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Must-See Sci-Fi TV Series on Netflix
For aficionados of imaginative storytelling and futuristic concepts, Netflix stands as a premier destination for streaming science fiction content. Acknowledged as a dominant force in the streaming realm, the platform boasts a vast collection of original and licensed programs. If you’re seeking captivating science fiction television shows to enhance your viewing schedule, you’ve arrived at the ideal location. Netflix offers a diverse array of sci-fi series, ensuring there’s something for every taste.
While celebrated series like Stranger Things and Black Mirror frequently dominate discussions about science fiction offerings on Netflix – rightfully so, given their immense popularity – the streaming titan’s catalog extends far beyond these renowned titles. Below, we delve into a curated selection of excellent, yet perhaps lesser-known, sci-fi gems available to stream now.
The science fiction category encompasses a spectrum of themes and artistic approaches. Whether you prefer suspenseful narratives, superhero sagas, or experimental storytelling, Netflix’s sci-fi library is sure to have something to captivate you. Intrigued by an unconventional alien incursion narrative? 3 Body Problem awaits. Yearning for a quirky superhero chronicle with a comic book origin? The Umbrella Academy is your answer. And should you desire an enigmatic and avant-garde mystery, allow us to introduce you to the elusive series, The OA.
The aforementioned shows merely hint at the extensive catalog of compelling series ready to be streamed. Prepare yourself for countless hours of enthralling adventures. Grab your snacks, choose your beverage, and settle in – these are among the finest science fiction TV shows Netflix currently offers.
Maniac
A Mind-Bending Limited Series
Starring Emma Stone and Jonah Hill, Maniac is a captivating psychological drama from Cary Joji Fukunaga (True Detective) and Patrick Somerville (The Leftovers). This ten-episode series centers on Annie (Stone) and Owen (Hill) as they participate in a pharmaceutical trial for a drug purportedly capable of resolving all their personal struggles. As anticipated, the trial deviates from its intended course. Stone and Hill deliver compelling performances, embodying a diverse array of personas throughout the show’s run. With a supporting cast including Sonoya Mizuno, Justin Theroux, and Sally Field, this often-overlooked gem merits your attention as a top science fiction choice on Netflix.
Travelers
Time-Traveling Intrigue Awaits
Travelers, a science fiction program starring Will & Grace‘s Eric McCormack, delves into the captivating realm of time travel, yet often escapes widespread recognition. The series follows a team of individuals from the future whose consciousnesses are dispatched back in time, inhabiting present-day bodies. Their mission: to refine humanity’s trajectory by discreetly altering past events. Though the premise might appear intricate, rest assured, the narrative is readily accessible and engaging, making it a worthwhile addition to your Netflix sci-fi watchlist.
Living With Yourself
Paul Rudd vs. Paul Rudd in a Comedic Sci-Fi Scenario
In the often-overlooked science fiction comedy Living With Yourself, Paul Rudd takes on dual roles. He portrays Miles, an individual seeking self-improvement who opts for an experimental cloning procedure. However, he fails to anticipate just how much more content his clone will be than himself. This scenario ignites conflict, compelling Miles to confront his inner struggles. Although a unique venture for Rudd, and truncated to a single season, this show is decidedly worth watching for its comedic take on personal identity and technological advancements.
Stranger Things
An ’80s Nostalgia-Fueled Phenomenon
Stranger Things rapidly gained immense popularity after its subtle debut on Netflix in 2016. Initially conceived as a homage to 1980s cinema, incorporating nods to E.T., Dungeons & Dragons, The Goonies, and the works of Stephen King, it has evolved into a complex and expansive science fiction saga. The narrative centers on a group of children in Hawkins, Indiana, who, upon encountering a mysterious girl named Eleven, unearth a malevolent dimension lurking beneath their town. Government conspiracies, terrifying creatures, and a cast of cherished underdog characters define this compelling series within the genre. It is undoubtedly one of the best sci-fi series on Netflix.
