When it comes to film and television, we love having the opportunity to escape to worlds beyond our own.It’s our opportunity to shut off our minds to reality and focus on the myths, lore, and mysteriesthat make up some exceptional stories. When it comes to television, the world ofscience fictionhas become one of the most sought-after genres for escapism.
Sci-fishows celebrate stories of supernatural entities, powerful beings, and technologically advanced universesthat test our limits of what could be. It seems that today, we are in the heyday of the genre on television, but the 2010s opened the doors for the stories we watch. We are here to discuss the greatest sci-fi series of the 2010s, ranked by theirIMDb score. Get ready for your mind to be blown!
10’Humans’ (2015–2018)
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
It’s not unimaginable today to think about a world ruled byartificial intelligence and robotsand how it may alter our world. Only a decade ago, it felt like a science fiction world that was far more distant in the future. But, alas, here we are.Humanscaptured the exploration of what AI and robotics would do to humanity. Following the creation of anthropomorphic robots called Synths, the series, inspired by a Swedish series calledReal Humans, captured the social, cultural, and psychological impact of this changing world.The nature of humanity is put to the test as the reliance on automation challenges the purpose of life.
Set in a parallel present, the Hawkins family purchases a Synth named Anita (Gemma Chan) who begins to showcase some domestic and ethical complications that lead to the discovery that she is actually Mia, a sentient Synth. As other conscious Synths are discovered,Humansexplores the backstory and the genius scientist who discovered what makes a human “human.” Though many other series and films have explored similar themes,the maturity of its high-octane thriller elements broughtHumansto a more thought-provoking level.Airing on AMC in the United States and Channel 4 in the UK,Humanswas the latter network’shighest-rated dramasince 1992. Over the course ofthree seasons, the show featured an ensemble that includedEmily Berrington,William Hurt,Carrie-Anne Moss, andKatherine Parkinson.
9’Counterpart' (2017–2019)
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
If AI and robots were a common theme in science fiction storytelling of years past, the newest trend that every sci-fi thriller has utilized and introduced is theparallel universe story device.Counterpartwas proposed on the concept of what might be different if a person could co-exist in an alternate world. Howard Silk (J. K. Simmons) is a low-level agent whose career is fading. Working at a Berlin-based United Nations spy agency,he uncovers secrets about a gateway to a parallel dimension that mirrors our world, despite drastically different realities. Bringing in themes of espionage and conspiracy theories,Counterpartbecame adaring story of what if.
Led by Oscar-winner J. K. Simmons as the central characters, Howard Silk Prime and Howard Silk Alpha, the exploration of divergent Earths provided him with a daring vehicle to stretch out his acting prowess with multi-faceted roles.Counterpartexplored societal commentary through a maze of mysteries. Sadly, the intriguing series wascanceled after only two seasons for being “too male.”
Counterpart
Counterpart is a sci-fi thriller about Howard Silk, a low-level UN employee who discovers that his organization is hiding a gateway to a parallel universe. When he meets his doppelgänger from the other side, Howard is thrust into a dangerous world of espionage, secrets, and shifting identities, where the two versions of reality collide.
8’Legion' (2017–2019)
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Yes, there are, in fact, Marvel intellectual properties that are not officially a part of the coveted MCU. And in a way, that makes them more intriguing. Such was the case for FX’sLegion. David Haller, played byDan Stevens, is a mutant diagnosed with schizophrenia and a patient of various psychiatric hospitals. As he grows,David is forced to battle his diagnosis and the realization that there was more to him than being human. As Division 3 is on a mission to capture him, David encounters a group of mutants who explain that he has psychic powers and must defeat Shadow King, originally portrayed byAubrey Plaza, the villain from his mind.
With an ensemble cast that boasted the talents ofBill Irwin,Hamish Linklater, andJean Smart, among others,Legionfilled the voidfrom the lack of Marvel mutant content, as the MCU hadn’t touched theX-Menyet. TheNoah Hawley-createdLegionwas theEternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mindof superhero stories withDavid Lynch-ian storytelling. With the X-Men entering the MCU inAvengers: Doomsday, perhaps there is a world for Steven’s Legion to retconned into the MCU, similarly toDaredevilandDeadpool.
