What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedNetwork Effect
Martha Wells · Book · 2020
If you loved Network Effect, start with Altered Carbon (Laeta Kalogridis, 2018) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 films, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Network Effect across media.
What hooked you in Network Effect was the way it blends high-stakes corporate dread with the dry, relatable fatigue of being sentient.
Films on the same thread
Project Hail Mary
Phil Lord · Film · 2026
Explores: competence porn, amnesia, interspecies friendship.
Like Network Effect, this story features a protagonist tasked with solving a massive, world-ending puzzle while navigating the isolation and technical problem-solving inherent to deep space survival.
Soulm8te
Kate Dolan · Film · 2026
Explores: artificial consciousness, grief, technological hubris.
If the AI perspective in Network Effect fascinated you, this thriller explores the darker, more volatile side of artificial consciousness and the consequences of corporate control over sentient beings.
M3GAN 2.0
Gerard Johnstone · Film · 2025
Explores: AI gone rogue, Corporate Espionage, Defense contractor conspiracy.
Much like the corporate sabotage found in Network Effect, this film examines the fallout of stolen technology and the dangerous potential of AI when it breaks free from constraints.
Mickey 17
Bong Joon Ho · Film · 2025
Shares 3 threads with Network Effect: Corporate Dystopia, Existentialism, Space Opera.
This story mirrors the cynical, work-weary tone of Network Effect, focusing on a protagonist trapped in a corporate system that views his very existence as an expendable commodity.
Series on the same thread
Red Dwarf
Doug Naylor · Series · 1988
Shares a thread with Network Effect: Existentialism.
Fans of the dry, existential humor in Network Effect will appreciate this classic series, which captures the same feeling of being a misfit trapped in the vast, uncaring void.
Altered Carbon
Laeta Kalogridis · Series · 2018
Shares a thread with Network Effect: Cyberpunk.
This series shares the gritty cyberpunk aesthetic and corporate-driven dystopian atmosphere of Network Effect, centering on a protagonist forced to navigate a world that treats identity as disposable.
Mr. Robot
Sam Esmail · Series · 2015
Shares a thread with Network Effect: Cyberpunk.
Elliot’s anti-social struggle to connect with others while hacking systems will resonate with readers who enjoyed the internal monologue and social detachment of the protagonist in Network Effect.
Westworld
Jonathan Nolan · Series · 2016
Shares a thread with Network Effect: Existentialism.
This exploration of artificial consciousness and free will echoes the existential questions posed in Network Effect, specifically how a manufactured mind defines itself against its intended corporate purpose.
Podcasts on the same thread
Recycle Bin
fpt. · Podcast · 2025
Explores: internet culture, tech industry news, casual conversation.
If you enjoyed the cynical commentary found in Network Effect, this podcast offers a similar satirical lens on the tech industry and the quirks of modern digital culture.
My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
Exactly Right and iHeartPodcasts · Podcast · 2026
Explores: mental health awareness, female friendship, coping mechanisms.
The conversational, coping-oriented humor of this podcast mirrors the internal voice of the protagonist in Network Effect, making it a perfect companion for fans of that specific wit.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Network Effect a standalone novel?
Yes, Network Effect is the first full-length standalone novel featuring the Murderbot character. While it follows previous shorter works, this book is specifically designated as the first full-length entry in the series.
What is the premise of Network Effect?
Network Effect follows a sentient murder machine programmed for destruction that would rather binge its favorite shows than deal with work demands. The story centers on this protagonist navigating workplace pressures and world-ending tasks while attempting to maintain its personal autonomy.
Who wrote Network Effect?
Network Effect was written by author Martha Wells. It was published in 2020 and serves as a highly-anticipated addition to the series featuring the sentient murder machine protagonist known as Murderbot.
Does Network Effect feature the Murderbot character?
Yes, Network Effect features the return of the Murderbot character. The narrative explores the perspective of this sentient murder machine as it balances its programmed duties with its desire to avoid human interaction and focus on watching its favorite shows.