Sci-fi series on Netflix have captivated fans worldwide with their engaging plots, futuristic settings, and intriguing themes like time travel, parallel realities, and dystopian worlds. Moreover, the platform’s catalog continues to expand, bringing new releases and timeless classics that push the boundaries of imagination. It’s no coincidence that Netflix has become the go-to destination for sci-fi fans, offering a wide variety of stories that captivate diverse audiences.
If you are passionate about alternate universes, advanced technologies, and mysteries that defy logic, Netflix is the right place for you! Therefore, in this ranking, we list the 9 best sci-fi series on Netflix, including timeless classics and original productions that have become cultural phenomena. Get ready to embark on epic space journeys, experience alternate realities, and explore the unknown!
1. Stranger Things (2016 – Present)
A love letter to the 80s blending horror, adventure, and science fiction, Stranger Things is undoubtedly one of the most popular sci-fi series on Netflix. Set in the fictional town of Hawkins, the story follows a group of kids who encounter supernatural events after a friend goes missing. Moreover, the series masterfully combines nostalgic elements with complex mysteries, keeping viewers hooked with every episode.
Why Watch It:
- Nostalgic atmosphere with references to 80s pop culture.
- Charismatic characters like Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and her inseparable group of friends.
- An engaging plot mixing parallel universes and secret government experiments.
Fun Facts:
- The series was inspired by classics from Stephen King and Steven Spielberg.
- Millie Bobby Brown shaved her head to play Eleven, creating an iconic moment in the first season.
Where to Watch: Available exclusively on Netflix.
If you enjoy sci-fi with elements of horror and adventure, Stranger Things is a must-watch!
2. Black Mirror (2011 – Present)
Another unmissable series in the genre is Black Mirror, one of the most impactful sci-fi series on Netflix. Unlike Stranger Things, Black Mirror explores the dark sides of technology and its impact on society. Each episode stands alone, presenting disturbing stories that challenge viewers to reflect on the future of humanity. Furthermore, the topics covered are highly relevant in today’s digital age.
Why Watch It:
- Standalone episodes covering themes like artificial intelligence, social media, and virtual realities.
- Provocative narratives blending science fiction, psychological drama, and psychological horror.
Fun Facts:
- The episode “San Junipero” won two Emmy Awards, including Best Writing.
- The series was inspired by “The Twilight Zone”.
Where to Watch: Available exclusively on Netflix.
Black Mirror is perfect for those who love dystopian anthologies that explore the limits of technology. Undoubtedly, it’s a series that makes viewers question the impact of technology on our lives.
3. Star Trek (1966 – 1969)
Considered a milestone in TV history, Star Trek is a true classic of science fiction. Unlike Black Mirror, which explores dystopian futures, Star Trek explores space with an optimistic vision of humanity. The original series follows the adventures of the starship USS Enterprise, commanded by Captain Kirk (William Shatner) and his first officer, Spock (Leonard Nimoy), as they explore new worlds and civilizations.
Why Watch It:
- Episodes that intelligently address social and philosophical issues.
- Iconic and memorable characters like Spock, Kirk, and Uhura.
- Pioneer in innovative special effects for its time.
Fun Facts:
- One of the first TV series to feature a diverse cast.
- The interracial kiss between Uhura (Nichelle Nichols) and Kirk was a historic milestone on TV.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix in select countries, including the US.
If you’re a fan of classic sci-fi and space adventures, Star Trek is essential viewing. Moreover, it’s an opportunity to explore the beginnings of a universe that influenced generations.
4. Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987 – 1994)
Continuing the legacy of Star Trek, Star Trek: The Next Generation is set 100 years after the original series. Although it maintains the same spirit of exploration and adventure, this series presents new adventures and ethical dilemmas as the USS Enterprise explores uncharted space.
Why Watch It:
- Complex narratives addressing morality, diplomacy, and science.
- Deep and emotional character development.
- Modernized special effects for its time, while preserving the spirit of the original series.
Fun Facts:
- Patrick Stewart initially thought the series would not last more than one season.
- The series won 19 Emmy Awards over its 7 seasons.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix. Other productions of the franchise are available on Paramount+, Prime Video and Disney+.
If you enjoy space adventures with philosophical dilemmas, this is your series. Additionally, it’s considered by many to be the best series in the Star Trek franchise.
5. Lost (2004 – 2010)
Lastly, Lost is a cultural phenomenon. Unlike the previous series, which focus on space or technological dystopias, Lost brilliantly blends mystery, adventure, and science fiction. The series begins with a plane crash on a deserted island, but soon reveals a complex narrative with elements of time travel, parallel universes, and scientific enigmas.
Why Watch It:
- Multifaceted characters with emotional and mysterious backstories.
- Engaging plots exploring philosophical and existential questions.
- Unexpected twists that defy viewers’ expectations.
Fun Facts:
- One of the first series to inspire theories and discussions in online forums.
- Won the Golden Globe for Best Drama Series in 2006.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, Fandango at Home, Prime Video or Apple TV.
If you love complex mysteries and non-linear narratives, Lost is a must-watch choice.
6. The 100 (2014 – 2020)
The 100 explores a post-apocalyptic future where humanity lives in space after a nuclear disaster. When 100 young people are sent back to Earth to test the planet’s habitability, they face dangerous challenges and ethical dilemmas. Additionally, the series addresses complex social issues, exploring how survivors struggle to rebuild society in a hostile world.
