20 Best Sci-Fi TV Shows on Max 2026
Explore 20 of the best sci-fi TV shows on Max, from The Last of Us and Watchmen to Rick and Morty, Scavengers Reign, and more.
If you’re trying to find the best sci-fi TV shows on Max, this list gives you a mix of smart character stories, big ideas, and genre-bending fun. You’ll find modern hits like The Last of Us, Watchmen, and Dune: Prophecy alongside animated favorites such as Rick and Morty, Adventure Time, and FLCL. There’s also room for darker, more emotional picks like Station Eleven, Orphan Black, and Years and Years, plus newer titles including Scavengers Reign and Lanterns. Whether you want action, mystery, drama, or something stranger, these shows cover a wide stretch of science-fiction storytelling.
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01
Lanterns
action & adventure · crime · drama · mystery & thriller · science-fiction
Two intergalactic cops, new recruit John Stewart and Lantern legend Hal Jordan, are drawn into a dark, Earth-based mystery as they investigate a murder in the American heartland.
Why watch: If you like crime-driven sci-fi with a mystery angle, Lanterns may fit well. Its setup pairs intergalactic cops with a murder investigation on Earth, so it leans toward both genre suspense and detective work.
Directed by James Hawes, Geeta Vasant Patel, Alik Sakharov, Stephen WilliamsCast Aaron Pierre, Kyle Chandler, Kelly Macdonald, Garret Dillahunt, Poorna JagannathanMaxMore details on IMDb → -
02
Rick and Morty
Won 2 Emmys 5 nominations
animation · adventure · comedy · sci-fi
Rick is a mentally-unbalanced but scientifically gifted old man who has recently reconnected with his family. He spends most of his time involving his young grandson Morty in dangerous, outlandish adventures throughout space and alternate universes. Compounded with Morty's already unstable family life, these events cause Morty much distress at home and school.
Why watch: If you enjoy fast, absurd sci-fi with animation and comedy, Rick and Morty is an easy fit. The series mixes space travel, alternate universes, and family drama into one very unpredictable ride.
Directed by Wes Archer, Jacob Hair, Pete Michels, Nathan Litz, Kyoung Hee LimCast Chris Parnell, Spencer Grammer, Sarah Chalke, Justin Roiland, Kari WahlgrenHuluMaxMore details on IMDb → -
03
Ren Faire
1 Emmy nomination
documentary · science-fiction
When the ailing king of America's largest renaissance festival declares his retirement, an epic power struggle ensues between an actor, a former elephant trainer, and a kettle-corn kingpin to claim his throne.
Why watch: If you’re open to an unusual blend of documentary and science-fiction, Ren Faire stands out right away. It’s a quirky choice for viewers who want something offbeat rather than a straight genre series.
Directed by Lance OppenheimCast Jeffrey Baldwin, Darla Smith, George Coulam, Louie MigliaccioMaxMore details on IMDb → -
04
Batman: The Animated Series
Won 1 Emmy
animation · action · adventure · crime · family · mystery · sci-fi
Vowing to avenge the murder of his parents, Bruce Wayne devotes his life to wiping out crime in Gotham City as the masked vigilante "Batman".
Why watch: If you want animated superhero storytelling with crime and mystery elements, Batman: The Animated Series is a strong pick. Its action, adventure, and sci-fi tags make it a good match for viewers who like genre variety.
Directed by Kevin Altieri, Boyd Kirkland, Frank Paur, Dan Riba, Dick SebastCast Kevin Conroy, Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Bob Hastings, Loren Lester, Robert CostanzoAmazon Prime VideoMaxMore details on IMDb → -
05
The Last of Us
Won 9 Emmys Outstanding Drama Series (2023) · 40 nominations
action · adventure · drama · horror · sci-fi · thriller
Twenty years after modern civilization has been destroyed, Joel, a hardened survivor, is hired to smuggle Ellie, a 14-year-old girl, out of an oppressive quarantine zone. What starts as a small job soon becomes a brutal, heartbreaking journey, as they both must traverse the United States and depend on each other for survival.
