If Stranger Things has left you wanting more of that nostalgic, suspenseful, and supernatural thrill, here’s a curated list of six sci-fi shows that will fill the void with engaging storytelling, complex characters, and intriguing themes. Check out our top picks from Star Trek to Stranger Things for the best sci-fi TV shows. Get ready to binge-watch the best science fiction TV shows, from space operas to dystopian dramas.
The X-Files
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery, Drama
- Platform: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
- Synopsis: The X-Files follows FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully as they investigate paranormal and unsolved cases that defy explanation. With Mulder’s belief in the supernatural and Scully’s scientific skepticism, the series blends suspense and conspiracy with dynamic character interplay. The cult classic is known for exploring themes like government secrecy, the supernatural, and the unknown, making it a perfect fit for fans of Stranger Things’ eerie mysteries.
The Haunting of Hill House
- Genre: Horror, Drama, Supernatural
- Platform: Netflix
- Synopsis: In The Haunting of Hill House, the Crain family’s experiences in a haunted mansion follow them into adulthood, intertwining the present with flashbacks that reveal deep, emotional scars left by their time in the house. The series’ non-linear narrative and chilling visuals make it haunting and thought-provoking, resonating with Stranger Things fans who appreciate layered, supernatural storytelling with solid character development.
The 100
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Adventure, Drama
- Platform: Netflix, The CW
- Synopsis: In this post-apocalyptic thriller, 100 teenage delinquents are sent back to Earth from a space station to see if the planet has become habitable again. The survival struggles and moral dilemmas these young characters face create an atmosphere of adventure and mystery. With its themes of resilience and exploration of human nature under extreme circumstances, The 100 offers a refreshing twist on sci-fi survival.
Fringe
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery, Drama
- Platform: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu
- Synopsis: Fringe centers on a special division of the FBI that deals with mysterious cases involving advanced science and otherworldly occurrences. With each episode uncovering secrets in parallel universes, genetic mutation, and mind control, Fringe combines suspense with sci-fi theory. It is reminiscent of the investigative angle in Stranger Things but with a more science-driven edge.
The OA
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery, Drama
- Platform: Netflix
- Synopsis: After going missing for seven years, a young woman named Prairie returns with an inexplicable new ability and a mysterious story about her disappearance. As she shares her story with a group of locals, viewers are taken on an imaginative journey involving near-death experiences and interdimensional travel. With its unique blend of mystery and emotional depth, The OA is an immersive, character-driven story that will resonate with fans of Stranger Things.
Dark
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery, Drama
- Platform: Netflix
- Synopsis: Set in a small German town, Dark weaves a tale of mysterious disappearances and hidden family secrets across multiple timelines. As the series delves into themes of time travel, it becomes a layered, intricate puzzle that slowly reveals the connections between the town’s past, present, and future. This show is ideal for those who enjoy suspenseful sci-fi with an emphasis on complex storylines and dark, atmospheric settings.
Why These Shows Are a Perfect Fit for Stranger Things Fans
- Nostalgia and Suspense: Several series draws on retro aesthetics and storytelling techniques that echo Stranger Things’ blend of horror, sci-fi, and mystery.
- Complex Characters: Each show brings well-developed characters with unique backstories, enhancing the depth of the storytelling.
- Suspenseful and Layered Plotlines: Expect twists, tension, and themes of otherworldly and supernatural occurrences gradually revealed suspensefully.
- Thought-Provoking Themes: From government conspiracies and fringe science to exploration of life after death and moral dilemmas, these shows dive deep into sci-fi and philosophical questions.
Binge-Worthy Viewing Order
- The X-Files (Recommended Seasons 1-5)
- The Haunting of Hill House (Season 1)
- The 100 (Seasons 1-4 for a solid arc)
- Fringe (Seasons 1-3 focus on key mystery arcs)
- The OA (Season 1)
- Dark (Season 1 to immerse in the multi-layered narrative)
Streaming Platforms
Most of these shows are available on major platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, with some also on The CW.
Find your next sci-fi obsession with our curated list of must-see TV shows. Get ready to dive into these binge-worthy series! Each promises a gripping, atmospheric experience packed with memorable moments, complex characters, and thought-provoking sci-fi themes that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.
