15 Best Sci-Fi TV Shows to Watch on Netflix Right Now

Science fiction has always been the genre that pushes boundaries and challenges our understanding of reality. Whether you’re into dystopian futures, alternate dimensions, or space exploration, Netflix offers an incredible selection of sci-fi TV shows that cater to every taste. The beauty of the science fiction genre is its versatility. You can find everything from psychological thrillers that mess with your mind to action-packed adventures across galaxies.

What makes Netflix’s sci-fi catalog particularly special is how it blends high-concept storytelling with accessible narratives that keep you hooked from the first episode. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the genre or just dipping your toes into speculative fiction, these 15 best sci-fi shows on Netflix offer something for everyone.

From Netflix Originals that have become cultural touchstones to hidden gems that deserve more attention, this list covers the full spectrum of what makes sci-fi television so compelling. These shows explore themes of technology, humanity, survival, and what it means to exist in worlds vastly different from our own.

What Makes Great Sci-Fi Television?

Before diving into our list, it’s worth understanding what elevates sci-fi TV shows from good to great. The best science fiction series don’t just rely on flashy special effects or futuristic settings. They use those elements to explore deeper questions about human nature, society, and our relationship with technology. Great sci-fi shows on Netflix combine imaginative world-building with compelling characters and storylines that resonate on an emotional level.

The streaming platform has invested heavily in original sci-fi content, recognizing that audiences crave stories that transport them beyond everyday reality. From mind-bending mysteries to thrilling adventures, these shows prove that science fiction remains one of the most dynamic and engaging genres on television.

The 15 Best Sci-Fi TV Shows on Netflix

1. Stranger Things

If there’s one show that defines Netflix’s sci-fi success, it’s Stranger Things. Set in the 1980s in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, this supernatural thriller follows a group of kids who encounter otherworldly forces after their friend mysteriously disappears. Created by the Duffer Brothers, the show masterfully blends sci-fi horror with coming-of-age storytelling and nostalgic references to ’80s pop culture.

What makes Stranger Things so special is how it balances multiple genres. It’s part mystery, part horror, part adventure, and entirely engaging. The show introduces viewers to the Upside Down, a dark parallel dimension that threatens to consume the normal world. With each season, the stakes get higher and the mysteries deepen. The cast, including Millie Bobby Brown as the psychokinetic Eleven, delivers performances that ground the fantastical elements in genuine emotion. As the series heads toward its final season, it remains one of the most popular sci-fi series ever created.

2. Black Mirror

Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror stands as perhaps the most influential sci-fi anthology series of our time. Each standalone episode presents a different story exploring the dark side of technology and modern society. From social media obsession to artificial intelligence gone wrong, Black Mirror serves as a dystopian warning about where our tech-dependent world might be heading.

The anthology format means you can start anywhere, though episodes like “San Junipero” and “USS Callister” are frequently cited as masterpieces. What sets Black Mirror apart from other Netflix sci-fi shows is its unflinching willingness to make viewers uncomfortable. These aren’t feel-good stories about technological progress. They’re cautionary tales that force us to examine our relationship with the devices and systems we’ve come to depend on. The show features impressive guest stars including Bryce Dallas Howard, Jon Hamm, and Daniel Kaluuya, each bringing depth to their respective dystopian scenarios.

3. 3 Body Problem

From the creators of Game of Thrones comes 3 Body Problem, an epic sci-fi series that spans space and time. Based on Liu Cixin’s internationally acclaimed novel, this ambitious show tackles big questions about humanity’s place in the universe. When scientists around the world begin dying under mysterious circumstances, a group of friends teams up with a detective to uncover a threat that could end humanity itself.

The series features a stellar ensemble cast including Benedict Wong, Jess Hong, and Eiza González. What makes 3 Body Problem particularly impressive is how it handles complex scientific concepts without dumbing them down for viewers. The show explores virtual reality, quantum mechanics, and the possibility of alien contact while maintaining an emotionally grounded narrative. It’s the kind of mind-bending sci-fi that rewards careful attention and multiple viewings. For fans looking for Netflix Originals that push the boundaries of television storytelling, this is essential viewing.

4. The Umbrella Academy

Superhero stories meet science fiction in this wildly creative series based on the comic book by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá. The Umbrella Academy follows a dysfunctional family of adopted siblings with superpowers who reunite after their father’s death to prevent an apocalypse. The show seamlessly blends time travel, alternate timelines, and family drama into something truly unique.

What distinguishes this from typical superhero fare is its emphasis on character relationships and emotional complexity. Each sibling has their own traumas and conflicts to work through while simultaneously trying to save the world. The show’s quirky humor, stylish visuals, and killer soundtrack make it endlessly rewatchable. With multiple seasons available for binge-watching, The Umbrella Academy offers a fresh take on both the superhero and sci-fi genres.