Why watch: If you prefer sci-fi that also leans hard into drama and thriller tension, The Last of Us is worth a look. Its post-collapse setting and survival focus make it especially appealing to viewers who like serious, high-stakes stories.
Directed by Craig Mazin, Neil Druckmann, Peter Hoar, Ali Abbasi, Jeremy WebbCast Bella Ramsey, Pedro Pascal, Gabriel Luna, Isabela Merced, Young MazinoMaxMore details on IMDb →
Not quite it? Ask WattaWatch for sci-fi on Max →
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06
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe
comedy · fantasy · sci-fi
Comic book store owner Stuart Bloom, from The Big Bang Theory (2007), returns in a new series where he attempts--and apparently fails--to save the universe, staying true to his unlucky nature.
Why watch: If you like comedy-driven sci-fi with a fantasy edge, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe may be your style. The premise suggests a lighter, self-aware take on cosmic trouble.
Directed by Kyle Newacheck, Jonathan FrakesCast Kevin Sussman, Lauren Lapkus, Brian Posehn, John Ross Bowie, Tommy WalkerMaxMore details on IMDb → -
07
Peacemaker
2 Emmy nominations
action · adventure · comedy · crime · drama · fantasy · sci-fi
The continuing story of Peacemaker, a vainglorious superhero/supervillain who believes in peace at any cost — no matter how many people he has to kill. After a miraculous recovery from his duel with Bloodsport, Peacemaker soon discovers that his freedom comes at a price.
Why watch: If you enjoy superhero stories that mix action, crime, comedy, and drama, Peacemaker is a good match. Its sci-fi and fantasy mix gives it a broad genre appeal beyond simple heroics.
Directed by James Gunn, Alethea Jones, Greg Mottola, Brad Anderson, Jody HillCast John Cena, Danielle Brooks, Freddie Stroma, Jennifer Holland, Steve AgeeMaxMore details on IMDb → -
08
Scavengers Reign
Won 1 Emmy 2 nominations
animation · adventure · drama · sci-fi
When a deep space freighter is damaged by a solar flare its surviving crew are stranded on a beautiful and unforgiving planet. They begin to learn the true nature of this planet as they try to survive long enough to escape or be rescued.
Why watch: If you like survival stories set in imaginative sci-fi worlds, Scavengers Reign is one to try. Its animation and adventure elements fit readers looking for a visually strange, character-focused premise.
Directed by Benjy Brooke, Vincent Tsui, Jonathan Djob Nkondo, Diego Porral, Rachel ReidCast Sunita Mani, Wunmi Mosaku, Bob Stephenson, Alia Shawkat, Pollyanna McIntoshMaxMore details on IMDb → -
09
Station Eleven
7 Emmy nominations Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (2022)
adventure · drama · fantasy · mystery · sci-fi · thriller
The survivors of a devastating flu attempt to rebuild and reimagine the world anew – while holding on to the best of what’s been lost.
Why watch: If you want sci-fi with a reflective tone, Station Eleven may be a strong choice. The blend of drama, fantasy, mystery, and thriller elements suggests a thoughtful story about rebuilding after catastrophe.
Directed by Jeremy Podeswa, Helen Shaver, Hiro Murai, Lucy TcherniakCast Mackenzie Davis, Himesh Patel, Matilda Lawler, David Wilmot, Nabhaan RizwanMaxMore details on IMDb → -
10
Orphan Black
Won 1 Emmy Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (2016) · 3 nominations
drama · sci-fi · thriller
A streetwise hustler is pulled into a compelling conspiracy after witnessing the suicide of a girl who looks just like her.
Why watch: If you like conspiracies, tense drama, and sci-fi thrills, Orphan Black should be on your list. Its premise centers on a mystery that quickly becomes personal and high stakes.
Directed by John Fawcett, David Frazee, Ken Girotti, T.J. Scott, Grant HarveyCast Tatiana Maslany, Jordan Gavaris, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Kristian Bruun, Kevin HanchardPeacock PremiumMaxMore details on IMDb → -
11
Adventure Time
Won 8 Emmys 16 nominations
animation · action · adventure · comedy · family · fantasy · sci-fi
Unlikely heroes Finn and Jake are buddies who traverse the mystical Land of Ooo. The best of friends, our heroes always find themselves in the middle of escapades. Finn and Jake depend on each other through thick and thin.
