Netflix has been at the top of the streaming content food chain since the inception of streaming TV. So it’s no surprise that it has an array of great science-fiction shows. Since you’re reading this page, I’m going to assume you’re here because you’re looking for some great genre TV shows to add to your watch-list. Well, you’ve come to the right place.

When people talk about Netflix TV shows, titles like Stranger Things and Black Mirror are usually the first programs to be mentioned. And let’s be clear: they’re huge hits for a reason. But the streamer has a lot more to offer than just those two titles (which are mentioned in the list below).

The science fiction genre encompasses all types of narratives, so whatever you’re looking for, I’m sure you’ll find it here. Do you want a unique alien invasion thriller? 3 Body Problem is for you. Looking for a unique comic book superhero series? Check out The Umbrella Academy. And if you’re really excited about things, let us tell you about The OA, a mystery series that’s hard to describe.

The few titles mentioned above only scratch the surface — there are so many adventures waiting for you. Grab your favorite snack, get yourself a refreshing drink, and get ready because these are the best Netflix science-fiction TV shows you should be watching right now.

Maniac

Emma Stone and Jonah Hill star in this mind-bending drama from Cary Joji Fukunaga (True Detective) and Patrick Somerville (The Leftovers). The 10-episode series follows Annie (Stone) and Owen (Hill), who join a drug trial for a drug that will allegedly cure all of their problems.

As you can probably guess, that’s not the case. Stone and Hill seem to have a lot of crazy fun throughout the show, as they get to play so many different characters. The addition of Sonoya Mizuno, Justin Theroux, and Sally Field to the cast makes this an underappreciated gem that deserves your attention.

Travelers

Time travel is the name of the game in this sci-fi series that flew under many people’s radar. Led by Will & Grace alumnus Eric McCormack, the show follows a group of people whose consciousnesses are sent back in time to inhabit other people’s bodies in order to change the past for the better of humanity. It sounds complicated, but I assure you, it’s not.

Living With Yourself

Paul Rudd stars opposite himself in this overlooked science fiction comedy. Here, he plays a man named Miles, who wants to make himself better. So, he undergoes an experimental procedure to clone himself.

He doesn’t mind how happy his clone is with him. Conflicts arise, forcing Miles to confront his inner demons. This series is a different kind of project for Rudd and only lasted one season, but it’s definitely worth a watch.

Stranger Things

Stranger Things grabbed people’s attention when this genre series premiered its first season sneak peek on Netflix in 2016. What began as an homage to ’80s cinema that featured nods to E.T., Dungeons & Dragons, Goonies, and the works of Stephen King, has now become a layered and sweeping sci-fi adventure.

The show follows a group of kids in Hawkins, Indiana, who, after meeting a mysterious girl they name Eleven, discover a sinister dimension hidden right beneath their feet. Government cover-ups, demonic hell-beasts, and a cast full of lovably mismatched characters make this a tour-de-force genre series.

3 Body Problem

3 Body Problem was created by Game of Thrones alumni David Benioff and D.B. Weiss along with The Terror showrunner Alexander Wu and is based on the Hugo Award-winning novel by Liu Cixin. The high-concept science-fiction series bridges a pivotal moment in 1960s China to the present day, where a group of scientists face an emerging global threat the likes of which humanity has never seen before.

Archive 81

This science-fiction horror series, which was inspired by the found footage podcast of the same name, follows a film archivist who restores documentary footage found on a group of 1994 videotapes. Through his work, he becomes embroiled in a terrifying mystery surrounding what’s on the tapes. Netflix may have only given this series one season, but it’s still worth a watch.

Rising Daayan

Rising Daayan is a superhero series that centers around a special boy named Daayan who has superpowers. Unlike other shows that feature similar stories – think The Boys and Invincible – this show highlights Daayan’s differences in a strong light. Of course, there are supervillains and a sinister government agency to deal with, which makes things interesting. But what makes this show unique is its focus on family and finding your place in the world. Also, Jason Ritter is in the cast. And he’s amazing.

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