10 Murderbot Read-Alikes with Just Enough Existential Dread

A hiss-terical story about the (un)luckiest nepo-baby of all time, Starter Villain follows an everyman who inherits his uncle’s supervillain empire. With sharp satire and plenty of “unanswered” questions, this is a book with existential dread at its core.

A space opera that serves up equal doses of laughs and existential musings. An introspective tale featuring a diverse cast of characters — including aliens — this is a refreshingly uplifting sci-fi read.

This award-winning, genre-bending sci-fi novel takes us to a distant future where a sentient AI spaceship controls the human bodies inhabiting it. After a catastrophic event, only one ancillary (controlled body) remains, and she’s determined to find justice — no matter the cost.

A haunting tale of time travel, love and humanity, this book follows a host of interconnected characters that jump at the chance to make mindful choices that have the power to impact the timeline of the universe — in the best way.

Set in a world dominated by capitalism, this is a thrilling game of pursuit between a pharmaceutical pirate and a military android. Overflowing with existential dilemmas like the complexities of free will, autonomy and identity — there’s so much to unpack.   

Pushing the boundaries of imagination, layered prose and rich world-building drive this haunting tale set in an oppressive ghost city. A group of misfits sets out to challenge these dark forces, but no part of their mission comes without sacrifice.  

A space opera that actually sings, this a fun albeit high-stakes adventure you don’t want to miss out on. It’s an action-packed, heartfelt romp through a highly-controlled galaxy where knowledge is forbidden and songs are — weapons.   

This is an endearing and wildly entertaining tale about sentient robots and humans living in harmony with nature and each other. While this is a comforting story with hope at its core, it doesn’t shy away from existential questions.

Boasting a unique magic system, this is a Gothic space opera with a touch of romance. Laugh-out-loud funny and spine-tingling all at once, this clever tale explores existential themes like loneliness, identity and mortality.

Deeply philosophical, this novel flips the script on what it means to be human in a world run by technology. Imagine your consciousness merging with a vast AI landscape. Brimming with nerdy humor, this inventive pop culture infused sci-fi read will make you reflect on what it means to truly exist.