Top 20 Must-Watch Netflix Original Sci-Fi and Fantasy Series

Adapted from the much acclaimed book series by Cixin Liu, “3 Body Problem” is a sci-fi thriller with cosmic proportions and grounded stakes. Following a Chinese astrophysicist’s contact with extraterrestrial life, the consequences of that contact play out years later. Conspiracies develop, factions form, and the aliens’ intentions for humanity prove less than benevolent. It can be a little heady and oddly paced for some viewers, and the differences from the source material have become somewhat controversial. Nevertheless, “3 Body Problem” is a quality sci-fi series that examines some pertinent questions about life among the stars.

According to a media consumption report put out by Netflix, “Travelers” was one of the streaming service’s top 10 most binged shows in 2017, and based on its plot, it’s easy to understand why. The show is set in a post-apocalyptic future and revolves around a group of operatives known as travelers who venture back in time to prevent a global catastrophe. They do this by having their consciousness transferred into the bodies of 21st century humans on the cusp of death, thereby limiting their impact on the past. It’s pure sci-fi fun with enough action and suspense to keep newcomers to the genre thoroughly entertained.

“3%”, a foreign language dystopian thriller, is the first show on Netflix to be produced entirely in Portuguese, so prepare for subtitles. The world the show presents is a fractured one, one in which the wealthy live in the Offshore and the poor live in the Inland. However, through “The Process,” citizens of the Inland are given the opportunity to leave. Of course, the path to paradise is not without obstacles. The show takes its name from the fact that only 3% of people make it through The Process. A tightly woven tale of sacrifice, betrayal and the quest for a better life, “3%” is one Netflix original that lives up to its name.

A Japanese language series based on the manga of the same name, “Alice in Borderland” follows a group of young people in Tokyo who find the city mysteriously deserted. Not only that, but they’re soon forced to play various games under threat of death. The group must compete with fellow players for survival, while also unraveling what’s going on. Survival game stories have been a big hit on Netflix in general – remember “Squid Game”? “Alice in Borderland” offers all the same thrills, but with the added mystery of its sci-fi “Alice in Wonderland” twist on the genre.

Post-apocalyptic shows tend to be gritty and grim, but “Sweet Tooth” adds a fairy tale spin on the genre. Following a pandemic that kills most of humanity, the survivors co-exist with a newborn group of animal-human hybrids. One of these kids, a deer-boy named Gus, sets out on a journey to find his mother, accompanied by a former hunter of hybrids. While the “adult and kid in an apocalypse” set-up is familiar, “Sweet Tooth” has an appropriately sweet charm about it that recalls kids’ movies of the past. The great acting, worldbuilding, and timely themes on the after-effects of a pandemic make it something children and adults alike can enjoy.

Based on a graphic novel series, this series follows the eponymous Locke family as they return to the family home following the loss of the children’s father. While exploring the house, the kids find a series of magical keys that open doors in strange and unusual ways. The show sees the family dive into this mystery while also grappling with grief from their loss and other drama. With its detailed set design, and mix of fantasy and horror with everyday life, “Locke & Key” is a “lock” for any fantasy enthusiast’s Netflix queue.

In this darker take on the popular supernatural franchise, Sabrina is a teenage witch who has to deal with all the typical pitfalls of youth – boys, school … devil worship. While it may have ended prematurely, “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” has gained a loyal following, thanks to its well-realized characters and spooky plots. The show sends shivers down our spines with how entertaining it can be. There are plenty of supernatural teen dramas out there, but few of them are dripping with this much atmosphere or feature visuals as gorgeous as these!

A modern remake of a classic sci-fi staple, this show follows the Robinson family, whose colony ship is attacked enroute to their new home. After their escape craft crash lands on a habitable world, they and their fellow survivors seek to find a way back to their ship, while also contending with the robotic foes that attacked them. A more grounded and realistic take than its predecessor (lucky chicken aside), “Lost in Space” features stellar effects, along with some great interpersonal drama. It may not have made as big a splash as it deserved, but “Lost in Space” certainly deserves your time.

“Sense8” is about eight strangers from across the globe who slowly discover that they share a mental and emotional link, able to jump in and out of each other’s minds, swapping knowledge and mentally projecting into each other’s environment. A nuanced piece of science fiction, the show is blessed with a unique plot and an excellent – not to mention diverse – ensemble cast that mesh together beautifully. Don’t let the fact that the show was canceled in 2017 get you down. Instead grab a bowl of popcorn and get to binging. We promise you’ll soon count yourself among the devoted fans calling for more, especially following the June 2018 series finale.

Based on Neil Gaiman’s acclaimed graphic novels, this series follows Dream, a.k.a. Morpheus, who is the embodiment of dreams. After being imprisoned for a century, Dream escapes to reclaim his throne, while also reuniting with old friends, family, and foes – though there’s some overlap there. Lovingly faithful to its source material, “The Sandman” takes us through Dream’s comeback tour, and features fantastical landscapes and creatures aplenty. The brilliant performances, surprisingly moving exploration of the human condition, and sheer imagination make “The Sandman” a dream come true that nobody should sleep on!

