Alan Wake 2: Movies and TV Shows that Inspired the Game
The highly anticipated sequel to Remedy Entertainment’s beloved action-horror game, Alan Wake, has finally emerged from the depths of development hell. Alan Wake 2 takes place 13 years after the original game, following the journey of cult horror writer Alan Wake and FBI profiler Saga Anderson as they battle a deranged murder cult and the possessed minions of Alan’s evil doppelganger. While preparing for the release of Alan Wake 2, it’s the perfect time to revisit the films and TV shows that influenced the series. Creative director Sam Lake, much like Hideo Kojima, is an avid lover of books, films, and TV, and often pays homage to his inspirations in his work.
Movies and TV Shows That Inspired Alan Wake 2
Hannibal
Year: 2013-2015
Showrunner/creator: Bryan Fuller
Cast: Hugh Dancy, Mads Mikkelsen, Caroline Dhavernas
Where to watch: Hulu
In Alan Wake 2, Saga Anderson shares similarities with Hannibal’s Will Graham as a talented criminal profiler. Saga delves into the minds of suspects, uncovering clues and connections that aid her investigation into the brutal killings in Bright Falls. The psychological and investigative elements of Hannibal resonate with Alan Wake 2.
In the Mouth of Madness
Year: 1994
Director: John Carpenter
Cast: Sam Neill, Julie Carmen, Jürgen Prochnow
Where to watch: Criterion Channel, Tubi
Although not directly cited as an influence, Alan Wake 2 and In the Mouth of Madness share eerie similarities. Both explore the disappearance of famous writers whose works blur the line between fiction and reality. Both also incorporate fourth-wall-breaking scenes inspired by the cosmic horror of H.P. Lovecraft.
Lost
Year: 2004-2010
Showrunners/creators: Jeffrey Lieber, J.J. Abrams, Damon Lindelof
Cast: Naveen Andrews, Emilie de Ravin, Matthew Fox
Where to watch: Hulu
During the original game’s development, Sam Lake and the team drew inspiration from Lost. The mystery box storytelling and pacing of the series influenced the unfolding mystery in Alan Wake. The original game’s story structure is also divided into episodes, similar to Lost.
Memento
Year: 2000
Director: Christopher Nolan
Cast: Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano
Where to watch: Prime Video, Pluto TV, Plex
Sam Lake has cited Christopher Nolan films, including Memento, as influences on Alan Wake 2. The dreamlike nature of the Dark Place in Alan Wake 2 and the protagonist’s struggle to understand and remember parallel the detective story and unreliable narrator elements of Memento.
Seven
Year: 1995
Director: David Fincher
Cast: Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow
Where to watch: Hulu
In bridging the gap between detective fiction and supernatural horror, Alan Wake 2 drew inspiration from Seven. The professional dynamics between the detectives in Seven resemble the partnership between Saga Anderson and her partner. Both stories merge detective elements with horror themes.
The Silence of the Lambs
Year: 1991
Director: Jonathan Demme
Cast: Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn
Where to watch: Max
Both Saga Anderson and Clarice Starling from The Silence of the Lambs share similarities as skilled investigators and criminal profilers. The character of Saga Anderson in Alan Wake 2 was inspired by Jodie Foster’s iconic character. The psychological thriller aspects of the film align with the tone of the game.
Taxi Driver
Year: 1976
Director: Martin Scorsese
Cast: Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Albert Brooks
Where to watch: Available to rent on Amazon, Apple, and Vudu
Alan Wake 2’s depiction of the Dark Place drew inspiration from Taxi Driver. The dark, urban isolation and neon-y atmosphere of the Dark Place mirrors the aesthetic of Scorsese’s masterpiece. The vision of New York in Alan Wake 2 pays homage to Taxi Driver’s influence on American pop culture.
True Detective season 1
Year: 2014
Showrunner/creator: Nic Pizzolatto
Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Michelle Monaghan
Where to watch: Max
True Detective season 1 inspired the dynamics between detectives in Alan Wake 2. The collaboration and investigation process between the detectives in the show resonated with the team working on the game. Alan Wake 2 also shares aesthetic similarities with True Detective, particularly in Saga’s visions during profiling.
The Twilight Zone
Year: 1959-1964
Showrunner/creator: Rod Serling
Where to watch: Paramount Plus
The Twilight Zone’s influence is visible in Alan Wake 2 through Night Springs, a fictional series within the game. Night Springs presents short episodes throughout the game, resembling Serling’s iconic show. Night Springs also connects Alan Wake to Control, with Alan having written episodes that intertwine with the events of the latter game.
Twin Peaks / Twin Peaks: The Return
Year: 1990-1991 (Twin Peaks); 2017 (Twin Peaks: The Return)