netflix shows about space travel

Screen Rant

10 best space documentaries on netflix right now.

There are thousands of documentaries about space exploration, but these can be found on Netflix and offer some compelling and chilling narratives.

• Some space documentaries on Netflix delve into the formation of the universe and the role of the solar system in sustaining life on Earth.
• Netflix has plenty of space documentaries that explore the possibility of life on other planets through scientific research and theories.
• Others delve into the mysteries of black holes with mathematicians to witness groundbreaking attempts to capture the first image of a black hole.

The best space documentaries on Netflix seek out answers to humanity's most crucial questions in the vastness of space. It is a subject that has intrigued the world since people first began gazing up at the stars and there have been many fascinating documentaries that have been made about space exploration in recent years . From humankind's first small steps toward the infinite to conspiracies regarding ancient peoples and their run-ins with beings from outer spheres, various aspects of space exploration are well documented and easily accessible on the streaming giant today.

On top of the great fictional streaming series and sci-fi movies available on Netflix right now, the platform has some great options for people who want to learn more about planets, stars, and Earth's solar system from science documentaries. The amazing content Netflix offers includes a look at the work of astronauts and a dissection of possible life on other planets . Ranking among some of the best Netflix documentaries , these ambitious and fascinating projects add to humanity's endless curiosity about what is out among the stars.

For more streaming recommendations, be sure to check out the best movies on Netflix and the best TV shows on Netflix .

Best True Crime Shows On Netflix Right Now

10 our universe (2022), a look at the formation of the universe and earth's survival within it, our universe.

Our Universe is a space documentary that's reminiscent of the Our Planet series and is structured as a six-part series narrated by actor Morgan Freeman . This is a historical look at the formation of the universe and what makes up the solar system itself . It also goes into the development of the millions of different life forms that have evolved on Earth over the epochs, utilizing CGI to reveal the stories of interstellar events and animals in their natural habitats.

Our Universe takes an ambitious approach to seeking to explain how the creation and persistence of life on Earth is only possible through the sun, meteors, and other objects and events in space. It looks at grand ideas like the expansion of the universe as well as comparatively small ideas like the oceans of Earth. It is all done in a way that is easy to consume, informative, and insightful.

9 Alien Worlds (2020)

A theoretical look at life on other planets, alien worlds.

Narrated by Sophie Okonedo, Alien Worlds is a four-part speculative docuseries about how life could develop on exoplanets — planets outside Earth's solar system . While that makes this a mostly fictional documentary that might sound like it is venturing into science fiction movie territory, it is wholly based on scientific research. Astronomers, astrobiologists, ecologists, and more discuss how the rules of life on Earth can be applied to other planets in the universe.

Alien Worlds explore different scenarios of planets outside our own, with totally different circumstances, and theorizes what kind of life would evolve in that sort of environment.

Alien Worlds explore different scenarios of planets outside our own, with totally different circumstances, and theorizes what kind of life would evolve in that sort of environment. This includes what life would look like if a planet had two suns, if there was a low gravity pull, and if a planet was scorching hot or permanently frozen. The documentary offers an eye-opening look at the endless possibilities of what is in the universe outside human knowledge.

8 Black Holes: The Edge Of All We Know (2021)

Scientists delve into a fascinating space concept, black holes: the edge of all we know.

There are certain concepts about space that are still difficult to understand despite years of research and black holes fall into that category. The Netflix space documentary Black Holes: The Edge of All We Know is an exciting look at the mysterious black holes , which form when a massive star collapses under its own weight at the end of its lifecycle. Almost all galaxies, including Earth's own Milky Way, formed with a massive black hole at the center.

Black Holes: The Edge of All We Know features a team of mathematicians, including Stephen Hawking , trying to solve the Information Paradox and a global team that worked to capture the first actual image of a black hole. It breaks down almost everything scientists know about the phenomenon to give insight into one of the most powerful mysteries of the universe.

50 Best Dolby Atmos Movies On Netflix, Ranked

7 return to space (2022), the story of space x and the beginning of commercial space travel, return to space.

A fascinating and exciting look at the future of humanity's space exploration and its possibilities.

Space documentaries can not only examine the mysteries of space but the history of space travel and where it stands going forward. Return to Space is about Elon Musk's SpaceX company and its attempt to take humans back into space . SpaceX wants to take anyone into space who can afford it, as Musk believes that space travel is important for the future of humanity, with Return to Space showing the lead-up to the rocket launch to the International Space Station.

Indeed, the road to space is not just about governments anymore — SpaceX is a commercial company that partners with NASA to make space travel much more accessible . This documentary features some amazing footage of several failed attempts, but it is a fascinating and exciting look at the future of humanity's space exploration and its possibilities.

6 Challenger: The Final Flight (2020)

A look at one of nasa's greatest tragedies, challenger: the final flight.

Another Netflix documentary taking a look at real-life space travel, this one highlights the danger of it and the tragedies that have come out of it. Challenger: The Final Flight is a four-part docuseries about the story of the fatal crash of NASA’s Space Shuttle Challenger in 1986. Challenger: The Final Flight not only commemorates the lives of the seven astronauts who perished in the mission but also highlights the importance of what these brave scientists set out to do.

Decidedly one of the best space documentaries on Netflix, this series honors the mission and shows that, even though it failed, it was still an important part of humanity's history with space travel. Indeed, the disaster changed a lot about how NASA and the U.S. space program operate and forced new safety protocols on all future missions into space.

5 The Mars Generation (2017)

The next era of astronauts takes shape, the mars generation.

There are endless possibilities for how humanity can explore space and some of the most exciting space documentaries on Netflix look at those possibilities. The Mars Generation explores the potential for pursuing humanity's dream of one day living on Mars . Depicting the day-to-day struggles of a group of young scientists and engineers dedicated to a Martian future at the Space Camp in Alabama, the documentary shows how far humanity has to go before Mars can become habitable , but ultimately presents the future as bright and full of possibility.

Time Magazine sponsored this show, as it details the kids going through training under experienced mentors and the hard work they put into the program. Things are not always lighthearted, as it touches on the Challenger and Columbia explosions, but for any youngsters interested in space exploration, it is an inspiring experience.

The 30 Best 4K Movies on Netflix

4 a trip to infinity (2022), a contemplation on one of the most complex ideas in the universe, a trip to infinity.

More than a science documentary, A Trip To Infinity also raises philosophical inquiries about humanity's fleeting role in infinite space and time.

