Hi everyone! With how challenging the past 2 years have been (and continue to be), I think it’s important to be kinder to ourselves. The first step is to not set unrealistic expectations for ourselves, which is why this year I’m taking it easy on the new year resolutions. I’m simply going to let myself do what I think my mind and body need, which is often a good TV show. However, with so many options across multiple streaming websites, I often experience choice paralysis and waste a good chunk of time scrolling endlessly, struggling to decide. This series will hopefully solve that problem for you – as I share some of my favourite TV shows and help narrow down your selections!
What better way to start this series off than with the post-apocalyptic/dystopian genre? It might feel like we’re already living in a zombie movie with infections and isolation being the norm, but the following suggestions show that it could be a lot worse. If you’re in the mood for something dark, gory and maybe even slightly confronting, the following are definitely worth a watch.
- Squid Game
Squid game doesn’t necessarily fall into the “dystopian” genre, but it is definitely very dark. The TV drama took the world by storm in 2021,with many elements of the show going viral. The premise of the show is straight-forward enough: individuals in debt are given the opportunity to earn a large cash prize in a series of games where their lives are at risk. But the show plays out in a way unlike any other I’ve seen in this genre. If you’ve been holding off on watching it because you weren’t sure it was worth the hype, I’d definitely recommend giving it go.
- Alice In Borderland
If you liked Squid Game, you’ll probably enjoy Alice In Borderland. Based off a Manga series, Alice In Borderland is also a game-based survival show. Although there are many common themes, Alice In Borderland features a more intricate, complicated plot that leaves viewers constantly on the edge of their seat.
- Sweet Home
Released in 2020, Sweet Home is a Korean apocalyptic horror TV series. With many twists and turns, the plot is very well-thought out and delivered extremely well. If you’re a fan of classic zombie movies and like a bit of blood and gore, this is something that you’ll definitely enjoy.
- Blood Red Sky
Speaking of classic zombie movies, Blood Red Sky is definitely one to put on your list (even though it isn’t actually a zombie movie). Blood red sky doesn’t pretend to be something that it isn’t – it doesn’t have much depth but that’s the charm of it! Some days you just want an easy watch and this is just that. It does have some emotional scenes and an actual storyline, so I’d say it’s a great starting point if you’re a beginner to the genre!
- #ALIVE
#ALIVE is Korean zombie thriller movie that was released in the height of the pandemic when we were all in quarantine. The protagonists in the movie try to survive a virus by quarantining in their high-rise apartments. The movie is such a suspenseful thriller, made even better by the eerie similarities we face in reality.
- Sweet Tooth
I couldn’t write a list about post-apocalyptic shows and not include Sweet Tooth. Released in 2021, Sweet Tooth has many topics that we’re familiar with in our daily life – from GMOs to climate change. Although slow at some parts, the characters are charming enough to keep you engaged till the end. I highly recommend for the next family movie night.
- The Silent Sea
Featuring actors from Train to Busan, Squid Game and Sense 8, the star-studded cast of silent sea promises something brilliant. The premise is simple enough: a planet facing a water crisis sends experts to the moon to retrieve classified samples. The well-written plot, amazing CGI and exceptional acting make up for the slightly cheesy spacewalk and space acting.
- The Platform
The Platform isn’t technically a post-apocalyptic show but I think it deserves an honourable mention. The platform is a social science fiction-horror movie filled with suspense, gore and drama. If you enjoyed shows such as Black Mirror and Parasite, this is definitely one to add to your list.
This list is definitely not comprehensive and I tried not to include any cult classics, but hopefully this has given you something to add to your watchlist for your next movie night. Let me know what your favourite zombie/thriller shows are and if I missed something!