Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series, which has now been adapted into an Apple TV+ show of the same name, is perhaps one of the most influential works of science fiction ever written. It’s not overestimating it to say that most of the ideas that make up the genre as we know it today were introduced by Asimov, and that the ideas in the series have influenced some of the most popular science fiction works of the last century.
But which works, in particular, were inspired by Foundation? And what themes do they share with Asimov’s epic saga? Here are 8 sci-fi movies and shows you didn’t know were inspired by Foundation and where to watch them.
Star Wars
Yes, Star Wars was indeed inspired by Foundation. And very obviously so, too. The parallels between the Galactic Empire of Cleon II and that of Emperor Palpatine are clear, and Foundation even has a character called Captain Han Pritcher who gives, what one would call, Han Solo vibes. Even the ability to manipulate “the Force” is an idea that comes from Asimov’s books. This is one of those cases where the person in charge doesn’t even deny the influence of a previous work, with George Lucas himself admitting he was inspired by Foundation. So, if you love that galaxy far, far away… you now know where the idea came from.
Star Trek
Can a single work inspire Star Wars and Star Trek? The answer is yes, considering Asimov basically set the basis for science fiction as we know it today. The concept of hyperdive (or warp drive)? Yes, Foundation went there first. And though the influence here isn’t as obvious as it is with Star Wars, the exploration of galactic empires and societal structures is very much an idea that Asimov introduced first and franchises like Star Trek continued to explore later in their own way. Think of Star Wars as Foundation’s firstborn son and Star Trek as the cousin.
Dune
The Dune franchise is another one where the influence of Foundation is obvious, and writer Frank Herbert has explicitly said so. This is especially apparent in the Denis Villeneuve adaptations, Dune and Dune: Part 2, which are most people’s most direct contact with the material. But, in many ways, Dune wasn’t just inspired by Foundation, Dune is presented as a counterpoint to it. The basis of the conflict is the same—a decaying galactic empire—but Dune takes it somewhere completely different than the work it was inspired by, giving fans a different solution and an actual hero. Two sides of the same coin, but the influence is obvious nonetheless.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Considering how different the vibe is from the very serious Foundation to Douglas Adams’ The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and its adaptations, it’s hard to see how one could have inspired the other. But this work is actually pretty obvious about the inspiration, mentioning the encyclopedia at the basis of Foundation by name and even remarking that it is rather dry and boring, which is why it sells fewer copies than the guide. Yes, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. It’s a joke within a joke, but an obvious nod to a work that shaped science fiction.
Futurama
This is another one that feels like a reach, but it actually has a direct mention. Everyone knows Futurama as a space travel show, so perhaps in that regard it’s easy to see the inspiration. There’s also a lot of futuristic space technology, as is to be expected considering the name of the show. But Matt Groening was directly inspired by Foundation, and the proof is in the oboe-like holophonor in the series, which is based on the Visi-Sonor Magnifico plays in Foundation and Empire, the second book in the original Asimov trilogy. Now, that’s a deep cut.
Battlestar Galactica
Battlestar Galactica sticks pretty close to the central theme of Foundation, which makes its influence even more on the nose. The series presents humanity on the brink of extinction, not only searching for a new home but also preserving its knowledge and culture. Pretty familiar, right? Then there are the Cylons, a force that could radically destroy society as we know it, pretty much like the crises that threaten the Empire in Asimov's novels. Even as it goes on, the search for Earth feels similar to the search for the Second Foundation, including the philosophical debates about democracy.
Blade Runner 2049
Blade Runner 2049 is also very clearly inspired by Foundation. A world where artificial memory, knowledge preservation, and the manipulation of history are paramount feels very much like the one Asimov created. Throw in a society in decline that doesn’t sound that dissimilar to a Galactic Kingdom in its final stages and the small groups working in secret, which are very similar to the Second Foundation, and the influence becomes obvious. It’s not the same story, but perhaps, at this point, all science-fiction is interested in telling the same kind of tale and Asimov just did it first?
The Expanse
Another pretty recent show that proves Foundation’s impact was likely what actually convinced Apple TV+ to try to finally adapt the actual books into their own show. The Expanse is basically what you would get if you meshed Foundation’s themes with modern sensibilities. There’s a colonized solar system with different factions, which mirror the political dynamics of Asimov's Galactic Empire. Then there’s protomolecule technology, which works as a disruptive element similar to the crises in Foundation. If you also throw in decisions with consequences that will affect generations and historical forces larger than individuals who can only occasionally influence events, then the parallels are undeniable.
Where To Watch More Shows Inspired By 'Foundation' Online
To discover more TV shows and movies inspired by Foundation currently streaming in the US, check out the JustWatch streaming guide! You can filter your search by streaming service, genre, price, age rating, and score. Be sure to build your watchlist and receive helpful notifications on what to watch next based on your preferences!
