In the vast land of content on the streaming platform, Netflix, there are quite a few powerhouses that manage to thrill the masses. Many happen to be Netflix’s originals. Among the many genres the platform produces, several Netflix original sci-fi shows truly do the genre justice.
From thrilling mind-bending stories to high-tech paranoia, Netflix provides its subscribers with sci-fi shows that captivate and spark the imagination—series like Alice in Borderland, which sits in an almost vacant world of deadly and clever games that must be played, and the ethereal fiction piece Sandman, which combines existential depth with thrilling fantasy. These shows, like the rest on this list, are Netflix originals and some of the best sci-fi works the platform has to offer.
10
‘Voltron: Legendary Defender’ (2016–2018)
Created by: Joaquim Dos Santos and Lauren Montgomery
This Netflix original is an animated space adventure that stands as a modern reboot of a beloved 80s classic. Voltron: Legendary Defender features five pilots of color-coded robotic lions that unite and transform into the giant legendary robot known as Voltron, built to defend the universe from galactic threats.
Voltron: Legendary Defender is a beautiful remake that takes modern animation and blends it with the classic mecha action that fans know and love. It’s a must-watch thrill for all sci-fi lovers who are down for a light-hearted and epic space adventure. Despite the bright colors and often silly antics of the characters, Voltron holds a great deal of emotional depth, which almost forces viewers to become very attached to the Paladin pilots. With its positive message of sacrifice for the sake of unity and the greater good, along with memorable battles and characters alike, Voltron: Legendary Defender stands as one of Netflix’s best sci-fi originals.
9
‘The Imperfects’ (2022)
Created by: Shelley Eriksen and Dennis Heaton
This unexpected sci-fi hit is a terribly underrated series that deserves a lot more love and attention. The genre-blending series, The Imperfects, centers around three young adults who, after experiencing experimental gene therapy throughout their youth, develop rather interesting abilities. With the scientist who conducted these experiments on the run, the three changed individuals give chase in hopes of learning the truth and fixing what has been done to them.
Despite a few wonky CGI moments, The Imperfects effectively delivers an intriguing story, with an enthralling balance of sci-fi action and character-centric drama. Garnering a solid following, the series has received praise from those who stumbled upon it, with many noting its captivating X-Men-esque resemblance with captivating themes of identity and discrimination. Unfortunately, The Imperfects was cut short of its brilliant potential when Netflix canceled it after only one season. Still, the series stands as a hidden gem on Netflix’s roster of great sci-fi originals.
The Imperfects
- Release Date
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2022 – 2022
- Network
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Netflix
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Italia Ricci
Dr. Sydney Burke
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Morgan Taylor Campbell
Tilda Weber
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Rhianna Jagpal
Abbi Singh
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8
‘Supacell’ (2024–)
Created by: Rapman
Supacell, is a semi-recent project that made its debut in 2024, surprising audiences with the unexpected joy of sci-fi entertainment. The British sci-fi drama follows a group of seemingly ordinary Black Londoners, each with their own personal struggles, who, without warning, develop incredible superpowers. With lives on the line, the separated powered individuals must come together to save a rather bleak-looking future.
With a fantastic soundtrack and a captivating story, Supacell offers a fresh perspective on the superhero genre. The series boldly addresses themes of community and systematic challenges, while still delivering the entertaining visuals and excitement of discovering unbelievable abilities. Viewers have quite consistently praised the sci-fi drama for its strong ensemble cast, appreciating the representation of Black British protagonists. With the setting and feel of London, epic music, great characters, and a fresh approach to the superhero trope, Supacell earns its place on this list of Netflix’s best sci-fi original shows.
Supacell
- Release Date
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June 27, 2024
- Directors
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Sebastian Thiel, Rapman
7
‘Alice in Borderland’ (2020–)
Created by: Haro Aso
This Japanese thriller has been pitted against Squid Games on various forums and discussion groups, with many considering it just as good—if not better—as one of the best sci-fi shows Netflix has produced. Alice in Borderland presents a massive group of people trapped in an abandoned Tokyo, where they are forced to compete in deadly games. Among this group are three best friends—Arisu (Kento Yamazaki), Karube (Keita Machida), and Chōta (Yūki Morinaga)—who must stand strong against multiple tests of endurance, strength, and loyalty.
In terms of clever games, Alice in Borderland shines brightly, delivering high-intensity stakes of life and death, while also throwing emotional gut punches throughout. Fans adore the series’ unpredictability and fast pacing. Covering the sci-fi bases with mystery and intrigue, Alice in the Borderland provides audiences with a captivating mix of heart, strategy, and suspense. Fans are assured more from the series as it makes its highly anticipated return to screens with its third season, while likely securing its place as one of Netflix’s best sci-fi originals.
Alice in Borderland
- Release Date
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December 10, 2020
- Network
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Netflix
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Kento Yamazaki
Ryohei Arisu
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Tao Tsuchiya
Yuzuha Usagi
6
‘Love, Death & Robots’ (2019–)
Created by: Tim Miller
Love, Death & Robots is an animated anthology series that blows its viewers’ minds with stunning visuals and wild concepts. The series presents standalone sci-fi shorts, with a broad scope of genres, including silly comedies, gothic horror, and dystopian futures.
