Welcome, fellow explorers of the cosmic unknown! If you’ve ever found yourself staring at the night sky, pondering what lies beyond our little blue marble, then buckle up – you’re in for a wild ride. On this intergalactic adventure, we’re diving headfirst into the best science fiction on Netflix of all time. Think of us as your tour guides through the wormholes of binge-worthy entertainment.
Remember that time you tried to assemble IKEA furniture without instructions? Watching these sci-fi series is the exact opposite – thrilling, mind-bending, and surprisingly easy to follow. These shows are like a Swiss Army knife of genres, offering everything from dystopian futures and alien encounters to mind-boggling technologies and epic space battles.
Picture this: it’s Friday night, you’ve got your popcorn ready, and you’re searching for something that’s out of this world. You’re not just looking for any old show; you want one that will launch your imagination into hyperdrive. Whether you’re a veteran sci-fi aficionado or a newbie to the genre, Netflix has a treasure trove of series that will leave you questioning reality and craving more.
So, strap in, adjust your antennas, and let’s embark on this odyssey through the stars. Who knows? You might just find your new favorite show in a galaxy not so far away.
Detailed Table of Top 10 Greatest Science Fiction Series Of All Time
Rank | Web Series | Runtime | Created by | Star Cast | Cinematography | Release Date | IMDB Rating | Famous Quotes |
1 | Stranger Things (2016)Season 4 | 42–139 minutes | The Duffer Brothers | Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Cara Buono, Matthew Modine, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Joe Keery, Dacre Montgomery, Sean Astin, Paul Reiser, Maya Hawke, Priah Ferguson, Brett Gelman, Jamie Campbell Bower, Joseph Quinn, Eduardo Franco | Tim Ives, Tod Campbell, Lachlan Milne, David Franco, Ricardo Diaz[1], Caleb Heymann[2], Brett Jutkiewicz[3] | 15 July 2016 | 8.7/10 | I am not gonna stop looking for him until I find him and bring him home! I am going to bring him home! |
2 | Black Mirror (2011)Season 6 | 40–89 minutes | Charlie Brooker | Daniel Kaluuya, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jon Hamm, Hayley Atwell, Domhnall Gleeson, Mackenzie Davis, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Rory Kinnear, Jodie Whittaker, Anthony Mackie, Miley Cyrus, Andrea Riseborough, Andrew Scott, Letitia Wright, Wyatt Russell | Jakob Ihre, Gus Palmer, Martijn van Broekhuizen, Tim Maurice-Jones, Seamus McGarvey | 21 October 2016 | 8.7/10 | Be Right Back |
3 | Dark (2017)Season 3 | 44–73 minutes | Baran bo Odar, Jantje Friese | Louis Hofmann, Lisa Vicari, Maja Schöne, Andreas Pietschmann, Karoline Eichhorn, Jördis Triebel, Oliver Masucci, Mark Waschke, Gina Stiebitz, Moritz Jahn | Nikolaus Summerer[5] | 1 December 2017 | 8.7/10 | The end is the beginning, and the beginning is the end. |
4 | Sense8 (2015)Season 2 | 46–151 minutes | The Wachowskis, J. Michael Straczynski | Aml Ameen, Bae Doona, Jamie Clayton, Tina Desai, Tuppence Middleton, Max Riemelt, Miguel Ángel Silvestre, Brian J. Smith, Freema Agyeman, Alfonso Herrera, Terrence Mann, Anupam Kher, Naveen Andrews, Daryl Hannah, Toby Onwumere | John Toll, Danny Ruhlmann, Frank Griebe, Christian Almesberger | June 5, 2015 | 8.2/10 | I take everything I’m feeling, everything that matters to me… I push all of it into my fist, and I fight for it. |
5 | Travelers (2016)Season 3 | 45 minutes | Brad Wright | Eric McCormack, MacKenzie Porter, Nesta Cooper, Jared Abrahamson, Reilly Dolman, Patrick Gilmore | Neville Kidd, Stephen Jackson | October 17, 2016 | 8.0/10 | The future is not set. There is no fate but what we make for ourselves. |
6 | The Umbrella Academy (2019)Season 3 | 40–60 minutes | Steve Blackman | Elliot Page, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Robert Sheehan, Aidan Gallagher, Mary J. Blige, Cameron Britton, John Magaro, Adam Godley, Colm Feore, Justin H. Min, Ritu Arya, Yusuf Gatewood, Marin Ireland, Kate Walsh, Genesis Rodriguez, Britne Oldford | Neville Kidd, Craig Wrobleski | February 15, 2019 | 7.9/10 | I used to think it was Dad’s fault. But he’s not the monster. I’m the monster. |
