20 Best Sci-Fi TV Shows on Netflix 2026
Browse the smartest sci-fi picks on Netflix, from Dark and Black Mirror to Stranger Things, Arcane, and more gripping series to add now.
If you’re hunting for the best sci-fi TV shows on Netflix, this list gives you a strong mix of suspense, big ideas, and genre mashups. Start with fan favorites like Stranger Things, Dark, and Black Mirror, then branch out to mind-bending picks such as 3 Body Problem, Pantheon, and Archive 81. If you want something lighter without leaving sci-fi behind, Resident Alien and Arcane bring a different energy, while From, The Last Ship, and All of Us Are Dead lean harder into danger and mystery. Whether you want aliens, time puzzles, dystopias, or supernatural pressure-cookers, there’s plenty here to fit your mood.
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01
From
drama · horror · mystery · sci-fi · thriller
Unravel the mystery of a town in middle U.S.A. that imprisons everyone who enters. As the residents struggle to maintain a sense of normality and seek a way out, they must also survive the threats of the surrounding forest.
Why watch: If you like small-town mysteries with a sci-fi edge, From is a strong pick. Its blend of drama, horror, mystery, and thriller elements makes it a good fit if you want tension and questions that keep building.
Directed by Jack Bender, Brad Turner, Alexandra La Roche, Jennifer Liao, Jeff RenfroeCast Harold Perrineau, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Eion Bailey, David Alpay, Elizabeth SaundersNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
02
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
animation · action · adventure · crime · drama · sci-fi · thriller
In a dystopia riddled with corruption and cybernetic implants, a talented but reckless street kid strives to become a mercenary outlaw — an edgerunner.
Why watch: If you’re drawn to fast-moving dystopian stories, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners may be your style. The animation, action, crime, and sci-fi mix suggests a tense ride through a corrupted future.
Directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi, Kai Ikarashi, Yoshiyuki Kaneko, Noboru Furukawa, Kôdai NakanoCast Kentarô Tone, Kôki Uchiyama, Momoka Terasawa, Akari Kitô, KENNNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
03
Dragon Ball Super: Beerus
action & adventure · animation · fantasy · science-fiction
When Beerus, the God of Destruction, awakens in search of a worthy rival, Goku and his friends face an epic battle to stop him from destroying Earth.
Remastered and re-edited version of Dragon Ball Super.
Why watch: If you want high-energy science-fiction with a fantasy lean, this title is worth a look. It centers on Goku, Beerus, and a battle to protect Earth, so it should appeal to viewers who enjoy action-driven anime.
Directed by Matsuto Seya, Kota Tamakuma, Nobutaka Yoda, Maya Asakura, Ryôta NakamuraCast Masako Nozawa, Joji Yanami, Takahiro Fujimoto, Shinichiro Ota, Ryoichi TanakaNetflixHuluMore details on IMDb → -
04
Dark
crime · drama · mystery · sci-fi · thriller
A missing child causes four families to help each other for answers. What they could not imagine is that this mystery would be connected to innumerable other secrets of the small town.
Why watch: If you enjoy time-bending mysteries with a darker tone, Dark is a natural choice. Its crime, drama, mystery, sci-fi, and thriller mix makes it ideal for viewers who like complex puzzles.
Directed by Baran bo OdarCast Louis Hofmann, Karoline Eichhorn, Lisa Vicari, Maja Schöne, Jördis TriebelNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
05
Black Mirror
Won 6 Emmys 2x Outstanding Television Movie · 25 nominations
crime · drama · mystery · sci-fi · thriller
Twisted tales run wild in this mind-bending anthology series that reveals humanity's worst traits, greatest innovations and more.
Why watch: If you prefer sci-fi that works as a standalone conversation starter, Black Mirror is a great fit. The anthology format and sharp genre blend make it appealing for viewers who like unsettling what-if stories.
