In the mood to watch a genre series? Sci-fi, superheroes, or a touch of horror? Well, we (and Netflix) have you covered. From classics like Deep Space Nine to quirky series Legends of Tomorrow — not to mention great Netflix originals like Stranger Things — below, you'll find a list of shows that might make for great discoveries or are just fun to watch again and again.

Don’t see what you’re looking for? Check out our list of the best shows on Netflix or the best sci-fi shows on Hulu or Prime Video.

Editor's note: This article was updated October 2023 to include Archive 81.

Related: The Best Sci-Fi Movies on Netflix

Archive 81 Netflix Poster
Archive 81
Mystery
Horror
Drama

An archivist hired to restore a collection of tapes finds himself reconstructing the work of a filmmaker and her investigation into a dangerous cult.

Release Date
January 14, 2022
Cast
Mamoudou Athie , Dina Shihabi , Evan Jonigkeit , Julia Chan

After archivist Dan Turner (Mamoudou Athie) takes on a seemingly harmless job of restoring some old home video tapes, this sci-fi horror series kicks into gear when they reveal a blood-curdling investigation into a creepy cult. From start to finish, Archive 81 crawls under the viewers’ skin and buries into their nightmares. In its first half, the unnerving sense of mystery creates curiosity from the audience that eventually turns into a frantic and heart-pounding second half. Creator Rebecca Sonnenshine pulls no punches in the delivery of the horror, with the tense atmosphere accentuated by shocking twists. Truly chilling, Archive 81 is food for your fears. - Jake Hodges

Black Mirror Netflix Poster
Black Mirror
TV-MA
Sci-Fi
Thriller

An anthology series exploring a twisted, high-tech multiverse where humanity's greatest innovations and darkest instincts collide.

Release Date
December 4, 2011
Cast
Douglas Hodge , Brian Pettifer , Jessie Cave , Hannah John-Kamen

The anthology series that dissects our relationship to technology — and both the potential and peril that come from it — Black Mirror has managed to endure, even when some of its most recent episodes declined in quality. First created by Charlie Booker back in 2011, when it is at its best in its first four seasons, it remains particularly incisive. In covering a variety of genres and settings, it has firmly embedded itself as one of the more inventive anthology shows out there. Mixing dark humor with horrifying glimpses of our future, it is a show that often leaves a pit in your stomach even as it remains endlessly entertaining. Whether it is in the unlikely romance of “San Junipero” or the grim nightmare of “USS Callister,” it also plays around with the realities we create for ourselves with a sense of tact that continually draws you in. There is something for everyone in the many episodes that cover a range of distinct stories that really hit home. - Chase Hutchinson

A Girl and an Astronaut TV Show Poster
A Girl and an Astronaut
TV-MA
Sci-Fi
Drama
Romance
Release Date
February 17, 2023
Cast
Vanessa Aleksander , Jedrzej Hycnar , Jakub Sasak , Magdalena Cielecka

A Girl and an Astronaut is a Polish sci-fi romance series with a nice blend of tropes from both genres, which makes it feel fresh. The story is about a love triangle that spans 30 years, taking place in both 2022 and 2052. The series flashes between main character Marta’s youthful twenties as she sees her boyfriend sent off to space and her older fifties, at which point she is married with a child. When her cryogenically frozen astronaut boyfriend returns from his journey after being presumed dead, unexpected events are set into motion. The futuristic aspects of the 2052 timeline are fascinating, and the love story is handled wonderfully as Marta sets off to get her old boyfriend back from the Russians while feeling all the conflicting emotions you would expect. – Tauri Miller

Welcome to Eden TV Show Poster
Welcome to Eden
TV-MA
Sci-Fi
Action
Drama
Release Date
May 6, 2022
Cast
Amaia Aberasturi , Berta Castañé , Tomás Aguilera , Guillermo Pfening

Welcome to Eden is a thrilling Spanish-language science-fiction drama from co-creators Joaquín Górriz and Guillermo López. Welcome to Eden follows a group of young and attractive social media-obsessed young people as they’re invited to a mysterious and exclusive paradise. Over two seasons, Welcome to Eden alluringly draws audiences in to watch as perspectives shift for the guests of the remote island, unwrapping a delicious mystery at its core. Starring Amaia Aberasturi, Berta Castañé, and Begoña Vargas, Welcome to Eden is part Nine Perfect Strangers and part The Wilds. – Yael Tygiel

