Zach Cherry, Adam Scott, Tramell Tillman, John Turturro, Patricia Arquette, in Severance episode The You You Are.Image via Apple TV
By
Diego Pineda Pacheco
Published 39 minutes ago
Diego Pineda has been a devout storyteller his whole life. He has self-published a fantasy novel and a book of short stories, and is actively working on publishing his second novel.
A lifelong fan of watching movies and talking about them endlessly, he writes reviews and analyses on his Instagram page dedicated to cinema, and occasionally on his blog. His favorite filmmakers are Andrei Tarkovsky and Charlie Chaplin. He loves modern Mexican cinema and thinks it's tragically underappreciated.
Other interests of Diego's include reading, gaming, roller coasters, writing reviews on his Letterboxd account (username: DPP_reviews), and going down rabbit holes of whatever topic he's interested in at any given point.
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For people who love to get enraptured by the vast fictional world of a genre TV show, sci-fi is perfect. These stories of space exploration, speculative technology, and futuristic reflections of modern society have provided audiences around the world with endless entertainment for decades upon decades, and as such, there are countless sci-fi series worth fans' time out there. However, it's logically impossible to get to every single one of them.
For people who aren't quite ready to commit to a sci-fi show with decades' worth of seasons, though, there are thankfully plenty of gems with less than five. This is a pretty solid number for people looking for a show they can binge-watch in just a few days, and it includes some of the greatest shows that sci-fi has ever produced. From old classics to modern anime masterpieces, these relatively short series are a must-see.
10 'Star Trek: The Original Series' (1966–1969)
Star Trek The Original series cast smiling gently.Image via NBC
Some episodes probably haven't aged the best, but it's absolutely undeniable that Star Trek: The Original Series is one of the most iconic, groundbreaking, and hugely influential sci-fi properties in history, televisual or otherwise. The genre just wouldn't be the same without the Star Trek franchise, and the one that started it all is still just as fresh and enjoyable as it was back in '66.
Where most sci-fi series nowadays are focused more on big action set pieces set in space, Star Trek was all about exploration, deep social commentary, and giving one of the best casts in sci-fi television history moments to shine. Its three seasons and 80 episodes are a breeze to get through, and the level of nostalgia and deeply human coziness that the show oozes make it obligatory viewing, even all these decades after its conclusion.
9 'Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood' (2009–2010)
Close-up shot of Edward Elric looking strong and determined in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.Image via Bones
It all started with the shōnen manga series Fullmetal Alchemist. From there came a highly successful and beloved 2003 anime series, but it was with 2009's Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood that things really kicked into high gear. One of the best anime series of all time, this intricate fantasy epic is the highest-rated anime series ever on IMDb, standing as the 16th-highest-rated show on the platform overall.
The hype is by no means unwarranted. With just one 68-episode season, this modern classic has some of the most atmospheric world-building, most intelligent thematic work, and most riveting action of any show of its type. Whether it's the fantasy and steampunk sci-fi elements, the engrossing character arcs, or the striking animation, there's something here for everyone to enjoy, whether they're anime fans or not.
8 'Arcane' (2021–2024)
Jinx and Vi in action in Netflix's ArcaneImage via Netflix
No one expected a TV show based on the iconic multiplayer online battle arena video game League of Legends to become one of the most highly acclaimed animated series of the 21st century, but here we are. Netflix's Arcane is one for the history books, enchanting viewers (whether they're familiar with LoL or not) with some of the most compelling writing and gorgeous visuals of any show of the 2020s.There aren't many animated shows with no bad seasons; this is definitely one of them. Arcane may only cover two seasons and 18 episodes overall, but it's a sci-fi and fantasy epic of such gargantuan proportions that it feels considerably longer. Highly bingeable, emotionally satisfying, and with some of the most flawless technical qualities imaginable, it's a must-see for anyone who enjoys great genre storytelling, regardless of their level of LoL enjoyment.
7 'Batman: The Animated Series' (1992–1995)
Batman fighting the Joker in Batman the Animated Series.Image via Warner Bros. Animation
There are plenty of "'90s kids" TV shows worth watching still today, and Batman: The Animated Series is very near the top of that list. This show revolutionized the Caped Crusader, redefining his mythos, rogues' gallery, and tone. Atmospheric, action-packed, and surprisingly well-written for a superhero cartoon aimed at kids, it has aged beautifully as one of the best Batman adaptations in history.
Batman: The Animated Series should be able to appeal to the tastes of any sci-fi television fan—both those who enjoy more episodic narratives and those who enjoy the occasional serialized arc. It's full of great moments, intimidating villains, and timeless visuals, and though some people wish that it had run longer than the four seasons and 85 episodes that it did, that's already some of the best Batman content one can find on any screen.