David Haller, a troubled young man diagnosed with schizophrenia, discovers that the voices and visions tormenting him are manifestations of his mutant abilities. As he navigates a complex web of realities, he uncovers secrets about his past and faces powerful forces that threaten the fabric of existence.
7’Sense8' (2015–2018)
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
A science fiction thriller that captured the central concept of embracing empathy across difference? Sounds impossible. Good thing we hadSense8to break down that barrier! Oftentimes in science fiction stories, those who are different are seen as a force to defeat. Here,Sense8watches eight strangers from across the planet who suddenly discover they are emotionally and mentally linked as “sensates.“Battling the antagonist, Whispers, and the Biologic Preservation Organization, they must come together to help one another as they discover their deeper connection.
Created byJ. Michael Straczynskiandthe Wachowskis, the ensemble-driven series gave viewers a chance to see themselves in the diverse characters despite the backdrop of science fiction. Exploring themes ranging from sexuality and gender to politics and more,Sense8was a groundbreaking series, thanks to its portrayal of LGBTQ+ themes and characters.The daring series was a risk for Netflix. So much so, they opted to cancel the series after two seasons. To thefans' dismay, an uproar of displeasure and an outpouring of support allowed the series to have one last hurrah in 2018 through a special finale, although the creators had more stories to tell had a third season been ordered.
A group of people around the world are suddenly linked mentally, and must find a way to survive being hunted by those who see them as a threat to the world’s order.
6’Orphan Black' (2013–2017)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Science fiction loves to explore the world of clones. Often taking on the themes of good and evil, there appears to be a notable similarity in these stories. Then cameOrphan Black, which took cloning to new heights. Tackling the moral and ethical implications of human cloning and its impact on the concept of identity,Orphan Blackwas an evocative and thrilling series that spanned five seasons.
Led by the exceptional, and sometimes criminally underrated,Tatiana Maslanyas Sarah Manning and her clones,Orphan Blackbalanced the world of science fiction with adrenaline-pumping action-adventure expertly. Maslany’s ability to portray a wide range of characters amplified the series' tone, allowing for necessary shifts from suspenseful to lighthearted moments when needed.Boasting a devoted fan base,Orphan Blackbecame one of the defining series of the decade.
Orphan Black
5’Westworld' (2016–2022)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
When HBO launches a new series, it tends to be met with exceptional hype and critical acclaim. Such was the case forWestworld, the Wild-West-themed series inspired byMichael Crichton’s 1973 film of the same name. Starting off strong, when the worlds of the technological amusement parks expanded to new backdrops, that’s whenWestworldseemed to lose the plot. Nevertheless,Westworld’s exploration of class, morality, and sentient hostskept viewers on the edge of their seats as to what mysteries were about to unravel.
A battle of good and evil,Westworld’s high-profile ensemble, comprised ofEvan Rachel Wood,Thandiwe Newton,Jeffrey Wright, andAnthony Hopkins, among others, truly set the tone for what could have become a near-perfectHBO science fiction thriller. While most science fiction universes tend to have a metallic, futuristic image,the western landscape served as a breathtaking visual backdrop alongside those stereotypical sci-fi scenes. ThoughWestworldwasn’t always the easiest to follow, the strong cast and elements of intrigue kept it moving for four seasons.
At the intersection of the near future and the reimagined past waits a world in which every human appetite can be indulged without consequence.
4’The Expanse' (2015–2022)
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
In a time when streamers and cable networks dominated the screens, the Syfy network still found a way to produce some strong contenders for exceptional sci-fi series. Set in a future where humanity has colonized the Solar System,The Expanseexplores the mission ofa band of adventurers as they unravel a massive conspiracy theory that threatens to upset the fragile peace, with the discovery of alien technology. Like a good sci-fi series,The Expansespoke to those whoadore space-set stories.
Led byThomas Janeas Josephus Miller,Shohreh Aghdashlooas Chrisjen Avasarala, andSteven Straitas James Holden,The Expansewas an epic and ambitious series that felt cinematic in scale. After a three-season order,The Expansewas canceled on Syfy, but through fan petitions, there was an effort to revive the series somewhere else. Thankfully, Prime Video picked it up for the final three adventurous seasons.