The Barrier TV Show Poster
The Barrier
TV-MA
Sci-Fi
Drama
Release Date
September 11, 2020
Cast
Unax Ugalde , Olivia Molina , Eleonora Wexler , Abel Folk

Created by Daniel Écija, The Barrier is a fascinating science-fiction drama from Spain that takes place in a dystopian future where dictators reign and major cities have been distributed into divisions in order to maintain power and manage resources. Starring Unax Ugalde, Olivia Molina, and Eleonora Wexler, The Barrier follows one family’s fight to survive the disparity in Madrid. Grounded on a uniquely plausible premise, The Barrier is not only a captivating drama but, like most quality sci-fi, serves as a warning regarding the current path society finds itself walking on. – Yael Tygiel

The I-Land TV Show Poster
The I-Land (2019)
TV-MA
Sci-Fi
Thriller
Release Date
September 12, 2019
Cast
Natalie Martinez , Kate Bosworth , Ronald Peet , Kyle Schmid , Sibylla Deen , Gilles Geary , Anthony Lee Medina , Kota Eberhardt , michelle veintimilla , Alex Pettyfer

Created by Anthony Salter, The I-Land is his debut mystery science-fiction miniseries about a group of 10 people who find themselves deserted on an island. With no memories of how they got to the island or who they even are, the strangers must try to survive the treacherous reality and attempt a journey back to their normal lives. Starring Natalie Martinez and Kate Bosworth (Superman Returns), along with Ronald Peet and Sibylla Deen, The I-Land surprises with plot twists. Salter’s creative integration of a virtual reality aspect adds a layer of intriguing existential questions, but The I-Land may raise more philosophical ideals than satisfactory resolutions. – Yael Tygiel

Alice in Borderland TV Show Poster
Alice in Borderland (2020)
TV-MA
Action
Drama
Mystery
Release Date
December 10, 2020
Cast
Kento Yamazaki , Tao Tsuchiya , Nijirô Murakami , Eleanor Noble

Alice in Borderland is a science-fiction thriller based on Haro Aso’s manga of the same name. Alice in Borderland follows a couple of twenty-somethings who find themselves competing in dangerous games through an abandoned Tokyo. Similarly to beloved shows like Squid Game, as Alice in Borderland continues, the unwitting competitors discover that their lives depend on successfully completing the games and challenges they encounter. Starring Kento Yamazaki and Tao Tsuchiya, Alice in Borderland showcases not only these talented actors but also an outstanding use of special effects and gorgeous cinematography. – Yael Tygiel

Manifest TV Show Poster
Manifest
TV-14
Mystery
Sci-Fi
Drama

When Montego Air Flight 828 landed safely after a turbulent but routine flight, the crew and passengers were relieved. But in the span of those few hours, the world had aged five years -- and after mourning their loss, their friends, families and colleagues had given up hope and moved on. Now, faced with the impossible, they're all given a second chance. But as their new realities become clear, a deeper mystery unfolds, and some of the returned passengers soon realize they may be meant for something greater than they ever thought possible.

Release Date
September 24, 2018
Cast
Joshua Dallas , Athena Karkanis , Matt Long , Melissa Roxburgh , Luna Blaise

You’ve not doubt heard the buzz, now see what all the fuss is about. Manifest first premiered on NBC in 2018, and while it earned some solid praise, ratings were steady enough that the network canceled the series after three seasons. But right around that time the show hit Netflix, and has been lighting up the Top 10 ever since. Oh yeah, the story. The show begins with passengers on a flight experiencing a bit of turbulence, only to touch down and discover that for everyone else on Earth, the flight has been missing for five years. The show delves into the mystery behind this strange occurrence, and the changes these passengers have gone through during their flight. Intrigue, sci-fi, and drama coalesce into a binge-worthy show. – Adam Chitwood

The Imperfects Netflix Poster
The Imperfects
TV-MA
Action
Adventure
Drama
Release Date
September 8, 2022
Cast
Italia Ricci , Morgan Taylor Campbell , Rhianna Jagpal , Iñaki Godoy

The Imperfects is a fast-paced, quirky action-adventure series about three young people who protect humans against monsters while trying to find the scientist who performed experimental procedures that turned them into monsters themselves. Created by the people behind Van Helsing, Shelley Eriksen and Dennis Heaton bring together a trio often overlooked in the monster genre. Starring Iñaki Godoy, Morgan Taylor Campbell (Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist), and Rhianna Jagpal as Juan the Chupacabra, Tilda the Banshee, and Abbi the Succubus, respectively, The Imperfects is a science fiction series that has been described as The Boys meets The Umbrella Academy. – Yael Tygiel

