What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedNext
Lee Tamahori · Film · 2007
If you loved Next, start with FlashForward (David S. Goyer, 2009) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Next across media.
If the precognitive tension of Next kept you gripped, you will enjoy these stories that explore the dangerous intersection of surveillance, conspiracy, and inevitable futures.
Books on the same thread
Never
Ken Follett · Book · 2021
Explores: Global Crisis, Political Instability, Escalation of Conflict.
Much like the global stakes in Next, this thriller masterfully builds a sense of impending catastrophe, forcing you to confront how easily political instability can spiral into uncontrollable chaos.
One Shot
Lee Child · Book
Explores: Vigilante Justice, Military Expertise, Small-town Secrets.
If you appreciated the lone operative dynamic in Next, you will find a similar intensity here as a highly skilled protagonist works to dismantle a lethal, unfolding conspiracy.
The Future
Naomi Alderman · Book · 2025
Explores: Technological surveillance, Cults and indoctrination, Wealth inequality.
This story mirrors the surveillance themes in Next, examining how predictive analytics and powerful entities attempt to dictate the future, challenging your understanding of agency and corporate control.
Never Flinch
Stephen King · Book
Explores: vigilante justice, social activism, moral ambiguity.
Those who enjoyed the moral ambiguity of the protagonist in Next will appreciate this focused narrative, which centers on a protective, vigilant figure navigating a complex web of social conflict.
Series on the same thread
Person of Interest
Jonathan Nolan · Series · 2011
Explores: Artificial Intelligence, Surveillance State, Moral Ambiguity.
This series expands on the surveillance state elements found in Next, following an expert operative who uses advanced technology to prevent crimes before they occur in a high-stakes environment.
Fringe
Alex Kurtzman · Series · 2008
Explores: Parallel Universes, Government Conspiracy, Mad Scientist.
If the government conspiracy and sci-fi mystery aspects of Next resonated with you, this show provides a deeper dive into the dangerous, hidden agendas that threaten our perceived reality.
FlashForward
David S. Goyer · Series · 2009
Shares a thread with Next: Precognition.
This series takes the precognition premise of Next to a global scale, forcing you to grapple with the same existential question of whether the future is fixed or malleable.
The Night Agent
Shawn Ryan · Series · 2023
Explores: Political Intrigue, Government Conspiracy, Undercover Agent.
Like the frantic government conspiracy of Next, this thriller traps its protagonists in a high-pressure race against time, requiring them to untangle political corruption to survive the night.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Realignment
The Realignment · Podcast · 2026
Explores: institutional change, populism, technological disruption.
For those interested in the real-world implications of the technological disruption hinted at in Next, this podcast offers an analytical look at the forces currently reshaping our political landscape.
The Truth
The Truth · Podcast · 2026
Explores: human condition, experimental storytelling, moral ambiguity.
If you enjoyed the speculative, high-concept nature of Next, these cinematic audio stories offer a similar sense of discovery, presenting unique, bite-sized explorations of the unexpected and the unknown.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Next based on a true story?
No, Next is a fictional film directed by Lee Tamahori. It tells the story of Cris Johnson, a Las Vegas magician who possesses the supernatural ability to see a few minutes into the future, which he uses to hide from government scrutiny and prevent a terrorist attack.
What is the main conflict in Next?
The main conflict in Next involves Cris Johnson, a man who can see the future, attempting to avoid government detection while dealing with a terrorist group. He must decide whether to continue living anonymously or use his unique power to intervene when the group threatens to detonate a device.
How does Cris Johnson use his powers in Next?
In Next, Cris Johnson uses his ability to see a few minutes into the future to perform magic tricks in a Las Vegas showroom and to secure small-time gambling winnings. He intentionally keeps a low profile to avoid the medical establishment and government interest in his unique psychic talent.
Does Next feature a magician as the protagonist?
Yes, the protagonist of Next is Cris Johnson, a Las Vegas showroom magician. While he performs cheap tricks for his act, he hides the fact that he possesses a secret ability to see a few minutes into the future, which complicates his life and attracts unwanted government attention.