Why Watch It:
- Exciting plots with moral and social conflicts.
- Stunning landscapes and intense action.
- A mix of dystopian science fiction with teenage drama.
Fun Facts:
- Based on the book series by Kass Morgan.
- The series was praised for addressing survival and leadership themes.
Where to Watch: Available globally on Netflix and AppleTV+.
The 100 is an excellent choice for fans of dystopias and post-apocalyptic science fiction. Furthermore, character development and plot twists keep viewers hooked until the last episode.
7. The Rain (2018 – 2020)
A dark dystopia, The Rain is one of the sci-fi series on Netflix that stands out for its apocalyptic atmosphere. The plot follows two siblings who survive a deadly virus transmitted by rain, facing dangers and secrets as they search for answers in a devastated world. Additionally, the series masterfully captures the tension and despair of a post-apocalyptic scenario, creating a constant atmosphere of suspense.
Why Watch It:
- Intense atmosphere and impressive post-apocalyptic settings.
- Complex and emotional characters that evolve throughout the seasons.
- An engaging plot filled with mysteries and surprising revelations.
Fun Facts:
- It is Netflix’s first Danish original series.
- It was praised by critics for its realistic approach to the apocalypse.
Where to Watch: Available exclusively on Netflix.
The Rain is ideal for those who love exciting dystopias and apocalyptic mysteries. Moreover, the relationship between the main sibling protagonists adds an emotional layer to the narrative.
8. Sense8 (2015 – 2018)
Created by the Wachowski sisters, Sense8 is one of the most innovative sci-fi series on Netflix. The story connects eight strangers around the world who share sensory and emotional abilities while being hunted by a secret organization. Additionally, the series stands out for exploring themes of identity, diversity, and emotional empathy in a unique and engaging way.
Why Watch It:
- A global narrative filmed in different countries and cultures.
- Themes of identity, diversity, and emotional empathy.
- Intense action combined with science fiction and psychological drama.
Fun Facts:
- Filmed in 16 cities around the world.
- The series received a farewell special due to strong fan campaigns.
Where to Watch: Available exclusively on Netflix.
Sense8 is perfect for those looking for sci-fi with emotional depth and cultural diversity. Additionally, the connection between the characters creates emotional and impactful moments.
9. Cassandra (2025)
Cassandra follows a family that moves into an old smart house. Soon, they discover that the house is controlled by a virtual assistant who will do anything to keep the family there. The plot explores themes of control and manipulation over the residents’ lives, addressing issues such as privacy, ethics in technology, and the consequences of advancing artificial intelligence. Additionally, the series builds an atmosphere of psychological suspense that keeps viewers hooked from start to finish.
Why Watch It:
- Combines science fiction and psychological suspense in an engaging way.
- Addresses relevant themes about privacy and ethics in artificial intelligence.
- The peculiar relationship between Cassandra and Juno (Mary Tölle) creates a tense atmosphere, while Samira (Mina Tander) faces emotional conflicts as she is not taken seriously by her family.
Fun Facts:
- The series has been compared to Black Mirror and M3GAN for exploring the impact of technology on modern life.
- Creator Benjamin Gutsche revealed that the idea came from imagining a “modern Frankenstein” who created a smart house in the 70s.
- Cassandra reached the second spot among the most-watched on Netflix.
Where to Watch: Available exclusively on Netflix, released on February 6, 2025.
Cassandra is a must-watch for those who enjoy sci-fi series on Netflix with psychological suspense and social criticism. Moreover, the way the series explores the ethical consequences of artificial intelligence is simply fascinating.
Sci-Fi Series on Netflix vs. Other Platforms
Other streaming platforms also have remarkable sci-fi productions worth exploring.
Amazon Prime Video
- The Expanse: A complex and realistic narrative of interstellar politics and space exploration. The series is acclaimed for its scientific realism and detailed world-building.
- Upload: A comedic and philosophical look at the digital afterlife, questioning technological advancements and their implications on human life.
Subscribe to Prime Video here!
Disney+
- Loki: Combines science fiction with mythology and time travel in a spectacular way, directly connecting to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The series stands out for its originality and unpredictable storylines.
Apple TV+
- Foundation: Based on the work of Isaac Asimov, it explores a distant future with themes of galactic empire and civilizational collapse. It is known for its grand narrative and stunning visual effects.
Subscribe to Apple TV+ here!
Which is the Best Sci-Fi Series on Netflix?
When comparing sci-fi series on Netflix with those on other platforms, it becomes clear that each service offers unique experiences. Star Trek: The Next Generation is the highest-rated on Rotten Tomatoes, making it a classic choice for fans of space adventures and philosophical dilemmas. However, if you’re looking for a more recent series, Stranger Things is undoubtedly unmissable, blending nostalgia and horror with science fiction brilliantly. For philosophical reflections on the future and societal behaviors, Black Mirror is essential, exploring the limits of technology in a thought-provoking way.
Netflix offers sci-fi series for all tastes, but exploring other platforms like Prime Video, Disney+, and Apple TV+ expands the options even more for fans of the genre. Also, check out our other content on TVStreamzilla to discover more about must-watch movies and series!