While most people think about the stars and the planets out in the cosmos without much trouble, to truly ponder the idea of the unending vastness of space is a daunting idea and one that brilliant scientists are still trying to solve. A Trip To Infinity is a science documentary that uses creative animated visuals and interviews with experts to explain the mathematical concept of infinity .

It counts among the best space documentaries on Netflix for providing answers to whether infinity exists beyond the human imagination or not, as this naturally also questions the presumed infinity of ever-expanding outer space. It's an unusual perspective that is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the cosmos. More than a science documentary, A Trip To Infinity also raises philosophical inquiries about humanity's fleeting role in infinite space and time.

3 The Future Of (2022)

A series exploring advancements of the future, including public space travel, the future of.

It is astounding to consider the technological advancements the world has made in the past century and what else is to come. The 12-episode docuseries The Future Of is a wide look into what's in store for humanity in the next decades in terms of technological advancement. In particular, the episode "The Future of Space Vacations" is one of the best space documentaries on Netflix — despite being just 17 minutes long. "Space Vacations" dissects the very real possibilities of regular suborbital flights for civilians.

This includes the company Space Perspective which is developing a balloon to allow for travel into space, which, unlike rockets, would require zero training for passengers. In addition to tackling commercial space trips and vacation pods on the Moon in "Space Vacation," The Future Of has dedicated episodes to "Gaming," "Skyscrapers," and "Life After Death."

2 Top Secret UFO Projects Declassified (2022)

Secrets and theories exploring extraterrestrial visitors, top secret ufo projects declassified.

Though claims of extraterrestrial encounters have long been dismissed, many believe the existence of  UFOs  is not just likely, but a certainty.

While the idea of UFOs is a controversial one that some dismiss as conspiracy theories, it is still a subject that fascinates many. In 6 episodes, the docuseries Top Secret UFO Projects Declassified details all the biggest evidence of UFO sightings and extraterrestrial life . This includes a deep dive into Project Blue Book , the U.S. government's previously top-secret attempts to study UFOs in the '50s, and Code Name Aurora, the alleged government project aimed at reverse-engineering alien technology.

From global evidence of sightings to individuals who claim to have performed autopsies on aliens, what makes Top Secret UFO Projects Declassified one of the best Netflix documentaries on UFOs and the unexplained is how the existing evidence is laid out chronologically and in striking detail. This makes it a must-watch for anyone watching the skies for clues of extraterrestrial life.

25 Best Animated Movies On Netflix

1 countdown: inspiration4 mission to space (2021), a giant leap for civilian space travel, countdown: inspiration4 mission to space.

As space travel becomes a more mainstream idea, more documentaries explore the idea of everyday people going to space. Countdown: Inspiration4 Mission to Space is a five-part docuseries focused on the four individuals tasked with the first all-civilian orbital mission . From the recruitment process and the extensive training to the actual launch of the SpaceX Dragon mission, also known as Inspiration4, Countdown: Inspiration4 Mission to Space is an emotional journey about people living out their wildest dreams.

In 2021, episodes of the docuseries were released as close to real-time as possible, with the final episode airing just days after the actual launch. Apart from being one of the best space documentaries on Netflix , Countdown: Inspiration4 Mission is among the greatest reality shows in recent history with a truly captivating idea at its center.

The Best Sci-Fi Shows on Netflix Right Now

From superheroes to space, these sci-fi series are out of this world.

In the mood to watch a genre series? Sci-fi, superheroes , or a touch of horror ? Well, we (and Netflix ) have you covered. From classics like Deep Space Nine to quirky series Legends of Tomorrow — not to mention great Netflix originals like Stranger Things — below, you'll find a list of shows that might make for great discoveries or are just fun to watch again and again.

Don’t see what you’re looking for? Check out our list of the best shows on Netflix or the best sci-fi shows on Hulu or Prime Video .

Editor's note: This article was updated October 2023 to include Archive 81.

Related : The Best Sci-Fi Movies on Netflix

An archivist hired to restore a collection of tapes finds himself reconstructing the work of a filmmaker and her investigation into a dangerous cult.

After archivist Dan Turner ( Mamoudou Athie ) takes on a seemingly harmless job of restoring some old home video tapes, this sci-fi horror series kicks into gear when they reveal a blood-curdling investigation into a creepy cult. From start to finish, Archive 81 crawls under the viewers’ skin and buries into their nightmares. In its first half, the unnerving sense of mystery creates curiosity from the audience that eventually turns into a frantic and heart-pounding second half. Creator Rebecca Sonnenshine pulls no punches in the delivery of the horror, with the tense atmosphere accentuated by shocking twists. Truly chilling, Archive 81 is food for your fears. - Jake Hodges

Black Mirror

An anthology series exploring a twisted, high-tech multiverse where humanity's greatest innovations and darkest instincts collide.

The anthology series that dissects our relationship to technology — and both the potential and peril that come from it — Black Mirror has managed to endure, even when some of its most recent episodes declined in quality. First created by Charlie Booker back in 2011, when it is at its best in its first four seasons, it remains particularly incisive. In covering a variety of genres and settings, it has firmly embedded itself as one of the more inventive anthology shows out there. Mixing dark humor with horrifying glimpses of our future, it is a show that often leaves a pit in your stomach even as it remains endlessly entertaining. Whether it is in the unlikely romance of “San Junipero” or the grim nightmare of “USS Callister,” it also plays around with the realities we create for ourselves with a sense of tact that continually draws you in. There is something for everyone in the many episodes that cover a range of distinct stories that really hit home. - Chase Hutchinson

A Girl and an Astronaut

A Girl and an Astronaut is a Polish sci-fi romance series with a nice blend of tropes from both genres, which makes it feel fresh. The story is about a love triangle that spans 30 years, taking place in both 2022 and 2052. The series flashes between main character Marta’s youthful twenties as she sees her boyfriend sent off to space and her older fifties, at which point she is married with a child. When her cryogenically frozen astronaut boyfriend returns from his journey after being presumed dead, unexpected events are set into motion. The futuristic aspects of the 2052 timeline are fascinating, and the love story is handled wonderfully as Marta sets off to get her old boyfriend back from the Russians while feeling all the conflicting emotions you would expect. – Tauri Miller

Welcome to Eden

Welcome to Eden is a thrilling Spanish-language science-fiction drama from co-creators Joaquín Górriz and Guillermo López . Welcome to Eden follows a group of young and attractive social media-obsessed young people as they’re invited to a mysterious and exclusive paradise. Over two seasons, Welcome to Eden alluringly draws audiences in to watch as perspectives shift for the guests of the remote island, unwrapping a delicious mystery at its core. Starring Amaia Aberasturi, Berta Castañé, and Begoña Vargas , Welcome to Eden is part Nine Perfect Strangers and part The Wilds . – Yael Tygiel