Directed by Toby Haynes, Owen Harris, Carl Tibbetts, James Hawes, David SladeCast Anjana Vasan, Cristin Milioti, Jimmi Simpson, Jesse Plemons, Billy MagnussenNetflixMore details on IMDb →
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06
Pokémon
animation · action · adventure · comedy · drama · family · fantasy · sci-fi · thriller
Join Ash accompanied by his partner Pikachu, as he travels through many regions, meets new friends and faces new challenges on his quest to become a Pokémon Master.
Why watch: If you want a long-running series that combines adventure, comedy, fantasy, and sci-fi, Pokémon is an easy recommendation. It suits viewers looking for a lighter, family-friendly journey with a big quest at its center.
Directed by Kunihiko Yuyama, Norihiko Sutō, Masamitsu Hidaka, Joop Pieëte, Lotte HorlingsCast Ikue Otani, Rica Matsumoto, Megumi Hayashibara, Shin'ichiro Miki, Inuko InuyamaNetflixTubiDisney PlusMore details on IMDb → -
07
The Last Ship
action · drama · sci-fi · thriller · war
Their mission is simple: Find a cure. Stop the virus. Save the world. When a global pandemic wipes out eighty percent of the planet's population, the crew of a lone naval destroyer must find a way to pull humanity from the brink of extinction.
Why watch: If you like apocalyptic stakes and a mission-based setup, The Last Ship should fit well. Its action, drama, sci-fi, and thriller mix works for viewers who want a survival story with urgency.
Directed by Paul Holahan, Jack Bender, Peter Weller, Michael Katleman, Steven KaneCast Eric Dane, Adam Baldwin, Charles Parnell, Travis Van Winkle, Marissa NeitlingNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
08
Archive 81
drama · horror · mystery · sci-fi · thriller
An archivist takes a job restoring damaged videotapes and gets pulled into the vortex of a mystery involving the missing director and a demonic cult.
Why watch: If you enjoy eerie mysteries built around found materials and hidden forces, Archive 81 is a good match. Its horror, mystery, and sci-fi tags point to something that leans spooky and suspenseful.
Directed by Rebecca Thomas, Haifaa Al-Mansour, Justin Benson, Aaron MoorheadCast Mamoudou Athie, Dina Shihabi, Evan Jonigkeit, Julia Chan, Ariana NealNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
09
Resident Alien
comedy · drama · mystery · sci-fi
Crash-landed alien Harry takes on the identity of a small-town Colorado doctor. Arriving with a secret mission, he starts off living a simple life…but things get a bit rocky when he’s roped into solving a local murder and realizes he needs to assimilate into his new world. As he does, he begins to wrestle with the moral dilemma of his mission and asking the big life questions like: “Are human beings worth saving?” and “Why do they fold their pizza before eating it?”
Why watch: If you want sci-fi with humor mixed in, Resident Alien is an easy one to try. It should appeal to viewers who like mystery and a story about an outsider trying to fit in.
Directed by Robert Duncan McNeill, Brennan Shroff, Shannon Kohli, Kabir Akhtar, Lea ThompsonCast Alan Tudyk, Sara Tomko, Corey Reynolds, Alice Wetterlund, Levi FiehlerNetflixPeacock PremiumMore details on IMDb → -
10
Stranger Things
Won 13 Emmys Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (2017) · 64 nominations
drama · fantasy · horror · mystery · sci-fi · thriller
When a young boy vanishes, a small town uncovers a mystery involving secret experiments, terrifying supernatural forces, and one strange little girl.
Why watch: If you’re in the mood for supernatural sci-fi with a strong mystery hook, Stranger Things is a clear pick. Its mix of drama, fantasy, horror, and thriller elements suits viewers who like ensemble stories with suspense.
Directed by Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer, Shawn Levy, Andrew Stanton, Uta BriesewitzCast Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Natalia Dyer, Charlie HeatonNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
11
The Man in the High Castle
Won 2 Emmys 10 nominations
drama · sci-fi · thriller
Explore what it would be like if the Allied Powers had lost WWII, and Japan and Germany ruled the United States. Based on Philip K. Dick's award-winning novel.
