Netflix is home to a wide variety of sci-fi TV shows that cater to every type of sci-fi fan, from space operas to tech thrillers. While popular titles like Stranger Things and Black Mirror are often discussed, there are many other hidden gems on the platform that deserve attention. Shows like The Umbrella Academy, The OA, and 3 Body Problem offer unique narratives and experiences for viewers to enjoy. With an extensive lineup of binge-worthy adventures, there is something for everyone to watch and enjoy on Netflix.
One of the underrated sci-fi series on Netflix is Maniac, starring Emma Stone and Jonah Hill, which follows two individuals participating in a drug trial that promises to solve all their problems. Another lesser-known show is Travelers, which explores the concept of time travel and changing the past to improve humanity. Living with Yourself, a science fiction comedy starring Paul Rudd, tackles the idea of self-improvement through cloning and the internal struggles that arise from it. These hidden gems offer fresh and intriguing perspectives within the sci-fi genre.
Stranger Things became a cultural phenomenon with its blend of ’80s nostalgia and supernatural elements, captivating audiences with its mysterious storyline and lovable characters. 3 Body Problem, created by Game of Thrones alums, is a high-concept sci-fi series that connects a pivotal moment in China’s history to a global threat faced by modern scientists. Archive 81, inspired by a found footage podcast, delves into a terrifying mystery surrounding documentary footage from 1994. Raising Dion explores themes of family, power, and finding one’s place in the world through the story of a young boy with superpowers.
Based on a comic book by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá, The Umbrella Academy follows a dysfunctional family of adopted superhero siblings on a mission to save the world. Supacell takes a unique approach to the superhero narrative by focusing on four Black individuals in South London who develop superpowers connected to their families’ histories with sickle cell disorder. Black Mirror, created by Charlie Brooker, explores the impact of technology on society through a series of standalone stories set in a near future world. The OA and Dark offer complex and thought-provoking narratives that delve into parallel dimensions, time travel, and generational trauma.
Lost in Space follows the Robinson family on a space mission to colonize a new planet, blending family drama with sociopolitical conflict and thrilling encounters with alien beings. Altered Carbon explores a future world where consciousness can be transferred between bodies, leading to a journey of self-discovery for its protagonist. Love, Death + Robots is an anthology series that combines different animation styles and live-action to tell standalone stories about sentient robots and creatures. Manifest, originally an NBC series, follows the passengers of Flight 828 who experience premonitions and visions after returning from a five-year disappearance.
Alice in Borderland, based on a manga, follows a group of characters in a parallel version of Tokyo who must compete in twisted games to survive. These diverse and intriguing sci-fi shows on Netflix offer audiences a range of exciting and thought-provoking experiences to enjoy. Whether you’re a fan of time travel, alternate dimensions, superheroes, or dystopian futures, there is something for everyone in Netflix’s vast collection of sci-fi TV shows. So grab your favorite snack, settle in, and embark on a thrilling journey through the many worlds of Netflix sci-fi.
