10 TV Shows Like the Mandalorian You Should Watch Next
The Mandalorian and Grogu have brought some fun back into the Star Wars cinematic universe, continuing the storyline of the incredibly popular Disney+ series . Cleverly constructed as a space adventure that references both traditional American Westerns and Japanese samurai satires, the series (and film) skillfully utilize classic cinematic genre tropes, much like the original Star Wars .
In that spirit, here are 10 more shows that draw inspiration from the same sources that are worth checking out (because I’m assuming you already know where to find other Star Wars shows on Disney+, from Andor to Ahsoka to Skeleton Crew ).
Killjoys (2015–2019)
What begins as a relatively straightforward action series about space bounty hunters (titled “Killjoys”) develops surprising depth over the course of five seasons. Officially recognized as Killjoys, the trio at the center of the story (Hannah John-Kamen, Aaron Ashmore, and Luke MacFarlane) are obliged to maintain political neutrality at all costs. Initially, this serves as a way to immediately draw them into the thick of things, but as they develop friendships and family ties within an exploited community, they begin to understand the high price of unbridled wealth and greed, and how neutrality always benefits the oppressors. The show’s creators make excellent use of its limited budget and offer impressive LGBTQ representation, something that remains rare in popular science fiction. “Killjoys” is available on Prime Video or Apple TV .
Cowboy Bebop (1998–1999)
Cowboy Bebop is a cult classic, a stunningly cool series, one of the undisputed anime masterpieces of all time, combining elements of Western, film noir, and crime, all accompanied by a stunning soundtrack. The show’s “cowboys” are bounty hunters in a near-future where humans have been forced to colonize the solar system after Earth has become uninhabitable. Former assassin Spike Spiegel leads his team from one near-disastrous mission to the next, all of their independent adventures culminating in an unforgettable climax. Watch Cowboy Bebop on Crunchyroll or buy it on Prime Video .
Firefly (2002)
If witty dystopian fiction is more your speed, you should check out this short-lived cult series about a team of mercenaries led by Mal Reynolds and Zoe Washburne (Nathan Fillion and Gina Torres), two disillusioned former soldiers who fought on the losing side of a galactic war of independence against a thoroughly conformist central government. The team tries to remain undetected by law enforcement, engaging in activities that aren’t always strictly within the law. The series was canceled after just a few episodes, never having the chance to explore the central conflict, but the sequel/final film , Serenity (2005), is a satisfying conclusion, with the team forced to stand up for one of their own. Watch Firefly on Disney+ and Hulu .
“Blake 7” (1978–1981)
Political dissident Roy Blake (Gareth Thomas) gets a second chance after being arrested and convicted by the Terran Federation, a totalitarian surveillance state. When his prison transport responds to a distress signal, Blake and his fellow inmates seize the opportunity to commandeer a newly discovered advanced starship. Renaming the ship the Liberator, the almost fanatical Blake convinces his new, reluctant crew that the only path to peace for them all is to overthrow the Federation. Over the course of four seasons, the series has seen several significant changes to the status quo (including a couple of major character changes), giving it a sense of consequence and unpredictability—all leading to one of television’s most memorable and shocking conclusions. Get Blake 7 on Prime Video and Apple TV .
Farscape (1999–2004)
Ben Browder plays Earth astronaut John Crichton, who is hurled through a wormhole to a distant corner of the galaxy. By pure chance, he finds himself aboard the Moya , a sentient prison ship captured by a cargo of prisoners and the euphemistically named Peacekeepers (something like “Space Ice”). The ragtag crew, including political dissidents and more common criminals, as well as one trapped Peacekeeper, becomes, more by necessity than design, a hub of resistance against an oppressive government. The Jim Henson Company and its creature workshop handled the makeup, prosthetics, and puppetry of the aliens, giving the series a unique look and feel. At times, it feels like a lost, moody episode of The Muppet Show …which is obviously a compliment. (The series was canceled before its planned fifth season, but concluded with the miniseries “Peacekeeper Wars.” ) Watch Farscape on Peacock , Tubi, and Prime Video .
Lone Wolf and Cub (2002–2004)
Undoubtedly, the biggest influence on The Mandalorian is the 1970s manga series Lone Wolf and Cub, which tells the story of disgraced warrior Ogami Itto, forced to become a wandering assassin if he wants to survive long enough to clear his name or at least avenge his murdered wife. Only his newborn son, Daigoro, survives the massacre at their home and grows up on the road as father and son navigate a brutal world. There are several adaptations of these characters, including a 1970s Japanese television series and, perhaps most memorable, a series of films. I recommend the most recent installment here because it’s quite good in its own right—and, what’s more, easily found on streaming platforms. Watch Lone Wolf and Cub on Prime Video and Tubi.
The Witcher (2019 – )
Starting with a somewhat confusing, time-bending narrative structure, The Witcher eventually comes together as a series about a big guy fighting creatures in a fantasy kingdom reminiscent of Tolkien’s world. The protagonist, Geralt of Rivia, a genetically enhanced (in some ways) magical monster hunter, played first by Henry Cavill and then by Liam Hemsworth, is played by Liam Hemsworth. He refuses to kill a young woman accused of monstrosity by some scumbag mage—a decision that leads him on a path to protecting and mentoring Ciri (Freya Allan), the crown princess many want dead. Ciri is no child, but a strong individual; she just needs a little guidance, like a little Baby Yoda.Watch The Witcher on Netflix .
The Last of Us (2023–)
While the focus shifts slightly (or rather, significantly) in the second season, the film adaptation of The Last of Us video game begins as a road trip of sorts for two, set in an often dusty, desolate America devastated by an outbreak of a zombie plague caused by the Cordyceps fungus. Pedro Pascal (Mando himself!) plays Joel Miller, a hardened smuggler who reluctantly agrees to transport teenager Ellie (Bella Ramsey) across several states because her apparent immunity makes her a valuable commodity. Gradually, they develop a liking for each other and, even more gradually, become a formidable pair, fending off both the infected and ordinary people seeking to exploit Ellie. Watch The Last of Us on HBO Max .
“Space” (2015–2022)
Set in the near future, The Expanse (based on the book series by James S.A. Corey) depicts a colonized solar system where we’ve imported all our old, familiar problems and more. Earth is at the historical and cultural center of events, while the colonists of Mars, forced to survive in a harsh environment, have achieved technological and military superiority, while the inhabitants of the Asteroid Belt struggle to survive. Greed, fear, and shortsightedness make conflict almost inevitable, even if the series isn’t as cynical as it initially appears. Like Mando and Grogu, the crew of Captain James Holden’s starship finds itself either inside or outside the system, depending on the political climate at the time, and accordingly, doing the right thing, if only out of necessity. Watch The Expanse on Prime Video .
Samurai Jack (2001–2017)
While not primarily a master-and-apprentice tale, this deservedly beloved animated series places a traditional warrior in a futuristic world where his code of honor collides with reality in every episode. Phil LaMarr voices the title character, a feudal Japanese prince who becomes lost in time due to the machinations of a shapeshifting demon. Jack (as he comes to be known) finds himself in a distant, dystopian future ruled by the same demon and his robot servants. Jack’s main goal throughout the series is to return to his own time and prevent the horrific future he is forced to live in. Incredibly stylish and clever, this is one of the greatest animated series ever made. Watch Samurai Jack on HBO Max.