Why watch: If alternate-history speculation interests you, The Man in the High Castle is worth considering. Its drama, sci-fi, and thriller blend suits viewers who enjoy imagining how history might have turned out differently.
Directed by Daniel Percival, John Fawcett, Nelson McCormick, Karyn Kusama, Alex ZakrzewskiCast Alexa Davalos, Joel de la Fuente, Rufus Sewell, Chelah Horsdal, Brennan BrownNetflixAmazon Prime VideoMore details on IMDb → -
12
The Boroughs
adventure · comedy · drama · fantasy · horror · mystery · sci-fi
In a seemingly perfect retirement community, a grieving newcomer's monstrous encounter inspires him to join a misfit crew of unlikely heroes who uncover a dark secret that proves their "golden years" are more dangerous, and they are more formidable, than anyone expects.
Why watch: If you like stories about hidden danger in an unexpected community, The Boroughs may appeal to you. Its adventure, comedy, horror, mystery, and sci-fi mix suggests a quirky but eerie watch.
Directed by Augustine Frizzell, Kyle Patrick Alvarez, Ben TaylorCast Alfred Molina, Alfre Woodard, Denis O'Hare, Clarke Peters, Carlos MirandaNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
13
Pantheon
animation · action · adventure · drama · fantasy · mystery · sci-fi · thriller
A bullied teen receives mysterious help from someone online: a stranger soon revealed to be her recently deceased father, David, whose consciousness has been uploaded to the Cloud following an experimental destructive brain scan. David is the first of a new kind of being – an “Uploaded Intelligence” or “UI” – but he will not be the last, as a global conspiracy unfolds that threatens to trigger a new kind of world war.
Why watch: If you’re interested in futuristic ideas about consciousness and technology, Pantheon is a strong match. The animation, drama, mystery, and thriller elements make it a good choice for viewers who like big sci-fi concepts.
Directed by Juno John Lee, Ed Tadem, Melchior Zwyer, David Dwooman Woo, Micah GunnellCast Katie Chang, Paul Dano, Aaron Eckhart, Rosemarie DeWitt, Chris DiamantopoulosNetflixTubiMore details on IMDb → -
14
All of Us Are Dead
action · drama · fantasy · horror · sci-fi · thriller
A high school becomes ground zero for a zombie virus outbreak. Trapped students must fight their way out — or turn into one of the rabid infected.
Why watch: If you want a fast, high-stakes survival story, All of Us Are Dead is a solid option. Its zombie outbreak premise and action-horror-sci-fi mix make it a fit for viewers who like intense ensemble tension.
Directed by J.Q. Lee, Kim Nam-SooCast Park Ji-hu, Yoon Chan-young, Cho Yi-hyun, Park Solomon, Kim Bo-YoonNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
15
The Flash
1 Emmy nomination
action · adventure · drama · sci-fi
After being struck by lightning, CSI investigator Barry Allen awakens from a nine-month coma to discover he has been granted the gift of super speed. Teaming up with S.T.A.R. Labs, Barry takes on the persona of The Flash, the Fastest Man Alive, to protect his city.
Why watch: If superhero-style sci-fi sounds appealing, The Flash may be the one to try. Its action, adventure, drama, and sci-fi blend works well for viewers who like a hero-driven series.
Directed by Stefan Pleszczynski, David McWhirter, Dermott Downs, Alexandra La Roche, Ralph HemeckerCast Grant Gustin, Candice Patton, Danielle Panabaker, Jesse L. Martin, Carlos ValdesNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
16
Stargate SG-1
9 Emmy nominations
action · adventure · drama · sci-fi
The story of Stargate SG-1 begins about a year after the events of the feature film, when the United States government learns that an ancient alien device called the Stargate can access a network of such devices on a multitude of planets. SG-1 is an elite Air Force special operations team, one of more than two dozen teams from Earth who explore the galaxy and defend against alien threats such as the Goa'uld, Replicators, and the Ori.
Why watch: If you enjoy classic spacefaring adventure, Stargate SG-1 is a smart pick. Its action, adventure, drama, and sci-fi combination suits viewers who want an episodic explore-the-galaxy setup.
