The 12 Best Sci-Fi Shows You Need To Watch

7 min read Post on May 17, 2025

The 12 Best Sci-Fi Shows You Need To Watch

Classic Sci-Fi Shows That Defined the Genre

These shows laid the groundwork for much of modern sci-fi, influencing countless others and leaving an indelible mark on the genre.

Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS)

Keywords: Star Trek, classic sci-fi, space exploration, social commentary, TOS

Groundbreaking Exploration: TOS boldly went where no show had gone before, exploring the vastness of space and the possibilities of interstellar travel.
Social Commentary: Beyond the adventures, the series tackled complex social issues like racism, war, and environmentalism, making it remarkably relevant even today.
Iconic Characters: Captain Kirk, Spock, and Dr. McCoy remain some of the most beloved and recognizable characters in all of science fiction. Their dynamic and their individual struggles provided the backbone for many of the show's most memorable storylines.
Lasting Cultural Impact: The impact of Star Trek extends far beyond the screen; its influence can be seen in countless other sci-fi shows, films, and even real-world technological advancements.

Battlestar Galactica (2004)

Keywords: Battlestar Galactica, reimagining, sci-fi drama, cylons, space opera

A Modern Reimagining: This reimagining of the classic series took the genre to new heights with its intense drama, complex characters, and morally gray areas.
Compelling Characters: The characters in Battlestar Galactica are far from perfect; their struggles with faith, survival, and their own morality make them incredibly relatable and deeply engaging.
Exploration of Themes: The show delves into weighty themes such as the nature of humanity, the conflict between faith and reason, and the devastating consequences of war.
A Sci-Fi Masterpiece: Battlestar Galactica is often cited as one of the best sci-fi shows ever made, praised for its sophisticated storytelling and its ability to explore complex themes within a thrilling space opera setting.

Doctor Who (Classic/New Series)

Keywords: Doctor Who, time travel, sci-fi adventure, Daleks, regeneration

Timeless Adventures: Spanning decades and featuring multiple incarnations of the Doctor, this iconic show takes viewers on thrilling adventures across time and space.
Iconic Monsters: From the Daleks to the Cybermen, Doctor Who boasts a rogue's gallery of memorable and terrifying monsters.
Evolving Storytelling: While maintaining its core elements, Doctor Who has continuously evolved its storytelling style, adapting to changing times and audiences.
Enduring Popularity: Doctor Who's popularity has only grown over the years, with both its classic and modern series captivating audiences worldwide.

Modern Masterpieces of Sci-Fi Television

These contemporary shows showcase the evolution of sci-fi storytelling, incorporating intricate plots and complex characters to deliver exceptional viewing experiences.

Westworld

Keywords: Westworld, sci-fi western, artificial intelligence, HBO, complex narrative

Complex Narratives: Westworld is known for its intricate plots, twisting timelines, and unreliable narrators.
Philosophical Questions: The show explores deep philosophical questions about consciousness, free will, and the nature of reality.
Stunning Visuals: The stunning visuals and atmospheric setting help immerse viewers in the world of the park.
AI and Identity: Westworld pushes the boundaries of exploring artificial intelligence and the complexities of identity.

The Expanse

Keywords: The Expanse, hard sci-fi, space opera, political thriller, Amazon Prime

Hard Sci-Fi Realism: The Expanse prides itself on its scientifically grounded approach to space travel and its detailed depiction of the solar system.
Political Intrigue: The show weaves a compelling narrative of political maneuvering, alliances, and betrayals among various factions in space.
Space Opera Elements: Despite its realism, The Expanse embraces epic space battles and thrilling adventures that satisfy the desire for space opera thrills.
A Compelling Story: With its detailed world-building and intricate plots, The Expanse delivers a compelling narrative that keeps viewers engaged from beginning to end.

Stranger Things

Keywords: Stranger Things, sci-fi horror, Netflix, 80s nostalgia, supernatural

Nostalgia-Infused Horror: Stranger Things masterfully blends sci-fi horror with the nostalgic aesthetics of the 1980s.
Compelling Characters: The show's memorable characters are relatable and well-developed, making viewers deeply invested in their fates.
Supernatural Elements: The series masterfully balances elements of science fiction, horror, and the supernatural.
A Cultural Phenomenon: Stranger Things quickly became a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences worldwide and spawning multiple seasons of beloved storytelling.

