7 Underrated Sci-Fi Shows on Netflix That Are Secretly Brilliant

Lost in Space

IMDb 7.3/10

On a mission to establish a new colony, the Robinson family's ship veers off course and they crash land on an alien planet, where they must quickly adapt to their new environment if they have any hope of survival.

With phenomenal visuals of an unassuming alien landscape, Lost in Space has been a feast for the eyes from the start, with a Rotten Tomato rating that went from 68% to 100% between seasons 1 and 3, despite mixed audience reviews. The story is compelling, the alien dangers are intriguing and frightening, and there is no shortage of action and eye-rolling family drama.

The OA

IMDb 7.8/10

Science fiction and fantasy combine when a young blind woman reappears 7 years after her disappearance, with her sight restored and mysterious abilities. She recruits a group of 5 unlikely strangers for a secret, high-stakes mission.

Its small fan base calls the series hypnotically intense and extremely compelling, with strong storytelling and acting. Perhaps it was the strange, dimension-unlocking body movements that put people off, but that is also a big part of a truly unique concept, with a story that includes a school shooting, resurrection, the supernatural, and a desperate kidnapper.

Oats Studios

IMDb 6.3/10

Following the same short story concept as Black Mirror, Oats Studios delves into several different nightmarish post-apocalyptic scenarios. From reptilian aliens to robotic uprisings, there is something for every sci-fi horror enthusiast, with Oats Studios' short releases designed to gauge public interest in future projects.

Some fans have questioned the 'series' label given to Oats Studios, but can't help but praise the CGI, acting, and beautifully crafted worlds, despite the lack of conclusions. Titles such as Rakka, Firebase, and Zygote have received special mention for their storytelling, and are certainly worth the time to watch.

Travelers

IMDb 8.0/10

Travelers from the future are sent back in time to the 21st century to change the course of events and save humanity. Using time travel as a backdrop and the concept of consciousness transfer, the series follows 5 travelers who take over the bodies of ordinary people and assume their identities while following the orders of the 'Director'.

The travelers must navigate their new lives while taking on high-stakes missions, providing a glorious mix of action and interpersonal drama.

Despite a high score from fans and critics, the series has consistently flown under the radar and is easily one of the most underrated titles on the platform.

3%

IMDb 7.3/10

The lack of hype surrounding this series is almost as detrimental as the divide between the elite and those living in the slums. 3% transports viewers to a post-apocalyptic Brazil, where young adults living in squalor are given a chance to join the elite on a lavish private island through a grueling competitive process.

The stakes have never been higher as the line between rich and poor is challenged by infiltration, betrayal, and a deadly rebellion. This futuristic thriller is not to be missed, and a shining example of what Brazilian Portuguese cinema is capable of on mainstream television.

Bodies

IMDb 7.3/10

Bodies will take you down a truly mind-bending rabbit hole as it follows the story of four detectives trying to solve the same murder, involving the same body, decades apart. The series jumps between the past, present and future as the detectives investigate the murder in 1890, 1941, 2023 and 2053.

The concept and plot are brilliantly executed, and the show almost demands your full attention for the ultimate payoff, which some viewers just aren't willing to give. Time travel and mystery are difficult genres to combine, but Bodies manages to do so without any absurdity or plot holes, creating a truly gripping story.

1899

IMDb 7.3/10

From the creators of Dark comes another terrifying series that challenges our perception of reality. 1899 follows a group of European emigrants aboard a ship bound for New York, but their lives and sanity are threatened when their ship veers off course to rescue another ship, the Prometheus.

From the moment they encounter the Prometheus, strange occurrences and unexplained deaths plague their ship, and it all seems to be connected to a mysterious boy brought aboard and a mysterious symbol. This period mystery is not what it seems, and this is only discovered with a truly confusing ending. All we can say is, dive right into the one and only season of the show.