Since the 1950s, television has been primarily ruled by science fiction, spawning many iconic series. These sci-fi tales are usually set in the future, depicting images of humanity when advanced A.I. robots or space civilization become commonplace. Shows like Apple TV+’s For All Mankind and Netflix’s Stranger Things are currently leading the pack among top sci-fi productions, but numerous other series and standalone titles have left indelible marks on television history. From sci-fi with a touch of fantasy to hardcore sci-fi, the genre’s finest shows have introduced captivating characters, complex politics, and pulse-pounding action to our screens. Some all-time sci-fi greats originated in the 1960s, while others are still ongoing.
Based on reviews compiled by the aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, these 10 science fiction TV series are considered among the greatest ever made.
The Expanse
The first six books of James S.A. Corey’s series titled “The Expanse” were adapted into a television show that ran for six seasons. Initially airing on SYFY for the first three seasons and then moving to Prime Video for the remaining seasons. Set 200 years in the future, when humans have populated the Solar System, “The Expanse” focuses on the complex struggle between Earthlings, Martians, and those living in the Asteroid Belt. The series follows politicians, pirates, and an unconventional spaceship crew as they navigate a looming cosmic peril. With a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes across all six seasons, “The Expanse” has earned critical acclaim.
In a stunning blend of science fiction storytelling, both in print and on screen, The Expanse mesmerized critics and viewers with its richly developed characters, complex interplanetary politics, and thought-provoking supernatural aspects. The series was also highly commended for its profound themes and exceptional acting performances. Although fans were disheartened that the TV adaptation of The Expanse ended without adapting its last three books, it’s worth noting that science fiction has a history of bringing shows back to life.
Black Mirror
Black Mirror debuted on Netflix in 2011 and has produced six seasons so far. This sci-fi thriller series, similar to The Twilight Zone, derives its intrigue from suspenseful, self-contained episodes that explore eerie and technological conundrums. Given the show’s structure, it features a changing ensemble cast with notable actors such as Aaron Paul, Michaela Coel, Cristin Milioti, Daniel Kaluuya, Jon Hamm, Miley Cyrus, and Anthony Mackie.
The distinctive and spine-tingling collection of tales propelled “Black Mirror” to popularity among TV enthusiasts. Regardless of its futuristic backdrop, this show strikes a chord with viewers by exploring the increasingly significant connection between humans and technology. Although seasons 5 and 6 didn’t win over critics as much as earlier seasons, “Black Mirror” continues to shine in the sci-fi genre. The upcoming season 7 of “Black Mirror” is scheduled for release in 2025. On Rotten Tomatoes, “Black Mirror” boasts an 83% approval rating but ranks at number 9 on their own list.
Stranger Things
The hit TV show “Stranger Things,” which began streaming on Netflix in 2016, has consistently provided excitement that rivals few other series. Fans eagerly await the fifth and final season of this popular show, set to air in 2025. This captivating series focuses on a group of young friends living in Hawkins, Indiana during the 1980s. As they uncover various supernatural and government mysteries in their town, they encounter otherworldly events that challenge them at every turn. The impressive cast of “Stranger Things” includes Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, among others.
The extraordinary supernatural events form the heart of the thrilling narrative in “Stranger Things”. Critics adore the show’s chilling horror aspects, endearing characters, and retro vibe. Frightening entities such as Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) and the Demogorgon add a sense of dread to the series, while the growth of relationships among the main characters over the four seasons of “Stranger Things” is a delightful spectacle to witness. On Rotten Tomatoes, “Stranger Things” has an accumulated rating of 91%.
Westworld
The HBO series “Westworld,” first aired in 2016, quickly gained popularity within the science fiction TV genre. This show is based on the 1973 film of the same title, which revolves around an American West-themed amusement park filled with lifelike robots created to provide immersive storyline experiences for adult visitors. Notable stars in “Westworld” include Evan Rachel Wood, Thandiwe Newton, Tessa Thompson, Jeffrey Wright, Ed Harris, James Marsden, Luke Hemsworth, and Anthony Hopkins.
The first two seasons of Westworld, namely Seasons 1 and 2, were highly acclaimed by critics for their intriguing plotlines, fascinating characters, and exceptional aesthetics. The creative minds behind Westworld demonstrated their ambition by broadening the series’ narrative beyond the theme park, delving into a future society, while still preserving the original enigmatic storylines that initially captivated viewers. Although Seasons 3 and 4 were seen as not meeting the high standards set by the show’s impressive debut, Season 1 alone was enough to secure Westworld a significant place in sci-fi folklore. The aggregated Rotten Tomatoes score for the entire series stands at 80%.
