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Prequels walk a fine line - they need to surprise us without breaking the story we already know. And few have pulled it off as brilliantly as Better Call Saul. What started as a spinoff to the explosive Breaking Bad ended up standing on its own as a slow-burn, character driven masterpiece. It didn’t just fill in the blanks - it redefined everything we thought we knew about Saul Goodman - giving depth, tragedy, and heart to a character who once seemed like just comic relief.
In this list, we’re looking at 10 prequels that pulled off a similar trick - whether by expanding their worlds, reshaping iconic characters, or simply telling a great story that made the original even better. These shows and films didn’t just ride the coattails of their predecessors; they elevated them. From fantasy realms to crime dramas, these prequels prove that when done right, going backward can be just as thrilling as moving forward.
10 prequels like Better Call Saul
1) House of the Dragon
Forget gentle beginnings; House of the Dragon explodes onto the screen with the volatile Targaryen dynasty at its peak. This isn't just a prequel; it's a masterclass in backstory delivery, plunging us headfirst into the simmering tensions and dragon fuelled drama that predate Game of Thrones by centuries.
We witness the origins of their decline, the consequences of incestuous marriages, and the sheer power - and danger of their bond with dragons. It's a captivating, fiery ride that enriches the world we thought we knew.
2) Bates Motel
Bates Motel isn't your run-of-the-mill "before the story" gig; it's more like a deep dive into what actually made Norman Bates tick. The show doesn't just say he had issues, it peels back the layers of that seriously messed-up bond with his mom, Norma. You really see the roots of his messed up mind taking hold.
With its creepy vibe and those spot on performances, the show nails how everything just seemed to be heading toward something awful. You watch Norman slowly unravel, and you start to get why things went so wrong for him. It's a seriously unsettling but fascinating look at how a normal life can take a seriously dark turn - giving a whole new, sad spin to the guy we thought we knew.
3) Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
Boldly going where prequels haven't always gone successfully, Strange New Worlds nails its backstory mission! It doesn't just coast on nostalgia, it beautifully establishes the optimistic spirit and exploratory drive of early Trek. By showcasing a younger Pike, Spock, and Number One, the show masterfully sets the stage for the original series while forging its own vibrant identity. It's a prequel that feels fresh, exciting, and genuinely Trek.
4) Spartacus: Gods of the Arena
Spartacus: Gods of the Arena throws you straight into the brutal beginnings before Spartacus's uprising. This raw story dives deep into the cutthroat House of Batiatus, showing you exactly how savage the gladiator games were. You witness Gannicus's climb, Lucretia's crafty schemes, and the violent power plays of Capua. It's a gripping origin that sets the stage for the bloody chaos to come.
5) Ratched
Ever been curious about what twisted Mildred Ratched into that Nurse Ratched? The show Ratched dives deep into her backstory, and it's not pretty. It lays out all the disturbing events and calculated decisions that molded her into the seemingly heartless figure from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. It's a stylish, but definitely unsettling exploration of how someone's past can really mess them up and create a villain you won't soon forget.
6) Hannibal
Hannibal isn't just a "before" story; it's a creepy-cool look at how a brilliant but seriously messed-up mind starts to work. The show really gets into the growing connection between Will Graham and Hannibal Lecter, showing all the subtle ways they mess with each other and the dark stuff they share. You see the first hints of Hannibal's twisted ways, hiding behind his fancy act. It's a stylish and deeply unsettling dive into how two unlikely people can get drawn into something really terrifying.
7) The Carrie Diaries
Bradshaw's formative high school years in the '80s. This story beautifully captures her early explorations of fashion, friendship, and first love - all while hinting at the witty and stylish woman she will become in S*x and the City. We see the genesis of her unique voice and her burgeoning dreams of Manhattan. It's a sweet and nostalgic journey that lays the foundation for an iconic character.
8) The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power takes us way back to Middle earth's Second Age. The show looks at how the Rings of Power were made and how Sauron started to become a big deal. You get to see the old lands and all the different groups - elves, dwarves, humans back then. It shows how they first started fighting against this growing dark force, which kind of sets up what happens in The Lord of the Rings. It's a big look at an important time in Tolkien's world.
9) Dune: Prophecy
Arrakis. Endless sand, hidden danger. Dune: Prophecy throws you onto this desert planet where power and destiny clash. Featuring a compelling cast navigating ancient prophecies, the story unfolds with stunning visuals and gripping drama. The show blends mysticism with future tech, exploring fate and survival. Intricate world building and intense conflicts make this a fascinating glimpse into the epic Dune battles.
10) Fear the Walking Dead
Ever wonder how the zombie nightmare truly began? Fear the Walking Dead drops you right into the horrifying early days of the outbreak in Los Angeles. It's all about this one family trying to survive as their city falls apart and the dead start walking around. You see the confusion, the people who just can't believe it's happening, and then the crazy stuff they do to stay alive. It's like being on the ground floor of the apocalypse, watching everything go to hell and realising this isn't just some bad dream.
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Ultimately, these ten series, echoing the brilliance of Better Call Saul, demonstrate how exploring the past can be just as vital as the original story. From the brutal arena of Gods of the Arena to the chilling origins of Ratched and the unsettling beginnings of Hannibal, they offer rich context and deepen our understanding. These aren't just add ons; they're compelling narratives that make the history feel alive, proving that a well-crafted backstory can be absolutely essential viewing.
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