7 | Altered Carbon (2018)Season 2 | 46–66 minutes | Laeta Kalogridis | Joel Kinnaman, James Purefoy, Martha Higareda, Chris Conner, Dichen Lachman, Ato Essandoh, Kristin Lehman, Trieu Tran, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Anthony Mackie, Lela Loren, Simone Missick, Dina Shihabi, Torben Liebrecht | Martin Ahlgren | February 2, 2018 | 7.9/10 | The danger of living too many times: you forget to fear death. |
8 | The OA (2016)Season 2 | 31–71 minutes | Brit Marling, Zal Batmanglij | Brit Marling, Emory Cohen, Scott Wilson, Phyllis Smith, Alice Krige, Patrick Gibson, Brendan Meyer, Brandon Perea, Ian Alexander, Jason Isaacs, Sharon Van Etten, Paz Vega, Will Brill, Chloë Levine, Kingsley Ben-Adir | Lol Crawley, Steven Meizler, Magnus Nordenhof Jønck | 16 December 2016 | 7.8/10 | Belief is a beautiful armor. It makes for the heaviest sword. |
9 | The 100 (2014)Season 7 | 39–44 minutes | Jason Rothenberg | Eliza Taylor, Paige Turco, Thomas McDonell, Eli Goree, Marie Avgeropoulos, Bob Morley, Kelly Hu, Christopher Larkin, Devon Bostick, Isaiah Washington, Henry Ian Cusick, Lindsey Morgan, Ricky Whittle, Richard Harmon, Zach McGowan, Tasya Teles, Shannon Kook, JR Bourne, Chuku Modu, Shelby Flannery | Michael Blundell | March 19, 2014 | 7.6/10 | I’m a survivor. |
10 | Lost in Space (2018)Season 3 | 39–65 minutes | Irwin Allen | Molly Parker, Toby Stephens, Maxwell Jenkins, Taylor Russell, Mina Sundwall, Ignacio Serricchio, Parker Posey, Brian Steele, Ajay Friese, Sibongile Mlambo | Sam McCurdy | April 13, 2018 | 7.3/10 | You don’t need permission to be who you want to be. |
1.Stranger Things (2016)
- Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Horror
- Runtime: 42–139 minutes per episode
- Creators: The Duffer Brothers
- Stars: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Cara Buono, Matthew Modine, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Joe Keery, Dacre Montgomery, Sean Astin, Paul Reiser, Maya Hawke, Priah Ferguson, Brett Gelman, Jamie Campbell Bower, Joseph Quinn, Eduardo Franco
- Cinematography: Tim Ives (Season 1), Tod Campbell (Season 4)
- Original Release Date: July 15, 2016
- IMDB Rating: 8.7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 92%
- Famous Quote: “I am not gonna stop looking for him until I find him and bring him home! I am going to bring him home!”
Summary:
“Stranger Things” is a gripping supernatural drama series created by the Duffer Brothers, set in the 1980s in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana. The narrative unfolds with the inexplicable vanishing of a local boy, sparking a sequence of events that introduce viewers to a telekinetic girl named Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and a parallel dimension known as the Upside Down. As the community reels from these discoveries, they uncover sinister government experiments and confront a malevolent creature endangering their town.
This series skillfully melds horror, science fiction, and coming-of-age themes, paying homage to 1980s cultural touchstones and classic cinema. Key characters include Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder), a determined mother fiercely searching for her son; Police Chief Jim Hopper (David Harbour), who becomes entangled in uncovering Hawkins’ hidden perils; and a group of resilient friends—Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin), and Eleven—who forge unbreakable bonds while confronting supernatural perils.
In Season 4, the narrative delves deeper into the consequences of the group’s encounters with the Upside Down, exploring new dimensions of their personal growth and relationships while expanding the series’ mythos.
“Stranger Things” has garnered acclaim for its nostalgic references, compelling storyline, and standout performances, particularly from its youthful cast. With its suspenseful plot twists and heartfelt moments of courage and camaraderie, the series continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of supernatural horror and heartfelt human drama.
