Apple TV+'s Silo has quickly become one of the most talked-about sci-fi series on television, and for good reason. Based on Hugh Howey's novels, the show plunges viewers into a claustrophobic underground world where the truth about the outside is a dangerous secret. But Silo didn't emerge from a vacuum—it's a love letter to the sci-fi films that came before it, from silent-era classics to modern cult favorites.
Whether you're a die-hard fan of the genre or just getting into Silo, these ten movies offer a deeper look at the influences that shaped the show's mood, themes, and visuals. Here's how each one left its mark.
1. 'Metropolis' (1927)
Fritz Lang's silent masterpiece is the granddaddy of dystopian sci-fi. Its towering cityscapes, rigid class divides, and mechanized society directly echo in Silo's vertical silo structure. The show's exploration of authoritarian control and rebellion feels like a direct descendant of Lang's vision. If you want to see where the blueprint for Silo's world began, start here.
2. 'THX 1138' (1971)
George Lucas's directorial debut is a stark, sterile vision of a future where emotion is suppressed and curiosity is a crime. Silo shares that same oppressive atmosphere, where the ruling system survives by erasing history and policing any desire to know what's beyond. It's a philosophical twin to the series, and a must-watch for fans of hard sci-fi.
3. 'Dark City' (1998)
Alex Proyas's neo-noir gem is all about a claustrophobic world where inhabitants have no memory of their past—a concept that resonates deeply with Silo's mystery-box storytelling. The moody, shadowy aesthetic of Dark City also mirrors the show's visual tone, making it a perfect companion piece for those who love the series' atmosphere.
4. 'The Island' (2005)
Michael Bay's clone thriller might not be a critical darling, but its narrative parallels to Silo are undeniable. Both stories feature inhabitants of a sealed environment who believe the outside world is toxic, only to discover a darker truth. While Silo fleshes out its dystopia with more depth, The Island offers a fun, action-packed take on the same escape-from-dystopia trope.
5. 'Alien' (1979)
Ridley Scott's Alien revolutionized sci-fi horror with its "used future" aesthetic—gritty, worn, and utilitarian technology that feels lived-in. Silo adopts this same approach, making its underground world feel tangible and real. The slow-burn tension and claustrophobic setting of Alien are also key influences on the show's pacing and dread.
These films are just the tip of the iceberg. Silo also draws from classics like Logan's Run, Blade Runner, and Brazil, each contributing to its rich tapestry. For fans of the series, diving into these movies is like uncovering the hidden history of the silo itself—layer by layer, the influences become clear.
If you're hungry for more sci-fi masterpieces, check out our list of Sci-Fi Show Finales That Are Genuine Masterpieces or explore Sam Neill's Best Sci-Fi Role After Jurassic Park. And for a deeper dive into the genre's literary roots, don't miss Essential Classic Horror Novels to Haunt Your 2026 Reading List.
In the end, Silo stands as a testament to the enduring power of sci-fi cinema. It's a show that honors its influences while carving out its own identity—and that's exactly what makes it a modern classic in the making.
