8 Sci-Fi Series That Outshine Stranger Things In The Genre

8 Sci-Fi Shows Better Than Stranger Things

Stranger Things still featuring the Byers and Wheeler families at a dinner table.Netflix

By Cher Thompson Published 1 hour ago

Cher Thompson is a Senior Staff Writer at Screen Rant, where she covers everything from explosive reality TV moments to cast interviews about the twists and turns of scripted dramas. With a background in creative writing, marketing, and teaching, Cher knows how to spot both the storytelling genius and the guilty pleasures in pop culture. Her work blends wit with insight, making readers feel like they’re chatting with a friend who just happens to know way too much about TV.

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Stranger Things has become one of Netflix’s biggest hits, but despite earning enormous viewership and widespread pop-culture influence, there are better sci-fi shows to represent the genre as a whole. With Stranger Things' nostalgic visuals, ‘80s-inspired tone, and character-driven storytelling, mainstream sci-fi viewership has been rising since its 2016 release. While the show helped sci-fi, Stranger Things often feels like it's in a genre of its own.

Stranger Things proved that science fiction could blend seamlessly with emotional coming-of-age narratives, giving audiences a mix of genre thrills and heartfelt ensemble drama in a way few modern series manage. Its success, however, comes from more than just its sci-fi roots. Stranger Things has roots in horror, relying on creature-based scares, supernatural dangers, and atmospheric tension.

The series also functions as a thriller built around conspiracies, government cover-ups, and rescue-mission suspense. Combined with its period-piece identity, which is full of 1980s aesthetics, Stranger Things has become a genre hybrid rather than a traditional sci-fi show, shaping expectations in distinct and sometimes limiting ways. Because of this blend, not every sci-fi fan finds Stranger Things fully satisfying as a genre experience.

Some sci-fi viewers prefer deeper world-building, scientific plausibility, or speculative technology. These are areas that Stranger Things only touches lightly due to its supernatural focus. Others want ambitious science-driven plots rather than nostalgic storytelling or emotional arcs. For audience members seeking harder or more conceptual sci-fi, Stranger Things' interesting hybrid structure may leave a noticeable gap in the material.

Fortunately, sci-fi as a genre offers many acclaimed, imaginative series that push further into speculative ideas than Stranger Things typically explores. Some examine the multiverse theory while others tackle futuristic ethics, and most build expansive universes that stretch far beyond Hawkins, Indiana. These shows use science as the driving force of their narratives, which makes them more satisfying, thought-provoking, stronger sci-fi experiences.

8 Orphan Black

5 Seasons

Tatiana Maslany wearing a hoodie and standing in front of the main Orphan Black characters

Orphan Black ran for five seasons on BBC America, and starred Tatiana Maslany as Sarah Manning, along with a group of clones that she discovers she is one of early in the series. The show's sci-fi elements are wide-ranging, but are clear in the series' intent, which unravels to reveal itself throughout its run. Focusing on the clones, Orphan Black looks at things differently.

With the show focusing on the ethics and legality of genetic modification, Orphan Black does a ton of work within the confines of its characters, most played by Maslany. Surpassing Stranger Things in the ways it engages with scientific theory, the complicated story is a masterclass in science rather than supernatural storytelling.

53 8.7/10

Orphan Black

10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed TV-MA Drama Science Fiction Thriller Release Date 2013 - 2017 Network Space, BBC America Directors Ken Girotti, T.J. Scott, David Wellington, Grant Harvey, Helen Shaver, Aaron Morton, Brett Sullivan, Chris Grismer, Peter Stebbings Writers Aubrey Nealon, Karen Walton, Tony Elliott, Peter Mohan, Sherry White, Jeremy Boxen, Kate Miles Melville, Greg Nelson, Jenn Engels, Nikolijne Troubetzkoy

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Tatiana Maslany Sarah / Cosima / Alison / Helena / Rachel
Jordan Gavaris Felix 'Fee' Dawkins

Genres Drama, Science Fiction, Thriller Creator(s) Graeme Manson, John Fawcett Powered by

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7 Fringe

5 Seasons

The main cast of Fringe

Created by J.J. Abrams, Fringe ran on Fox for five seasons throughout the late 2000s and early 2010s. Part procedural and part high-concept sci-fi series, Fringe saw a small FBI team working as the Fringe Investigation unit, working to sort unexplained phenomena. With cases ranging from parallel universes to supernatural powers, Fringe explored the depths of the sci-fi world.

Starring Joshua Jackson, Anna Torv, and John Noble, the series dives deeper into the speculative nature of science fiction than Stranger Things often does. Exploring the multiverse theory, advanced biotech, and alternate timelines, Fringe has a rich sense of mythology that ensures that it has higher stakes, deep character arcs, and an intricately woven plot.

