These sci-fi series all have impressive Rotten Tomatoes ratings of 90% or even higher. Although there are some fantastic shows from this endlessly fascinating genre, not all of them hold this record. Even Lost, which is one of television’s most popular and gripping sci-fi stories, only has 86%, and Netflix’s terrifying anthology series Black Mirror has 83%.
In order to truly impress fans, a sci-fi show needs to create a thrilling and scary world with advanced technology or mysterious creatures, and the world-building should feel logical, not cheesy. Too often, series become bogged down with confusing subplots, and there’s no satisfying payoff.
These sci-fi series have solid characters and incredible storytelling, and they’ve earned their Rotten Tomatoes ratings and positive word-of-mouth from fans.
The Twilight Zone (92%)
Rod Serling’s The Twilight Zone has had a huge influence on popular culture and the anthology genre, letting us know that a single TV episode could deliver a satisfying tale with a clear villain, a big mystery, and a twist at the end. It’s no wonder the show has a strong 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Not all sci-fi or horror movies or series have happy endings, and each episode of The Twilight Zone has a fantastic and unforgettable structure. Sure, some stand out more than others, but even less impactful episodes still have an enticing premise, at least one scary moment, and an ending that makes us think.
Even though the series premiered all the way back in 1959, The Twilight Zone has plenty of iconic episodes we still reference now. “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet” and “The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street” paint terrifying pictures of a creature on a plane wing and more threats in a suburban setting, respectively.
Star Trek: The Next Generation (92%)
It’s rare for any show to release seven perfect seasons, let alone a sci-fi one, which can get bogged down in the details, which makes Star Trek: The Next Generation, which focuses on the adventures of Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) and his crew aboard the USS Enterprise, a rare gem.
While there are more than 10 Star Trek shows, TNG is the most popular, and it’s still talked about often. From the Klingon aliens to the ups and downs of life as part of the USS Enterprise-D crew, Star Trek: TNG is memorable, and its pop culture legacy is strong.
Not every show with more than 100 episodes can be flawless, and viewers are particularly critical of Star Trek: TNG season 1. However, it’s still a fan-favorite series with exciting adventures, and when people want an introduction to the franchise, this is the recommendation they’ll likely get.
Battlestar Galactica (95%)
Although the 1978 original series has a surprisingly low rating of 43% on Rotten Tomatoes, many consider the version of Battlestar Galactica that premiered in 2004 as their favorite. The series has a much better rating of 95%.
Of course, every solid sci-fi series needs an unforgettable setting, and both Star Trek and Battlestar Galactica present epic worlds set in space. Despite how beloved they both are, however, they’re very different.
Battlestar Galactica features intricate dynamics between memorable characters like Starbuck (Katee Sackhoff) and William Adama (Edward James Olmos), who battle robots called Cylons. There’s no doubt that making robots the main villains can come off as corny, and there are plenty of movies that have proven that to us. However, they’re unsettling here, and binge-watching the 2000s series is an absolute blast.
Severance (95%)
AppleTV has become a go-to streaming service for the sci-fi genre, thanks to stand-out shows like Silo and the immediate smash-hit Pluribus. Still, it’s a challenge to truly compare any sci-show on the streamer to Severance, which has 95% on Rotten Tomatoes.
After watching seasons 1 and 2, chances are most of us can say we’re shocked it didn’t get 100%. Set in the corporate world of Lumon Industries, Severance has the kinds of twists that we look for in an excellent sci-fi story.
Through main character Mark S. (Adam Scott), we learn about a world where people have separate identities at work and home. Scott’s performance is fantastic, and other cast members, like Zach Cherry, Dichen Lachman, Britt Lower, and Patricia Arquette, are also great.
Since the series has impressively sprinkled in reveals but also maintained its mysterious tone, it should definitely run for a few more seasons, and we’re confident every secret will be revealed by then.
Stranger Things (92%)
It’s tough for a TV show of any genre to sustain fan interest for almost a decade, but that’s exactly what Netflix’s Stranger Things has done. The series has 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, which is great, but there are likely a few reasons why it’s not even higher. For one thing, there’s the fact that some episodes, like season 2’s “The Lost Sister,” feel random and unnecessary.
We also can’t ignore the frustrating long wait between seasons 4 and 5, although of course we’re all eagerly awaiting the final season. However, Stranger Things is still worthy of all the praise it gets, thanks to its smart characters and emotional scenes.
While its sci-fi elements, like the scary Upside Down and violent creatures like Vecna and the Mind Flayer, are solid, many of us appreciate the coming-of-age plotlines and relationships. The show leans more heavily into emotions than some other sci-fi series, and it works.
Orphan Black (93%)
Thanks to Tatiana Maslany’s performance as 17 clones and an unsettling premise that sticks in your mind, Orphan Black‘s 93% Rotten Tomatoes rating makes perfect sense. The series takes on the sci-fi trope of cloning and delivers on it, which is impressive considering how confusing the show could have been.
Despite the intricate universe of the clones, which becomes more complex with every passing season, Orphan Black stays grounded in reality because of protagonist Sarah Manning. We learn more about Sarah’s sad childhood and her desire to be a good parent to her daughter Kira (Skyler Wexler), and it’s moving watching Sarah bond with some of the clones.
Although the detailed world of the clones is the main draw here, Orphan Black is also a sweet show about one woman’s search for family. This adds a relatable element to the broader sci-fi aspects.
The Expanse (95%)
The six-season SyFy/Prime Video series is another excellent entry in the sci-fi genre and tells a gripping tale set in the Solar System. Since it starts out with such fascinating world-building, the series could have quickly become lackluster and perplexing, but it maintains its quality.
Besides an epic setting, The Expanse delves into political topics like competition and fighting, which gives it some weight. While some sci-fi shows set in space can be corny if the depiction of future technology isn’t realistic or well-done, The Expanse avoids all those potential issues because it looks so incredible.
Many think the incredible The Expanse can’t be matched again, and it’s easy to see why after just one episode. The best sci-fi shows let us sit back and enjoy the fun ride, and no matter how many series we’ve seen that are also set in space, we’re still likely to be impressed by the amazing visuals on The Expanse.
