10 Sci-Fi Shows Like Murderbot You Must See

‘Murderbot’ follows the journey of a humanoid security robot (Alexander Skarsgård), who gains ‘free will.’ Realizing it has to stay hidden, the robot hesitantly joins a mission protecting scientists on a hostile planet. When a team of scientists is compelled to involve the robot on their mission to meet their insurance conditions, but are reluctant to do so, as it becomes a case of slavery. The robot renames itself ‘Murderbot’ and enjoys watching shows on television, especially a soap opera called ‘The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon.’ Created by Paul Weitz and Chris Weitz, this science fiction action comedy delves into the robot’s consciousness and struggles as it has to find a balance between being a machine and feeling connected to human beings. Based on ‘All Systems Red’ by Martha Wells, this dramedy offers commentary on the evolution of the mind in a highly technological future. If you love the futuristic tone and philosophies of the show, here are other shows similar to ‘Murderbot’ that will satiate your curiosity.

10. Travelers (2016-2018)

‘Travelers’ is a dystopian science fiction series created by Brad Wright that features a far future where surviving human beings devise a way to send their consciousness back in time into the minds of people living in the 21st century, while attempting to change destiny. This post-apocalyptic drama follows special operatives called ‘Travelers ’ who are hired to prevent the collapse of the social order by using time travel to go to the past and change certain outcomes that have planet-ending consequences. In ways close to ‘Murderbot’, this drama explores the idea that technology can lead to unintended consequences and, if left unchecked, can go haywire, leaving humanity without any control. Other ideas like morality, consciousness, and identity are also navigated through stunning visuals.

9. Cowboy Bebop (1998-1999)

‘Cowboy Bebop’ features a spaceship named Bebop where a bounty hunter and his companions go on adventures across the solar system to apprehend criminals. This Hajime Yatate creation is set in the far future, where Earth has become uninhabitable and humanity has captured other planets and moons of the solar system. When crime rates rise in the world, the Inter Solar System Police steps in to bring people to justice for a reward in return. Regarded as a classic, this animated drama explores multiple genres, including westerns. It has also been termed a ‘space western’ for its style. The ideas of existentialism and capitalism are also navigated, which connects it to ‘Murderbot’ on a philosophical and spiritual level.

8. Upload (2020-2023)

‘Upload’, created by Greg Daniels, is set in the near future, when human beings can upload their consciousness into a virtual afterlife. When a computer programmer named Nathan dies, he is digitally transferred to a reality where he is controlled by his girlfriend, Ingrid, who is still alive. Nathan finds himself trapped in a digital world, where he has to navigate complex emotions while the outside world still has questions about the nature of Nathan’s unexpected end to life. This unique drama has similarities to ‘Murderbot’ as it navigates the complexities of technology-driven souls and the potential dangers to society due to the same. Unchecked mechanical advancement is an idea that both explore in their own ways.

7. Fallout (2024-)

‘Fallout’ is a dystopian science fiction drama that follows the results of a nuclear war on Earth that happened in Los Angeles. The rich survivors are given the opportunity to live in underground bunkers that protect them from threats arising on the surface above. It features ideas such as class war, distrust, post-nuclear politics, and human evolution. It contains a vast universe that is taken over by several factions, each trying to control the other and establish some kind of dominance. This drama, created by Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Graham Wagner based on the game series of the same name by Bethesda Game Studios, contains philosophical explorations that connect it to ‘Murderbot.’ It features several sections dedicated to the idea of human bonding with machines as well.

6. The Peripheral (2022)

‘The Peripheral’ examines a future where technology has changed society. A gamer discovers a connection to an alternate reality and also her future. In her idyllic Appalachian town, the young woman gamer enters a simulation where she can fulfill all her desires of finding love, a purpose in life, and also style. What starts as a simple case of a simulated reality soon turns into something darker that puts her and her dear ones in danger. This science fiction drama created by Scott B. Smith is based on the eponymous book by William Gibson. Chloë Grace Moretz plays the protagonist who has to go on this arduous journey of intertwining realities. It shares spiritual connections with ‘Murderbot’ as it is set in the future, and comments on the consequences of unhindered and unchecked advancements in the scientific world.

5. Westworld (2016-2022)

‘Westworld’ is a dystopian epic science fiction drama that is set in a technologically advanced amusement park that is centered around the themes of the ‘Wild West.’ The park serves the needs of customers who can carry out their wild fantasies within the setting and can expect no retaliation from the ‘hosts’ in the park, who are androids that have been programmed not to hurt humans. This Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy creation, based on the eponymous film, navigates the trials and tribulations of a corporation that must oversee a giant technological operation, while also dealing with androids that seem to be developing consciousness. One of the central questions explored by this drama, akin to ‘Murderbot’, is whether or not the ‘hosts’ have developed free will, leading to debates on freedom and the ability to feel anything without the influence of external factors.

4. Sunny (2024)

‘Sunny’ follows a woman named Suzie, who lives in Kyoto, Japan. Her life takes an unexpected turn when her husband and son go missing after a plane crash. As a means to compensate her for her loss, her husband’s company sends her a robot called Sunny. Suzie is apprehensive of technology, as her mother was killed by a crash caused by a self-driving car, and is uneasy having Sunny at the house. However, things become complicated when the robot starts reminding her of her dead husband. This Katie Robbins creation, based on ‘The Dark Manual’ by Colin O’Sullivan, is an exploration of grief that mirrors the emotional ideas of ‘Murderbot’ and offers a nuanced take on the potential of bonding between machine and human.

3. Better than Us (2018)

‘Better than Us’ is centered around an advanced, yet empathetic humanoid robot called Arisa. Set in the near future, it features a world where humanoid robots are essentially servants to human beings. They have replaced human beings in doing labour work as well. When Arisa is brought into Russia from China secretly, she mistakenly kills an individual who attempts to use her for his own pleasure forcefully. This development of free will leads to unforeseen circumstances. Arisa develops the ability to bond with humans and also protect them. Her bond with a little girl also forms an integral part of the narrative. In ways close to ‘Murderbot’, this Andrey Kostyukov creation comments on deeper issues related to robotics. Both shows remain highly relevant to the debates on technology in our times.

2. Humans (2015-2018)

‘Humans’ is a science fiction tale that navigates the ideas of artificial intelligence, humanoid robots, and their effects on humanity’s future. This Jonathan Brackley and Sam Vincent creation is based on a Swedish science fiction drama called ‘Real Humans.’ It explores the socio-cultural, philosophical, and psychological consequences of the evolution of robotics and the desire to make them more human. It contains elements such as the uploading of consciousness, superintelligence, and other related science fiction themes. The central subjects of this show are anthropomorphic robots called ‘synths.’ Akin to ‘Murderbot’, it navigates the complexities of the future that is dominated by technology, as well as the infinite possibilities for human society. The exploration of consciousness connects them further.

1. Almost Human (2013-2014)

‘Almost Human’ is an action thriller that is set in the year 2048. It follows an evolved society where police officers are paired with advanced humanoid androids. John Kennox, a cop who survived an attack against the police and suffers from memory loss, depression, and PTSD, is forced to team up with androids. After a failed partnership with an android initially, John is partnered with a discontinued android called Dorian, who exhibits emotions that are considered flaws. This leads to a complex relationship between the two as they navigate the various facets of their journey. This drama created by J. H. Wyman focuses on a similar premise to ‘Murderbot’, and comments on conscience, and explores the idea that robots can also have feelings, thus creating a strong connection and making it a great companion piece.