
Amazon Prime Favorites
Amazon Prime Video’s sci-fi library balances acclaimed adaptations and bold originals. The Expanse is a critically praised space saga that showcases political intrigue and interplanetary tension, immersing viewers in a richly developed future.
Upload delivers a comedic spin on digital afterlife and the implications of consciousness transfer. The Peripheral presents a dystopian thriller with time-travel elements, while Fallout brings the iconic video game series to life as a streaming adaptation.
Dedicated sci-fi enthusiasts will also appreciate Secret Level, an Amazon original known for its unique take on technological futures. Many of the top-rated sci-fi TV shows on Prime are praised for their complex characters, world-building, and exploration of classic speculative themes.
Hulu Gems
Hulu’s science fiction catalog includes niche hits and sleeper successes that appeal to dedicated fans. The Handmaid’s Tale merges dystopian fiction with contemporary social commentary, winning multiple awards and critical acclaim.
Devs gives viewers a slow-burning, philosophical look at determinism, technology, and the future of humanity. Other gems like Future Man combine irreverent comedy with time travel adventures, while 11.22.63 adapts Stephen King’s novel about a teacher attempting to prevent the assassination of JFK through time travel.
Hulu offers a curated selection of genre-bending sci-fi series, often highlighting thought-provoking stories and unique concepts from acclaimed creators.
Must-See Sci-Fi on Disney+
Disney+ offers an impressive range of science fiction television anchored by the Star Wars franchise. With innovative storytelling, rich visuals, and memorable characters, these series appeal strongly to both longtime fans and newcomers.
The Mandalorian
The Mandalorian has become a flagship series for Disney+, revitalizing the Star Wars brand with new lore and high production values. Set after the fall of the Empire and before the rise of the First Order, it follows the Mandalorian Din Djarin as he navigates a lawless galaxy.
The bond between Din and the Child, known popularly as Grogu or “Baby Yoda,” has captured massive cultural attention. This series stands out for its episodic adventures, cinematic visuals, and deep connections to the wider Star Wars timeline.
Cameos from characters like Ahsoka Tano and appearances from Mandalorian culture experts enrich each episode. Practical effects combined with CGI deliver a blend of classic and modern sci-fi that’s rarely matched.
For viewers looking to explore Star Wars beyond Jedi or Sith, The Mandalorian on Disney+ is difficult to top.
Cassian Andor Series
Officially titled Andor, this series dives into the origins of Cassian Andor, a Rebel intelligence officer first introduced in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The show focuses on Andor’s shift from reluctant participant to dedicated leader against the Empire.
Unlike other entries in the Star Wars universe, Andor foregrounds espionage, political intrigue, and the lived experience of those under Imperial rule. The tone is mature and rooted in realism, putting viewers in the midst of tense spy missions and risky Rebel operations.
Shedding light on the early days of the Rebellion and showing how far characters will go to resist tyranny, Andor expands the universe beyond Jedi and Sith themes. The emphasis on the darker aspects of revolution and freedom fighting set Andor apart among science fiction dramas.
More about Andor can be found on Disney+ with regular new episodes.
Star Wars Universe
Disney+ has become the hub for all things Star Wars, providing access to nearly every animated and live-action series in the saga. Key titles include The Clone Wars, which explores the conflict between Jedi and Sith; Rebels, following the early resistance against the Empire; and The Book of Boba Fett, focusing on the infamous bounty hunter’s journey.
The collection also extends to new series like The Bad Batch and visually remastered versions of original Star Wars films. This broad content library offers viewers a comprehensive look at major themes, including the struggle surrounding the Death Star, the complexities of Jedi philosophy, and the shifting alliances throughout the galaxy.
Disney+ continues to expand its Star Wars section, making it an essential platform for anyone interested in sci-fi television universes with depth, action, and history.
Classics Every Sci-Fi Fan Should Watch
Foundational science fiction television has shaped storytelling, influenced modern sci-fi movies, and set the benchmark for what great genre series can accomplish. Many of these essential shows have sparked generations of innovation and thought-provoking narratives that continue to inspire creators and fans alike.
Star Trek
Star Trek: The Original Series premiered in the 1960s and established itself as a cornerstone of TV and pop culture. The crew of the USS Enterprise, led by Captain Kirk and Spock, set out to “boldly go where no man has gone before.”
The series tackled complex issues like ethics, diplomacy, and human nature through allegorical storytelling. Its optimism about the future and innovative special effects for its time have kept it relevant.
The franchise has spawned multiple spin-offs, from Star Trek: The Next Generation to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, each expanding its universe and introducing new perspectives. Sci-fi fans still revisit Star Trek as it touches on themes of diversity, technology, and society’s potential evolution.
Key Themes in Star Trek:
- Space exploration
- Ethical dilemmas
- Diversity and inclusion
- Diplomacy