The Barrier

Created by Daniel Écija , The Barrier is a fascinating science-fiction drama from Spain that takes place in a dystopian future where dictators reign and major cities have been distributed into divisions in order to maintain power and manage resources. Starring Unax Ugalde , Olivia Molina , and Eleonora Wexler , The Barrier follows one family’s fight to survive the disparity in Madrid. Grounded on a uniquely plausible premise, The Barrier is not only a captivating drama but, like most quality sci-fi, serves as a warning regarding the current path society finds itself walking on. – Yael Tygiel

The I-Land (2019)

Created by Anthony Salter , The I-Land is his debut mystery science-fiction miniseries about a group of 10 people who find themselves deserted on an island. With no memories of how they got to the island or who they even are, the strangers must try to survive the treacherous reality and attempt a journey back to their normal lives. Starring Natalie Martinez and Kate Bosworth ( Superman Returns ), along with Ronald Peet and Sibylla Deen , The I-Land surprises with plot twists. Salter’s creative integration of a virtual reality aspect adds a layer of intriguing existential questions, but The I-Land may raise more philosophical ideals than satisfactory resolutions. – Yael Tygiel

Alice in Borderland (2020)

Alice in Borderland is a science-fiction thriller based on Haro Aso ’s manga of the same name. Alice in Borderland follows a couple of twenty-somethings who find themselves competing in dangerous games through an abandoned Tokyo. Similarly to beloved shows like Squid Game , as Alice in Borderland continues, the unwitting competitors discover that their lives depend on successfully completing the games and challenges they encounter. Starring Kento Yamazaki and Tao Tsuchiya , Alice in Borderland showcases not only these talented actors but also an outstanding use of special effects and gorgeous cinematography. – Yael Tygiel

When Montego Air Flight 828 landed safely after a turbulent but routine flight, the crew and passengers were relieved. But in the span of those few hours, the world had aged five years -- and after mourning their loss, their friends, families and colleagues had given up hope and moved on. Now, faced with the impossible, they're all given a second chance. But as their new realities become clear, a deeper mystery unfolds, and some of the returned passengers soon realize they may be meant for something greater than they ever thought possible.

You’ve not doubt heard the buzz, now see what all the fuss is about. Manifest first premiered on NBC in 2018, and while it earned some solid praise, ratings were steady enough that the network canceled the series after three seasons. But right around that time the show hit Netflix, and has been lighting up the Top 10 ever since. Oh yeah, the story. The show begins with passengers on a flight experiencing a bit of turbulence, only to touch down and discover that for everyone else on Earth, the flight has been missing for five years. The show delves into the mystery behind this strange occurrence, and the changes these passengers have gone through during their flight. Intrigue, sci-fi, and drama coalesce into a binge-worthy show. – Adam Chitwood

The Imperfects

The Imperfects is a fast-paced, quirky action-adventure series about three young people who protect humans against monsters while trying to find the scientist who performed experimental procedures that turned them into monsters themselves. Created by the people behind Van Helsing , Shelley Eriksen and Dennis Heaton bring together a trio often overlooked in the monster genre. Starring Iñaki Godoy , Morgan Taylor Campbell ( Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist ), and Rhianna Jagpal as Juan the Chupacabra, Tilda the Banshee, and Abbi the Succubus, respectively, The Imperfects is a science fiction series that has been described as The Boys meets The Umbrella Academy . – Yael Tygiel

Maniac is a wildly innovative science fiction adventure wrapped in a dark comedy. Starring Emma Stone ( Cruella ) and Jonah Hill ( Superbad ), Maniac comes from creator Patrick Somerville ( The Leftovers ) and follows two strangers, Stone and Hill, who find themselves drawn together during a mysterious and mind-bending pharmaceutical trial. Set in a psychedelic, retro-future New York City, Maniac is a gorgeously crafted mini-series brimming with stunning visuals and exploring complex themes such as mental illness, human interactions, and reality through truly original avenues. Leaning heavily towards dry, satirical humor, Maniac is perplexingly provocative and thought-provoking to watch. – Yael Tygiel

From Brad Wright ( Stargate: SG-1 ), Travelers is a brilliantly intriguing time travel science-fiction adventure starring Will and Grace alum Eric McCormack . In this ensemble series, McCormack stars with MacKenzie Porter, Jared Abrahamson, Reilly Dolman, and Nesta Cooper ( See ) as a team of individuals from the distant future whose consciousnesses are sent to the present in order to prevent a world-ending event. As Travelers unfolds, the travelers are forced to assume the lives of the bodies they inhabit, while attempting to alter the future and save humanity. With a creative perspective on the genre and a wonderfully talented cast, Travelers is a top-notch time travel journey. – Yael Tygiel

Resident Evil (2022)

There are two main timelines in Resident Evil , each connected and equally compelling. The first takes place in 2022 and follows 14-year-old twins Billie ( Siena Agudong ) and Jade ( Tamara Smart ) as they move to New Raccoon City. There, they uncover the town’s sinister secret while their father coordinates a response to a deadly virus. The second fast-forwards to 2036. At this point, the virus has ravaged the place, and the powerful Umbrella Corporation is searching for Jade (now played by Ella Balinska ). As frightening as it is fun. Resident Evil is a blast for fans of the video game it’s based on while not alienating new fans who might not be as familiar with the franchise. – Taylor Gates

A family saga with a supernatural twist, set in a German town where the disappearance of two young children exposes the relationships among four families.

Germany’s breakout science-fiction drama Dark was a surprise hit for the streaming platform. Presented as a family drama, this saga includes supernatural twists and enticing mysteries. Dark follows the disappearance of a couple of young children from this small German town, unraveling a secret intertwining four families. Comparable to the beloved series Stranger Things , Dark is a fantastically suspenseful series full of heartfelt relationships as well as thrilling adventures. Created by Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese , Dark star Louis Hofmann , Karoline Eichhorn , Lisa Vicari , and Maja Schöne . – Yael Tygiel

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.