5. Lost

While Lost originally aired from 2004 to 2010, all six seasons are now available on Netflix, allowing new viewers to experience this groundbreaking series without waiting for weekly episodes. Created by J.J. Abrams, Damon Lindelof, and Jeffrey Lieber, the show follows survivors of a plane crash who discover they’ve landed on a mysterious island filled with supernatural phenomena.

Lost revolutionized television storytelling with its complex mythology, character-focused flashbacks, and willingness to embrace sci-fi elements like time travel and parallel universes. The island itself becomes a character, holding secrets that the survivors gradually uncover. For those who enjoy shows that reward close attention and generate endless discussion, Lost remains one of the most ambitious mystery sci-fi shows ever made. The ensemble cast and intricate plotting make this perfect for extended viewing sessions.

6. Alice in Borderland

This Japanese thriller series offers a deadly twist on survival games. When Arisu and his friends find themselves transported to a deserted parallel version of Tokyo, they must compete in dangerous games to survive. Each game presents a different puzzle or challenge, with failure meaning death. Based on the manga by Haro Aso, Alice in Borderland combines psychological horror with sci-fi mystery.

The show excels at creating tension and keeping viewers guessing about the true nature of the “Borderland” and who’s orchestrating these deadly games. The production values are exceptional, with Tokyo’s familiar landmarks rendered eerily empty. For fans of Squid Game or other survival-focused narratives, Alice in Borderland delivers similar thrills with its own unique Japanese perspective. The show explores themes of meaning, purpose, and what people will do to survive when pushed to their limits.

7. The Eternaut

Based on the legendary Argentine graphic novel, The Eternaut brings a fresh perspective to alien invasion stories. When deadly snow begins falling in Buenos Aires, Juan Salvo and his friends find themselves among the few survivors. They soon discover the snowfall is just the beginning of an extraterrestrial attack. This Netflix Original combines elements of survival horror with science fiction and social commentary.

What makes The Eternaut stand out is its setting and cultural specificity. Rather than defaulting to American or European locations, the show grounds its apocalyptic scenario in Buenos Aires, bringing a different cultural perspective to familiar sci-fi tropes. The mystery of who or what is behind the invasion unfolds gradually, keeping viewers engaged throughout. With a second season already greenlit, this is the perfect time to catch up on one of Netflix’s most underrated sci-fi offerings.

8. Lost in Space

This reboot of the classic 1960s series updates the Robinson family’s adventures for modern audiences. When their spaceship crash-lands on an alien planet, the family must work together to survive hostile environments and find a way home. Unlike the campy original, this version takes a more serious approach while maintaining family-friendly appeal.

The relationship between young Will Robinson and the mysterious Robot provides the show’s emotional core. Lost in Space features impressive special effects and genuine tension, proving that family-oriented sci-fi shows can be just as engaging as darker fare. The three-season arc tells a complete story, making it ideal for binge-watching without the frustration of cliffhanger endings. For viewers seeking space exploration stories with heart, this Netflix reboot delivers.

9. Dark

German sci-fi thriller Dark might be the most complex show on this list. Set in the small town of Winden, the series begins with a child’s disappearance but quickly evolves into an intricate time travel mystery spanning multiple generations. As characters discover a wormhole beneath the town’s nuclear power plant, they uncover connections between families that stretch across decades.

Dark demands your full attention. The show’s intricate plotting and large cast of characters across different time periods can be challenging to follow, but the payoff is immense. The atmospheric cinematography and haunting score create a perpetually unsettling mood. For those who loved shows like Lost but wanted tighter plotting and a planned ending, Dark delivers in spades. Its exploration of determinism, free will, and the consequences of trying to change the past makes it one of the most philosophically ambitious sci-fi series on Netflix.

10. Travelers

This Canadian sci-fi series presents a clever twist on time travel. In a post-apocalyptic future, humanity sends consciousness back in time to inhabit the bodies of people about to die, creating “travelers” who work to prevent the disasters that destroyed civilization. The show explores the ethical complications of this arrangement and the challenge of maintaining cover while executing missions.

Travelers stands out for its relatively grounded approach to science fiction. There are no flashy special effects or futuristic technology. Instead, the show focuses on character drama and moral dilemmas. How do you live someone else’s life while maintaining your mission? What happens when you develop feelings for people you weren’t supposed to care about? The Canadian production proves you don’t need a massive budget to create compelling sci-fi television.

11. Love, Death + Robots

From producers David Fincher and Tim Miller comes this animated anthology series that pushes the boundaries of what sci-fi television can be. Each episode presents a different story with a unique animation style, ranging from photorealistic CGI to traditional hand-drawn animation. The episodes vary in length from just a few minutes to over 20 minutes, keeping the streaming experience dynamic.

