12 Best Shows Like From

The TV show “From” appeals to viewers who enjoy delving into complex puzzles and intricate lore within a series: Those who adore dissecting mind-bending enigmas wrapped in an elaborate iceberg of rich world-building. This thought-provoking, genre-twisting supernatural and psychological horror series centers around a town existing in a peculiar pocket of existence where creatures emerge at night, and no one can escape. In “From”, the boundaries between dreams, narrative, and reality appear to be permanently obscured.

In the small town of Fromville, Sheriff Boyd (Harold Perrineau) faces a constant barrage of puzzling, terrifying, and occasionally peculiar events such as cicadas that warp reality, a cellar from hell, a malevolent Polaroid camera, and trees harboring untrustworthy portals. Though clues might be subtly hidden within the series for keen-eyed viewers to discover, each solution seems to only deepen the enigma – and we can’t get enough!

The show, frequently discussed on YouTube, Facebook, and Discord, has sparked numerous online fan groups who experience a gap between the conclusion of one “From” season and the start of the next. Luckily, there’s an abundance of excellent series available to bridge this gap temporarily.

Severance

Drawing inspiration from a difficult period in writer Dan Erickson’s career, “Severance” is a thought-provoking piece of speculative fiction that explores a hypothetical world where a contentious process allows individuals to partition their work and personal consciousnesses and memories. Viewed from the standpoint of the “outie” – the dominant consciousness of the individual who opts for severance – this scenario appears idyllic, offering the freedom from punching a time clock, leaving behind workday stresses, or dealing with office strife. However, behind every outie, there exists an “innie” who is perpetually tethered to their workplace and lacks control over their existence, essentially being trapped on the severance floor of Lumon Industries. In this world, innies hold a naive comprehension of their reality, extending even to the corporate-theocratic indoctrination that deifies the founder of Lumon, turning them into a mythical figure.

Instead of merely being a dystopian office drama, the series “Severance” delves into the intricate lives and adventures of Mark S., a former academic who’s grieving, and his team of macrodata refiners at work. As they start to scrutinize their strictly regulated (and manipulative) environment, a larger enigma starts to unravel – one filled with baby goats, sadomasochistic waffle parties, possible worldwide consequences, and numerous unanswered questions.

Yellowjackets

Yellowjackets” isn’t just about a high school girls’ soccer team stranded after a plane crash in the ’90s – it’s a gripping blend of “Lord of the Flies” and psychological horror, with a darkly comedic twist. The story unfolds over two different time periods, featuring separate actors playing the teenage and adult versions of the characters. In one timeline, we follow the girls as they struggle to survive in the wilderness for nearly 19 months after their crash, which ultimately leads to a descent into cannibalism. In the present day, we see the characters grappling with the lingering confusion, guilt, and trauma from that fateful event.

The exceptional cast featuring both teenagers and adults is strengthened by the presence of notable Gen-X and Millennial figures such as Melanie Lynskey, Christina Ricci, Juliette Lewis, and Lauren Ambrose. The narrative unfolds in the 1990s, following their experiences in the wilderness and the series of events that lead to the teens adopting a unique pagan belief system and exhibiting increasingly aggressive behaviors. As for the current timeline, it explores their struggle to conform to the norms of a civilized society. The question of whether the supernatural elements driving their descent into madness are real or not remains unanswered, leaving room for diverse interpretations in the storyline.

Silo

The “Silo” series, modeled after author Hugh Howey’s self-published novels starting with the 2011 short story “Wool,” presents a creative exploration of a dystopian and post-apocalyptic world where humanity lives underground following a catastrophic event, reminiscent of the style in Fallout games. However, unlike the extensive shelters depicted in the game series, the inhabitants of Silo live in gigantic 144-story underground silos, having established highly regimented societies for an extended period, so long that the initial silo we encounter suffered a disastrous rebellion 140 years ago. And much like all well-established dystopian societies, they strive to maintain control by discouraging questioning about who, what, where, and when.

The series centers around character Juliette Nichols, portrayed by Rebecca Ferguson. She embarks on a journey that mirrors her actions, leading to her expulsion and the ominous fate the silo administrators assume lies beyond the silo door. Dystopia enthusiasts will find captivating the show’s atmospheric and eerie depiction of a subterranean world designed in the brutalist style, as well as the feelings of waning hope and isolation that pervade as Nichols seeks purpose amidst confusion.

Dark

A visually stunning time travel television series, and arguably one of the darkest interpretations of time travel ever created, “Dark” is a German science fiction drama that also functions as a rather grim exploration of the unavoidable impact of generational trauma. At first glance, while browsing Netflix, it may appear to be a mystery similar to “Broadchurch,” though upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that the plot becomes increasingly complex and may not always align with expectations.