Maniac Netflix Poster
Maniac
TV-MA
Comedy
Drama
Sci-Fi
Release Date
September 21, 2018

Maniac is a wildly innovative science fiction adventure wrapped in a dark comedy. Starring Emma Stone (Cruella) and Jonah Hill (Superbad), Maniac comes from creator Patrick Somerville (The Leftovers) and follows two strangers, Stone and Hill, who find themselves drawn together during a mysterious and mind-bending pharmaceutical trial. Set in a psychedelic, retro-future New York City, Maniac is a gorgeously crafted mini-series brimming with stunning visuals and exploring complex themes such as mental illness, human interactions, and reality through truly original avenues. Leaning heavily towards dry, satirical humor, Maniac is perplexingly provocative and thought-provoking to watch. – Yael Tygiel

Travelers Netflix Poster
Travelers
TV-MA
Drama
Mystery
Sci-Fi
Release Date
October 17, 2016
Cast
Eric McCormack , Nesta Cooper , Jared Abrahamson , Patrick Gilmore

From Brad Wright (Stargate: SG-1), Travelers is a brilliantly intriguing time travel science-fiction adventure starring Will and Grace alum Eric McCormack. In this ensemble series, McCormack stars with MacKenzie Porter, Jared Abrahamson, Reilly Dolman, and Nesta Cooper (See) as a team of individuals from the distant future whose consciousnesses are sent to the present in order to prevent a world-ending event. As Travelers unfolds, the travelers are forced to assume the lives of the bodies they inhabit, while attempting to alter the future and save humanity. With a creative perspective on the genre and a wonderfully talented cast, Travelers is a top-notch time travel journey. – Yael Tygiel

Resident Evil Netflix TV Poster
Resident Evil
TV-MA
Horror
Action
Adventure
Release Date
July 14, 2022
Cast
Ella Balinska , Tamara Smart , Siena Agudong , Adeline Rudolph

There are two main timelines in Resident Evil, each connected and equally compelling. The first takes place in 2022 and follows 14-year-old twins Billie (Siena Agudong) and Jade (Tamara Smart) as they move to New Raccoon City. There, they uncover the town’s sinister secret while their father coordinates a response to a deadly virus. The second fast-forwards to 2036. At this point, the virus has ravaged the place, and the powerful Umbrella Corporation is searching for Jade (now played by Ella Balinska). As frightening as it is fun. Resident Evil is a blast for fans of the video game it’s based on while not alienating new fans who might not be as familiar with the franchise. – Taylor Gates

Dark Netflix Poster
Dark
TV-MA
Crime
Drama
Mystery
Sci-Fi
Thriller

A family saga with a supernatural twist, set in a German town where the disappearance of two young children exposes the relationships among four families.

Release Date
December 1, 2017
Cast
Louis Hofmann , Karoline Eichhorn , Maja Schöne , Jordis Triebel

Germany’s breakout science-fiction drama Dark was a surprise hit for the streaming platform. Presented as a family drama, this saga includes supernatural twists and enticing mysteries. Dark follows the disappearance of a couple of young children from this small German town, unraveling a secret intertwining four families. Comparable to the beloved series Stranger Things, Dark is a fantastically suspenseful series full of heartfelt relationships as well as thrilling adventures. Created by Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese, Dark star Louis Hofmann, Karoline Eichhorn, Lisa Vicari, and Maja Schöne. – Yael Tygiel

Sense8 TV Show Poster
Sense8
TV-MA
Action
Drama
Sci-Fi
Mystery

Most of us just have to deal with being born into a family with siblings and cousins and the messiness that comes with that. Now imagine you are born, and you share a mind and emotions with seven other people across the world. Such is the concept behind The Wachowski Sisters and J. Michael Straczynski's Netflix series Sense8. It will definitely be the wackiest thing you watch on this list as a group of eight "sensates" meet and band together when they end up being hunted by a mysterious and sinister corporation. With characters from all walks of life and from all over the world, Sense8 is an international story, but ultimately it's a story about connection, acceptance, and embracing who you are and the world around you. Beneath the sci-fi premise of it all is a story about humanity. — Therese Lacson

Lost in Space Netflix Poster
Lost In Space
TV-PG
Sci-Fi
Adventure
Drama
Family
Release Date
April 13, 2018

