premise, The Mist was cut short after one season, leaving numerous plot threads unresolved.
9 Snowpiercer (2020-2022)
The Survivors Of A New Ice Age Onboard A Self-Sustaining Train
Snowpiercer showcases an intriguing blend of post-apocalyptic survival narratives, based on the French graphic novel Le Transperceneige and adapted for television after a notable feature film. In this series, humanity’s last hope lies aboard a perpetually moving train, racing across a frozen wasteland where the cold has rendered Earth uninhabitable. As survivors navigate the train’s rigid class system, tensions rise, leading to conflict between the privileged and the marginalized.
Much like The Last of Us, this show explores gritty survival instincts, scarcity, and desperation as social stratification prompts rebellion. In contrast to the film, the series offers a glimmer of hope toward the end, where characters begin to envision a future beyond the confines of their train. The parallels in survival against both human and environmental threats are unmistakable.
8 The Walking Dead (2011-2022)
The Most Successful Zombie Apocalypse TV Series
The Walking Dead remains one of the most iconic series in the zombie apocalypse genre, chronicling the struggles of various characters as they navigate a world riddled with the undead. Drawing from Robert Kirkman’s popular comics, this series highlights the ways in which human interactions can be as perilous as the zombies themselves. The quest for survival is fraught not only with battles against walkers but also with conflicts among the living.
Similar to The Last of Us, the show underscores the complexity of morality in dire situations. Viewers observe that individuals deemed antagonists often act from a place of desperation. After an impressive run comprising 11 seasons, the franchise has continued to evolve with several spinoffs, further exploring the rich tapestry of its universe.
7 The 100 (2014-2020)
Teens In An Apocalyptic Future With A Ravaged Earth
Set nearly a century after humanity has escaped to space, The 100 follows a group of juvenile delinquents sent to Earth to assess its habitability. Their arrival reveals that human life has survived, setting the stage for intricate social dynamics and conflicts. Spanning seven seasons, the show captures the evolution of its adolescent characters as they confront both monstrous and human threats in their fight for survival.
Focusing primarily on young protagonists, The Last of Us parallels The 100 in themes of resilience and growth in a hostile world. Both series captivate audiences with their development of youth in perilous environments, showcasing the unique challenges they face as they adapt to a chaotic reality.
6 Z Nation (2014-2018)
The SyFy Answer To The Walking Dead
For those intrigued by the zombie apocalypse genre, Z Nation offers a unique blend of humor and horror, taking on the aftermath of a devastating outbreak. Set years later, the plot centers around the journey of a singular survivor who might hold the key to a potential vaccine. His travels across the nation with a ragtag group of companions echo the journey undertaken by Joel and Ellie in The Last of Us.
Thematically, both series explore the concept of hope amid chaos, with Ellie serving as a beacon of immunity in her desperate world. Even in a more comedic setting, Z Nation shares critical tropes with The Last of Us, including the trials faced by groups trying to survive in a world overtaken by monstrous threats.
5 The Purge (2018-2019)
A Dystopian Future Where The Government Allows One Night Of Crime
The Purge invites audiences into a nightmarish reality where a government-sanctioned event allows all crime, including murder, for 12 hours once a year. Unlike the apocalypse depicted in The Last of Us, society in The Purge continues to function albeit under a severely corrupted governance. The series explores this chaotic night through various character perspectives, revealing the moral compromises individuals make amidst chaos.
While not strictly post-apocalyptic, it resonates with similar themes of societal collapse and the moral decay of humanity when faced with overwhelming crisis. The blend of horror, suspense, and social commentary makes this series a fascinating watch alongside The Last of Us.
4 Attack On Titan (2013-2023)
Giant Monsters Ravage The Earth
Set in a dystopian realm overrun by colossal man-eating creatures known as Titans, Attack on Titan follows young warriors battling for humanity’s survival. Over the course of a century, hope dwindles in the face of extinction. The survival struggles faced by characters in this anime parallel those found in The Last of Us, with an emphasis on the relentless fight against monstrous foes.
Although the monstrous threats differ—human infection versus an invasive giant species—the core struggle against overwhelming odds binds both narratives. For fans of anime who appreciate themes of survival against formidable foes, Attack on Titan presents an engaging alternative to live-action storytelling.
3 12 Monkeys (2015-2018)
A Man Is Sent Back In Time To Prevent The Apocalypse
A reimagining of the iconic 1995 film, 12 Monkeys tells the story of a time traveler sent to the past to combat a catastrophic virus that has decimated humanity. This gripping series dramatically captures the struggle against an impending apocalypse, blending science fiction with moral dilemmas as characters confront adversities.
While the series navigates the sci-fi realm of preventing a plague, it subtly echoes the sentiments of survival presented in The Last of Us. Both series focus on the quest for cures and salvation, obscured by powerful organizations and the repercussions of their actions.
2 The Walking Dead: World Beyond (2020-2021)
The Walking Dead From A Young Adult’s POV
This continuation of the The Walking Dead franchise offers a fresh perspective, focusing on a group of teens navigating a world shaped by the zombie apocalypse. Adventurous and action-driven, these young characters’ journey resonates with viewers familiar with Ellie’s struggles, as they confront threats from both the undead and their fellow survivors.
While these characters represent a new generation that has known only an apocalyptic world, their battles against infected beings and discovery of the harsh realities of survival mirror the emotional and physical trials faced in The Last of Us.
1 The Stand (2020)
A Virus Wipes Out Most Of Humanity
Another adaptation of a Stephen King classic, The Stand presents a post-apocalyptic landscape resulting from a catastrophic virus that decimates 99% of the population. As survivors gather to form alliances, they also contend with the malevolent Randall Flagg, who embodies the evils that emerge in times of despair. The series emphasizes the struggle between good and evil, with characters facing pivotal choices that define their morality.
Featuring a robust cast, including James Marsden and Whoopi Goldberg, this miniseries draws striking parallels to The Last of Us, focusing on humanity’s battle against darkness as they fight to reclaim their world amidst overwhelming odds.