Why watch: If you enjoy animated adventures that mix comedy, fantasy, and sci-fi, Adventure Time is a natural pick. It’s a good fit for viewers who like imaginative worlds and a light, playful tone.
Directed by Bong Hee Han, Larry Leichliter, Elizabeth Ito, Andres Salaff, Adam MutoCast John DiMaggio, Jeremy Shada, Tom Kenny, Hynden Walch, Niki YangHuluMaxMore details on IMDb → -
12
Dune: Prophecy
4 Emmy nominations
action · adventure · drama · sci-fi
Ten thousand years before the ascension of Paul Atreides, sisters Valya and Tula Harkonnen establish the fabled sect and female order that would become known as the Bene Gesserit to control the future of humankind.
Why watch: If you’re interested in sci-fi that explores politics, power, and a larger mythos, Dune: Prophecy may appeal to you. Its drama and adventure elements make it a good fit for viewers who like expansive worldbuilding.
Directed by Richard J. Lewis, Anna Foerster, John Cameron, Roxann Dawson, Daniel AttiasCast Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Chloe Lea, Travis Fimmel, Jade AnoukaMaxMore details on IMDb → -
13
Regular Show: The Lost Tapes
animation · action · adventure · comedy · drama · family · fantasy · sci-fi
Familiar duo Mordecai and Rigby navigate mundane park jobs that inevitably spiral into surreal, chaotic disasters.
Why watch: If you like animated comedy where everyday routines turn surreal, Regular Show: The Lost Tapes could work for you. The mix of family, fantasy, and sci-fi suggests a playful but chaotic tone.
Directed by Toby Jones, J.G. QuintelCast J.G. Quintel, William Salyers, Sam Marin, Mark Hamill, Roger Craig SmithHuluMaxMore details on IMDb → -
14
President Curtis
animation · comedy · sci-fi
Follows President Andre Curtis and his eccentric staff as they deal with various crises that Rick Sanchez typically ignores.
Why watch: If you enjoy animated sci-fi comedy centered on a workplace full of odd personalities, President Curtis may be worth a look. Its premise points to a series built around crisis management and character-driven humor.
Directed by Fill Marc Sagadraca, Erik Kling, Juan Jose Meza-Leon, Bryan NewtonCast Keith David, Stephanie Beatriz, Jim Rash, Nick Reczynski, Alanna UbachMaxMore details on IMDb → -
15
Years and Years
drama · sci-fi
As Britain is rocked by unstable political, economic and technological advances, members of the Lyons family converge on one crucial night in 2019. Over the next 15 years, the twists and turns of their everyday lives are explored as we find out if this ordinary family could change the world.
Why watch: If you prefer sci-fi rooted in family drama and social change, Years and Years is a thoughtful choice. Its focus on political, economic, and technological shifts gives it a grounded, forward-looking edge.
Directed by Simon Cellan Jones, Lisa MulcahyCast Anne Reid, Rory Kinnear, Jessica Hynes, T'Nia Miller, Ruth MadeleyMaxMore details on IMDb → -
16
My Adventures with Superman
animation · action · adventure · comedy · family · fantasy · romance · sci-fi
Twenty-somethings Clark Kent, the bright and driven Lois Lane, and their best friend Jimmy Olsen begin to discover who they are and everything they can accomplish together as an investigative reporting team at the Daily Planet.
Why watch: If you like lighter superhero storytelling with comedy, romance, and family appeal, My Adventures with Superman is a good option. Its Daily Planet setup also gives it a fresh, character-focused angle.
Directed by Jen Bennett, Diana Huh, Christina Manrique, Grace Liu, Chris PalmerCast Jack Quaid, Alice Lee, Ishmel Sahid, Max Mittelman, Kiana MadeiraMaxMore details on IMDb → -
17
Watchmen
Won 11 Emmys 26 nominations
crime · drama · mystery · sci-fi
Set in an alternate history where “superheroes” are treated as outlaws, “Watchmen” embraces the nostalgia of the original groundbreaking graphic novel while attempting to break new ground of its own.
