On the face of it, it appears as if there really might not be any series like what WandaVision is shaping up to be. The MCU show will not be a straight-up superhero feature, instead being a sitcom and an emotional drama first and foremost. Due to this, it’s future viewers need to load up on similar offerings to prepare for WandaVision.
Since there aren’t any films or shows from the superhero genre that are along the same lines, there is a variety of options to choose from, ranging from surreal stories, sitcoms, and films and TV shows that tackle the topic of love and loss. So, be sure to check these movies and TV series out to have the perfect frame of mind before WandaVision premieres.
I Love Lucy (1951-1957)
Lucy Ricardo is a middle-class housewife in New York City with dreams and ambitions of making it in show business. Her numerous schemes usually involve her husband as well, much to his chagrin. Still, the couple tries their best to hit the big leagues in a journey filled with gags.
The ‘50s vibe is big in WandaVision, which deliberately lifted thematic qualities from I Love Lucy. For this reason, viewers need to watch this show to understand how such a backdrop can work. On its own, the series is worth a watch for the way it broke barriers and delivered evergreen comedy.
Vanilla Sky (2001)
David Aames is happy in his playboy lifestyle until a former lover causes an accident that disfigures him. When a surgery fixes his problem out of nowhere, David slowly comes to realize the world he’s living in might not be real at all.
It’s already certain that Scarlet Witch’s life will be a fragment of her depression and imagination in WandaVision. Vanilla Sky treads the same ground, with the premise constantly throwing hints at behind-the-scenes happenings and creating a world where dreams trap a person in them. It’s a surreal trip that has masterful cinematography.
Sorry For Your Loss (2018-2019)
Leigh Shaw is a writer who’s been unable to get over the trauma of losing her husband. With so many questions still unresolved over her married life, she tries to overcome her grief through counseling, something that simultaneously sees progress and opens old wounds.
Elizabeth Olsen is the star of this series as well, which is another show that deals with the topic of grieving over a loved one. WandaVision fans need to check this out first to see what’s in store for them as far Olsen’s performance is concerned. It’s also a series that presents this sensitive topic in a very real way.
Mad About You (1992-2019)
Paul and Jamie Buchman are a married couple living in New York. Despite their relatively mundane lives, the two regularly get into little adventures of their own that take them around the city. With the arrival of their daughter, the two face the challenges of starting a family in their own quirky way.
WandaVision will rely heavily on the lead characters working as a newly married pair, which is the premise of Mad About You. This series will show viewers just how a couple interacts in a recent union, as their unique personalities make such a seemingly simple premise host to a lot of comedy.
P.S. I Love You (2007)
A widow finds herself unable to go on after the death of her husband, only to receive letters from him that encourage her to move on. These messages send her on numerous adventures, through which she starts to find it in herself to face the possibility of love again.
Here’s another story that deals with love and loss, although P.S. I Love You does make sure to hit the comedic notes in certain places. The premise is a charming one that is poignant in more ways than one, and WandaVision is sure to carry similar themes of Scarlet Witch trying to cope with Vision’s demise.
Magnolia (1999)
A series of interrelated stories and characters prove there’s always a chance of happiness within times of grief. From people struggling with loneliness to those who want to deal with matters of death, there’s still love to find even if it seems impossible.
Magnolia’s greatest strength might just be in its heartbreaking but fitting quotes, which pertain to the realist things in life. It’s a sad tale, but ultimately worth the watch, as an uplifting message can be found. WandaVision might be toned down in sadness, but it does carry the same theme as this film.
Up (2009)
An elderly widower decides to head over to a secluded spot in South America by tying thousands of balloons to his house. Things become complicated when a young boy inadvertently comes along for the ride in a journey that ultimately becomes an adventure of self-reflection.
Pixar is masterful in presenting heavy themes with a touch of comedy, which makes Up such a heartwarming uplifting feature. It has its own fantasy themes, an aspect that WandaVision will more than bring, and viewers can count on Marvel incorporating Disney’s signature style here as well.
Bewitched (1964-1972)
Samantha Stephens is a beautiful woman with the perfect married life to her husband Darrin. The catch is that Samantha is actually a witch whose magical family disapproves of her human life, something that spills into the Stephens household to understandably disastrous results.
There’s no doubt that Scarlet Witch will be borrowing from Samantha’s witch attributes in WandaVision.Bewitched brings its comedy in magical ways that make use of the lead actress’s charming nature. From Samantha’s beautiful vintage outfits to the couple’s shenanigans, this is a comedy series that will work as an inspiration for WandaVision.
Reign Over Me (2004)
After losing his entire family to the tragedy of the twin towers, Charlie becomes a traumatized recluse who happens to encounter his old friend, Alan. While trying to make Charlie face the loss he’s tried to push down, Alan begins to reflect on the problems he has in his own life.
Bolstered by the incredible performance of Adam Sandler, Reign Over Me is a tearjerker viewers will be glad they took a chance on. It does feature some comedy, but the real winner is the premise that ends up being feel-good in its own way. WandaVision will do well in being inspired by this film’s thematic quality, although the storyline does have a similar feel to it.
Black Mirror (2011-2019)
The unforeseen impact on society through the progress in technology is detailed in this series. From lighthearted features to those that have a heavy emphasis on emotions and ethical possibilities, each standalone episode is a surreal experience of its own.
The dreamlike environment in Black Mirror is what WandaVision is also shooting for, which was abundantly clear in its trailer. The deeper episodes here will make the audience question things like life, death, and love, all of which are going to be dealt with in WandaVision as well.