Most of us just have to deal with being born into a family with siblings and cousins and the messiness that comes with that. Now imagine you are born, and you share a mind and emotions with seven other people across the world. Such is the concept behind The Wachowski Sisters and J. Michael Straczynski 's Netflix series Sense8 . It will definitely be the wackiest thing you watch on this list as a group of eight "sensates" meet and band together when they end up being hunted by a mysterious and sinister corporation. With characters from all walks of life and from all over the world, Sense8 is an international story, but ultimately it's a story about connection, acceptance, and embracing who you are and the world around you. Beneath the sci-fi premise of it all is a story about humanity. — Therese Lacson

Lost In Space

A modern update on the cult classic TV series, Lost in Space is set 30 years in the future and follows the Robinson family as they attempt to colonize a new planet. They are thrown off course and find themselves stranded on an alien planet. While there, they discover a robotic alien creature who seems to be malevolent - until young Will Robinson bonds with it, and it becomes the family's best ally. - Alyse Wax

The Umbrella Academy

The Netflix original series The Umbrella Academy is the perfect antidote to those fatigued by the glut of superhero movies and TV shows. Based on the graphic novel series by Gerard Way and Gabriel Ba , the story revolves around seven children with extraordinary powers who were adopted by a strange (and very rich) man who trained them to be heroes. Their troubled upbringing drove them apart, but they reunite at the beginning of the first season when their estranged father turns up mysteriously dead. Not only that, but their brother — who's been missing since they were children — appears via time travel and warns them the apocalypse is coming in a matter of days. This show is extremely joyful and funky and weird, giving weight each of its disparate characters while carrying on a compelling serial mystery all its own. If you want a show that's fun and mysterious and a little spooky, check this one out. - Adam Chitwood

DC's Legends of Tomorrow

Two years ago you could not have convinced me that one of the best shows on television would be The CW’s Legends of Tomorrow , but by God it is. The series has truly come into its own in its third season (after a still very good second season), finding a wonderful rhythm in both weekly adventures an overarching villains — including the rehabilitation of Damian Darhk from his time on Arrow , as well as the introduction of magical creatures where time travel isn’t always a cure-all. Plus, it’s opened the door for Constantine!

The series focuses on a group of time-traveling rogues, mostly cobbled together from elsewhere in the Arrow-verse. The first season isn’t great, but it lays the groundwork for the friendships that define the show. But if you need to skip ahead and start with Season 2 or even 3, I don’t blame you. Another thing that has made the series so successful is its willingness to change up its storylines and its cast. If something doesn’t work, or a dynamic doesn’t take, they scrap it and try something else. And meanwhile, the show also brings back what does work — like Beebo, everyone’s favorite fuzzy blue savior.

There were so many fantastic episodes and moments in Legends ’ third season, which was also just fun. Grodd vs Barack Obama! Time loops! Pirates! Mick Rory’s book! Themyscira! John Noble! That’s what a superhero show about a ragtag bunch of time travelers should be about: bonkers fun. And yet, the series also has great emotional arcs that really resonate. It does it all, folks . — Allison Keene

Love, Death & Robots

A collection of animated short stories that span various genres including science fiction, fantasy, horror and comedy.

Executive produced by Tim Miller ( Deadpool ) and legendary filmmaker David Fincher , the animated anthology series Love, Death & Robots is kind of the perfect catch-all for sci-fi fans. Each episode hails from a different writer and director, and the theme holding them all together is the idea of sci-fi technology. As a result you get a wide range of tone from uber-violent to romantic to hysterically funny. All in all, though, there’s just some really great sci-fi storytelling in here. – Adam Chitwood

Loosely based on the comic by Chris Roberson and Michael Allred , iZombie stars Rose McIver as Liz, a medical resident with the perfect job, perfect fiancee, and perfect life, who loses it all one night when she's transformed into a zombie. But this isn't a Walking Dead situation. Her hair may be chalk white, and her heart may only beat twice a minute, but she can still walk, talk, act, think and feel like a human – as long as she regularly feeds on human brains. The good news is that Liz uses her medical degree to land a job at the local morgue where she has a regular supply. Bad news is she temporarily inherits the memories, personality, and skills of anybody she eats, which puts her on the scent of a series of murders enacted by some less morally-sound zombies. Working under the guise of a psychic, she uses her visions to work with a local detective ( Malcolm Goodwin ) in order to solve the murders and give her new life a sense of purpose.

From Rob Thomas and Dianne Ruggiero , the minds that brought us Veronica Mars , iZombie is often oversimplified as " Veronica Mars with zombies", but that description does a disservice to the originality of both series. To be clear, there is one and only one Veronica Mars , and while there are similarities, Liz is another witty blonde sleuth, for one, they're largely different shows. Despite dealing in death, the first season of iZombie is mostly lighter fare that leans in on the procedural element. Fortunately, the cases of the week are infinitely fun thanks to McIver's consistently likable but wonderfully variable performance as she adopts the personality traits of the victims. - Haleigh Foutch

After being struck by lightning, Barry Allen wakes up from his coma to discover he's been given the power of super speed, becoming the Flash, and fighting crime in Central City.

If you aren’t ready for the entirely crazy, true comic book fever of The Flash , then the CW’s superhero show may not be for you. But for those willing to work with its full embrace of its comic origins — including time travel, alternate universes, and Gorilla Grodd — will be rewarded. The Flash deals with many dark and difficult themes, and yet, more often feels like a light and fun romp through Central City’s chaotic world. It follows the story of Barry Allen ( Grant Gustin ) as he comes to terms with his newly-bestowed super speed, and his city’s need to fight off a myriad of superpowered villains. But, he still has time for dating and unrequited love, as well as some crossover time spent with Team Arrow (the same creative team is responsible for both shows).

The Flash has an instantly lovable cast, a never-ending supply of great hooks, and a myriad of long-form arcs that help anchor its Villain of the Week plots. It’s wholly accessible to non-comic readers (or to those not typically superhero genre fans), but also has plenty of insider references to keep comic fans happy. Above all, it never loses its heart or its mirth — even in the midst of saving the world. - Allison Keene

Black Lightning

Just when I was starting to think we had reached peak superhero fatigue, Black Lightning hit the scene and shook things up. The CW’s dynamic series is laudable for a number of reasons, the most obvious one being that it focuses on a black family, and the second most obvious one being that its lead character isn’t a teenager. But the series also might be the superhero genre’s most intelligent; it knows what it wants to say about race and politics without ever being preachy. The first season also made a lot of smart choices about when to introduce the powers of characters other than Jefferson Pierce (a charming Cress Williams), and also didn’t feel the need to dispatch of its Big Bad by the season’s end (though it did take care of a host of more minor villains throughout). The story of a vigilante-turned-principal looking to get back into the game because of drug violence on his streets is a refreshing one, and helped keep Black Lightning grounded and relevant throughout its run. This is a hero to unequivocally root for. — Allison Keene

Stranger Things

When a young boy vanishes, a small town uncovers a mystery involving secret experiments, terrifying supernatural forces and one strange little girl.