A modern update on the cult classic TV series, Lost in Space is set 30 years in the future and follows the Robinson family as they attempt to colonize a new planet. They are thrown off course and find themselves stranded on an alien planet. While there, they discover a robotic alien creature who seems to be malevolent - until young Will Robinson bonds with it, and it becomes the family's best ally. - Alyse Wax

The Umbrella Academy Netflix Poster
The Umbrella Academy
TV-14
Superhero
Sci-Fi
Action
Adventure
Comedy
Release Date
February 15, 2019
Cast
Tom Hopper , Robert Sheehan , elliot page , Marin Ireland , Yusuf Gatewood

The Netflix original series The Umbrella Academy is the perfect antidote to those fatigued by the glut of superhero movies and TV shows. Based on the graphic novel series by Gerard Way and Gabriel Ba, the story revolves around seven children with extraordinary powers who were adopted by a strange (and very rich) man who trained them to be heroes. Their troubled upbringing drove them apart, but they reunite at the beginning of the first season when their estranged father turns up mysteriously dead. Not only that, but their brother — who's been missing since they were children — appears via time travel and warns them the apocalypse is coming in a matter of days. This show is extremely joyful and funky and weird, giving weight each of its disparate characters while carrying on a compelling serial mystery all its own. If you want a show that's fun and mysterious and a little spooky, check this one out. - Adam Chitwood

Legends of Tomorrow TV Show Poster
DC's Legends of Tomorrow
TV-14
Superhero
Release Date
January 21, 2016
Cast
Caity Lotz , Nick Zano , Matt Ryan , Dominic Purcell , Amy Louise Pemberton , Tala Ashe , Brandon Routh , Maisie Richardson-Sellers

Two years ago you could not have convinced me that one of the best shows on television would be The CW’s Legends of Tomorrow, but by God it is. The series has truly come into its own in its third season (after a still very good second season), finding a wonderful rhythm in both weekly adventures an overarching villains — including the rehabilitation of Damian Darhk from his time on Arrow, as well as the introduction of magical creatures where time travel isn’t always a cure-all. Plus, it’s opened the door for Constantine!

The series focuses on a group of time-traveling rogues, mostly cobbled together from elsewhere in the Arrow-verse. The first season isn’t great, but it lays the groundwork for the friendships that define the show. But if you need to skip ahead and start with Season 2 or even 3, I don’t blame you. Another thing that has made the series so successful is its willingness to change up its storylines and its cast. If something doesn’t work, or a dynamic doesn’t take, they scrap it and try something else. And meanwhile, the show also brings back what does work — like Beebo, everyone’s favorite fuzzy blue savior.

There were so many fantastic episodes and moments in Legends’ third season, which was also just fun. Grodd vs Barack Obama! Time loops! Pirates! Mick Rory’s book! Themyscira! John Noble! That’s what a superhero show about a ragtag bunch of time travelers should be about: bonkers fun. And yet, the series also has great emotional arcs that really resonate. It does it all, folks. — Allison Keene

Love Death and Robots Netflix Poster
Love, Death & Robots
TV-MA
Animation
Action
Sci-Fi

A collection of animated short stories that span various genres including science fiction, fantasy, horror and comedy.

Release Date
March 15, 2019
Cast
Fred Tatasciore , Nolan North , Noshir Dalal , Josh Brener

Executive produced by Tim Miller (Deadpool) and legendary filmmaker David Fincher, the animated anthology series Love, Death & Robots is kind of the perfect catch-all for sci-fi fans. Each episode hails from a different writer and director, and the theme holding them all together is the idea of sci-fi technology. As a result you get a wide range of tone from uber-violent to romantic to hysterically funny. All in all, though, there’s just some really great sci-fi storytelling in here. – Adam Chitwood

iZombie TV Show Poster
iZombie
TV-14
Horror
Crime
Drama
Release Date
March 17, 2015

Loosely based on the comic by Chris Roberson and Michael Allred, iZombie stars Rose McIver as Liz, a medical resident with the perfect job, perfect fiancee, and perfect life, who loses it all one night when she's transformed into a zombie. But this isn't a Walking Dead situation. Her hair may be chalk white, and her heart may only beat twice a minute, but she can still walk, talk, act, think and feel like a human – as long as she regularly feeds on human brains. The good news is that Liz uses her medical degree to land a job at the local morgue where she has a regular supply. Bad news is she temporarily inherits the memories, personality, and skills of anybody she eats, which puts her on the scent of a series of murders enacted by some less morally-sound zombies. Working under the guise of a psychic, she uses her visions to work with a local detective (Malcolm Goodwin) in order to solve the murders and give her new life a sense of purpose.

