12 Must-Watch Sci-Fi Shows, Ranked

From science fiction dramas to science fiction horrors, sci-fi has a way of immersing audiences into creative worlds while addressing rather serious topics. Whether it’s dystopian futures, alien encounters, or even fungal zombies, the sci-fi genre brings a unique outlook on society, captivating audiences with its boundary-pushing stories.

Among some of the best of science fiction sit amazing series like The X-Files, whose long run became an influential stepping stone for many other shows, and Battlestar Galactica’s reimagining, which delivers a unique and thrilling space adventure. These shows, along with the rest of this list, showcase the best of sci-fi, keeping its viewers hooked and completely engaged in their stories.

12

‘The Power’ (2023–present)

Created by: Raelle Tucker

This underrated sci-fi masterpiece hasn’t received the attention it very much deserves. The Power is a series based on Naomi Alderman’s novel of the same name, where teenage girls abruptly develop the ability to generate and control electricity. With the quick spread of ability, power dynamics begin to shift globally, reshaping society and challenging standard gender roles.

The amazing series is horrendously underrated, with some viewers finding the story rushed and characters underutilized. Despite that, The Power brings about a bold story that explores the what-ifs of challenging societal norms and presents the good and the bad. With incredible performances and a unique story, this is definitely a sci-fi must-watch.

11

‘See’ (2019–present)

Created by: Steven Knight

Starring Jason Momoa, See centers around a dystopian future where humanity has lost the ability to see. Even during such a time, there exists warring factions, and among the trouble is the emergence of children capable of sight.

See offers viewers thrilling action with captivating themes of human resilience and evolution. Regardless of whether some of See’s audiences find the show’s episodes to sometimes drag, the stunning series offers a unique and action-packed sci-fi experience that captivates a great many other viewers. With its blend of amazing storytelling and thrilling world-building, See is a great must-watch for lovers of dystopian sci-fi.

10

‘Resident Alien‘ (2021–present)

Created by: Chris Sheridan

This sci-fi comedy is one that is definitely worth watching. Resident Alien follows an alien who crash-lands on Earth and assumes the identity of a small-town doctor. Despite his terrible plans of wiping out humanity, the alien slowly begins to develop a sense of empathy.

With an amazing performance, blending mystery, awkwardness, humor, and emotion, Alan Tudyk’s portrayal of the alien doctor is one of the biggest highlights of the show. Resident Alien offers an original twist to the alien-on-Earth trope, mixing moving emotional situations with many humorous moments. The heartwarming series is without a doubt a must-watch for fans of quirky sci-fi comedies.

9

‘The 100’ (2014–2020)

Created by: Jason Rothenberg

The 100 centers around a group of teen criminals who are forced back to Earth from a space station humans have lived in for many generations, in order to determine whether the planet is now habitable.

The 100 is an angsty and thrilling journey to engage in for audiences. While the completed series held onto the majority of their fans till its end, some viewers shared concerns that the show got a bit too convoluted towards its end. Despite that, viewers enjoyed the series’ intensity, with its high stake challenges and angst-filled moments between lovable and even sometimes frustrating characters.

8

‘The X-Files’ (1993-2018)

Created by: Chris Carter

This iconic sci-fi gem is a thrilling mix of suspense, horror, and drama. The X-Files follows FBI agents Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) and Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) as they investigate unexplained and supernatural cases, including tackling alien abductions, paranormal mysteries, and government conspiracies.

The X-Files made its mark in the 90s, offering viewers a mix of sci-fi, horror, and investigative drama. While the departure of David Duchovny was said to be one of the causes of the show’s decline in quality, there was eventually a revival in the later years. But even with the series’ ups and downs, The X-Files remains an influential series that remarkably blends detective drama with suspense, horror, and the sci-fi genre.

7

‘Battlestar Galactica’ (2004–2009)

Created by Glen A. Larson, Ronald D. Moore

This amazing reboot of the1978 classic, Battlestar Galactica is a landmark in modern sci-fi. Battlestar Galactica, created in 2004, centers around the last surviving humans after a AI-driven Cylon attack takes out most of their civilization. In order to find Earth, the group of survivors flee across space, confronting internal crises and external threats.