3 Body Problem
A High-Concept Alien Invasion Thriller
3 Body Problem, the creation of Game of Thrones veterans David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, alongside The Terror‘s showrunner Alexander Woo, draws inspiration from Liu Cixin’s award-winning novel. This sophisticated science fiction show for Netflix interweaves a pivotal occurrence in 1960s China with the present day, where a collective of scientists confronts an unprecedented global menace, unlike any challenge previously faced by humankind. For fans of cerebral sci-fi, this show is a must-watch on Netflix.
Archive 81
Sci-Fi Horror Blending Found Footage and Mystery
Archive 81, a science fiction horror series loosely inspired by the podcast of the same name, centers on a film archivist who undertakes the restoration of documentary footage discovered on a collection of videotapes from 1994. Through his endeavors, he becomes immersed in a chilling enigma surrounding the tapes’ contents. Despite Netflix’s decision to limit the series to a single season, it remains a compelling and suspenseful viewing experience, perfect for fans of sci-fi horror on Netflix.
Raising Dion
A Superpowered Family Drama
Raising Dion distinguishes itself as a superhero narrative centered on Dion, a remarkable young boy with extraordinary abilities. Diverging from conventional superhero programs such as The Boys and Invincible, this series emphasizes Dion’s uniqueness in an empowering and positive context. While the storyline incorporates familiar tropes of supervillains and clandestine government agencies, maintaining an element of suspense, the distinguishing characteristic of Raising Dion is its deep dive into familial bonds and the quest for self-discovery. The presence of Jason Ritter further enhances the cast’s appeal, adding to the show’s charm as a top sci-fi series on Netflix.
The Umbrella Academy
Dysfunctional Superheroes and Time-Traveling Chaos
The Umbrella Academy, inspired by the comic series authored by Gerard Way and illustrated by Gabriel Bá, centers on a group of adopted, superpowered siblings who were raised to be saviors of the world. From navigating temporal distortions to preventing global catastrophes, the ongoing exploits of the unconventional Hargreeves family subvert conventional genre expectations. The series masterfully blends eccentricity, humor, poignancy, and sci-fi elements, establishing itself as a unique and engaging Netflix sci-fi series.
Supacell
A Fresh Take on the Superhero Origin Story
Supacell presents a novel perspective on the familiar superhero genre, diverging from established narratives. This series follows four Black individuals residing in South London who inexplicably gain superpowers. The unifying element connecting them to these newfound abilities stems from their families’ histories with sickle cell anemia, a prevalent inherited condition. Employing the genre as its structural framework, the show explores the personal narratives that unfold amongst these characters while addressing significant cultural themes, including systemic racism, human trafficking, and predatory healthcare practices. It shows a distinct perspective in the roster of superhero sci-fi series on Netflix.
Black Mirror
Anthology Series Exploring Technology’s Dark Side
Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror established a benchmark for contemporary genre anthology series. Each episode within the series, spanning six seasons and including an interactive film, unfolds in a near-future where technological advancements profoundly influence humanity – sometimes beneficially, often ominously, and occasionally bizarrely. Ranging from uplifting to disturbing, Black Mirror is a thought-provoking television show that lingers in your mind long after viewing, cementing its place among the best sci-fi anthology series available on Netflix.
The OA
An Unconventional and Layered Mystery
The OA defied conventional television norms with its groundbreaking approach. This two-season series, conceived by Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij, revolves around Prairie Johnson (Marling), a young woman who reappears after a seven-year absence, having regained her sight, which she lost in childhood. Her whereabouts during those missing years and the restoration of her vision form the central mysteries. The series explores concepts of parallel existences across multiple dimensions, offering only a glimpse into the profoundly unique and richly textured narrative. Viewers are drawn in by the exploration of quantum physics interwoven with interpretive dance sequences in this unforgettable sci-fi series on Netflix.
Dark
German Time-Travel Noir
Similar to Stranger Things, Dark commences with the unexplained vanishing of a child. However, rather than focusing on an alternate dimension menacing the town, this German production explores time travel to analyze the profound impact of a child’s disappearance on a family and a community. A deliberately paced, noir-inspired series, Dark emphasizes the haunting consequences of generational trauma. Spanning three seasons on Netflix, Dark is sure to leave a lasting impression, making it a standout amongst the best international sci-fi series on Netflix.
