Unchosen has emerged as one of Netflix’s standout hits of spring 2026. The six-episode limited series, starring Asa Butterfield and Molly Windsor, has drawn millions of viewers into its gripping portrayal of life inside a controlling religious community. With its tense atmosphere, strong performances, and exploration of faith, doubt, and escape, the show has left audiences eager for more stories that delve into similar themes of manipulation, personal awakening, and psychological tension.
Fortunately, Netflix offers several excellent options that echo the intensity and intrigue of Unchosen. Whether you are seeking another cult-focused drama or simply want to enjoy Butterfield’s earlier work, these four titles provide satisfying next watches. Each brings its own distinctive style while touching on elements that made Unchosen so addictive.
Wayward stands out as the most recent addition to this list. Released in late summer 2025, the series quickly gained attention thanks to its outstanding ensemble cast, which includes Mae Martin, Toni Collette, Alyvia Alyn Lind, Sarah Gadon, and Sydney Topliffe. The story follows Alex, played by Martin, who relocates to their pregnant partner’s seemingly idyllic hometown. As they settle in, Alex gradually uncovers that the entire community operates under the influence of a secretive cult led by Evelyn Wade, portrayed with chilling authority by Collette.
Wayward excels at building unease through everyday details that slowly reveal something far more sinister beneath the surface. Although it was unfortunately cancelled after just one season, the show manages to resolve its central mysteries effectively by the finale. Fans of Unchosen will appreciate the smart pacing and the way it examines how ordinary people become entangled in systems of control.
Devil in Ohio offers perhaps the closest tonal match to Unchosen. This 2022 limited series became a major success upon release and continues to attract new viewers. It leans more heavily into darker, almost satanic cult elements compared to the oppressive religious setting of Unchosen, yet it shares the same core focus on escape and lingering danger.
Madeleine Arthur delivers a memorable performance as Mae Dodd, a young woman who flees a terrifying cult in Ohio and finds refuge with a psychologist, Dr. Mathis (Emily Deschanel), and her family. What begins as an act of compassion soon spirals into a nightmare when the cult refuses to let Mae go. The single-season format provides a complete, self-contained story that balances suspense with emotional depth, making it an ideal choice for those craving more cult-related thrills.
The Sinner represents a step into higher-quality crime drama territory. This anthology series, starring Bill Pullman as Detective Harry Ambrose, spans four seasons and consistently delivers gripping investigations. While Ambrose himself is not involved in cults, many of his cases intersect with cult-like groups, secretive communities, and individuals shaped by manipulative environments – particularly in Season 2.
Each season presents what appears to be a straightforward crime, only for layers of complexity and hidden motives to emerge. Pullman’s nuanced portrayal of a detective who digs relentlessly into psychological wounds makes the series stand out. Many viewers consider The Sinner the strongest recommendation on this list for Unchosen fans, thanks to its intelligent writing and exploration of how past traumas continue to influence the present.
Finally, Sex Education earns its place on the list primarily due to Asa Butterfield’s central role. If you appreciated his performance as Adam in Unchosen, this earlier series showcases him at his most charismatic and vulnerable. Butterfield stars as Otis Milburn, the son of a renowned sex therapist who unexpectedly begins offering advice to his fellow students. What starts as a simple side hustle evolves into a much richer story about relationships, identity, self-discovery, and growing up.
Across its four seasons, Sex Education combines sharp humour with genuinely moving moments. It handles sensitive topics with warmth and honesty, making it far more than just a comedy. The show’s strong ensemble and Butterfield’s heartfelt performance provide a welcome contrast to the heavier themes of Unchosen, while still delivering emotional resonance that stays with you long after watching.
These four series demonstrate Netflix’s strength in producing varied yet thematically connected content. Wayward and Devil in Ohio deliver direct cult drama, The Sinner offers sophisticated mystery, and Sex Education highlights Butterfield’s range in a lighter but equally compelling format.
Viewers who enjoyed the slow-building tension and character-focused storytelling of Unchosen will find plenty to appreciate here. Start with The Sinner or Wayward if you want to remain in the cult-adjacent space, or switch gears with Sex Education for something more uplifting. No matter which you choose first, these shows provide excellent ways to extend the satisfaction of discovering a new favourite like Unchosen.
As streaming libraries continue to grow, recommendations like these help audiences navigate the vast selection and find stories that resonate on a deeper level. Whether you are drawn to psychological suspense, community secrets, or personal journeys of growth, Netflix has thoughtfully crafted options ready to fill the void left by Unchosen.
