21 of Netflix's best science-fiction movies and TV shows

Meghan CookFeb 22, 2021, 23:06 IST

"Stranger Things" is one of Netflix's most popular sci-fi series.Netflix

Netflix has earned a reputation for its acclaimed original sci-fi shows and movies.
Critics praised "Dark" and "Stranger Things" for their inventive storytelling and ensemble casts.
Some of Netflix's sci-fi films, like "See You Yesterday," hit critics on an emotional level.

Over the years, Netflix has emerged as a frontrunner in cutting-edge original content in the science-fiction genre.

Read on for some of the streamer's best sci-fi shows and films, as rated by critics on Rotten Tomatoes.

Note: All scores were current on the date of publication and are subject to change. Films without critical ratings were not included. Netflix's originals generally consist of both content created by the streaming service and content exclusive to the platform.

"Better Than Us" has one critically acclaimed season, and it was renewed for a second.

Paulina Andreeva on "Better Than Us." Netflix

The sci-fi fantasy series "Biohackers" centers on German medical students.

The German series has been renewed for a second season. Marco Nagel/Netflix

"Osmosis" is a French drama about an advanced dating app.

The French series ran for one season. Netflix

"Dark" kept critics up at night with its compelling storylines.

Louis Hofmann on "Dark." Netflix

Critics said "See You Yesterday" (2019) brought new depth to the time-travel genre.

Eden Duncan-Smith starred in "See You Yesterday." Netflix

"Stranger Things" has earned critical acclaim across its seasons.

Millie Bobby Brown stars on "Stranger Things." Netflix

"The Midnight Gospel" was praised as a thoughtful and intelligent animated series.

The series is intended for an adult audience. Netflix

"I Am Mother" (2019) gained a huge fan following and impressed critics, too.

Clara Rugaard in "I Am Mother." Netflix

"Into the Night" is a sci-fi series set on an airplane.

"Into the Night" is based on a Polish science-fiction novel. Netflix

"Sense8" wowed critics and left them wanting more.

Tuppence Middleton on "Sense8." Netflix

Visually powerful and creatively layered, "The Innocents" is worth a watch.

Percelle Ascott and Sorcha Groundsell on "The Innocents." Aimee Spinks / Netflix

Critics and fans alike found "The OA" to be a captivating series.

Brit Marling starred on "The OA," which ran for two seasons. Nicola Goode/Netflix

"Maniac" was received as a colorful and clever sci-fi miniseries.

Jonah Hill and Emma Stone on "Maniac." Netflix

Critics loved the fun and dramatic elements of "Alice in Borderland."

The Japanese series has one season. Haro Aso,Shogakukan / ROBOT/Netflix

Reviewers were captivated by the dark allegories at play on "Black Mirror."

"Black Mirror" had a rotating cast of characters. Netflix

Critics said "The Umbrella Academy" was an inventive dark-comedy series.

There are two seasons of "The Umbrella Academy" on Netflix. Christos Kalohoridis/Netflix

"Raising Dion" resonated with critics on an emotional level.

Ja'Siah Young on "Raising Dion." Netflix

Critics called "Love, Death, and Robots" a well-animated visual treat.

"Love, Death, and Robots" currently has one season on Netflix. Netflix

Critics called "Altered Carbon" an engaging futuristic series.

"Altered Carbon" has two seasons on Netflix. Netflix

"Lost in Space" is a well-reviewed series about a family trying to survive.

There are currently two seasons of "Lost in Space" on Netflix. Netflix

"iBoy" (2017) wasn't perfect, but critics felt like the good outweighed the bad.

Bill Milner and Maisie Williams starred in "iBoy." Netflix

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