From Rob Thomas and Dianne Ruggiero, the minds that brought us Veronica Mars, iZombie is often oversimplified as "Veronica Mars with zombies", but that description does a disservice to the originality of both series. To be clear, there is one and only one Veronica Mars, and while there are similarities, Liz is another witty blonde sleuth, for one, they're largely different shows. Despite dealing in death, the first season of iZombie is mostly lighter fare that leans in on the procedural element. Fortunately, the cases of the week are infinitely fun thanks to McIver's consistently likable but wonderfully variable performance as she adopts the personality traits of the victims. -Haleigh Foutch

The Flash TV Poster
The Flash
TV-PG
Superhero
Action
Adventure

After being struck by lightning, Barry Allen wakes up from his coma to discover he's been given the power of super speed, becoming the Flash, and fighting crime in Central City.

Release Date
October 7, 2014
Cast
Danielle Panabaker , Jesse L. Martin , Danielle Nicolet , Grant Gustin

If you aren’t ready for the entirely crazy, true comic book fever of The Flash, then the CW’s superhero show may not be for you. But for those willing to work with its full embrace of its comic origins — including time travel, alternate universes, and Gorilla Grodd — will be rewarded. The Flash deals with many dark and difficult themes, and yet, more often feels like a light and fun romp through Central City’s chaotic world. It follows the story of Barry Allen (Grant Gustin) as he comes to terms with his newly-bestowed super speed, and his city’s need to fight off a myriad of superpowered villains. But, he still has time for dating and unrequited love, as well as some crossover time spent with Team Arrow (the same creative team is responsible for both shows).

The Flash has an instantly lovable cast, a never-ending supply of great hooks, and a myriad of long-form arcs that help anchor its Villain of the Week plots. It’s wholly accessible to non-comic readers (or to those not typically superhero genre fans), but also has plenty of insider references to keep comic fans happy. Above all, it never loses its heart or its mirth — even in the midst of saving the world. - Allison Keene

Black Lightning TV Show Poster
Black Lightning
TV-14
Superhero
Action
Drama
Sci-Fi
Release Date
January 16, 2018
Cast
Cress Williams , Christine Adams , James Remar , Nafessa Williams

Just when I was starting to think we had reached peak superhero fatigue, Black Lightning hit the scene and shook things up. The CW’s dynamic series is laudable for a number of reasons, the most obvious one being that it focuses on a black family, and the second most obvious one being that its lead character isn’t a teenager. But the series also might be the superhero genre’s most intelligent; it knows what it wants to say about race and politics without ever being preachy. The first season also made a lot of smart choices about when to introduce the powers of characters other than Jefferson Pierce (a charming Cress Williams), and also didn’t feel the need to dispatch of its Big Bad by the season’s end (though it did take care of a host of more minor villains throughout). The story of a vigilante-turned-principal looking to get back into the game because of drug violence on his streets is a refreshing one, and helped keep Black Lightning grounded and relevant throughout its run. This is a hero to unequivocally root for. — Allison Keene

stranger-things-seasons-i132237
Stranger Things
TV-14
Sci-Fi
Drama
Horror

When a young boy vanishes, a small town uncovers a mystery involving secret experiments, terrifying supernatural forces and one strange little girl.

Release Date
July 15, 2016
Cast
Winona Ryder , David Harbour , Cara Buono , Finn Wolfhard

You’ve no doubt heard the hype, so let us set you straight: believe it. Stranger Things popped up almost out of nowhere as a new Netflix original series that had little buzz surrounding its pre-release. But the 80s-set mystery thriller is equal parts It, Stand by Me, and The Goonies as it mashes up the creepy atmosphere of a Stephen King novel with compelling characters and a strong narrative drive. The true test of Stranger Things is whether the show works without the nostalgia-inducing 80s setting, and the answer is yes. There’s a government mystery, impressive effects, and most of all memorable characters that are a joy to watch, and creators/writers/directors Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer craft each season like one long movie divided into chapters. Indeed, one could easily watch an entire season in one day without feeling like it’s dragging or hitting upon an easy “stopping point,” as this is more television as novel than episodic TV. Which makes it a delightful binge. So have at it! – Adam Chitwood