The Expanse
The disappearance of a rich-girl-turned-political-activist links the lives of Ceres detective, accidental ship captain and U.N. politician. Amidst political tension between Earth, Mars and the Belt, they unravel the greatest conspiracy.
3’Person of Interest' (2011–2016)
Network television isn’t necessarily your go-to spot to find outstanding science fiction. Still,CBS found great success with a fascinating story, brilliant casting, and the ability to blend the crime genre with science fictionthanks toPerson of Interest.Michael Emersonportrays Harold Finch, a mysterious recluse billionaire computer programmer who developed a program called “The Machine” meant to predict and track potential terrorist attacks. Hiring a former Special Forces soldier and CIA operative, John Reese, played byJim Caviezel, to take charge in the field to prevent everyday crimes.
With an exceptional series on streamers,Person of Interestwas lauded as the best science fiction series onbroadcast televisionfor its ability to capture the genre through the limitations of cable. While CBS had a lineup filled with a plethora of crime and military procedurals,Person of Intereststood out thanks to its unique premise.Person of Interest’s appeal came with its intriguing premise and incredible character development, earning a People’s Choice Award in its debut season.
Person of Interest
2’Stranger Things' (2016–)
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Netflix was a streamer on the rise, destined to topple its network and cable competitors. In the early days of Netflix’s dominance, the company found great success with shows likeHouse of CardsandOrange Is the New Black. And then camethe ’80s-set science fiction thriller that rocked the world.Created bythe Duffer Brothers,Stranger Thingsfollows the lives of the fictional Hawkins, Indiana, where a nearby human experimentation facility creates a gateway between the human world and the terrifying alternate dimension known as the Upside Down.
To the shock of no one,Stranger Thingsbecame a pop culture phenomenon. From pop-up events to endless merch and a Broadway show in between,Stranger Thingschanged the landscape of science fiction storytelling in the 2010s.The Duffers' love for nostalgia and the genre itself are intertwined throughout the series, often paying homage to pop culture and those individuals who defined the genre.
Stranger Thingsbecame a flagship series thatattracted mass appeal, shattering viewership records on the streaming platform. A true ensemble piece, giving actors likeWinona RyderandDavid Harboura career resurgence,Stranger Thingsis built on the backs of the young actors who, now, viewers have literally watched grow before their eyes. With one final season set to air, the anticipation of the final tales is keeping fans glued to their screens for clues.Stranger Thingsis a once-in-a-generation series that others will try to emulate in the years to come.
Stranger Things
When a young boy vanishes, a small town uncovers a mystery involving secret experiments, terrifying supernatural forces and one strange little girl.
1’Black Mirror' (2011–)
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
When it comes to science fiction anthology series,The Twilight Zonewas the blueprint. With a show near-perfect, it was always going hard for a future show to build upon its success of telling singular science fiction stories. With the advancement of technology and playing upon the fear of what our future could look like,Charlie Brookerexplored anthology storytelling that centered ona near-future dystopia rooted in contemporary social issues.Black Mirrorreinvigorated anthology storytelling in the 2010s, and is still going strong today.
As time has gone on,Black Mirrorhas been ableto connect its universesthrough hidden Easter eggs, music, and recurring imagery. From an actor’s perspective,Black Mirrorhas become one of the most sought-after gigs. In the early seasons of the series,Black Mirrorfeatured some of the biggest British up-and-coming performers. If you go back and watch, it becomes a parade of “I knew them when,” as you may see performances from the likes ofSarah Snook,Gugu Mbatha-Raw, andJodie Whittaker, among others. Now, major stars ranging fromAaron Paul,Miley Cyrus, andPaul Giamattihave dropped in for some iconic appearances.
We could easily sit here and rank and rate the best episodes of the series, but whatBlack Mirrorhas proven is that there is no shortage of stories about what the future could hold.In fact, there have been some episodes that havealmost correctly predicted our future. And that’s a terrifying thought! Especially to think of what could come. Often filled with exceptional plot twists, complex themes, and political satire,Black Mirroris one of the mosttopical and thought-provoking series. Until Netflix and Brooker are ready to say goodbye, expect moreBlack Mirrorfor years to come.
Black Mirror
An anthology series exploring a twisted, high-tech multiverse where humanity’s greatest innovations and darkest instincts collide.
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