Enjoyed “Everything Everywhere All at Once?” Can’t get enough of “The Flash” and “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” this month? Then this curated collection is perfect for you. We’ve gathered a diverse assortment of fiction encompassing alternate universes and multiverses, spanning across movies, TV shows, comics, and books. Whether you’re intrigued by the concept of “What if?”, this compilation serves as an excellent starting point.
MOVIES:
- “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946): This timeless Christmas classic follows the journey of George Bailey, a devoted family man whose frustrations grow as opportunities slip away. On Christmas Eve, an angel-in-training transports him to a universe where he never existed, unveiling the profound impact his life has had.
- “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” (2022): Marvel Studios embraces the concept of the multiverse in this highly anticipated film. Building upon hints and interconnected narratives, including “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (2021), this exploration delves into the collision of realities and the resulting intermingling of dimensions.
“Sliding Doors” (1998): Gwyneth Paltrow portrays a character whose life takes divergent paths based on a simple event: missing or catching a train. The two parallel realities unfold in contrasting ways, leading to a compelling exploration of her character’s journey towards reconciliation.- “Yesterday” (2019): In this heartwarming film, Jack Malik, an aspiring musician, wakes up in a universe strikingly similar to his own, except for one major difference—no one has ever heard of the Beatles or their iconic music. Seizing the opportunity, Jack starts performing their songs as if they were his own, leading to a series of comical and emotionally resonant moments.
- “The Butterfly Effect” (2004): Ashton Kutcher portrays a college student with the extraordinary ability to travel back in time and alter past events. However, with each change he makes, a new reality emerges, highlighting the intricate consequences of his actions and the complexities of different outcomes.
- “The Family Man” (2000): After a chance encounter in a convenience store, a self-centered Manhattan finance executive named Jack Campbell wakes up in an entirely different life—a less affluent existence in the New Jersey suburbs. He finds himself married to his old girlfriend and facing the challenges of parenthood. As Jack navigates this new reality and reflects on the choices he made or didn’t make, a nuanced and thought-provoking story unfolds.
And for the younger audience…
(Note: The continuation of the list was not provided, but if you have specific recommendations in mind, please let me know!)
— “Shrek Forever After” (2010): Shrek finds himself in an alternate, darker reality where he never got together with Fiona.
“Star Trek” (1967 and beyond): The iconic sci-fi series introduces a “mirror universe” that unveils a darker and malevolent version of the United Federation of Planets known as the Terran Empire. This parallel reality, marked by cruelty and assassination, is revisited in various “Star Trek” sequels in the 1990s and 2010s, offering a fascinating exploration of the duality of characters and societies.- “Russian Doll” (2019-present): In the first season of this mind-bending series, Nadia repeatedly dies at a party and awakens in slightly different versions of reality. Each time she restarts, she faces new challenges, leading to a captivating narrative that intertwines life, death, and the complexities of existence.
- “Undone” (2019-2022): Blending live-action and animation, this visually striking series follows a young woman whose life takes a profound turn after a car accident. Her deceased father appears to her in visions, revealing the possibility of other realities, including one where he was alive and present during her upbringing. “Undone” explores the boundaries of perception and the nature of time itself.
- “Fringe” (2008-2013): This genre-bending series combines elements of science fiction, family drama, and a law-enforcement procedural. A father ventures into a parallel universe to save and, ultimately, steal another version of his son. As the consequences of his actions unfold, the world faces transformative and far-reaching implications.
- “The Man in the High Castle” (2015-2019): Set in an alternate 1960s, this gripping series depicts a world where the Nazis and Japan emerged victorious in World War II. The narrative explores the consequences of this alternate history, delving into unexpected twists and turns as characters navigate a vastly different reality shaped by shifting power dynamics.
TV SHOWS:
- “For All Mankind” (2019-present): Set in an alternate history, this series imagines a world where the Soviets were the first to reach the moon, altering the course of the space race. The narrative explores the consequences and subsequent developments that unfold in the aftermath of this Soviet achievement.
COMICS:
- “Flashpoint” (2011): This DC Comics series, which influenced “The Flash” movie, revolves around Barry Allen, the Flash, as he goes back in time to prevent his mother’s death. However, his actions result in significant damage and unforeseen consequences that reshape the world.
- “What If?” (1970s onwards): Originating from the comics and later adapted into a streaming TV series in 2021, “What If?” explores alternate possibilities within Marvel’s main universe. It remixes events and characters, presenting intriguing scenarios that diverge from established storylines.
- “House of M” (2005): The Scarlet Witch takes center stage in this Marvel series where she alters reality, dramatically affecting the lives of prominent heroes like Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, and Captain America. The repercussions of this reality-altering event reverberate throughout the Marvel universe and serve as a key influence for the “WandaVision” TV show in 2020.
BOOKS:
- “The Mirage” (2013): Written by Matt Ruff, known for “Lovecraft Country,” this novel presents a mirror-image world where American Christian fundamentalists orchestrated the 9/11 attacks on the Twin Towers in Baghdad, which is part of the United Arab States. The story features reimagined versions of Saddam Hussein, Osama bin Laden, and other complex characters.
- “Einstein’s Dreams” (1992): Alan Lightman weaves a captivating work of fiction that delves into various dreamlike scenarios Albert Einstein may have envisioned while developing the theory of relativity in 1905. The book explores different conceptions of time and alternate universes, creating a mesmerizing exploration of the mind.
- “The Space Between Worlds” (2020): Micaiah Johnson’s novel explores a future where interdimensional travel is commonplace, allowing people to traverse the multiverse. However, unique safety issues arise for certain individuals who undertake these journeys, leading to a thought-provoking exploration of the consequences and challenges faced in a world of infinite possibilities.
