The 18 Best Sci-Fi Shows on Netflix Right Now
"You're traveling through another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound, but of mind..." That intro from "The Twilight Zone" also prepared us for journeys into space, the Upside Down, and a plethora of post-apocalyptic scenarios. Here's all the best sci-fi you can stream right now on Netflix.
'The Twilight Zone' (1959 - 1964)
From the brain of creator Rod Serling, this mind-bending anthology series changed television forever. Fueled by Cold War paranoia and space-age fears, it is still a touchstone and blueprint for today's science-fiction.
'Black Mirror' (2011 - Present)
The best (and most disturbing) anthology series since "The Twilight Zone" explores the dark side of technology -- with nightmarish results. Maybe best not to binge this one.
'Stranger Things' (2016 - Present)
This brilliant ode to all things '80s sees some very strange things indeed happening in the small town of Hawkins, Indiana, including government experiments, mysterious disappearances, and a girl with amazing telekinetic powers.
'Star Trek' (1966 - 1969)
If you haven't seen the alternative universe ep "Mirror, Mirror," in which the crew of the Enterprise meets their (gasp!) evil selves, then please remedy that now. Goateed Spock will be your guide!
'Star Trek: The Next Generation' (1987 - 1994)
We never, ever tire of Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) saying: "Make it so."
'Star Trek: Deep Space Nine' (1993 - 1999)
DS9's Benjamin Sisko (Avery Brooks) started off as a mere "Commander" and quickly became one of our favorite Trek captains. If you never visited Deep Space Nine (or the USS Defiant), Sisko, Odo, and Quark are still here for you.
'Star Trek: Voyager' (1995 - 2001)
So much to love about "Voyager": Captain Janeway (Kate Mulgrew), Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan), the holographic Doctor (Robert Picardo), and Vulcan Tuvok (Tim Russ). And great guest spots from Dwayne Johnson, Sarah Silverman, and "Better Call Saul"s Michael McKean.
'Star Trek: Enterprise' (2001–2005)
"Quantum Leap" star Scott Bakula commanding the first Enterprise? Yes, please! This series was nearly canceled after two seasons on UPN, but massive fan support kept it going for two more years.
'The 100' (2014 - Present)
Based on the YA series about a group of teens who start a new, tribal society on Earth after a nuclear attack, this CW series has a loyal fanbase -- for good reason. It's kind of "Game of Thrones" meets "Mad Max," with life and death on the line in almost every episode.
'Colony' (2016 - Present)
"Lost" alum Josh Holloway and his family try to survive after aliens conquer and occupy the U.S. in this underrated series. This sci-fi thriller was inspired by the real-life WWII occupation of Europe.
'Sense8' (2015 - 2018)
The beloved show from the Wachowskis -- in which eight strangers all around the world are suddenly, mysteriously, connected to each other -- just received its moving series finale. Group hug and pass the tissues.
'Jericho' (2006 - 2008)
If post-apocalyptic stories are your thing, this cult series about a small town in Jericho, Kansas coping after a nuclear attack should be in your queue. Canceled after the first, low-rated season on CBS, fan pressure brought it back for an additional year. Skeet Ulrich and future "Walking Dead" regular Lennie James starred.
'The 4400' (2004 - 2007)
4400 people who've vanished over the last several decades suddenly reappear -- and now they all have amazing powers. Probably the first time most of us saw future Oscar winner Mahershali Ali, as a man who disappeared in the '50s and is now telekinetic.
'Dark' (2017 - Present)
Netflix's first German series, about the disappearance of two boys, is as eerie and disturbing as any Grimms' fairy tale. This noirish nightmare is one you won't soon forget.
'The Rain' (2018 - Present)
In this Danish series, a virus carried by the rain has wiped out most of civilization. It starts off slowly, but cranks up the tension.
'Travelers' (2016 - Present)
Eric McCormack leads the cast in this intriguing sci-fi series that's sort of "Quantum Leap" crossed with "The Terminator." In a post-apocalyptic future, "travelers" send their consciousness back in time to prevent their grim future from becoming a reality.
'Dark Matter' (2015 - 2017)
From some of the talent behind "Stargate Atlantis" and "SG-1" comes this intriguing space saga, in which a crew wakes up on a ship to find they have no idea who they are -- or how they got there. Based on the graphic novel series of the same name.
'The Ministry of Time' (2015 - 2017)
Not enough time travel in your life? Try this Spanish series, in which a 21st century paramedic, a pioneering 19th century student, and a 16th century soldier make sure no one is changing history on their watch.