Directed by Peter DeLuise, Martin Wood, Andy Mikita, William Waring, William GereghtyCast Amanda Tapping, Christopher Judge, Michael Shanks, Richard Dean Anderson, Don S. DavisNetflixAmazon Prime VideoFreeveeMore details on IMDb → -
17
3 Body Problem
6 Emmy nominations Outstanding Drama Series (2024)
adventure · drama · fantasy · mystery · sci-fi
Across continents and decades, five brilliant friends make earth-shattering discoveries as the laws of science unravel and an existential threat emerges.
Why watch: If you like science turning strange at a global scale, 3 Body Problem is made for you. Its mystery and sci-fi focus should appeal to viewers who enjoy big, civilization-level questions.
Directed by Jeremy Podeswa, Minkie Spiro, Derek Tsang, Andrew Stanton, Miguel SapochnikCast Jovan Adepo, Liam Cunningham, Eiza González, Jess Hong, Benedict WongNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
18
Castle Rock
1 Emmy nomination
drama · fantasy · horror · mystery · sci-fi · thriller
Based on the stories of Stephen King, the series intertwines characters and themes from the fictional town of Castle Rock.
Why watch: If you prefer stories with a darker, more ominous mystery, Castle Rock is worth a look. Its mix of drama, fantasy, horror, mystery, sci-fi, and thriller points to a layered watch.
Directed by Greg Yaitanes, Michael Uppendahl, Phil Abraham, Anne Sewitsky, Ana Lily AmirpourCast Bill Skarsgård, André Holland, Lizzy Caplan, Melanie Lynskey, Paul SparksNetflixHuluMore details on IMDb → -
19
Arcane
Won 8 Emmys 9 nominations
animation · action · adventure · drama · fantasy · sci-fi
Amid the stark discord of twin cities Piltover and Zaun, two sisters fight on rival sides of a war between magic technologies and clashing convictions.
Why watch: If animated sci-fi with strong conflict sounds good, Arcane is a standout choice. Its action, adventure, drama, fantasy, and sci-fi blend fits viewers who like rival cities and clashing ideals.
Directed by Pascal Charrue, Arnaud Delord, Bart Maunoury, Marietta Ren, Christelle AbgrallCast Kevin Alejandro, Hailee Steinfeld, Ella Purnell, Katie Leung, Harry LloydNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
20
Fear the Walking Dead
drama · horror · sci-fi · thriller
What did the world look like as it was transforming into the horrifying apocalypse depicted in "The Walking Dead"? This spin-off set in Los Angeles, following new characters as they face the beginning of the end of the world, will answer that question.
Why watch: If you want a survival-focused prequel-style story about the early days of an apocalypse, Fear the Walking Dead may suit you. The drama, horror, sci-fi, and thriller blend is a good match for viewers who like tense outbreak stories.
Directed by Michael E. Satrazemis, Stefan Schwartz, Andrew Bernstein, Heather Cappiello, Adam DavidsonCast Colman Domingo, Alycia Debnam-Carey, Danay Garcia, Rubén Blades, Jenna ElfmanNetflixAmazon Prime VideoAMC+More details on IMDb →
Wrapping Up
This roundup brings together sci-fi series that cover a lot of ground, from eerie small-town mysteries to futuristic conflict and animated worlds with bigger questions at their core. Use it as a quick way to narrow your next watch, then bookmark the page and come back when you want a fresh pick. We update this list regularly, so it’s worth revisiting as your queue changes. If you like stories that keep one foot in suspense and the other in speculation, you’ll find plenty to choose from here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top 10 sci-fi films?
Our top 10 right now: From (2022), Cyberpunk: Edgerunners (2022), Dragon Ball Super: Beerus (2026), Dark (2017), Black Mirror (2011), Pokémon (1997), The Last Ship (2014), Archive 81 (2022), Resident Alien (2021) and Stranger Things (2016), all streaming on Netflix.
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 Netflix subscription to watch these?
Yes. Every title on this list is currently available on Netflix. 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.