6 'Severance' (2022–)
Mark Scout (Adam Scott) stands in an all-white hallway looking unpleasantly shocked in Severance.Image via Apple TV+
Every generation has that one highly mysterious sci-fi series that everyone seems to be talking about, and that only seems to keep rising in quality and popularity as it goes along. At the moment, it seems like the show for today's generation is Severance. Part workplace dramedy, part bizarre sci-fi extravaganza, this modern masterpiece seems to raise three questions for every mystery it solves.
Somehow, the series' puzzling nature has only ever worked in its favor. Severance never feels confusing, and it's always enrapturing. It's the kind of show that keeps getting better every episode, and with 19 episodes spread across two seasons so far, that means that it's currently one of the best shows on television. Whether it will eventually reach the five-season mark remains to be seen, but, for now, it's one of the best short sci-fi series fans can watch.
5 'Dark' (2017–2020)
Louis Hofmann as Jonas Kahnwald in the woods in 'Dark'Image via Netflix
Netflix has proved on a few occasions that few streaming platforms able to rival its sci-fi output. Dark is one of the most noteworthy occasions. This German family saga with a supernatural twist has elements of time travel, multiverse mystery, and deeply human drama, and it all works wonderfully in concert with all other elements. Not many great sci-fi shows are set on Earth, but this one is, and it makes incredible use of its setting.
The show ran for three seasons and 26 episodes, and that was enough for it to join the pantheon of the 21st century's best genre series. The show demands full attention with one of the most complex and layered narratives in televisual sci-fi's history, but it's worth every bit of patience. Nuanced, emotional, and shockingly intelligent, it's proof of how great mystery television can be when the writers go into it with a clear roadmap.
4 'Andor' (2022–2025)
Image via Disney+
Star Wars had arguably never seen more divisive days than since Disney's purchase of Lucasfilm. Some love the sequel trilogy; others hate it. Some defend Solo as an underrated gem; others think it was completely unnecessary. Some thought Rogue One was brilliant; others found it terribly boring. Whatever the case, not since Episode III released in 2005 had fans of the franchise been in such agreement on a Star Wars property: Andor is pretty much universally agreed to be the best that the franchise has been in decades.
Virtually every episode of the series is a masterpiece. The character arcs are complex and engrossing, the world-building expands on the Star Wars mythos perfectly, and the narrative's critique of authoritarianism and celebration of rebellion are both quintessentially Star Wars. Andor was impeccably made throughout each of its 24 episodes and two seasons, and it will be sorely missed.
3 'Cowboy Bebop' (1998–1999)
Spike from Cowboy Bebop wearing a device on his back and staring ahead.Image via Sunrise
If there's any 20th-century anime series that has stood the test of time as a masterpiece that just can't grow old, that's definitely Cowboy Bebop. This anime is almost a rite of passage for fans, and rightfully so. Its blend of genres like Western, noir, and martial arts complements its sci-fi narrative tremendously well, and the exceptional writing makes it a blast of fun from start to finish.
Unusually short for an anime show, Cowboy Bebop only ran for one 26-episode season, but every single episode of those 26 is itself a masterpiece. The highly energetic animation is timeless, the perfectly-choreographed action is a delight, the characters are all wonderfully written, and the score is the stuff of legends. Everything about this show works wonderfully, and that makes it a can't-miss experience for any sci-fi fan.
2 'Battlestar Galactica' (2004–2009)
Image via SyFy
Campy and flawed, the original Battlestar Galactica from 1978 is fun, but definitely dated. It spawned a hell of a franchise, however, and, without it, 2004's remake of the same title wouldn't exist. What an awful world that would be. One of the greatest low-budget sci-fi shows ever made, this legendary space opera has no equal. There's action, space exploration, deep themes, and an exploration of what it means to be human that's among television's most profound and fascinating ever.
Battlestar Galactica benefits from its star-studded cast, its excellent technical qualities (especially considering the budget), and some of the best writing of any genre show of its era. It's a ton of fun and surprisingly intense, but most of its staying power lies in the fact that its social and political commentary is so sharp, and so perfectly balanced with a riveting sci-fi narrative that it's impossible to resist. Its four seasons and 74 episodes go by in a flash.
1 'Firefly' (2002–2003)
Nathan Fillion posing for the camera on 'Firefly.'Image via Fox
One of the biggest cult classics that television has ever seen, Firefly was tragically canceled after just one season and 14 episodes. The fact that fans never got to see what it could have become is a travesty, but it's also true that the injustice contributed to this becoming such an iconic classic in the first place. Whatever the case, Firefly only needed one season to prove itself as one of the most exquisitely entertaining sci-fi series ever created.
A masterclass in genre-bending, this space Western is not just magnificently made from all technical standpoints, but also deeply compelling in its writing. It's one of the best network TV shows of all time, a deeply endearing tale about a band of misfits and outlaws with some of the most entertaining characters that the genre has ever seen. It's an awesome premise executed so well that it made for the most notorious single-season cancellation in television history.
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Firefly
TV-14
Drama
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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
Cast
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Nathan Fillion
Mal Reynolds
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Gina Torres
Zoë Washburne
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