10 Best Sci-Fi Shows On Netflix

As a huge sci-fi fan, I’ve always known Netflix is the place to go for great shows. They’ve got everything – the latest hits, and even those hidden gems you might not have discovered yet. Sure, other streaming services are starting to offer more and are sometimes better about letting shows find their audience, but Netflix still has an incredible selection when I’m in the mood for some sci-fi.

As a huge sci-fi fan, I’ve always loved how diverse the genre is. You can find everything from massive, sprawling shows like Lost to really focused, character-driven stories like Black Mirror. But for me, the truly great sci-fi shows build worlds that feel totally believable, even when they’re filled with futuristic tech. And honestly, if I’m looking for something to really binge-watch, I think Netflix has better sci-fi than most big-budget movies these days.

10. Sense8

If you’re looking for a show to dive into this weekend, Sense8 is a great choice, even though it only has two seasons plus a movie. The fact that fans successfully campaigned to finish the story after it was initially canceled speaks volumes about how much people loved it. Sense8 focuses on the power of human connection, not just cool tech, and features a fantastic cast.

As a huge fan of compelling sci-fi, I was completely hooked by Sense8. It’s about eight people from all over the globe who suddenly realize they’re mentally and emotionally linked – they call themselves ‘sensates’. What starts as a fascinating connection quickly turns dangerous, as someone is hunting them. They have to learn to rely on each other’s unique abilities to survive and protect the people they care about. Honestly, the action sequences are incredible, and I really appreciated how diverse the cast was, especially the fantastic LGBTQ+ representation.

9. Arcane

Arcane is a beautifully animated series inspired by the video game League of Legends, but you don’t need to know the game to love it. The story takes place in a futuristic city where a conflict between the wealthy and the poor is escalating, and magic is about to change everything. A single accident – an explosion caused by the reckless Powder – sets off a chain of events that will alter the world forever.

Arcane is a groundbreaking animated series that has redefined what viewers expect from the medium. Critics and audiences alike have lauded its stunning visuals, captivating music, compelling stories, and well-developed characters—it even earned a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes! With just two seasons totaling around 12 hours, it’s an ideal show to watch over a weekend, and it delivers a truly satisfying conclusion.

8. The OA

As a huge fan of interesting TV, I still can’t get over Netflix cancelling The OA. It’s honestly one of the most original and thought-provoking sci-fi shows I’ve ever seen. The series centers around Brit Marling, who plays Prairie – a young woman who disappears and comes back with her sight restored, and a pretty unbelievable story. She starts calling herself ‘The OA,’ which stands for ‘The Original Angel.’

Despite being canceled after just two seasons – and right in the middle of a major plot twist – The OA is a captivating and visually stunning show that’s still worth watching. It’s a unique science fiction series exploring the idea of multiple universes and the power of dance, filled with fresh and original concepts.

7. Black Mirror

Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror is a standout anthology series of the 21st century. Though not every episode will resonate with all viewers, the show has consistently captivated audiences with its dystopian themes. Black Mirror takes current technologies like social media, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality and pushes them to their extremes, often highlighting the potential risks of unchecked technological power in ways that feel eerily prescient.

Black Mirror can be a challenging show to watch, as it often feels very relevant to our increasingly tech-driven world. But amidst the often-dark themes, some episodes offer genuinely uplifting conclusions. A prime example is “San Junipero,” a beautiful love story that takes place in a vibrant virtual reality setting. The show also frequently features well-known actors, like Jon Hamm in the highly-regarded episode “White Christmas.”

6. Rick And Morty

With a 90% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes after eight seasons, Rick and Morty is widely considered one of the best animated shows for adults. It’s a funny and often unsettling series that appeals to fans of shows like Futurama and BoJack Horseman, offering a blend of absurd and dark humor – and it’s definitely not for families.

Initially starting as a short, humorous take on Back to the Future, Rick and Morty follows the wild, interdimensional escapades of a cynical scientist, Rick, and his easily flustered grandson, Morty. Though some episodes are stronger than others when revisited, the show quickly stood out, creating instantly memorable characters like Pickle Rick and Mr. Meeseeks.

5. Love, Death + Robots

I think Love, Death + Robots is a perfect 10/10 sci-fi show! What I really love is how each episode feels completely different – it’s amazing to see so many creative teams bring their own unique styles and stories to life. It can be a bit uneven at times with 45 episodes, but honestly, I think that variety is what makes it so great.

Love, Death + Robots is a diverse series, blending humor, satire, and unsettling visuals with memorable characters—often all in a single episode. Several episodes, such as “Spider Rose,” about a woman and her frightening pet, and “Bad Traveling,” a sci-fi reimagining of a classic sailor’s story with elements of horror and zombies, are particularly impactful and stay with you long after viewing.

4. Lost

Lost was a groundbreaking science fiction show that became famous for inspiring fans to create their own theories about the plot. The series was incredibly bold, starting with a plane crash that left a large group of characters stranded on a mysterious island. Although the show featured many characters, it skillfully developed each of their stories without becoming confusing.

When Lost first aired, it was absolutely gripping – every little clue sparked massive fan theories and online discussions. But honestly, that ultimately became its downfall. The show built up so many questions that a satisfying finale felt impossible. However, looking back now, Lost really holds up. Watching it today, free from the intense pressure and hype of its original run, allows you to appreciate it as a truly unique and compelling sci-fi mystery on its own terms. It’s a show that’s actually improved with time.

3. Stranger Things

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When you talk about great science fiction, Stranger Things always comes up. The show successfully combines fantasy, horror, and sci-fi, with a visual style reminiscent of Stephen King, all set in the nostalgic 1980s. It started as a creepy mystery about a missing person and quickly became a huge part of popular culture.

As Stranger Things progressed over five seasons, it became increasingly intense, mirroring the characters’ own coming-of-age. Though the ending has divided viewers, the show features unforgettable scenes, such as Max’s powerful struggle against the main villain and any moment featuring the terrifying Demogorgon – widely considered one of the scariest monsters in science fiction television.

2. Pantheon

Netflix’s Pantheon is a fantastic sci-fi series that doesn’t get nearly enough attention. It’s received perfect reviews from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, but still flies under the radar. The show centers on Maddie, a teen who connects with an AI version of her deceased father. Before he died of cancer, he uploaded his consciousness, allowing him to reach out to her online after his death.

With only two seasons and 16 episodes, Pantheon is perfect for a weekend binge. The show tackles timely concerns about the dangers of fast-moving technology and makes you think about what it truly means to be human. It’s a visually striking and often unsettling series, making it a must-watch in today’s world of artificial intelligence.

1. Dark

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The Netflix series Dark starts with the disappearance of children in the small town of Winden, Germany. What seems like a straightforward mystery quickly unfolds into a complex and mind-bending science fiction story involving time travel and multiple interconnected worlds. Though it hasn’t gotten as much recognition as some shows, Dark is widely considered the best sci-fi series currently available on Netflix.

Many science fiction TV shows divide opinion, but Dark has been a critical and popular success, earning a 95% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Netflix is often criticized for canceling promising shows too soon, but thankfully, Dark had a planned conclusion from the very beginning, offering viewers a satisfying ending.

2026-02-09 05:41