2.Black Mirror (2011)
- Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Runtime: 40–89 minutes per episode
- Creator: Charlie Brooker
- Stars: Daniel Kaluuya, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jon Hamm, Hayley Atwell, Domhnall Gleeson, Mackenzie Davis, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Rory Kinnear, Jodie Whittaker, Anthony Mackie, Miley Cyrus, Andrea Riseborough, Andrew Scott, Letitia Wright, Wyatt Russell
- Cinematography: Jakob Ihre (Season 1), Martijn van Broekhuizen (Season 6)
- Original Release Date: October 21, 2016
- IMDB Rating: 8.7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 83%
- JustWatch Rating: 96%
- Famous Quote: “Be Right Back”
Summary:
“Black Mirror,” created by Charlie Brooker, is a thought-provoking anthology series that explores the dark and often dystopian aspects of modern society and technology. Each standalone episode presents a unique story, often set in a near-future or alternate reality, examining the potential consequences of technological advancements on humanity.
The series dives into themes of morality, identity, and the unforeseen consequences of our reliance on technology. It features a diverse cast across its episodes, including standout performances from Daniel Kaluuya, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jon Hamm, and others. Each episode of “Black Mirror” offers a distinct narrative, ranging from societal commentary to personal introspection, all interconnected by a common thread of technological disruption.
In Season 6, the series continues its exploration of the human condition in an increasingly digital age, with episodes that delve into new realms of technological innovation and its impact on human behavior and relationships.
“Black Mirror” has been praised for its innovative storytelling, provocative concepts, and stellar performances, cementing its status as a groundbreaking series that challenges viewers to reconsider the implications of our technological future.
3.Dark (2017)
- Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Runtime: 44–73 minutes per episode
- Creator: Baran bo Odar
- Stars: Louis Hofmann, Lisa Vicari, Maja Schöne, Andreas Pietschmann, Karoline Eichhorn, Jördis Triebel, Oliver Masucci, Mark Waschke, Gina Stiebitz, Moritz Jahn
- Cinematography: Nikolaus Summerer (Season 1)
- Original Release Date: December 1, 2017
- IMDB Rating: 8.7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: Not available
- JustWatch Rating: 90%
- Famous Quote: “The end is the beginning, and the beginning is the end.”
Summary:
“Dark,” created by Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese, is a German supernatural crime drama series that intertwines complex themes of time travel, family dynamics, and existential mysteries. Set in the small town of Winden, the series begins with the mysterious disappearance of two children, exposing a web of interconnected secrets spanning multiple generations.
The narrative unfolds across different timelines, exploring the lives of four interconnected families as they uncover the dark secrets buried beneath the surface of their seemingly idyllic town. The series delves deep into the implications of time travel, destiny, and free will, challenging viewers with its intricate plot and philosophical themes.
Season 3 continues to unravel the mysteries surrounding the characters’ intertwined fates, exploring new dimensions of the series’ complex mythology. It delves deeper into the consequences of time manipulation while providing answers to long-standing questions, ultimately bringing the saga of Winden to a thought-provoking conclusion.
“Dark” has been acclaimed for its sophisticated storytelling, compelling performances, and atmospheric cinematography. It has garnered a dedicated fanbase worldwide for its mind-bending narrative and exploration of existential themes, solidifying its place as one of the most innovative and thought-provoking series in recent years.
4.Sense8 (2015)
- Genres: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
- Runtime: 46–151 minutes per episode
- Creators: The Wachowskis (Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski)
- Stars: Aml Ameen, Bae Doona, Jamie Clayton, Tina Desai, Tuppence Middleton, Max Riemelt, Miguel Ángel Silvestre, Brian J. Smith, Freema Agyeman, Alfonso Herrera, Terrence Mann, Anupam Kher, Naveen Andrews, Daryl Hannah, Toby Onwumere
- Cinematography: John Toll (Season 1), Frank Griebe (Season 2)
- Original Release Date: June 5, 2015
- IMDB Rating: 8.2/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 86%
- JustWatch Rating: 90%
- Famous Quote: “I take everything I’m feeling, everything that matters to me… I push all of it into my fist, and I fight for it.”
Summary:
“Sense8,” created by The Wachowskis, is a visionary science fiction drama that follows eight individuals from different parts of the world who suddenly become mentally and emotionally linked. These sensates can communicate, share skills, and experience each other’s lives despite being physically separated.
As they navigate this newfound connection, they discover they are being hunted by a powerful organization intent on capturing and exploiting their abilities. The series explores themes of identity, connection, and the struggle for survival in a world where technology and human consciousness intersect.
Season 2 delves deeper into the origins of the sensates and the forces conspiring against them. It expands the scope of the series, introducing new challenges and deepening the bonds between the main characters as they come together to resist their enemies and protect each other.
“Sense8” has been praised for its diverse cast, ambitious storytelling, and exploration of complex themes. It has garnered a dedicated fanbase for its innovative approach to science fiction and its celebration of empathy and human connection across cultural and geographical boundaries.