You’ve no doubt heard the hype, so let us set you straight: believe it. Stranger Things popped up almost out of nowhere as a new Netflix original series that had little buzz surrounding its pre-release. But the 80s-set mystery thriller is equal parts It , Stand by Me , and The Goonies as it mashes up the creepy atmosphere of a Stephen King novel with compelling characters and a strong narrative drive. The true test of Stranger Things is whether the show works without the nostalgia-inducing 80s setting, and the answer is yes. There’s a government mystery, impressive effects, and most of all memorable characters that are a joy to watch, and creators/writers/directors Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer craft each season like one long movie divided into chapters. Indeed, one could easily watch an entire season in one day without feeling like it’s dragging or hitting upon an easy “stopping point,” as this is more television as novel than episodic TV. Which makes it a delightful binge. So have at it! – Adam Chitwood

Netflix’s ‘Away’ shows a mission to Mars. It may be closer to reality than you think

• Show more sharing options
• Copy Link URL Copied!

In the second episode of Netflix’s space drama “Away,” two astronauts head outside into space to make some emergency repairs.

Emma Green (Hilary Swank), the American commander of the international mission to Mars , and experienced Russian cosmonaut Misha Popov (Mark Ivanir) must work together to get the third solar array of their ship properly deployed.

As if a spacewalk on a moving ship wasn’t risky enough, Emma and Misha — who must stay tethered to each other to keep from floating off into space — are also at a crossroads: the latter believes the commander is unfit to lead the mission. It’s an early look at how closely the 10-episode series, now streaming, weaves its interpersonal and technical dramas together for added tension.

“We spent hours sitting in a room trying to figure out how to do that spacewalk and make it feel as epic and terrifying as it would be,” said Jessica Goldberg, executive producer and showrunner of “Away.”

Emma and Misha must make their way around the exterior of their spaceship toward a large array of solar panels whose function is critical to the success of their mission — and their survival. As expected from a high-stakes drama, the repairs are anything but simple and require Emma to take additional risks.

Based on an Esquire article by Chris Jones (who was a part of the show’s writers room), “Away” is set in a future that is near enough that all of the science and technology feels within the realm of what is actually possible. There was plenty of research and consultants involved, including former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino, to help maintain the series’ realism.

The 15 TV shows you should watch this fall

To kick off our 2020 fall TV preview, the Times TV team selects the 15 shows we’ll be watching this fall — and that you should be watching too.

Aug. 25, 2020

Emma and Misha’s spacewalk — like a number of other events experienced by the members of the Atlas crew — is inspired by actual events: the spacewalks at the International Space Station.

Pulling off the scene required the collaboration of multiple departments.

Production designer David Sandefur, who designed a detailed 3-D model of the Atlas even before building the actual set pieces, said that it all starts with the writing. He and the writer can then make adjustments as they figure out what things work and what don’t.

“We went back and forth until we hit this sort of perfect place where the set piece and the script and also the tenor of the scene matched up perfectly,” said Sandefur. “Some of the hardest things to shoot wind up being the most flawlessly executed, because there’s so much effort put into the complexity of it and making sure that it’s all sorted.”

Among the many specifics to consider for the spacewalk were the design and location of the solar array, the actual problems the astronauts would encounter along the way to get there, and how they would get back to safety.

“I built everything that was needed for [Emma and Misha] on their physical journey,” said Sandefur. “They travel 50 feet in one direction and 20 feet in another direction along the solar array — I basically built everything that they would make contact with and … everything that would capture their shadows.”

Everything was planned in order to create a sense of real jeopardy according to stunt coordinator Jeff Aro.

“There are some logistics that don’t necessarily translate from the page to the physical world,” said Aro. “We were tasked with making those transitions, bringing their words on the page to reality and determining what was sensible for our cast to do — and they did a large part of it.”

“Our goal was to use as much of Mark and Hillary as we could” in the scene, added Aro. “So we would use the stunt doubles to suss out the sequence, get the approval from the director, and then have our cast go through all of the elements to fill out the story beats.”

The key to the scene was making sure everything — from the design of the spaceship to the decisions the astronauts are making — don’t stray too far into the realm of science fiction. Staying tethered, for example, is something astronauts actually do for their safety during spacewalks.

“We’re trying to capture how a spacewalk feels,” said creator and executive producer Andrew Hinderaker. “Astronauts talk about it being so nerve-racking and exhausting and thrilling. And yet most spacewalks themselves, if you watch, are a little boring. A lot of just crawling along the side of the ship. So how do you capture how it feels and still keep a foot in conversation with what feels real?”

Sandefur said working on “Away” has felt a bit like “fulfilling a childhood dream.”

“I’ve always had an interest in this,” said Sandefur. “I’ve always been interested in space travel since I was a kid and I wanted to be a fighter pilot as a young boy.”

For the Atlas itself, he took inspiration from the technology used by both NASA and SpaceX (though not necessarily their actual designs). Even the crew’s quarters having artificial gravity is rooted in research and proposals that have been made for real-life space travel.

This helped balance realism and the demands of storytelling when it came to one unique facet of a TV show set in space. Almost every scene with zero gravity — such as those in the common room on the Atlas — involves stunt work with the actors being on wires.

“Because we don’t have zero gravity, we have to create that, which requires planning in every instance,” said Aro. “In that way, it was quite a challenge. Our storytelling typically is in explosions and fights … but in [‘Away’] it was of deeper emotional challenges and we were trying to make choices that reflected and complemented the story. That’s not typically what we’re solicited to do.”

It turns out the science on “Away” might be one of the most realistic aspects of the show.

Hinderaker recalled an early conversation with a source from NASA about the concept of the series and asked how soon a human mission to Mars would be possible with the adequate funds and international cooperation.

“He said, ‘Oh, we could go tomorrow,’” explained Hinderaker. “That was so powerful and that’s really part of why we chose to put the show in a very near future world that really felt like ours.”

“There are moments where it feels impossible that we’ll have the collective international will to do this,” said Hinderaker. But “the thing that feels [most] impossible, the show presupposes happened.”

Where: Netflix When: Any time Rating: TV-14 (may be unsuitable for children under the age of 14)

More to Read

CNN Originals looks for a comeback after cuts with space shuttle Columbia series

April 6, 2024

This cut backstory explains the most intriguing relationship in Netflix’s ‘3 Body Problem’

March 25, 2024

NASA’s attempt to bring home part of Mars is unprecedented. The mission’s problems are not

The complete guide to home viewing

Get Screen Gab for everything about the TV shows and streaming movies everyone’s talking about.