103 9.4/10

8/10

Fringe

10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed Sci-Fi Horror Drama Mystery Release Date 2008 - 2013-00-00 Showrunner Jeff Pinkner Directors Jeff Pinkner Writers Roberto Orci, J.J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman

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Joshua Jackson
Blair Brown

Genres Sci-Fi, Horror, Drama, Mystery Powered by

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6 Firefly

1 Season

L-R: Jayne, Zoe, Mal, Inara, and Wash

Although it only ran for one season, Firefly has long been one of the most praised sci-fi shows by fans of the genre. Created by Joss Whedon, the series aired on Fox and continued the universe in a 2005 film, Serenity. The series is set in a future where the Earth has been abandoned, following a crew of renegades traveling through space.

A space western, Firefly's world building is extensive and intense, and the show's cast was committed to their work. With Nathan Fillion, Summer Glau, and Alyn Tudyk as part of the cast, Firefly was able to explore difficult concepts in a character-driven way, which make it a great example of a large-scale sci-fi series.

156 9.5/10

8/10

Firefly

10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed TV-14 Drama Adventure Science Fiction Release Date 2002 - 2003-00-00 Network FOX Showrunner Joss Whedon Directors Allan Kroeker, David Solomon, James A. Contner, Marita Grabiak, Michael Grossman, Tim Minear, Vern Gillum Writers Cheryl Cain, Drew Z. Greenberg, Jane Espenson

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Nathan Fillion Mal Reynolds
Gina Torres Zoë Washburne

Genres Drama, Adventure, Science Fiction Creator(s) Joss Whedon Powered by

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5 Severance

2 Seasons

The cast of AppleTV's Severance walking out of an elevator and into a parking lot.

Apple TV's successful sci-fi series, Severance, blends dystopian science fiction stories with a psychological mystery, crafting what often feels like the perfect show. Severance has two seasons so far, and with a third season in the works, the series appears to be the streaming platform's current crown jewel. Severance season 3 has already been confirmed, and should be out sooner than expected.

While Stranger Things has been running for a longer time, Severance's conceptual sci-fi is a lot like the Netflix competitor's high-concept gem. Severance, however, adds a philosophically challenging mystery to the story, exploring themes of identity and power through the meticulously built world of Lumon Industries.

250 9.2/10

8/10

Severance

10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed TV-MA Drama Mystery Science Fiction Release Date February 17, 2022 Network Apple TV Showrunner Dan Erickson, Mark Friedman Directors Ben Stiller Writers Anna Ouyang Moench, Wei-Ning Yu

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Adam Scott in Severance John Turturro as Irving in Severance

Adam Scott in Apple TV's SeveranceJon Pack /©Apple TV+ / Courtesy Everett Collection

Helly looking confused in Severance

Patricia Arquette as Harmony Cobel in Severance

Helly R lying on a table in Severance pilot

Mark and Helly R running down a hall in the Severance season 2 finaleClose

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Adam Scott Mark Scout
Britt Lower Helly Riggs

Genres Drama, Mystery, Science Fiction Creator(s) Dan Erickson Powered by

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4 The X-Files

9 Seasons

Mulder (David Duchovny) and Scully (Gillian Anderson) staring at the camera in The X-Files

Mulder and Scully in The X-Files

Often considered the pinnacle of 90s sci-fi, The X-Files ran from 1993 until 2002, spanning 9 seasons before its limited 2016 return. The X-Files follows FBI agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) as they investigate all sorts of paranormal and extraterrestrial activity with a broad government-conspiracy slant.

While the series is more procedural than some of the other sci-fi offerings on this list, The X-Files knows what it is right away, rooting itself in the genre. Offering a more expansive sci-fi universe than Stranger Things, the series works hard to investigate an array of different elements of science fiction. The X-Files cultural influence is immeasurable.

100 8.9/10

8/10

The X-Files

10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed TV-14 Mystery Crime Drama Science Fiction Release Date 1993 - 2018-00-00 Network FOX Showrunner Chris Carter Directors Rob Bowman, David Nutter, R. W. Goodwin, Michael W. Watkins, Tony Wharmby, Daniel Sackheim, Michael Lange, Cliff Bole, David Duchovny, Jim Charleston, James Wong, Peter Markle, Rod Hardy, Thomas J. Wright, William A. Graham, Jerrold Freedman, Joe Napolitano, Kevin Hooks, Larry Shaw, Richard Compton, Tucker Gates, Allen Coulter, Barry K. Thomas, Brett Dowler Writers jeffrey bell, Frank Spotnitz, Howard Gordon, David Amann, Darin Morgan, Steven Maeda, Greg Walker, Chris Ruppenthal, Kim Newton, Paul Brown, Sara B. Cooper, Thomas Schnauz, Tim Minear, William Gibson, Jeff Vlaming, Charles Grant Craig, Chip Johannessen, Chris Brancato, Daniel Arkin, Gillian Anderson, Jessica Scott, Jim Guttridge, Kenneth Biller, Larry Barber

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David Duchovny Fox Mulder
Gillian Anderson Dana Scully

Franchise(s) The X-Files Genres Mystery, Crime, Drama, Science Fiction Creator(s) Chris Carter Powered by

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3 Black Mirror

7 Seasons

Kelly and Yorkie in Black Mirror's San Junipero

Black Mirror, which debuted on Netflix in 2016 after airing in the UK only for several years, is an anthology series that focuses on the dark aspects of technology, and advancement. With each episode being a standalone look into the horrors that come along with moving forward, Black Mirror does its best work when it's leaning into its science fiction roots.