The narrative revolves around Jonas Kahnwald (Louis Hofmann), an unintentional time traveler, as he navigates the enigma of time travel that intertwines the troubled family lineages of Winden, Germany. As events unfold, the plot gradually becomes clearer with Ben Frost’s ominous music score and a mix of Agnes Obel, Apparat, and ’80s pop tunes adding depth. Much like the TV adaptation of “12 Monkeys,” “Dark” presents a thought-provoking causality loop story where a man who makes the wrong choice with a woman might inadvertently trigger an apocalypse. By the finale, the intricate web of time travel extends across multiple eras and an alternate universe, leaving viewers intrigued enough to possibly jot down notes. Upon unraveling the central secrets of the series, one could find enjoyment in rewatching it to discover the numerous “Back to the Future” references that Reddit users have spotted throughout “Dark.

1899

1899, crafted by the same masterminds behind “Dark,” is a multi-lingual, mind-bending sci-fi series that shares the eerie, David Lynch-inspired atmosphere of the time travel series, but takes it to another level in terms of complex narrative storytelling. At first, it seems like an authentic historical drama about immigrants on board the steamship Kerberos in 1899. However, as the plot unfolds, it gradually becomes clear that things are not as they seem. Strange occurrences start to emerge, and what initially appeared to be a straightforward period piece gradually transforms into something more complex, with anachronistic technology and a disjointed sense of reality becoming more pronounced as the story develops.

1899 primarily unfolds from the viewpoint of female doctor Maura (Emily Beecham), who stumbles upon phenomena that defy the conventional understanding of the 1890s: Enigmatic messages such as “sink ship,” a remote control slide puzzle with the ability to transport, a green beetle that uncovers shafts linking the ship to land-based locations, and a peculiar metallic substance that appears to organically spread throughout the ship. Despite the unfortunate cancellation of the series, leaving it on a mind-boggling cliffhanger without a second season, the Season 1 finale does provide a significant revelation about Maura’s reality. Leaving much of the story untold, “1899” nonetheless stands as a compelling demonstration of how visionary and high-quality science fiction can captivate audiences.

Outer Range

Outer Range” offers another compelling exploration into mind-bending time travel science fiction, beautifully set against the expansive landscapes of Wyoming as it unfolds as a contemporary Western tale. The story revolves around Royal Abbott (Josh Brolin), the ranching patriarch of the Abbott family, who finds himself in a longstanding feud with their neighbors, the Tillersons, reminiscent of the Hatfields and McCoys, over a persistent boundary dispute. Not long after a stranger named Autumn (Imogen Poots) arrives seeking to camp on their land, Royal stumbles upon an enigmatic, seemingly endless, and origin-unknown circular pit on the outskirts of his property.

As the show unfolds, we learn that the void is actually a wormhole linking diverse time periods. Characters like Josh Brolin and Lili Taylor’s Cecelia have traversed this wormhole at different stages. Despite the series wrapping up after two seasons, many of its key mysteries remain unresolved. Given the show’s brooding narrative style and pace, it seems unlikely that all questions would be answered. The compelling dynamic between Josh Brolin and Lili Taylor, along with the atmospheric storytelling, make this a series worth watching, although viewers are left to speculate about its conclusion in this unusual blend of sci-fi and western genres.

The Haunting of Hill House

Movie director Mike Flanagan has built an impressive collection of top-notch supernatural and psychological horror films, dating back to his 2011 debut film “Absentia.” However, it’s his television work over the past decade that has earned him a devoted fanbase. His horror series are known for their blend of gothic horror literature elements, slow-building tension, frequently complex and non-linear storylines, character-focused narratives, and recurring actors. All of this began with the 10-episode reinterpretation of Shirley Jackson’s 1959 gothic horror novel “The Haunting of Hill House.

The series unfolds in two timeframes: the present day and flashbacks, as the Crain family members reunite with their father, Hugh (Timothy Hutton), following a recent tragedy that compels them to return to Hill House, the vast estate they had initially intended to renovate and sell. As the narrative progresses, it delves into the eerie occurrences that transpired within the house, affecting the family’s two psychics, while weaving a complex tale of their past experiences and the supernatural events that have shaped their lives.

The Haunting of Bly Manor

In the second part of Mike Flanagan’s “The Haunting” series, titled “The Haunting of Bly Manor,” we find a blend of elements from Henry James’ novels such as “The Turn of the Screw.” Unlike a typical gothic horror story set in a grand mansion, “Bly Manor” is not merely about ghosts and haunted dwellings. Instead, it is a complex love story intertwined with a labyrinthine narrative filled with spectral residents who linger on the estate’s grounds. The story commences at a 2007 wedding rehearsal dinner, where we learn that American Dani Clayton (played by Victoria Pedretti) was hired in 1987 to serve as an au pair for the affluent Wingrave family living at Bly Manor. This eerie manor is a hotbed of peculiar incidents and ghosts, each with its own association to the property.