You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.

Tracy Brown is a reporter for the Los Angeles Times covering television, film and other pop culture.

More From the Los Angeles Times

These Latina queens will be on Season 9 of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars’

April 23, 2024

As Mandisa death investigation proceeds, police are seeing no signs of foul play

‘Our Words Collide’ documents 5 L.A. teen poets testifying to spoken word’s transformative power

‘The Synanon Fix’ shows how the California dream went awry for a rehab group turned cult

April 22, 2024

The best sci-fi movies and TV shows to stream on Netflix in April

Time to catch up on some long overdue sci-fi, so here's our handy guide to what's on Netflix this month

So that you don't have to spend hours searching through thousands of movies, some good, some bad and everything in-between, we've compiled a list of the best science-fiction movies and television shows currently on Netflix .   

• Want to try Netflix? You can get a 30-day free trial now
• Sign up for Netflix starting at $8.99/month.

The Adam Project

Synopsis: 13-year-old Adam Reed, still grieving the sudden death of his father a year earlier, walks into his garage one night to find a wounded pilot hiding there. This mysterious pilot turns out to be the older version of himself from the future, where time travel is in its infancy. He has risked everything to come back in time on a secret mission. Together they must embark on an adventure into the past to find their father, set things right, and save the world. Adding to the challenge of the mission, the two Adams discover they really don't like each other very much, and if they're going to save the world, they're first going to have to figure out how to get along.

Why you should watch: Ryan Reynolds leads an all-star cast in this family action drama that incorporates much of Reynold's dry wit. While not paying too much attention to the so-called "rules" of time travel, it brings drama and the complexities of human relationships into a spirited science fiction movie aimed at older kids and young adults. Joining Reynolds is an impressive line up, including Mark Ruffalo, Jennifer Garner, Zoe Saldana and Catherine Keener. Plus it's directed by Shawn Levy, who also gave us "Free Guy" and "Real Steel." 

Apollo 10½: A Space Age Adventure

Synopsis: The story of the first moon landing in the summer of 1969 from two interwoven perspectives. It both captures the astronaut and mission control view of the triumphant moment, and the lesser-seen bottom up perspective of what it was like from an excited kid's perspective, living near NASA but mostly watching it on TV like hundreds of millions of others. It's ultimately both an exacting re-creation of this special moment in history and a kid's fantasy about being plucked from his average life in suburbia to secretly train for a covert mission to the moon.

Why you should watch: This is, in essence, a rotoscoped home movie about the space race from the perspective of writer and director Richard Linklater, who lest we forget, gave us the epic animated interpretation of Philip K. Dick's "A Scanner Darkly." It focuses less on actually going to the moon and more on what it was like to actually grow up during that chapter of history. This might not appeal to everyone and Jack Black’s “Wonder Years”-style narration might be appealing to many, it's not for everyone. Zachary Levi ("Shazam!") joins the voice talent along with Glen Powell ("Top Gun: Maverick") and Josh Wiggins ("Greyhound").

Synopsis: An international fleet of naval warships encounters an alien armada while on a Naval war games exercise and faces the biggest threat mankind has ever faced. An intense battle is fought on sea, land and air. If they lose, the world could face a major extinction event and an alien invasion. Will humans win this alien war, what are the aliens doing here, and what do they want?

Why you should watch: The premise of this movie is mostly nonsense, but it's a well-made popcorn flick and as such, surprisingly enjoyable. The plot doesn't stretch the imagination and it's kept relatively simple, but the connection to the board game, on which this is very loosely based, is cleverly incorporated. The action is exciting, the accompanying rock ballads are well placed and thankfully it's not overloaded with cheese. A solid cast including Alexander Skarsgård, Adam Godley and Rihanna, all deliver solid performances in fun, entertaining, military-themed sci-fi movie.

Synopsis: Based on the mind-bending graphic novel by Si Spencer, "Bodies" is a time travel thriller with a twist. When a body — the  same  body — is found on Longharvest Lane in London's East End in 1890, 1941, 2023 and 2053, one detective from each period must investigate. As connections are drawn across the decades, the detectives soon discover their investigations are linked, and an enigmatic political leader — Elias Mannix (Stephen Graham) — becomes increasingly central. To solve the mystery, our four detectives must somehow collaborate and uncover a conspiracy spanning over 150 years.

Why you should watch: This and "Maniac" are two of the best, little-known sci-fi thrillers on Netflix at the moment. An impressive cast, including Graham and also Kyle Soller you might know from "Andor," Jacob Fortune-Lloyd, Amaka Okafor and Shira Haas. The penultimate conclusion, is such an incredibly thrilling almost-finale, that when the actual finale comes, it throws you in a totally different direction. This is a masterclass in time travel thrillers and hopefully there will be a second season, but even if there isn't, this is still very much a must-see. 

Captain Nova

Synopsis: In 2050, Earth has become a dry and desolate place. Fighter pilot Nova is forced to travel back in time to prevent a devastating environmental disaster. However, an unforeseen side-effect of time travel makes Nova young again and she crash lands in the year 2025 as a twelve-year old. Nobody seems to take her and her mission seriously, except for Nas — a neglected teen who tries to keep this mysterious girl and her little flying robot ADD out of the hands of the secret service. Will Nova and Nas succeed in saving the future world?

Why you should watch: This Dutch children's movie is not without its charm. Both Kika van de Vijver and Anniek Pheifer play Nova, as different ages and Marouane Meftah plays Nas. The story is interesting and the production values are high. Thanks to a combination of quality cinematography and a relevant underlying message, this feature from writer and director Maurice Trouwborst will more than likely appeal to many adults as well. 

Cowboys & Aliens

Synopsis: Set in 1873 in the New Mexico Territory, a stranger with no memory of his past stumbles into the hard desert town of Absolution. The only hint to his history is a mysterious shackle that encircles one wrist. He quickly discovers that the townsfolk don't welcome strangers and everyone lives under the ruthless rule of Colonel Dolarhyde (Harrison Ford). But Absolution is about to experience fear it can scarcely comprehend as the town is attacked by marauders from the sky. Screaming down with breathtaking velocity and blinding lights to abduct the helpless one by one, these monsters challenge everything the residents have ever known. Now, the stranger they rejected is their only hope for salvation.