Why watch: If you want a darker, more mystery-heavy take on superhero material, Watchmen is an excellent match. Its crime and drama elements make it feel broader than standard capes-and-costumes fare.
Directed by Nicole Kassell, Stephen Williams, Steph Green, Andrij Parekh, David SemelCast Regina King, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Tom Mison, Sara Vickers, Jeremy IronsMaxMore details on IMDb → -
18
Doom Patrol
1 Emmy nomination
action · adventure · comedy · crime · drama · fantasy · mystery · sci-fi · thriller
The Doom Patrol’s members each suffered horrible accidents that gave them superhuman abilities — but also left them scarred and disfigured. Traumatized and downtrodden, the team found purpose through The Chief, who brought them together to investigate the weirdest phenomena in existence — and to protect Earth from what they find.
Why watch: If you enjoy weird, offbeat teams and stories with a lot of genre mixing, Doom Patrol may suit you well. The show blends action, comedy, drama, fantasy, mystery, and sci-fi in a very broad way.
Directed by Chris Manley, Omar Madha, Kristin Windell, Dermott Downs, Harry JierjianCast Diane Guerrero, April Bowlby, Matt Bomer, Riley Shanahan, Brendan FraserMaxMore details on IMDb → -
19
His Dark Materials
1 BAFTA TV Award nomination
adventure · drama · fantasy · sci-fi
Lyra is an orphan who lives in a parallel universe in which science, theology and magic are entwined. Her search for a kidnapped friend uncovers a sinister plot involving stolen children and turns into a quest to understand a mysterious phenomenon called Dust. She is later joined on her journey by Will, a boy who possesses a knife that can cut windows between worlds. As she learns the truth about her parents and her prophesied destiny, the two young people are caught up in a war against celestial powers that ranges across many worlds.
Why watch: If you like fantasy-laced sci-fi with adventure and a multiverse feel, His Dark Materials is a strong pick. Its story spans worlds and leans into mystery, destiny, and large-scale conflict.
Directed by Jamie Childs, William McGregor, Amit Gupta, Leanne Welham, Otto BathurstCast Dafne Keen, Kit Connor, Ruth Wilson, Amir Wilson, Will KeenMaxMore details on IMDb → -
20
FLCL
animation · action · comedy · drama · sci-fi
Naota is a normal boy who kills some time with a normal girl by a stream that flows underneath a bridge. Nothing unusual happens in this town. The fact that Haruhara Haruko crashes into the main character with her Vespa a short while later and subsequently hits him over the head with her Rickenbacker 4003 bass guitar doesn’t really make any difference to any other day here. The at first glance unconnected, bizarre events that don’t seem to follow any pattern whatsoever don’t change anything about Naota’s boring life, either – because nothing incredible ever happens in this town.
Why watch: If you prefer animated sci-fi that feels experimental and unpredictable, FLCL is a good choice. Its action, comedy, and drama blend makes it especially appealing for viewers who like something unconventional.
Directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki, Masahiko Ôtsuka, Shôji Saeki, Takeshi Ando, Ken AndôCast Jun Mizuki, Mayumi Shintani, Izumi Kasagi, Suzuki Matsuo, Hiroshi ItoMaxMore details on IMDb →
Wrapping Up
These picks show how broad sci-fi TV can be, from animated chaos to serious drama and mystery-driven stories. If you want a single place to compare the strongest options, this list makes it easy to narrow down what fits your mood. Bookmark this page and come back when you need your next binge, because it’s updated regularly with fresh titles and changing availability. That way, you can keep finding new series without starting your search over from scratch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is this list updated?
We refresh this list regularly as titles are added or removed from streaming catalogs, so rankings and availability stay current.
Do I need a Max subscription to watch these?
Yes. Every title on this list is currently available on Max. Availability can change, so we recommend checking the streaming link on each title before you start watching.
How are these sci-fi shows ranked?
We rank by a combination of audience rating and current popularity, so you're seeing the sci-fi titles people are actually watching right now, not just an old fixed list.