“The OA” is a fantastic mix of sci-fi and fantasy with a plot that revolves around the reemergence of a young woman who’s been missing for seven years. Upon her mysterious return she has a new name and the ability to see, despite having been blind when she initially disappeared. Co-created by and starring the uber-talented Brit Marling, the show has received generally positive reviews from critics, with one hailing it as “Netflix's strongest and strangest original production since Stranger Things.” From the striking visuals to the acting (and everything in between), this is one program you need to check out.

A live-action version of the highest-selling anime and manga in the world, “One Piece” managed to do the impossible with its faithfulness to its origins and overall quality. The tale of Monkey D. Luffy, a young aspiring pirate in search of the late Pirate King’s fabled treasure, “One Piece” sees its endlessly optimistic (and stretchy) hero assemble a crew in search of adventure. The action scenes are thrilling, the set design is impeccable, and the backstories hit like a rubbery fist to the face! “One Piece” may not dive as deeply as the decades of existing material, but it still perfectly captures the silly, yet emotional spirit of adventure that pervades this beloved story.

There’s no shortage of supernatural teen series on Netflix, but “Wednesday” has been among the most successful, winning awards and sparking memes in their thousands. A spin-off of “The Addams Family,” it focuses on the eponymous gloomy teenage girl. Forced to attend a school of outcasts, Wednesday’s entertainingly abrasive personality is TV gold. Whether she’s one-upping the preppy students, unraveling a local mystery, or interacting with her off-the-wall family members, Wednesday (the girl as well as the show) makes for exceptional viewing that makes us want to dance with joy. You know how.

In the year 2384, your memories can be digitized and downloaded in human and non-human vessels known as “sleeves” – to be used for a variety of purposes. Takeshi Kovacs, a criminal and political operative, wakes up centuries after his death in a new body and is tasked with solving the murder of one of the world’s wealthiest men. Starring Joel Kinnaman, “Altered Carbon” is easily one of the most binge-worthy Netflix originals in recent memory thanks to its unique concept, stunning visuals, and top-notch acting. A sci-fi murder mystery with cyberpunk overtures…what’s not to like?

Based on the epic fantasy books and video game series of the same name, “The Witcher” follows monster hunter Geralt of Rivia. Despite his mercenary origins, Geralt frequently finds himself caught up in world altering events, particularly once he makes the acquaintance of Ciri, a young girl tied to him by destiny. With its rich lore, fantastic yet gritty setting, and excellent character development, it’s no wonder “The Witcher” has been as successful as it has. If nothing else, we haven’t been able to get that song out of our heads for years!

If you’re one of those people who has yet to watch any of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s small screen productions because you’re not into the whole “superhero thing”... “Jessica Jones” is a very good place to start. Krysten Ritter shines in the titular role and David Tennant’s mind controlling baddie with a penchant for the color purple manages to be both terrifying and complex. You’d be wise not to dismiss this one as just another comic book adaptation, because “Jessica Jones” plays more like a hardboiled detective novel, one that is admittedly peppered with fantastical elements, but also tackles serious, pressing contemporary themes. Seriously, you’ve got to check this one out.

The elevator pitch for this show might be “X-Men” directed by Wes Anderson, but it’s even weirder and more entertaining than that! A group of dysfunctional, superpowered siblings come together again after the death of their father. However, their reunion marks a series of events that may lead to the end of the world. The show is a delightful blend of a chaotic family comedy and the superhero genre. It’s thoroughly bizarre throughout, yet it never shies away from serious, heartfelt moments. “The Umbrella Academy” has all the chaos of a family get-together, with the added bonus of great stakes, incredible action, and some of the strangest stuff on TV!

This German sci-fi thriller has been called “Stranger Things for grown ups.” and it’s a fitting comparison. The show is set in a small town; a portion of the action takes place in the ‘80s and the plot revolves around the disappearance of a child. However, that’s where the similarities end. “Dark” involves time travel, wormholes, and a decades old secret that has impacted three generations of families from the 1950s to the present day. The show is expertly paced, slowly pulling back the veil on a tiny German town with no shortage of terrifying secrets.

A comic book show first and foremost, “Daredevil” strikes an interesting balance between “grounded and gritty” and more fantastical elements, from its blind protagonist who can “see” using his other senses to the plot of season 2, which revolves partially around an ancient mystical organization full of ninjas who won’t stay dead. This Netflix original series has garnered considerable praise from critics thanks to its brilliantly choreographed fight sequences, multifaceted characters and tightly woven narrative. Featuring a star-making performance from Charlie Cox and a strong supporting cast, “Daredevil” is one fantasy show you need to be watching.

Few recent sci-fi series, Netflix original or otherwise, have come anywhere close to having the cultural impact of this one. Set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana and focusing on the mysterious “Upside Down,” “Stranger Things” took the world by storm in 2016. Season 1 and 2 picked up Golden Globe nominations for Best Television Series – Drama and the show has been heralded by critics for its action, pacing, and steady flow of ‘80s nostalgia. After its second season, the aforementioned Netflix media report listed it number one in “The Shows That Brought Us Together” category. Not too shabby.