While Stranger Things is a highly popular and successful sci-fi series on Netflix, it’s not the only great show the streaming service offers. Netflix has become known for its original programming across many genres, including several sci-fi hits. Stranger Things, created by the Duffer Brothers, is just one example of their successful ventures into science fiction.
The show Stranger Things captivated viewers with the story of Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), her group of friends, and the terrifying secrets of Hawkins Lab – especially the alternate reality called the Upside Down and its creatures, including Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower). After five seasons, ending in 2025, Stranger Things concluded with a finale that sparked debate but remains one of Netflix’s most popular sci-fi series.
While Stranger Things is fantastic, Netflix offers other sci-fi series that many consider even better. These shows stand out with stronger storylines, more compelling characters, a better atmosphere, or greater depth, even if they aren’t perfect and sometimes have endings that people disagree with. Despite any flaws, they frequently appear higher on lists of Netflix’s top sci-fi programs than Stranger Things.
The Umbrella Academy
Four Seasons
Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy, which debuted in 2019, is based on the comic book series by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá. The show centers around the Hargreeves – seven adopted siblings who make up a team of superheroes, each with unique powers. They were part of a group of 37 children born on the same day, under mysterious circumstances to mothers who weren’t previously pregnant.
Sir Reginald Hargreeves, a scientist and wealthy man (played by Colm Feore), adopted several extraordinary children with the goal of training them as a superhero team called The Umbrella Academy. Over time, the siblings drifted apart, but they’re brought back together after Reginald’s death – and the news that the world is about to end. They must then work together, facing challenges involving time travel, past trauma, and hidden family issues, in an attempt to save everyone.
Even though the last season of The Umbrella Academy received mixed reactions, it’s generally a stronger sci-fi series than Stranger Things. The Umbrella Academy excels with well-developed, complex characters, intriguing sci-fi concepts like time travel, and a darkly humorous tone. Its characters are flawed and feel more realistic.
3 Body Problem
Season 2 Coming In 2026
As a huge sci-fi fan, I was really excited for the 3 Body Problem series, which came out in 2024 and it didn’t disappoint! The story begins way back in the 1960s with Ye Wenjie, an astrophysicist working at a top-secret base. She’s part of a global effort to be the first to contact extraterrestrial life, but the decisions she makes have huge consequences down the line. Fast forward to the present, and we follow the ‘Oxford Five’ as they try to solve a string of bizarre murders within the scientific community. Their investigation quickly uncovers a truly shocking secret that ties everything together.
The show 3 Body Problem was quickly praised by critics and has been renewed for a second season, expected to arrive in late 2026. While sharing some horror elements with Stranger Things, 3 Body Problem is geared towards a more adult audience and delves into more complex and realistic science. It explores challenging ideas, moral questions, and philosophical themes, demanding more attention from viewers than Stranger Things does.
Bodies
Eight Episodes
The Netflix miniseries Bodies, released in 2023, is a British science fiction mystery thriller based on the graphic novel by Si Spencer. The story begins with the discovery of the same body in London’s Longharvest Lane across four different time periods – 1890, 1941, 2023, and 2053. As four detectives – one from each era – investigate, their cases begin to connect, revealing a large and unsettling conspiracy.
Though it only lasted one season, Bodies wasn’t canceled by Netflix; it was designed as a complete story told within a limited number of episodes. This gives it an edge over shows like Stranger Things. Bodies feels more focused and well-written because its plot isn’t drawn out across multiple seasons – there are no unnecessary episodes. The central mystery in Bodies is also more intricate, and the characters grapple with deeper, more mature themes.
Love, Death, & Robots
Four Seasons
Considered one of the greatest sci-fi and animated TV shows ever made, Love, Death, & Robots is a Netflix series created by Tim Miller that debuted in 2019. What makes it unique is that each episode is a standalone story, created by a different team of artists using a wide range of animation styles. Essentially, it’s a collection of short films. Because of this format, the show offers something for everyone, blending science fiction, drama, and even horror.
All the episodes in Love, Death & Robots explore themes of love, death, or robotics – sometimes all three. Though each story is different, some have connections; for example, season 3 revisited the popular “Three Robots” episode from season 1 with a sequel called “Three Robots: Exit Strategies.” The show is well-regarded for its high production value, diverse storytelling, imaginative visuals, and excellent voice performances, often delivering a cinematic feel to each unique episode.
While Love, Death & Robots uses many different storytelling styles and formats, this actually makes it more satisfying than Stranger Things. Each episode is a standalone story, which is great for viewers who prefer not to follow long, connected narratives like the one in Stranger Things.
Black Mirror
Season 8 In Development
Black Mirror, created by Charlie Brooker, is a British television series known for its standalone episodes and unsettling stories. It began on Channel 4 before moving to Netflix after its second season. While each episode features a different cast and plot, they all examine how technology, the media, and societal changes impact our lives – often in a disturbing way, which has become a hallmark of the show.
Each episode of Black Mirror offers insightful social commentary and leaves a lasting impression on viewers. The show blends science fiction, drama, horror, and dark humor to explore our real-world anxieties, often through thought-provoking, futuristic scenarios—some of which have even come true. It also tackles complex and mature subjects. Many find Black Mirror more compelling than Stranger Things due to its higher production quality, stronger writing, distinctive tone, and innovative approach. Plus, its anthology format – with different stories each episode – can be less demanding to watch than a show with a long, ongoing plot.
Dark
Three Seasons
Many people call Dark a more adult version of Stranger Things. Created by Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese, this critically acclaimed sci-fi series debuted on Netflix in 2017 and quickly became a fan favorite, earning its place among the best in the genre. The story unfolds in the German town of Winden, where the disappearance of a young boy named Mikkel after he enters a cave with his sister and friends sets off a chain of mysterious events.
When Mikkel vanishes, multiple investigations begin – led by his father, police officer Ulrich, as well as Jonas, a friend of Mikkel’s sister. These searches uncover a complicated truth about time travel, family ties, and hidden secrets. Dark is widely considered one of the most intelligent and expertly crafted science fiction series ever made, maintaining exceptional quality throughout its entire run.
Beyond its intriguing premise, Dark explores deep philosophical ideas, features well-developed characters, and tells a meticulously plotted story where every detail matters. This makes it incredibly rewarding to rewatch, as you’ll discover even more nuances that enhance the experience.
2026-07-28 02:19