Sci-Fi Shows with Unique Premises

These shows stand out from the crowd with their original concepts and creative approaches to familiar themes.

Dark

Keywords: Dark, Netflix, time travel, German sci-fi, thriller

Intricate Plot: Dark is a complex time-travel thriller with a non-linear narrative that demands attention and rewards viewers with unexpected twists.
Mind-bending Twists: Prepare for a mind-bending experience as the show unravels its intricate plot, full of unexpected reveals and shocking turns.
German Sci-Fi: This German-language series offers a unique perspective on the sci-fi genre, with its own distinctive atmosphere and style.
A Masterpiece of Mystery: Dark is praised for its superb writing, stunning visuals, and its ability to keep viewers guessing until the very end.

Black Mirror

Keywords: Black Mirror, dystopian sci-fi, anthology series, technology, Netflix

Dystopian Visions: Black Mirror presents chillingly realistic dystopian futures, exploring the potential consequences of technological advancement.
Thought-Provoking Episodes: Each episode offers a unique and thought-provoking story that examines the ethical and societal implications of technology.
Anthology Format: The anthology format allows for a wide range of styles and storytelling techniques, ensuring variety and unpredictability.
*A Warning of the Future?: Black Mirror often leaves viewers pondering the potential dangers and unintended consequences of our increasing reliance on technology.

Upload

Keywords: Upload, Amazon Prime, afterlife, comedy, sci-fi

Unique Premise: Upload offers a comedic take on the afterlife, exploring a future where consciousness can be uploaded to a digital afterlife.
Social Commentary: While humorous, the show also offers insightful social commentary on issues like class inequality and the digital divide.
Blend of Genres: The series expertly blends science fiction, comedy, and romance to create a captivating viewing experience.
A Refreshing Approach: Upload offers a refreshing take on the afterlife concept, combining humor and heart to create a unique and enjoyable sci-fi series.

Animated Sci-Fi Series Worth Watching

Animation opens up boundless creative possibilities for sci-fi, allowing for stunning visuals and boundary-pushing storytelling.

Rick and Morty

Keywords: Rick and Morty, adult animation, sci-fi comedy, Adult Swim

Adult Animation: This adult animated series isn't for the faint of heart, with its dark humor, profanity, and often disturbing visuals.
Cynical Humor: Rick and Morty is known for its cynical humor, often satirizing various aspects of society and culture.
Interdimensional Adventures: The show features mind-bending interdimensional adventures, with wild and imaginative scenarios that push the boundaries of reality.
Complex Characters: Despite their flaws, Rick and Morty, along with their supporting cast, are complex and well-developed characters with relatable (albeit often dysfunctional) dynamics.

Love, Death & Robots

Keywords: Love, Death & Robots, Netflix, animated anthology, sci-fi animation, adult animation

Visually Stunning: This animated anthology series boasts stunning visuals and a wide variety of animation styles, offering a diverse range of experiences.
Diverse Stories: Each episode offers a unique and often unexpected story, covering a variety of genres and themes.
Adult Animation: Similar to Rick and Morty, this series is geared towards mature audiences due to its mature themes and often violent content.
A Feast for the Eyes: Love, Death & Robots is a visual spectacle, showcasing incredible creativity and innovative animation techniques.

Conclusion: Find Your Next Sci-Fi Obsession – Start Watching These Best Sci-Fi Shows!

This curated list showcases the incredible diversity and quality found within the world of science fiction television. From classic series that defined the genre to modern masterpieces pushing creative boundaries, there’s something here for every sci-fi enthusiast. Whether you’re drawn to classic space operas, thought-provoking dystopian futures, or mind-bending time travel adventures, these best sci-fi shows offer unforgettable viewing experiences. Which of these best sci-fi shows will you watch first? Dive into these best sci-fi shows today! Expand your sci-fi horizons with these incredible shows! (Links to streaming services would be inserted here).