Just as “The Haunting of Hill House,” “Bly Manor” primarily focuses on heartfelt storytelling and intricate plot twists rather than shocking jumps and overt horror scenes. It’s a journey into an enchanting looking glass realm where appearances can be deceiving, and the delicate workings of the human psyche prove to be the scariest aspect of all.

Midnight Mass

The third and concluding Flanaverse series on our list, titled “Midnight Mass,” is a limited series that showcases Mike Flanagan’s signature character-driven gothic horror, reminiscent of “From” for fans. This narrative revolves around Riley Finn (Zach Gilford), who departed his secluded island community years ago to build a lucrative career as a venture capitalist. However, after making the fateful choice to drive under the influence and causing a fatal accident, he spends years behind bars. Upon his release, he returns home where he encounters his former high school sweetheart Erin (Kate Siegel), who is now pregnant, and they are both thrown into turmoil as their small community welcomes a new, enigmatic priest named Father Paul Hill (Hamish Linklater).

Events on Crockett Island take a bizarre turn following the mysterious arrival of a group of feral cats from another island, causing widespread unease among the community with no apparent explanation. Later, the local priest performs what seems to be a miracle before passing away and inexplicably returning to life. Not long after, a figure believed to be an “Angel” emerges, who may or may not possess supernatural powers reminiscent of a vampire. This strange occurrence leads the community into a downward spiral towards a cult-like state on the brink of self-destruction. In summary, the situation unfolds as a surreal, unsettling tale that bears striking similarities to “From.

Servant

One standout hidden gem in the horror genre, “Servant” – created by M. Night Shyamalan – offers an intriguing blend of loss, grief, family dynamics, food themes, and redemption. The Philadelphia rowhouse that serves as the backdrop for this psychological horror tale is almost a character itself. This four-season series was highly acclaimed by renowned horror masters Stephen King and Guillermo Del Toro for its unsettling narrative style. However, it’s less a traditional horror story and more of a complex supernatural puzzle, which will especially captivate fans of “From.

The show centers around Lauren Ambrose and Toby Kebbell portraying Dorothy and Sean Turner, an affluent Philadelphia pair consisting of a TV news reporter and a chef. Following the tragic hot car accident death of their son Jericho, Dorothy slips into a catatonic state marked by dissociation, from which she awakens following the acquisition of a Reborn doll that she believes is her real-life son. The couple subsequently hires Leanne, a young nanny to reside with them and aid Dorothy’s return to work. As Sean and his brother-in-law Julian (Rupert Grint) grow increasingly suspicious, they discover that Leanne may possess supernatural abilities and a shrouded past that could pose grave consequences for all involved.

Grotesquerie

Judging solely by the trailers for “Grotesquerie,” one might assume it’s a spin-off of “American Horror Story.” However, while it shares the horror genre and some visual similarities, it is fundamentally different from “AHS.” Instead, viewers will encounter a psychologically intense, intricately plotted, and often cinematic exploration of horror that echoes “Twin Peaks: The Return” more closely.

Titled from the perspective of character Lois Tryon, portrayed by Niecy Nash-Betts, this series follows a police detective who delves into chilling crimes that eerily echo her personal experiences. The enigmatic serial killer known as Grotesquerie is at the heart of these grisly killings. However, beyond the gruesome aspects of the case, it swiftly becomes evident that Lois’ reality appears surreal. From apocalyptic blazes to a peculiar nun to an odd and inappropriate nurse managing her comatose husband’s care, everything seems amiss. As the narrative unfolds, the feeling that nothing is as it seems grows stronger, and layer by layer, the truth behind Lois’ life begins to unravel.

Lost

If you haven’t watched it before, the gap between the seasons of “From” is an ideal time to catch up on the original mystery box sci-fi series, “Lost”. The cast of characters in “Lost”, much like the series itself, is as sprawling as it gets. The similarities between these two shows are numerous. They both feature stories that defy genre norms, placing their central characters in a mysterious location with peculiar, supernatural aspects. These individuals cannot escape and must be wary of danger lurking when venturing into the woods alone.

The TV show “Lost” revolves around a band of passengers from an airplane who forcefully land on an uncharted beach. Similar to “From,” this series unfolds in a realm filled with undiscovered landmarks and enigmatic secrets that appear to span various time periods. Despite the absence of man-eating creatures with smiles, “Lost” offers a succession of puzzles and covert terrors, such as reanimated bodies and a mysterious smoke monster controlled by the Man in Black. And here’s a fun fact: The actor Harold Perrineau from “From” is part of the main cast in this show.

2025-04-07 19:31