The show’s title perfectly encapsulates its themes. Love, Death + Robots explores humanity’s relationship with technology, mortality, and connection through imaginative stories that span multiple genres. Some episodes are darkly comedic, others deeply moving, and still others pure nightmare fuel. The anthology format means you can watch episodes in any order, making it perfect for casual viewing or when you want something bite-sized. For animation fans and sci-fi enthusiasts alike, this series showcases what’s possible when creators are given complete artistic freedom.

12. Maniac

This limited series starring Jonah Hill and Emma Stone offers a surreal exploration of mental health and consciousness. Set in a slightly alternate present, two strangers participate in a pharmaceutical trial that promises to cure any mental illness. As the experimental drug sends them through shared dream worlds, they must confront their deepest traumas.

Maniac features stunning production design that creates a retro-futuristic aesthetic unlike anything else on Netflix. The show balances dark themes with moments of genuine humor and features exceptional performances from its leads. While it’s more character-driven than plot-driven, Maniac uses sci-fi elements to explore how we process trauma and construct our identities. The ten-episode arc tells a complete story, making it perfect for a weekend binge watch.

13. The OA

Few shows have generated as much passionate debate as The OA. This mysterious series follows Prairie Johnson, a young woman who returns after being missing for seven years with her sight restored and incredible stories about near-death experiences and other dimensions. Created by Brit Marling and Zac Batmanglij, the show blends science fiction with spiritual themes.

The OA divides viewers. Some find its blend of mysticism and sci-fi pretentious, while others consider it one of the most original shows ever made. The series takes big swings, including an interpretive dance sequence that plays a crucial role in the mythology. While Netflix controversially canceled the show after two seasons, leaving the story unfinished, what exists is worth experiencing for viewers who appreciate ambitious, unconventional storytelling.

14. Sense8

From the Wachowskis comes this ambitious series about eight strangers from different countries who suddenly find themselves psychically connected. As “sensates,” they can share skills, languages, and experiences while being pursued by those who want to eliminate their kind. Sense8 combines sci-fi concepts with action, romance, and social commentary.

The show’s greatest strength is its celebration of diversity and human connection. The cast represents multiple countries, sexualities, and backgrounds, and the show treats each character with equal importance. While production costs led to premature cancellation, Sense8 at least received a proper finale. The show’s message about empathy and understanding across cultural divides feels particularly relevant. For viewers seeking sci-fi television that’s as much about heart as it is about high concepts, Sense8 delivers.

15. Supacell

One of Netflix’s newer entries, Supacell brings a fresh British perspective to superhero science fiction. Set in South London, the show follows five ordinary people who develop superpowers. The catch? They’re all Black, and they soon discover their abilities are connected to sickle cell trait. As they learn to control their powers, they must face a sinister organization targeting them.

Supacell stands out for grounding its superhero story in a specific cultural community rarely centered in sci-fi television. The show addresses real issues around healthcare, systemic racism, and community while delivering the genre thrills audiences expect. The mystery surrounding why these specific individuals developed powers and what they’re meant to do unfolds across the season, setting up bigger questions for future installments.

Finding Your Next Sci-Fi Obsession

Netflix’s library of science fiction shows offers remarkable variety. Whether you prefer hard sci-fi that takes its scientific concepts seriously, like 3 Body Problem, or more fantastical takes on the genre like Stranger Things, there’s something here for every taste. The streaming service has invested heavily in creating original sci-fi content that rivals anything on traditional television.

For those new to the genre, starting with crowd-pleasers like Stranger Things or Black Mirror provides an accessible entry point. More adventurous viewers might dive into complex narratives like Dark or experimental shows like The OA. The beauty of streaming is you can sample different shows without commitment. If something doesn’t grab you in the first episode or two, move on to the next option.

According to IMDb, which tracks viewer ratings and reviews, many of these shows rank among the highest-rated sci-fi television series of all time. Meanwhile, Rotten Tomatoes provides both critic and audience scores that can help guide viewing choices, though the best approach is simply exploring what sounds interesting to you.

Conclusion

The 15 best sci-fi TV shows on Netflix right now represent the genre at its finest, offering everything from mind-bending mysteries and thrilling adventures to thoughtful explorations of technology and humanity. Whether you’re drawn to the nostalgic supernatural horror of Stranger Things, the dystopian warnings of Black Mirror, or the cosmic scope of 3 Body Problem, Netflix has established itself as the premier destination for science fiction television. These shows prove that the genre continues to evolve and captivate audiences with stories that challenge our understanding of reality while entertaining us with imaginative worlds and compelling characters. So grab your remote, settle in, and prepare to explore dimensions unknown through these exceptional sci-fi series that are just waiting to be discovered on your Netflix queue.