Love, Death & Robots takes the boundless potential of animation and delivers on creativity and artistry. There are many on the Netflix streaming platform that have lauded the series as a close second to Black Mirror, standing as an animated counterpart of sorts to the popular live-action anthology series. With Love, Death & Robots more focused on fantasy, action, and sci-fi, the animated series provides a bold story filled with mind-bending and emotionally profound experiences. The series wows its viewers and is perfectly suited for this height of the streaming era, securing its place on this list of Netflix’s best sci-fi standouts.
5
‘Black Mirror’ (2016–)
Created by: Charlie Brooker
Credited as a show that is sure to get anyone talking, Black Mirror is an anthology series that boggles the minds of its viewers, as it produces outstanding, thought-provoking content. The series offers standalone episodes that tell the story of a distant future or an alternative present, where technology and society collide in often vicious ways.
Black Mirror ranks high on nearly every list of top shows on the Netflix platform. Its sci-fi qualities offer viewers a modern-day Twilight Zone, as it mirrors the show’s concept of how technology can go wrong in various and rather surprising ways. Whether it’s exploring AI romance or social media validation, each thought-provoking story holds a mirror up to the world’s tech-infused reality and reveals an unsettling truth about what could be society’s inevitable future. Black Mirror easily claims a high rank on this list of Netflix’s best original sci-fi series.
Black Mirror
- Release Date
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December 4, 2011
- Network
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Channel 4, Netflix
4
‘Arcane’ (2021–)
Created by: Christian Linke and Alex Yee
This French-American animated series offers audiences a story of magic, family bonds, and intense politics. Arcane is set in the well-known universe of the video game League of Legends and follows two sisters, Jinx and Vi, who, unfortunately, stand on opposite sides of a brewing conflict.
Arcane’s viewership is broad and diverse, appealing to not only the gamer crowd but to newcomers as well. The epic animated series is host to rich and compelling storytelling, providing viewers with a sci-fi treat that can be declared a true masterpiece. Arcane holds an amazing rating, and fans have boasted it as a series that is raising the bar for video game adaptations. With its gripping narrative, complex and interesting plot, and well-developed characters, Arcane cements its place as a perfect addition to this list of Netflix’s best sci-fi originals.
Arcane
- Release Date
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2021 – 2024
- Network
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Netflix
3
‘Sandman’ (2022–)
Created by: Neil Gaiman, David S. Goyer, and Allan Heinberg
Sandman is a brilliant adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s celebrated comic, The Sandman, that offers its audience an equally visually stunning and faithful adaptation for any true fans out there. The series follows Morpheus, who, after long years of captivity, begins the restoration of his realm. Along the way, he meets friend and foe alike and remembers why he once wished happy dreams for mankind.
Anyone willing to watch Sandman is in for a fantastic treat. Visually appealing to its broad audience, the series brings to life a story that absolutely captivates. The show provides a host of masterful performances, with a diverse cast of characters that bring depth, authenticity, and emotions to the incredible story. With its production of a darkly enchanting experience, Sandman ranks high on this list of Netflix sci-fi originals.
The Sandman
- Release Date
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August 4, 2022
- Network
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Netflix
2
‘Dark’ (2017–2020)
Created by: Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese
This German series is often revered by fans, as an epic masterpiece. Dark begins as two young children disappear, exposing the relationships among four families. The series then unfolds into a mind-bending time-travel saga that spans several timelines and multiple generations.
In any sci-fi discussion, it’s more than likely that the series Dark will come up. The thrilling series is lauded for its intricate plot filled with themes of generational sins, free will, and eternal recurrence. Unlike some non-English shows, Dark transcended language barriers with its fantastic story and grew a great international audience. Fans have consistently admitted that the show is no poultry sci-fi series one watches and forgets about; they praise it as a remarkable work of fiction, showcasing a kind of awe towards the German sci-fi drama. Standing as one of Netflix’s best crowning achievements, it is unsurprising that this show makes this list of the best sci-fi shows on Netflix.
Dark
- Release Date
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2017 – 2020-00-00
- Network
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Netflix
1
‘Sense8’ (2015–2018)
Created by: Lana and Lilly Wachowski
This series is a true work of art, with a story that is one of the most original concepts to date. Sense8 is a thrilling sci-fi Netflix original that brings together eight strangers from around the globe who share a psychic connection. Due to that unique bond, threatening forces begin to hunt them, forcing the group to rely on each other in order to survive.
Sense8 is one of those shows that gets buried beneath Netflix’s algorithm. It’s a masterpiece that produces visually stunning scenes, beautiful and skillful performances, and a story that authentically represents LGBTQ+ characters. Even under threat of cancellation, Sense8 prevailed, with fans so enamored by the series that they spoke against the travesty. Although viewers didn’t receive as many episodes as they would like, the Netflix-produced conclusion was enough to calm the masses. Sense8 is a celebration of differences, empathy, and found family —a brilliantly produced work of sci-fi art that earns its standing as number one on this list of Netflix’s best sci-fi originals.