Attention: This article contains major spoilers for Season 2 of Severance. With the conclusion of Severance Season 2 and the official announcement of a third season, fans of Adam Scott’s intricate sci-fi thriller might be looking for alternative viewing options to fill the gap. The season finale left viewers with a multitude of questions, and while we await the next installment, we’ve curated a list of nine captivating films and series that will keep the excitement alive during the wait.
With its unique blend of genres—spanning mystery, sci-fi dystopia, and poignant love stories—Severance has set a high bar that invites comparisons with other compelling narratives. Below are nine selections, each offering intriguing themes or elements that echo the complexity of Severance, ensuring that even as we contemplate its mysteries, we have quality entertainment to engage with.
1. From
Available on: MGM+, Fubo
If you’re drawn to the existential unease of Severance, then From serves as an excellent follow-up. This horror-mystery series transports viewers to a town that ensnares and terrorizes every newcomer. Fans will appreciate the parallels between the oppressive atmosphere of From’s setting and the confinement felt within Lumon’s severed floors, as both series explore compelling character arcs.
What truly grips audiences is the maze of mysteries that unfold. With perplexing details akin to the hints in Severance, such as Gemma dismantling the crib, From promises confounding twists and answers that will keep viewers guessing.
2. Lost
Available on: Netflix, Hulu
Severance has generated significant buzz and numerous fan theories reminiscent of the cultural phenomenon Lost, which captivated audiences back in 2004. This series chronicles the lives of survivors from a plane crash stranded on a mysterious island. While the setting differs drastically from the sterile corporate world of Severance, both narratives unfold in equally perplexing environments filled with intrigue. If you find yourself impatiently awaiting answers from Severance, Lost’s concluded storyline offers an instant dose of satisfaction.
3. Minority Report
Available on: Paramount+
For those seeking action blended with sci-fi, Minority Report delivers a gripping experience. Set in a dystopian future, it follows John, a member of the “Precrime”division, as he finds himself accused of future murder. Despite the action-heavy plot, the film’s exploration of dystopian themes resonates with the underlying tones of Severance.
4. Devs
Available on: Hulu
The shadowy enterprise of Lumon finds a counterpart in Devs, where protagonist Lily investigates the enigmatic Amaya Corporation and its link to quantum computing following her boyfriend’s suspicious death. With a similar blend of sci-fi and suspense, Devs offers an enthralling narrative, even if it only spans one season.
5. Westworld
Available on: Max
Before Severance introduced the concepts of “innies”and “outies,”Westworld explored themes of AI entrapment and rebellion. The series follows robots—hosts—who evolve from entertainment to entities seeking freedom from human oppression. Both series provoke thought about the nature of humanity and the ethical boundaries of power and control.This multi-season show can bridge the anticipation between Severance Season 2 and the awaiting release of Season 3.
6. Sorry to Bother You
Available on: Hulu
With its standout absurdities and profound commentary, Sorry to Bother You shares a similar genius with Severance. The film chronicles Cash, a young Black telemarketer who learns to navigate his corporate environment using a white voice. The intricate plot reveals a narrative rich in anti-corporate themes and unsettling sci-fi elements. Both protagonists undergo substantial development, compelling them to confront and dismantle their respective corporate dystopias.
7. Nineteen Eighty-Four
Available on: MGM+, Fubo
The pervasive surveillance depicted in Severance can be traced back to George Orwell’s dystopian classic, Nineteen Eighty-Four. Following Winston Smith, who constantly grapples with the omnipresence of “Big Brother,”the film paints a harrowing portrayal of a controlled society. As with Severance, relationships—such as Winston’s affair with Julia—serve as a powerful counterpoint to themes of oppression, highlighting the human experience within authoritarian structures.
8. The Truman Show
Available on: Hulu, The Criterion Channel
The exploration of reality questioning encapsulated in The Truman Show positions it as a hallmark of the genre. Jim Carrey portrays Truman Burbank, who gradually awakens to the confines of his telecast life. Similar to the characters in Severance, Truman’s journey toward self-discovery brings contrasting hope to the often bleak narrative of Severance.
9. Maniac
Available on: Netflix
Netflix’s Maniac, featuring Emma Stone and Jonah Hill, presents astonishing similarities to Severance. Both narratives unfold against a retro-futuristic corporate backdrop, exploring the journey of complex characters grappling with mental health and the insidious nature of their environments. With its gripping mystery and dark humor, Maniac offers a brief yet thrilling ride that echoes the themes found in Severance.