The show's anthology format allows it to explore a wider range of speculative ideas than most other sci-fi shows, especially Stranger Things. With a futuristic element to it, Black Mirror may be a partner alongside Stranger Things on Netflix, but the series couldn't be more different in its overall execution. Black Mirror's urgent reflection always feels pertinent.

76 8.0/10

6/10

Black Mirror

10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed TV-MA Drama Mystery Science Fiction Thriller Release Date December 4, 2011 Network Channel 4, Netflix Showrunner Charlie Brooker Directors Owen Harris, Toby Haynes, James Hawes, David Slade, Carl Tibbetts, Ally Pankiw, Bryn Higgins, Dan Trachtenberg, Euros Lyn, Jodie Foster, Joe Wright, John Hillcoat, Sam Miller, Tim Van Patten, Uta Briesewitz, Colm McCarthy, Jakob Verbruggen, James Watkins, John Crowley, Otto Bathurst, Anne Sewitsky, Brian Welsh Writers Jesse Armstrong

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Cristin Milioti Nanette Cole
Jimmi Simpson Walton

Genres Drama, Mystery, Science Fiction, Thriller Powered by

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2 Doctor Who

15 Seasons

Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor in Doctor Who

Credit: BBC

Although Doctor Who has been part of the sci-fi lexicon since the 1960s, its most recent revival began airing in 2005. A tenant of the sci-fi genre, the long-running series follows the Doctor, a time-traveling alien who journeys through space and time in different forms to explore civilizations, battle threats, and reshape history when necessary.

With very few other shows able to rival Doctor Who's scale, the series deals with intricate timelines, different species, and universes abound as it moves through the narrative. Doctor Who's scope is much larger than that of Stranger Things, and its longevity gives it a leg up when trying to compare the two to one another.

164 8.6/10

Doctor Who

10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed TV-PG Sci-Fi Adventure Release Date 2005 - 2021-00-00 Network BBC Directors Graeme Harper, Euros Lyn, Douglas Mackinnon, Jamie Magnus Stone, Charles Palmer, Rachel Talalay, Joe Ahearne, James Strong, Jamie Childs, Saul Metzstein, Toby Haynes, Wayne Che Yip, Nick Hurran, Richard Clark, James Hawes, Daniel Nettheim, Colin Teague, Keith Boak, Azhur Saleem, Adam Smith, Andrew Gunn, Nida Manzoor, Lawrence Gough, Paul Murphy Writers Steven Moffat, Russell T. Davies

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Jodie Whittaker The Doctor
Christopher Eccleston

Genres Sci-Fi, Adventure Creator(s) Donald Wilson, Sydney Newman Powered by

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1 The Twilight Zone

5 Seasons

The Twilight Zone Rod Serling looking at the camera

Rod Sterling's The Twilight Zone aired on CBS for 5 years during its original run, but after countless reboots and being steeped in nostalgia, often feels like it never left the air. The Twilight Zone's anthology structure explored the spooky and speculative themes of science fiction, working its way through time travel, alternate dimensions, alien encounters, and tons of advanced technology.

The show's ability to move through generations and find its footing no matter the story makes The Twilight Zone an incredible series, likely one of the strongest sci-fi shows of all time. Its speculative scenarios are often broad, and its commentary is sharp, ensuring that even decades after it aired, The Twilight Zone is one of sci-fi's most important works.

104 9.4/10

10/10

The Twilight Zone

10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed TV-14 Mystery Drama Science Fiction Supernatural Release Date 1959 - 1964 Network CBS Showrunner Rod Serling Directors John Brahm, Buzz Kulik, Douglas Heyes, Lamont Johnson, Richard L. Bare, James Sheldon, Richard Donner, Don Medford, Montgomery Pittman, Abner Biberman, Alan Crosland, Jr., Alvin Ganzer, Elliot Silverstein, Jack Smight, Joseph M. Newman, Ted Post, William Claxton, Jus Addiss, Mitchell Leisen, Perry Lafferty, Robert Florey, Robert Parrish, Ron Winston, Stuart Rosenberg Writers Charles Beaumont, Richard Matheson, Earl Hamner, Jr., George Clayton Johnson, Jerry Sohl, Henry Slesar, Martin Goldsmith, Anthony Wilson, Bernard C. Schoenfeld, Bill Idelson, E. Jack Neuman, Jerome Bixby, Jerry McNeely, John Collier, John Furia, Jr., John Tomerlin, Lucille Fletcher, Ray Bradbury, Reginald Rose, Sam Rolfe, Adele T. Strassfield

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Rod Serling Self - Host
Robert McCord Waiter

Genres Mystery, Drama, Science Fiction, Supernatural Creator(s) Rod Serling Powered by

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Stranger Things

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