Science fiction has consistently been a popular genre on television, and it’s easy to see why. These shows frequently imagine future worlds, offering optimistic visions of new communities and connections between planets. They spark our imaginations by asking ‘what if?’ – what if aliens existed, or what if history unfolded differently? But sci-fi isn’t always hopeful; it can also present cautionary tales about the potential dangers facing humanity.
Choosing the best science fiction shows ever made is tough because there have been so many great ones. But the truly memorable shows usually tell us something meaningful about being human and suggest the possibility of a brighter future, even when they explore difficult or troubling themes.
7) The Prisoner
The Prisoner is a fantastic, yet often overlooked, science fiction series. It’s visually stunning and explores thought-provoking themes. The show centers on a former spy who is suddenly abducted and imprisoned in a strange place called The Village. There, everyone is identified by numbers, individuality is suppressed, and a powerful, unseen enemy uses mind games to force him to reveal why he resigned from his job.
The performances are excellent, and the show consistently builds a creepy and unsettling atmosphere. While some episodes feel unnecessary and the finale is strange, it’s still a compelling and well-made series that’s difficult to pull yourself away from.
6) Stranger Things
I’m a huge fan of Stranger Things, and honestly, a lot of its appeal is definitely the amazing 80s vibe. But what really sets it apart, for me, is how it’s managed to stay fresh and engaging for five whole seasons. It could have easily gotten stale, but it just hasn’t – and that’s a real accomplishment.
The concept of the Upside Down creating visions and strange events could have become repetitive, but the show managed to stay fresh. Even Will’s rescue in the first season didn’t diminish the story’s appeal. What really makes the show compelling is its ability to tell unique stories each season, combined with a strong sense of nostalgia.
5) The 100
The TV show The 100 follows a group of young criminals who are sent back to Earth after a disaster destroys their home in space. It shares a premise with The Society – kids surviving on their own after adults disappear – but The 100 takes a unique approach and is incredibly captivating.
What makes this show so special is how its characters change and mature throughout the series—they aren’t simply stuck being self-centered or villainous. Their complex growth is really captivating, and it’s even better that the show features a wonderfully diverse cast. Ultimately, these characters create their own family, loving and supporting each other even without being related, which is a beautiful and meaningful theme.
4) Star Trek: The Next Generation
As a big fan of Star Trek, I’ve always appreciated how all the shows explore themes of acceptance, inclusivity, and a real wonder about the universe and different cultures. But The Next Generation really stands out to me. It just felt like they could tell bigger, more detailed stories because they had a larger budget compared to The Original Series. It allowed for a level of storytelling that was truly special.
Among all the Star Trek series, The Next Generation is known for being the most thought-provoking. Its strongest episodes delve into complex issues, like the nature of life and what distinguishes artificial intelligence from natural beings. The show also stood out for its well-developed characters – including unique individuals like the Klingon Lieutenant Worf – and how they evolved over time.
3) Black Mirror
As a viewer, I’ve always been captivated by Black Mirror‘s exploration of how we interact with technology. What really sets the best episodes apart is their ability to ask genuinely unsettling questions, but still keep you hooked. It’s scary stuff, but not in a way that relies on gore or shock value. And surprisingly, the philosophical ideas it tackles are never preachy or dull – they’re seamlessly woven into compelling stories.
This series is among the best science fiction anthologies available today. It thoughtfully examines what it means to be human as technology rapidly changes our world – a question that feels increasingly important.
2) Doctor Who
Despite its often playful and exaggerated style, Doctor Who frequently tackles important social problems and explores deep philosophical ideas. The show is known for being emotionally powerful, and it consistently portrays loss in a way that few other programs do.
The Doctor frequently experiences loss, whether through the death of companions or their choice to build a life elsewhere. The show often explores feelings of loneliness and sadness. However, the Doctor always maintains a sense of amazement, inquisitiveness, and appreciation for life. Despite facing pain, the Doctor firmly believes that every creature deserves love and is valuable.
1) The Twilight Zone
I recently revisited some classic episodes of The Twilight Zone, and it’s easy to see why it still resonates after nearly 65 years. It’s not just about spaceships and strange occurrences; the show brilliantly uses science fiction as a lens to explore what makes us human – both our incredible potential and our deeply flawed nature. One episode might tackle tough issues like prejudice and finding someone to blame, while another beautifully captures the universal fears of aging or the longing for simpler times. It’s a series that really gets under your skin and makes you think.
Rod Serling’s closing narrations are often brilliantly written—they’ve even become popular online—and many of his stories demonstrate how to deliver a powerful message in a concise and engaging way, without being preachy.
Okay, fellow sci-fi fans, I’m dying to know – what show do you think is the most visually stunning and just plain beautiful science fiction series ever made? Seriously, I need recommendations! Head over to the ComicBook Forum and let’s talk about it – I’m eager to hear your picks and chat about why you love them.
https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/list/7-great-sci-fi-shows-hidden-on-netflix/embed/#
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2026-01-04 16:12