When discussing science fiction on Netflix, titles that usually come up in conversation are the genre heavy-hitters like Black Mirror and Stranger Things. They have the right to be there, obviously. But when it comes to sci-fi shows, Netflix's library is deep and varied.
That's a good thing, because any sci-fi fan knows that you can't just stuff the genre into a little box and be on your way. Like its cousins, fantasy and horror, science fiction comes in many forms, subgenres and flavors. Netflix's programming catalog is full of must-watch shows and showcases the diversity of the sci-fi genre.
Whether you're in the mood for something dystopian like 3 Body Problem or want a superhero adventure series like The Umbrella Academy, there are hours of content to keep you engaged. If you're looking for something a bit more avant-garde, there are genre-bending programs like The OA and Maniac.
Let's get down to brass tacks. Here are the best Netflix sci-fi TV shows you should be watching. Check back regularly, as I'll be updating this list monthly.
Read more: Apple TV: 15 of the Absolute Best Sci-Fi Shows Your Should Stream Now
Warner Bros. Television 11.22.63 11.22.63 first premiered on Hulu a decade ago, and it's now resurfaced here. The series, based on an epic piece of historical fiction by Stephen King, posits the existence of a little doorway that can transport you back in time. What would happen if someone went through it with the goal of saving JFK from being assassinated? That's the question King tries to answer in the book and this show. Riveting stuff.
AMC Studios Pantheon Pantheon premiered on AMC in 2022 and disappeared a year later, which is a shame, because the show is solid sci-fi entertainment. The program takes place in a reality where human consciousness can be uploaded to the cloud. Netflix's comedy Upload, which is also on this list, tackles similar subject matter. Pantheon is a lot darker and explores all sorts of hot-button issues like corporate responsibility, immortality and morality, all against a backdrop of an unraveling tech conspiracy.
BBC America Orphan Black Discussing what Orphan Black is about would immediately put me in spoiler territory. All you really need to know is this is one of the most thought-provoking, engaging and original sci-fi programs to hit TV over the past decade. Tatiana Maslany is the highlight; she shows off her acting skills in playing a total of 17 different clones here -- each with their own mannerisms and accents.
Netflix Russian Doll Time loop stories are nothing new in the sci-fi world, but Russian Doll still manages to etch its own unique space in the genre. Natasha Lyonne stars as a woman who gets stuck in said loop on her 36th birthday and every time she dies, she restarts her day. Themes of grief, generational trauma and addiction permeate the show, making this more than a simple run-of-the-mill comedy.
James Dittiger/USA Network Resident Alien Resident Alien, like Orphan Black, is not a Netflix Original series. However, I believe both shows deserve to be included on this list -- not just because they're currently streaming on Netflix, but because their cult-like status tells me more people need to be introduced to them. Alan Tudyk stars as an alien residing among humans trying to follow through on a world domination mission. The only problem? He sorta likes being human. He's just not that great at it.
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