Battlestar Galactica, a true must-watch sci-fi adventure, offers engaging moral dilemmas, and intense character-driven drama. With the show’s end, fans found themselves conflicted, unsure if it was a satisfying end to such an iconic and beloved series. Despite that, Battlestar Galactica’s amazing performances, deep exploration of human nature and resilience, and a compelling look into AI’s principles make it a captivating series for any sci-fi lover.

6

‘The Twilight Zone’ (1959-1964)

Created by Rod Serling

This anthology series is renowned for its story that explores the unknown, human nature, and societal strife. Exploring themes of sci-fi, horror, and fantasy, The Twilight Zone offers stimulating standalone stories in each episode.

While the show may not appeal to some of the more modern audiences, since it first aired in the 50s, The Twilight Zone remains one of the most influential forms of entertainment in TV history. The series’ exploration of complex themes, and provision of moral dilemmas, has made it a must-watch for sci-fi lovers enraptured by the classics.

5

‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ (1987–1994)

Created by Gene Roddenberry

Set in the 24th century, approximately a century after the original 1966 Star Trek series, Star Trek: The Next Generation centers around the USS Enterprise-D, led by Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) as he and his crew have adventures throughout the galaxy.

This iconic continuation of the Star Trek universe possesses rich character arcs and captivating storytelling. While some viewers felt the show drifted too far from the original series, losing some of its cherished feel, Star Trek: The Next Generation is still enduring in popularity for its intriguing story, standing as a sci-fi landmark of television.

4

‘Doctor Who’ (2005-2022)

Created by Sydney Newman, C. E. Webber, Donald Wilson

This well-loved British series is completely enthralling for fans of the sci-fi genre. Doctor Who follows Doctor, a time-traveling alien known as a Time Lord, who uses the TARDIS to explore the universe, often alongside a human companion.

While Doctor Who gets a bit of hate for the similar flaws of many long-running shows, including pacing issues and weaker writing, the series is still wholesomely treasured. With Doctor Who’s imaginative and adventurous thrills, and the appreciated blend of heart, comedic moments and horror, the series is a sure must-watch for any sci-fi enthusiast.

3

‘Rick and Morty’ (2013–present)

Created by Justin Roiland, Dan Harmon

This sci-fi animated comedy blends bizarre wild adventures, dark humor, and tones of emotional depth to offer a captivating series. Rick and Morty centers around a cynical alcoholic burper, known as Rick Sanchez (Justin Roiland), and his fidgeting, kind-hearted grandson, Morty Smith (Maurice LaMarche). The two travel across dimensions, experiencing strange beings and confronting brutal realities.

While Rick and Morty is a series that contains a lot of absurd but humorous moments, the show often explores deep existential themes. This unique quality, as well as its unpredictable twists within the chaotic story, is why the sci fi series is so loved. Fans of dark comedic animations that push the boundaries are sure to enjoy this amazing animation.

2

‘Sense8’ (2015-2018)

Created by J. Michael Straczynski, Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski

This brilliant treasure is a truly underrated gem. Sense8 centers around a group of 8 individuals who discover they are Sensates, beings capable of feeling what each other feels, hearing what each other hears, seeing what each other sees, and even tasting what each other tastes. In the midst of learning about each other and themselves, they must battle a threatening organization that wishes to capture them.

Sense8 is a masterpiece among repetitive tropes within the sci-fi genre. With a diverse cast and stunning visuals, Sense8 takes audiences on an enthralling adventure with lovable characters. Although the series had its moments where it dragged and was under the threat of cancellation, it was preserved through the will of its fans. The beloved series is a must-watch for fans of captivating, character-driven, and action-packed sci-fi content.

1

‘The Last of Us’ (2023-present)

Created by: Craig Mazin, Neil Druckmann

In a world overrun by zombies, The Last of Us, based on the critically acclaimed game of the same name, offers audiences a post-apocalyptic world where protagonists Joel Miller (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie Williams’s (Bella Ramsey) journey across the ruins of the United States, encountering the undead and vicious human factions.

Despite some fans’ gripes about a few slow-paced moments, the series’ shining performances, intense but thrilling moments, and faithfulness to its original content, more than overcome its minor flaws. With stunning cinematography, gripping tension, and emotional depth The Last of Us ranks high on any must-watch sci-fi series list.

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