Why you should watch: Based on 105-page graphic novel published in 2006, this is an entertaining mix of two very disparate genres. Despite being well worth a watch, with Ford possibly giving his best performance since "The Fugitive," this movie didn't exactly set the box office on fire. It has however, slowly gathered a cult following since its theatrical release in 2011. Jon Favreau directs a strong cast including Clancy Brown, Sam Rockwell, Olivia Wilde and Daniel Craig, who tragically, still hasn't mastered an American accent.

Don't Look Up

Synopsis: Kate Dibiasky (Jennifer Lawrence), an astronomy grad student, and her professor Dr. Randall Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio) make an astounding discovery of a comet orbiting within the solar system. The problem is that it's on a direct collision course with Earth. The other problem is that no one cares. Turns out warning mankind about a planet-killer the size of Mount Everest is an inconvenient fact to navigate.

Why you should watch: Not only does this boast an amazing cast, including Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett, Ron Perlman and Mark Rylance, but the writer and director behind it is the same individual who gave us "The Big Short" and "Vice" And  "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy," Adam McKay. It has all the signs that it's going to be a well-written, very funny, deeply disturbing and beautifully observed dark comedy-cum-satire. It is, in essence, a message about climate change and mocks those who willfully and repeatedly scoff at the science. And sadly, that could be applied to a number of things, including the pandemic, pollution, orbital debris...

Ender's Game

Synopsis: In the near future, a hostile alien race has attacked Earth. In preparation for the next attack, the highly esteemed Colonel Graff (Harrison Ford) and the International Military seek to find a future leader who can save the human race. Ender Wiggin (Asa Butterfield), a shy but strategically brilliant young mind, is recruited to join the elite, where he's trained to lead his fellow soldiers into an epic battle that will determine the future of Earth.

Why you should watch: This movie was a box-office failure and was listed in Variety 's "Biggest Box-Office Bombs of 2013," but the book was a big success as were its four sequels. It's worth a watch simply because of its unique story and storytelling style. There are solid performances from everyone involved and it really should have spawned adaptations of the follow-up novels, but it probably would've had more success if it'd been released in 90s, when experimental sci-fi had a much longer shelf-life. 

I Am Mother

Synopsis: In the wake of humanity's extinction, a teenage girl is raised by a robot designed to repopulate the earth, but their unique bond is threatened when an inexplicable stranger arrives with alarming news.

Why you should watch: Before " Raised With Wolves " came "I Am Mother," which also deals with the notion of robots raising humans. This Australian indie film stars Hilary Swank and features the voice of Rose Byrne; the story is well-written and relative newcomer Grant Sputore does an excellent job of directing, keeping your attention focused, right up until the plot twist at the end. It's simple and very effective.

Synopsis: Two strangers, Annie (Emma Stone) and Owen (Jonah Hill), sign up for a pharmaceutical test program. Over the program's course, not only do previously-undiscovered parts of their minds and memories reveal themselves, but also their dreams and subconscious become interconnected. Over time, the two bond, however, the line between was is real and what isn't gradually becomes more blurred over time and there's a danger that the experiment might be shut down. 

Why you should watch: "Maniac" is one of the best limited series sci-fi shows on Netflix at the moment — and Netflix does offer a few high-quality sci-fi thrillers like this, including "Love, Death + Robots" and "Lost in Space." This is also among the finest performances from both Stone and Hill that we've seen so far. You quickly become invested in the characters and it's a self-contained, limited run show, so you don't need to worry about whether there will be a second season or not. Without a doubt, this is well worth a watch. Indulge in some edibles too if you want to take viewing to a whole new level.

The Midnight Sky

Synopsis: Set in the near future after Earth has recently undergone an apocalyptic event, a lonely scientist in the Arctic (George Clooney) races across the frozen tundra to reach a radio transmitter powerful enough to contact an exploration spacecraft still in space and warn them not to return home. Along the way, he finds and rescues a very young girl and the two form an inseparable friendship. 

Why you should watch: This is a low-on-action, character-driven movie that only just sneaks in under the genre banner of sci-fi. It's directed by and stars George Clooney and is very much a portfolio piece for him. If you like Apple TV+'s " Invasion " then you'll enjoy this, but it's not everyone's cup of tea. The cinematography is stunning and the film features an impressive cast, all in cameo roles, including David Oyelowo, Felicity Jones, Kyle Chandler, Ethan Peck and Tim Russ. Clooney however, has coaxed an outstanding performance from newcomer Caoilinn Springall. Aside from one or two liberties taken with the laws of thermodynamics, this is an enjoyable, in-depth illustration of Clooney's skills, both in front of, and behind the camera. 

Synopsis: Berlin. Forty years from today. A roiling city of immigrants, where East crashes against West in a science-fiction Casablanca. Leo Beiler (Alexander Skarsgard), a mute bartender, has one reason and one reason only for living here, and she's disappeared. But when Leo's search takes him deeper into the city's underbelly, an odd pair of American surgeons (led by Paul Rudd) seem to be the only recurring clue, and Leo can't tell if they can help, or who he should fear most.

Why you should watch: This is Duncan Jones second major sci-fi motion picture set in the " Moon " universe and it does not disappoint. (The trilogy was concluded with the graphic novel " Madi .") Rudd and Skarsgård lead the cast, joined by Justin Theroux, and together they all deliver strong performances in this vastly underrated, gritty sci-fi thriller set in the not-too-distant future.

Synopsis: A woman wakes in a cryogenic chamber with absolutely no recollection of how she got there. Unable to exit the status pod and slowly running out of oxygen, she must try to rebuild her memory in order to find a way out of her nightmare.

Why you should watch: One of the good things streaming services have enabled is for relatively low-budget sci-fi movies to be made that would never have seen the light of day 10 or 15 years ago, and this is one of them. "Oxygen" follows a simple premise and demonstrates that less quite often can be more. It has very little in the way of set changes and is focused entirely on the incredible performance of Mélanie Laurent ("Inglorious Basterds," "Beginners," "Enemy"). Another French heavyweight, Mathieu Amalric ("Munich," "The Grand Budapest Hotel," "Quantum of Solace"), provides the voice for the Medical Interface Liaison Officer or MILO, the AI incorporated into the cryogenic chamber.

Synopsis: A seemingly random group of eight elite soldiers suddenly find themselves in freefall over a jungle. With no clue where they are of how they got there, they reluctantly team up and discover they are not only no longer on Earth, but they are also in some kind of planet-sized game preserve and they are the game. One by one, they are picked off by invisible alien hunters as they struggle to survive and attempt to find a way home.