1899
Mysteries Set Sail in a Period Sci-Fi Drama
1899, from the creative minds of Jantje Friese and Baran bo Odar – the duo behind Dark – follows a group of diverse passengers aboard a ship journeying to New York at the close of the 19th century. This series transcends the typical historical drama. Almost immediately, the narrative plunges into time travel, multiple dimensions, simulated realities, and an array of other science fiction elements. Though regrettably canceled after its first season, 1899 offers a wealth of genre content to contemplate, securing its place as a must-watch short-lived sci-fi series on Netflix.
Parasyte: The Grey
Body Snatchers in South Korea
Parasyte: The Grey introduces a world where extraterrestrial parasites descend upon Earth, transforming humans into shape-shifting monsters. In response to this escalating threat, evoking classic Invasion of the Body Snatchers scenarios, survivors – known as “The Grey” – emerge to defend humanity and the planet. Inspired by Hitoshi Iwaaki’s manga, this South Korean series is ideally suited for devotees of both horror and science fiction, offering a thrilling addition to Netflix’s sci-fi and horror offerings.
Sense8
Global Connections and Supernatural Intrigue
From Matrix creators Lilly and Lana Wachowski and Babylon 5 creator J. Michael Straczynski, Sense8 graces Netflix with its presence. This otherworldly drama follows eight disparate individuals scattered across the globe who discover they are emotionally and mentally linked. Designated as “sensates,” this group learns collaboratively as they are compelled to experience each other’s lives and acquire new proficiencies. The narrative is complicated by a shadowy organization pursuing them. Across two seasons, Sense8 examined timely themes of gender, sexuality, and identity, ingeniously merging elements of telenovela, K-drama, Bollywood, and Euro-noir as it traversed international locales. It is a truly unique sci-fi show featured on Netflix.
Altered Carbon
Cyberpunk Noir in a Body-Swapping Future
Adapted from Richard K. Morgan’s novel, Altered Carbon is set in a futuristic epoch where consciousness can be transferred across bodies. The inaugural season features Joel Kinnaman as Takeshi Kovacs, a former soldier. His investigation into a murder evolves into a quest for self-understanding as he endeavors to locate his vanished love and answers concerning his prior existence. Season 2 sees Anthony Mackie take over the lead role, continuing the cyberpunk noir narrative. This visually stunning and thematically rich series is a strong contender for top sci-fi series on Netflix.
Love, Death + Robots
Animated Anthology of Mature Sci-Fi Tales
Love, Death + Robots, a distinctive anthology series that blends diverse animation techniques with live-action elements, sets itself apart. Often compared to Black Mirror, this show presents a variety of standalone narratives exploring universes inhabited by sentient robots, fantastical beings, and entities that often exhibit greater humanity than humans themselves. It is a mature and visually arresting sci-fi anthology available on Netflix.
Lost in Space
Family Adventure in the Cosmos
Drawing inspiration from the 1965 original series, Lost in Space accompanies the Robinson family on a spacefaring mission to settle a new world as humanity faces potential extinction. While the series emphasizes family dynamics, which might occasionally detract from the central narrative for some viewers, elements like sociopolitical conflict, the inclusion of a compelling alien robot companion, and Parker Posey’s captivating portrayal of the villainous Dr. Smith sustain the show’s appeal. It’s a worthy addition to family-friendly sci-fi shows to watch on Netflix.
Manifest
Mystery and Premonitions After a Flight Through Time
Manifest originally aired for three seasons on NBC prior to its cancellation. Subsequently, Netflix intervened to revive the series. The narrative follows the passengers of Flight 828, who touch down at their destination five years after their initial departure. These survivors begin to experience premonitions, or “callings,” that guide them to avert future disasters. The show’s premise is often described as a blend of Lost and Final Destination, offering suspense and mystery for sci-fi fans on Netflix.
Alice in Borderland
Survival Games in a Parallel Tokyo
Alice in Borderland, an adaptation of Haro Aso’s manga, immerses viewers in an alternate version of Tokyo where characters are forced into a series of dangerous games to survive. This high-stakes thriller will appeal to enthusiasts of survival-based narratives like Squid Game, The Hunger Games, and Battle Royale. It’s a gripping international sci-fi thriller and a top series to stream on Netflix.