Genre · ranked
The best sci-fi series of all time
25 ranked · updated June 2026
The greatest science fiction series transcend mere spectacle by anchoring complex technological or apocalyptic concepts in profound, human-centered narratives. From the existential weight of mecha battles to the haunting intimacy of dystopian survival, these stories redefine the genre through their relentless exploration of identity, memory, and societal decay.
How this ranking works
Ranked by a Bayesian-weighted score (rating average + rating count) across series whose primary genre is Science Fiction.
Arcane
Christian Linke
Arcane earns its top spot through unparalleled visual artistry and a deeply emotional exploration of the tragic ideological divide between two sisters.
Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan masterfully blends visceral existential horror with a complex, unfolding mystery that keeps the viewer questioning the nature of humanity.
Rick and Morty
Dan Harmon
Rick and Morty pushes the boundaries of the genre by pairing high-concept interdimensional science with a biting, nihilistic examination of family dysfunction.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelion remains a definitive classic for its unflinching psychological deconstruction of trauma and the crushing weight of apocalyptic responsibility.
DARLING in the FRANXX
DARLING in the FRANXX provides a poignant coming-of-age narrative that uses its unique mecha setting to explore the fragile nature of human connection.
The Last of Us
Neil Druckmann
The Last of Us excels by prioritizing the grounded, moral ambiguity of human relationships within a meticulously realized and brutal post-apocalyptic landscape.
Dr. STONE
Dr. STONE offers a refreshingly optimistic perspective on the genre, celebrating the power of scientific discovery as the ultimate tool for rebuilding civilization.
Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop is a masterclass in atmosphere, blending neo-noir aesthetics with a melancholic, existential look at the lives of lonely bounty hunters.
Dark
Baran bo Odar
Dark stands out for its intricate, perfectly plotted time-travel narrative that weaves family secrets into a complex web of causal paradoxes.
The Mandalorian
Jon Favreau
The Mandalorian revitalizes the space western tradition by focusing on the quiet, character-driven redemption arc of a lone warrior in a lawless galaxy.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
George Lucas
Star Wars: The Clone Wars expands the scope of military science fiction by providing deep insight into the moral dilemmas faced during wartime.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
Rafał Jaki
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners captures the frantic, stylish energy of its genre while delivering a harrowing look at the cost of unchecked technological and corporate greed.
ERASED
ERASED utilizes the concept of time travel as a focused, emotional vehicle to explore the lingering impact of childhood trauma and preventable tragedy.
Severance
Dan Erickson
Severance is a chillingly original exploration of identity, using its unique premise of memory division to question the ethics of modern corporate culture.
The X-Files
Chris Carter
The X-Files remains essential for its pioneering approach to the conspiracy thriller, balancing episodic paranormal mysteries with a long-form search for truth.
Common questions
What are the best sci-fi anime series with psychological themes?
Neon Genesis Evangelion is a top recommendation for its deep focus on trauma and existentialism. Other excellent choices include the dystopian narrative of DARLING in the FRANXX and the time-travel mystery found in the series ERASED.
Which science fiction shows feature time travel and mysteries?
Dark is widely considered the gold standard for intricate time-travel paradoxes and generational mysteries. Additionally, the series ERASED offers a compelling take on the genre by using time travel to solve a personal, past-oriented crime.
Are there any great space western series to watch?
Cowboy Bebop is a definitive space western that combines neo-noir elements with bounty hunter adventures. For a more modern take within the Star Wars universe, The Mandalorian provides a classic lone gunfighter story set in a lawless galaxy.