Lost
The hit TV show “Lost” captivated television audiences for six seasons between 2004 and 2010. This ABC series centered around the survivors of a plane crash who found themselves stranded on a mysterious island. Among the talented cast were actors such as Josh Holloway, Evangeline Lilly, Jorge Garcia, Terry O’Quinn, Yunjin Kim, Matthew Fox, and others.
The show “Lost” embodied a tangible sense of suspense and intricate character growth, intertwining humor to offset its weightier moments. It was impossible not to get hooked on the series due to its knack for keeping viewers guessing. Critics praised “Lost” immensely until its final season, which many found underwhelming. Nevertheless, “Lost” stands out as a remarkable piece of science fiction television, earning an impressive 86% score on Rotten Tomatoes across all seasons.
Star Trek
Originally, the Star Trek television show debuted in 1966 on NBC and continued for three seasons spanning over a period of three years. This iconic series is set far into the future and focuses on the adventures of a starship’s crew during their assigned missions. The cast includes Leonard Nimoy, William Shatner, DeForest Kelley, Nichelle Nichols, among other talented actors.
The television show Star Trek, known for its captivating and intellectually stimulating plotlines, sprinkled with a touch of wit, made a significant mark in the science fiction genre. It portrayed a hopeful vision of mankind’s future, delving into ethical and political dilemmas within its storyline. The series achieved tremendous success during the 1960s, setting the stage for numerous spin-offs and films. To this day, Star Trek is celebrated by critics as a sci-fi masterpiece. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an impressive total score of 80%.
Star Trek: The Next Generation
The television show “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” which ran from 1987 to 1994 on CBS, continued the legacy of its forerunner and elevated the science fiction genre. This series, set 78 years after the original “Star Trek,” introduced a new crew aboard the USS Enterprise, played by actors like Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, LeVar Burton, Brent Spiner, and Marina Sirtis.
As a dedicated Star Trek fan, I must say that Star Trek: The Next Generation truly left an indelible mark on me. Its rich tapestry of characters and intricate storylines were nothing short of remarkable, easily rivaling the original 1960s series. Sharing the same optimistic perspective about the future, The Next Generation managed to uphold the legacy of its predecessor through its well-crafted core characters and thought-provoking dialogues. Currently ranked at #4 in Rotten Tomatoes’ sci-fi rankings with a score of 92%, Star Trek: The Next Generation is a must-watch for any Trekkie!
The X-Files
The television series “The X-Files,” which aired on Fox from 1993 to 2018 for eleven seasons, successfully combined crime dramas with science fiction. The show revolves around two FBI agents who investigate unexplained phenomena with a paranormal bent. Lead actors David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson captivated both TV critics and audiences alike, thanks to the series’ intriguing storylines and chilling ambiance that kept viewers hooked.
Even though the later seasons of “The X-Files” didn’t garner as much praise as its initial episodes, this iconic sci-fi series made a lasting impact. Its scripts were intricate and remarkably intelligent, enabling it to tackle relevant societal issues while delivering excellent horror and drama. Despite being ranked third on Rotten Tomatoes’ list, “The X-Files” boasts a composite critic score of only 74%.
Doctor Who
Since 2005, the popular BBC series “Doctor Who” has remained a leading force in science fiction television. This long-running show features various incarnations of the Doctor, an alien time traveler dedicated to preserving the universe. Notable actors who have taken on the iconic role include David Tennant, Peter Capaldi, Matt Smith, and Jodie Whittaker over the years.
Placing “Doctor Who” at the peak of science fiction is due to its unique blend of emotional depth, classic humor, and captivating, long-running storylines. Critics have consistently praised each season of Doctor Who, as it continues to refine its winning formula without becoming repetitive. The show’s iconic status stems from its skillful integration of drama, comedy, romance, suspense, and fantasy. On Rotten Tomatoes, “Doctor Who” earned a remarkable 90% approval rating among critics.
Battlestar Galactica
As per Rotten Tomatoes, “Battlestar Galactica” is considered the best science fiction television series ever made. This popular series ran for four seasons on SYFY from 2004 to 2009. It follows humanity’s journey to survive in the cosmos as they face the increasing menace of robots called Cylons. Remarkably, “Battlestar Galactica” is a reboot of a television show from the 1970s with the same title, which adds to its extraordinary success.
Featuring Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell, Jamie Bamber, James Callis, Tricia Helfer, Grace Park, and Katee Sackhoff, the space opera Battlestar Galactica earned praise from critics for its intricate storylines that blended compelling politics, drama, and fantasy elements. Dealing with complex topics like human nature, religion, and political turmoil, the series also showcased exceptional dialogue and acting performances. As a result, Battlestar Galactica solidified its position as a sci-fi masterpiece. With an impressive 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it shares the top spot with The Expanse, but takes the lead at #1.
All of these titles are available to stream across various platforms.
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2025-02-10 02:13