5.Travelers (2016)
- Genres: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
- Runtime: 45 minutes per episode
- Creator: Brad Wright
- Stars: Eric McCormack, MacKenzie Porter, Nesta Cooper, Jared Abrahamson, Reilly Dolman, Patrick Gilmore
- Cinematography: Neville Kidd (Season 1), Stephen Jackson (Season 3)
- Original Release Date: October 17, 2016
- IMDB Rating: 8.0/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 100%
- JustWatch Rating: 92%
- Famous Quote: “The future is not set. There is no fate but what we make for ourselves.”
Summary:
“Travelers” is a gripping sci-fi drama series created by Brad Wright. The story follows a team of special operatives from the future who travel back in time to the 21st century by transferring their consciousness into the bodies of present-day individuals moments before their deaths. Led by Grant MacLaren (Eric McCormack), the team, known as Travelers, works covertly to prevent catastrophic events and change the course of history.
The series explores themes of fate, free will, and the ethical dilemmas of altering the past to save the future. MacKenzie Porter stars as Marcy Warton, a mentally impaired woman whose body is inhabited by a highly intelligent Traveler; Nesta Cooper portrays Carly Shannon, a single mother and skilled fighter; Jared Abrahamson plays Trevor Holden, a high school athlete turned historian; Reilly Dolman appears as Philip Pearson, a heroin addict with a knack for predicting the future; and Patrick Gilmore as David Mailer, an FBI agent entangled in the Travelers’ missions.
“Travelers” is praised for its compelling storyline, character development, and thought-provoking exploration of time travel ethics. With its suspenseful plot twists and strong performances, the series has garnered a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim, making it a standout in the sci-fi genre.
6.The Umbrella Academy (2019)
- Genres: Action
- Runtime: 40–60 minutes per episode
- Creator: Steve Blackman
- Stars: Elliot Page, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Robert Sheehan, Aidan Gallagher, Mary J. Blige, Cameron Britton, and more
- Cinematography: Neville Kidd
- Original Release Date: February 15, 2019
- IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 86%
- JustWatch Rating: 93%
- Famous Quote: “I used to think it was Dad’s fault. But he’s not the monster. I’m the monster.”
Summary:
“The Umbrella Academy,” created by Steve Blackman, is an action-packed series that follows a dysfunctional family of adopted sibling superheroes. Reunited by their adoptive father’s mysterious death, the estranged siblings uncover shocking family secrets and must work together to thwart an impending apocalypse.
Season 3 of “The Umbrella Academy” continues the adventurous journey of the Hargreeves siblings across time and space. As they navigate newfound alliances and confront their own personal demons, each sibling’s unique powers and quirks come into play in unexpected ways.
With a blend of adventure, comedy, and emotional depth, the series explores themes of identity, family dynamics, and the consequences of altering history. Its diverse ensemble cast delivers captivating performances, adding layers of complexity to each character’s development.
“The Umbrella Academy” has garnered praise for its inventive storytelling, dynamic action sequences, and witty dialogue, making it a standout in the superhero genre with a distinctively dark and comedic edge.
7.Altered Carbon (2018)
- Genres: Action
- Runtime: 46–66 minutes per episode
- Creator: Laeta Kalogridis
- Stars: Joel Kinnaman, James Purefoy, Martha Higareda, Chris Conner, Dichen Lachman, Anthony Mackie, and more
- Cinematography: Martin Ahlgren
- Original Release Date: February 2, 2018
- IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 75%
- JustWatch Rating: 91%
- Famous Quote: “The danger of living too many times: you forget to fear death.”
Summary:
“Altered Carbon,” created by Laeta Kalogridis, is a gritty action series set in a future where human consciousness can be digitized and transferred between bodies, known as “sleeves.” Takeshi Kovacs, a former soldier turned investigator, is revived centuries after his death to solve a wealthy man’s murder.
Season 2 of “Altered Carbon” explores new dimensions of the universe as Takeshi Kovacs continues his quest across different sleeves and timelines. As he unravels deeper conspiracies and faces formidable adversaries, Kovacs confronts his own haunted past and struggles with the morality of immortality.
The series blends elements of adventure and drama, delving into themes of identity, power, and the ethics of technology. With its visually stunning cinematography and a diverse cast delivering compelling performances, “Altered Carbon” immerses viewers in a dystopian future where the line between humanity and technology blurs.
Critically acclaimed for its thought-provoking narrative and intricate world-building, “Altered Carbon” captivates audiences with its exploration of what it means to be human in an era of limitless technological possibilities.
