Netflix’scontinued push towards original content has given it a rich and diverse collection of TV and films. Yet, having been making original series since 2012, with the first beingLilyhammer, its catalog can be difficult to navigate to find the best of the best. To aid viewers, Netflix’s official site for news and suggestions surrounding its platform,Tudum, has compiled a list of 13 must-watchsci-fishows.
While it is rather obvious that Netflix is going to highlight its own original titles that have made a splash and a few underrated gems, we can’t help but agree with their selection here. Not only are these some of the best Netflix originals, but they are some of the best that the entire genre offers.
13Alice in Borderland (2020–)
Alice in Borderland
Centered around Ryohei Arisu (Kento Yamazaki),Alice in Borderlandfollows the listless teenager as he is sucked into a parallel dimension known as the ‘Borderland,’ and forced to compete in a series of deadly games. Joined by a couple of his friends, Ryohei must beat physical and psychological challenges presented to him by a mysterious force while trying to figure out how to escape his predicament.
A fan-favorite Netflix Original series,Alice in Borderlandperfectly balances intense fight-for-your-life games with drama that leans into deeper existential themes. While the series may sound similar toSquid Games, the focus on teamwork to overcome challenges makes for gripping drama.
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12Black Mirror (2011–)
Black Mirror
While initially released in the UK,Black Mirror’stransition into a Netflix Original has made it one of the quintessential series to define the streaming platform’s continued commitment to boundary-pushing sci-fi.An anthology series, with each episode offering a reflective and disturbing look at how we interact with technology, has become must-watch television. The show has also attracted a wide range of talent both in front of and behind the screen, making each episode its own unique experience. Those who enjoy series that lead to deeper philosophical conversation will have the themes inBlack Mirrorplaying on repeat in their heads weeks after viewing.
11Bodies (2023)
With Stephen Graham going on to deserved successwith the recent hitAdolescence, there is no better time to revisitBodies. The time-jumping mystery sees several detectives working together to solve the same crime. At the same time, the authoritarian Commander Elias Mannix (Stephen Graham) from the year 2053 interferes with progress in his own goal to create a dystopia. While it may sound convoluted on paper,the single-season series manages to weld together a non-linear narrative and mash-up of genres to create a thrilling sci-fi mystery. Perfect for a binge session over the weekend.
10Dark (2017–2020)
In the fictional town of Winden,Darkchronicles the residents dealing with a wormhole that has opened up nearby, allowing them to travel in 33-year increments back and forth. This phenomenon connects different generations, who begin interacting with one another and affecting each other’s timelines. With the threat of a nuclear apocalypse looming, drastic action is taken in one timeline, and violence erupts.
While the final season may have been slightly disappointing,there is no denying how much of an engrossing thrill rideDarkwas with its time and reality-bending drama. The series also remains one of the most accomplished in Netflix’s catalog in creating a deep sense of existential dread throughout.
9Lost in Space (2018–2021)
Lost In Space
A re-imagining of the beloved 1960s TV classic, Netflix’sLost in Spacefollowed the Robinson family, a group of space colonists, as they attempted to find a new life on Alpha Centauri. However, the family is sabotaged and knocked off course, contending with an unknown, dangerous planet. The family must rely on each other and outsiders, such as a mysterious robot that befriends the youngest family member, to try to make it off the planet.The show gave the classic a modern polish in both its visuals and themes. Delivering a touching andthoughtful family dramawithin a sensational sci-fi setting makes this earlier Netflix original series a standout in the sci-fi genre.
8Love, Death and Robots (2019–)
Love Death and Robots
This collection of animated short stories spans several genres, including science fiction, fantasy, horror and comedy. World-class animation creators bring captivating stories to life in the form of a unique and visceral viewing experience. The animated anthology series includes tales that explore alternate histories, life for robots in a post-apocalyptic city and a plot for world domination by super-intelligent yogurt. Among the show’s executive producers is Oscar-nominated director David Fincher.
WhereasBlack Mirrorbrought some doom and gloom to Netflix,Love, Death and Robotsdelivers a sleek and exciting animated anthology series; even the darker episodes have a visual polish that makes it hard not to evoke excitement. The series has resonated deeply with fans because each episode incorporates a unique visual style from different talents, pushing the boundaries of animation. Not only does the series deliver some thought-provoking episodes in tandem with high-octane action, but it also exists as a celebration of the medium, unlike anything else.
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7Maniac (2018)
A standout miniseries,Maniacfollowed the mind-bending friendship of Owen (Jonah Hill) and Annie (Emma Stone) as they go through a series of surreal scenarios after volunteering for experimental drug treatments in a futuristic New York.Besides the phenomenal pairing of Hill and Stone,Maniacboasted inventive storytelling and a mash-up of genres that kept viewers invested. With elements of humor and a sincere exploration of mental health, the series remains one of the most thought-provoking miniseries in the sci-fi genre.
6Stranger Things (2016–)
Stranger Things
Stranger Thingshas become synonymous with Netflix,entering pop culture with such force that even those who did not watch it learned of the various memes and plot twists through social osmosis. The series was also responsible for launching the careers of many of its young stars,including Finn Wolfhardand Millie Bobby Brown. For those who have not seen the show, it is a nostalgia-fueled horror series drawing influence from genre masters like Stephen King and Lovecraft. Still,Stranger Things' dramatic flair has made it go far beyond a strict horror audience, with its portrayals of the struggle of youth among one of its many themes resonating with a larger audience.
5Supergirl (2015–2021)
Supergirloutshines her more famous cousin in the fan-favorite CW series, so much so that Netflix recommends it despite it not being one of their originals. The superhero action/drama follows the life of Krypton’s daughter, Kara Zor-El, as she navigates daily life in Metropolis while fighting otherworldly and science-created threats. The show has that easyappeal of other standout CW superhero series, aimed at a broad audience, having the right amount of camp and plenty of action mixed with soapy drama. Still,Supergirlexcels in how positive it stays throughout, making its titular star a role model to a younger audience and a guilty-pleasure superhero story for adults.
43 Body Problem (2024–)
3 Body Problem
An adaptation of Liu Cixin’s acclaimed sci-fi novel of the same name,3 Body Problemisn’t easy to quantify in a few sentences, as it spans different timelines, while alsoaddressing deep philosophical issues regarding our relationship with technology and our place in the universe. That said, the adaptation of the work was seen as an ambitious undertaking that hit the mark in bringing the complex story to the screen, though not everyone was happy with some of the changes made from the original. Still,3 Body Problemshould appeal to those who enjoy hard sci-fi, which also poses grander questions about the meaning behind existence.
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