I am in need for stories in form of movies, shows or games where an extremely large entity or organization exists, a force not to be reckoned with. A system which you cannot defeat, which you have to outsmart and escape instead. A system whose scale cannot be comprehended.
Examples coming into my mind are:
- the Portal franchise, with the Aperture Science Lab spanning miles filled with unlimited test chambers and test objects
- the Subnautica series, with the highly advanced precursor structures and technologies
- the Star Wars franchise, with the imperials having fleets of battleships and control over multiple colonies (i am not well versed with this franchise)
- the John Wick series, with the existence of the High Table and the powers of the Continentals (tho not science fiction)
I was going to suggest some written stories until I saw you wanted movies, shows, or games which this definitely isn’t. I’ll still leave this here though in case anyone else passing through is interested:
The Foundation book series by Isaac Asimov. The Apple+ show might be worth checking but I have heard it deviates from the books greatly, so they might have changed how the antagonists function.
I’ve heard that most of the stuff about the Empire is made up in the TV show. Which is funny because I thought it was the most fascinating part of the story.
Annihilation movie, if your into the cosmic horror side of the genre
For anime there is Space Battleship Yamato 2199, Gunbuster / Diebuster, Last Exile, Psycho Pass and Aldnoah Zero. That’s all I can think of at the moment.
Nice! Going to give some of these a try as well.
The inhibitors of the Revelation Space universe of books by Alastair Reynolds are a sort of unknowable, unescapale, and undefeatable force.
A secret force/organization that is seemingly undetectable and unbeatable bad guys that are always one step ahead of the good guys is one of the antagonists of the Pandora Star and Judas Unchained 2 book series from Peter F Hamilton.
The Cube movies fit the bill, both literally and figuratively.
Control
Eldritch horrors, SCP and all the fun stuff rolled into one game. Even the setting is some kind of unknowable entity drawing the protagonist in.
The Magnus Archives! It’s an an urban fiction eldritch horror anthology podcast with a fantastic overarching story mostly focusing on what the hell is going on. I can’t recommend it enough!
I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream by Harlan Ellison
Wolf 359 Audio Series Podcast
The three body problem. Everytime a bigger revelation happens humanity feels smaller. I’m really excited for the Netflix adaption.