8.The OA (2016)
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 31–71 minutes per episode
- Creator: Brit Marling
- Stars: Brit Marling, Emory Cohen, Scott Wilson, Phyllis Smith, Jason Isaacs, and more
- Cinematography: Lol Crawley
- Original Release Date: December 16, 2016
- IMDB Rating: 7.8/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 84%
- JustWatch Rating: 87%
- Famous Quote: “Belief is a beautiful armor. It makes for the heaviest sword.”
Summary:
“The OA,” created by Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij, is a captivating drama series that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. Prairie Johnson returns home after a seven-year disappearance with inexplicable scars and newfound abilities, claiming to be “The OA” (Original Angel).
Season 2 of “The OA” expands upon Prairie’s mystical journey as she navigates parallel dimensions and confronts powerful forces threatening her newfound community. Alongside a diverse group of allies, including old friends and new acquaintances, she unravels deeper mysteries surrounding her identity and the true nature of her extraordinary powers.
With its mix of fantasy and mystery, the series explores profound themes of faith, destiny, and the interconnectedness of human experience. Through its intricate storytelling and evocative cinematography, “The OA” challenges viewers to reconsider the boundaries of belief and the power of storytelling in shaping our perception of reality.
Critically acclaimed for its innovative narrative and compelling performances, “The OA” has garnered a dedicated following for its ambitious exploration of existential questions and the mysteries of the human spirit.
9.The 100 (2014)
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 39–44 minutes per episode
- Creator: Jason Rothenberg
- Stars: Eliza Taylor, Paige Turco, Thomas McDonell, Marie Avgeropoulos, Bob Morley, and more
- Cinematography: Michael Blundell
- Original Release Date: March 19, 2014
- IMDB Rating: 7.6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 89%
- JustWatch Rating: (Rating missing, please provide if available)
- Famous Quote: “I’m a survivor.”
Summary:
“The 100,” created by Jason Rothenberg, is a gripping drama series set in a post-apocalyptic world. A group of juvenile delinquents are sent back to Earth from a space station called the Ark to determine if the planet is habitable after a nuclear apocalypse.
Season 7 of “The 100” continues to explore the challenges faced by the remaining survivors as they navigate political intrigue, moral dilemmas, and the constant threat of external and internal conflicts. As new alliances are forged and old enemies resurface, the characters must confront their past decisions and the consequences of their actions.
Combining elements of mystery and science fiction, the series delves into themes of survival, resilience, and the complexities of human nature. With its diverse cast and dynamic storytelling, “The 100” captivates viewers with its exploration of societal collapse and the enduring spirit of hope in the face of adversity.
Critically acclaimed for its character development and narrative depth, “The 100” has garnered a dedicated fan base and continues to resonate with audiences for its exploration of morality and the pursuit of a better future in a harsh and unforgiving world.
10.Lost in Space (2018)
- Genres: Adventure
- Runtime: 39–65 minutes per episode
- Creator: Irwin Allen
- Stars: Molly Parker, Toby Stephens, Maxwell Jenkins, Taylor Russell, Parker Posey, and more
- Cinematography: Sam McCurdy
- Original Release Date: April 13, 2018
- IMDB Rating: 7.3/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 84%
- JustWatch Rating: 91%
- Famous Quote: “You don’t need permission to be who you want to be.”
Summary:
“Lost in Space,” inspired by the classic 1960s series, is an adventurous tale set in a distant future where the Robinson family, along with other colonists, crash-land on an unknown planet. They must navigate dangers, alien environments, and their own interpersonal conflicts to survive and find a way back to their original destination, the Alpha Centauri star system.
Season 3 of “Lost in Space” continues the Robinson family’s journey as they encounter new challenges and revelations about the mysteries surrounding their predicament. As they explore uncharted territories and face unforeseen threats, the bond between family members strengthens, while alliances are tested in their quest for survival.
The series blends elements of drama and family dynamics with high-stakes adventure and science fiction. With its stunning cinematography and compelling character arcs, “Lost in Space” explores themes of resilience, courage, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of the unknown.
Critically acclaimed for its visual effects and emotional storytelling, “Lost in Space” captures the imagination of viewers with its exploration of humanity’s capacity for adaptation and the pursuit of hope in the darkest of circumstances.
Anas Chaudhary is a writer at Entertainment 24 Seven, specializing in entertainment news, facts, and trends. He brings a fresh perspective and engaging storytelling to his coverage of the latest happenings in the entertainment world.