10 Mind-Blowing Sci-Fi TV Series on Netflix to Stream in May
These series are remarkable for their original concepts and plot twists.
Science fiction creators never cease to amaze us with their unbridled flights of fancy. Whether it's 'soft' sci-fi, which emphasizes philosophical and social issues in imaginative and futuristic settings, or 'hard' sci-fi, which focuses specifically on the scientific component of futuristic scenarios, it's always highly inventive conceits, crazy plot twists, and mind-blowing depth of thought. Luckily, Netflix is full of great shows in the sci-fi genre. Here are ten shows streaming this May whose concepts absolutely blew us away.
Netflix's 10 Most Mind-Bending Sci-Fi Series
1. Altered Carbon
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Cyberpunk, Action, Drama
- Premiere date: February 2, 2018
- Number of seasons: 2
- Rotten Tomatoes score: 75%
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Horror, Drama
- Premiere date: July 15, 2016
- Number of seasons: 4
- Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%
3. Black Mirror
- Genre: Anthology, Sci-Fi, Dystopia, Mystery, Drama, Horror
- Premiere date: December 4, 2011
- Number of seasons: 6
- Rotten Tomatoes score: 83%
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Superhero, Action, Drama, Black comedy
- Premiere date: February 15, 2019
- Number of seasons: 3
- Rotten Tomatoes score: 86%
5. Love, Death & Robots
- Genre: Anthology, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Black comedy, Horror
- Premiere date: March 15, 2019
- Number of seasons: 3
- Rotten Tomatoes score: 86%
6. Dark
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller, Mystery, Crime, Drama
- Premiere date: December 1, 2017
- Number of seasons: 3
- Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%
7. Maniac
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Black comedy, Psychological drama, Surrealism
- Premiere date: September 21, 2018
- Number of seasons: 1
- Rotten Tomatoes score: 85%
8. Archive 81
- Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Drama
- Premiere date: January 14, 2022
- Number of seasons: 1
- Rotten Tomatoes score: 87%
9. Lost in Space
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Adventure, Family drama
- Premiere date: April 13, 2018
- Number of seasons: 3
- Rotten Tomatoes score: 84%
10. Travelers
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery, Drama
- Premiere date: October 17, 2016
- Number of seasons: 3
- Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%
Because science fiction as a phenomenon has been around for centuries, rooted in folklore and the classic literature of speculative fiction, it has acquired an immeasurable number of subgenres.
Perhaps you prefer cyberpunk, which explores hyperbolized capitalist dystopias? Maybe you like epic sci-fi that explores the far reaches of space? Maybe you like dark thrillers that use sci-fi elements to create wild plot twists? There are probably enough horror fans among our readers, too. Whatever subgenre you prefer, there's always a great series on Netflix to keep you hooked.
You've probably heard of many of these series, as projects like Black Mirror, Stranger Things, and Love, Death & Robots have been among Netflix's flagship shows for years. However, if you haven't watched them yet, we highly recommend that you familiarize yourself with them, as the plots of these shows will definitely blow your mind.
Horror fans will want to check out Archive 81, a great supernatural story that draws on the currently popular subgenres of analog horror and found footage, while also offering a very clever reflection on the influence of technology on modern mythological thinking and its possible connection to what lurks on the other side of reality.
Fans of surreal takes on the genre will certainly appreciate the miniseries Maniac, starring Emma Stone and Jonah Hill, which offers a psychedelic trip into the hidden traumas of its protagonists. Even more psychedelic are the seemingly insane plot twists in the German sci-fi thriller Dark, which explores the unpleasant consequences of ill-advised time travel. Be warned: trying to keep track of all the characters and their connections will clearly require a conspiracy board!