Why you should watch: While "Predator 2" was entertaining and at least the first "Alien v Predator" movie was mediocre, this is by far the best entry into the franchise, aside from the original. Producer Robert Rodriguez went to great lengths to be as faithful to the first film as he possibly could. This time, an impressively buff Adrien Brody takes on the alien assassins in a different approach to this interstellar safari. He's joined by the likes of Alice Braga, Walton Goggins, Topher Grace and Laurence Fishburne.

Project Power

Synopsis: In the very near future, on the streets of New Orleans, a new pill that unlocks superpowers unique to each user is becoming popular. However, the catch is that you don't know what will happen until you take it. While some develop bulletproof skin, invisibility, and super strength, others exhibit a deadlier reaction. A local cop (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) teams with a teenage dealer (Dominique Fishback) and a former soldier fueled by a secret vendetta (Jamie Foxx) to fight power with power and risk taking the pill in order to stop its production.

Why you should watch: Netflix's homegrown sci-fi often makes you wonder who on Earth is giving the green light to some of these projects, but this one is worth a watch. Gordon-Levitt is guaranteed to be outstanding in just about any movie he's in and Fishback also gives a stellar performance. It has a gritty, indie feel, with some nuanced layers to the story, making an enjoyable, interesting sci-fi noir. The cinematography in this movie is what Kathryn Bigelow's 1995 sci-fi noir thriller "Strange Days" desperately needed. 

Rebel Moon: Part One – A Child of Fire

Synopsis: When a peaceful settlement on the edge of a distant moon finds itself threatened by the armies of a tyrannical ruling force, Kora (Sofia Boutella), a mysterious stranger living among the villagers, becomes their best hope for survival. Tasked with finding trained fighters who will unite with her in making an impossible stand against the Mother World, Kora assembles a small band of warriors — outsiders, insurgents, peasants and orphans of war from different worlds who share a common need for redemption and revenge. As the shadow of an entire Realm bears down on the unlikeliest of moons, a battle over the fate of a galaxy is waged, and in the process, a new army of heroes is formed.

Why you should watch: You may remember that Tig Notaro, was placed in "Army of the Dead" entirely digitally with her whole performance being filmed in front of a green screen that didn't requite any interaction with any other member of he cast. Well, that same technology has given us "Rebel Moon" and when you think that Zack Snyder gave us "300," "Watchmen" and "Man of Steel" one can't help but wonder if he's lost his touch. In other words, despite a strong start, this remake of "Battle Beyond the Stars" — and hence also "The Seven Samurai" — frankly ain't that good. We're only including it here 'cause such a fuss was made before it aired.  

Snowpiercer 

Synopsis: In a future where a failed global-warming experiment kills off most life on the planet, a class system evolves aboard the Snowpiercer, a train that travels around the globe via a perpetual-motion engine. However, the human spirit cannot be suppressed and it's only a matter of time before revolution erupts. 

Why you should watch: It took the success of "Parasite" at the 2020 Academy Awards for the work of Boong Joon-ho to be bought to mainstream attention, but "Snowpiercer" is also one of his and it's really very good. Chris Evans leads an amazing cast that includes John Hurt, Ed Harris, Jamie Bell, Tilda Swinton and Alison Pill. Do not be fooled into thinking that this is anything like the questionable television series that originally aired on TNT, because it isn't. This movie is far, far superior and sadly the series somewhat taints that. 

Synopsis: Orphaned as a boy, raised in the Czech countryside by his doting grandparents, Jakub Procházka (Adam Sandler) has risen from small-time scientist to become the country's first astronaut. When a dangerous solo mission to Venus offers him both the chance at heroism he's dreamt of, and a way to atone for his father's sins as a Communist informer, he ventures boldly into the vast unknown. But in so doing, he leaves behind his devoted wife, Lenka, whose love, he realizes too late, he has sacrificed on the altar of his ambitions. 

Why you should watch: To be perfectly honest, this story could've played out in just about any setting, it didn't have to be in space. And Sandler in a serious role always takes a bit of getting used to, but that's not to say he can't pull it off. Perhaps space was chosen so that the visual effects could help this slow-burning flick keep the audience's attention. This is an extremely nuanced movie that offers the opportunity for multiple interpretations. Granted, it's a little off the beaten track, but hey, that's what we like.

Space Sweepers

Synopsis: In the year 2092, space is full of dangerous floating garbage like discarded satellites and deserted spaceships. The crew of The Victory trawls between the Earth and the Moon looking for the garbage they can sell to make money, while also competing with junk collector ships from other countries and using the speediness of their craft to defeat their rivals.

Why you should watch: The South Koreans have produced some quality movies in the past that should really be watched if you have any interest in contemporary foreign cinema, including "The Brotherhood of War," "Parasite" and "The Host." While this might not be up to quite the same standard of dramatic quality, it's an enjoyable sci-fi action romp with high production values and extremely effective special effects. 

Synopsis: Set in the not too distant future, a US special forces unit fighting somewhere in Europe in what appears to be a global conflict encounters a weird, ghost-like entity that cannot be killed and is only visible in certain light spectrums. Before long, more of these phenomena are detected and troops are being wiped out, left and right. Can a scientist from DARPA work out how to defeat these deadly, ethereal demons?

Why you should watch: It's a little bit "Aliens," a little bit "Battle Los Angeles" and maybe even a little bit "World War Z" and if you like all of those, you'll enjoy this too. A great cast including James Badge Dale, Max Martini, Bruce Greenwood and Gonzalo Menendez — all veterans of quality action movies — carries this straightforward, but stylish sci-fi drama that shows off extremely high production values. 

Synopsis: The crew of a spaceship headed to Mars on a two-year scientific mission discovers an accidental stowaway shortly after takeoff. Too far from Earth to turn back and with the fuel and oxygen resources depleting, the crew faces an agonizing ethical dilemma. Their situation worsens further when they are informed of an incoming coronal mass ejection.

Why you should watch: Once you get past the hilarious situation engineer Michael Adams (Shamier Anderson) is in — waking up from taking a nap behind bulkhead to find himself two million miles from Earth — this is an okay movie. However, if you're a stickler for accurate factual representation, then this might not be your bag. The performances are strong and the movie is boosted by the presence of Toni Collette, who — let's face facts — is brilliant in just about everything.

2010: The Year We Make Contact

Synopsis: Nine years ago, the American Discovery's mission to Jupiter mysteriously failed. As depicted in "2001: A Space Odyssey" the HAL 9000 computer malfunctioned, killing four astronauts. The fifth, David Bowman (Keir Dullea), disappeared into a large, alien Monolith orbiting the planet. Heywood Floyd (Roy Scheider), head of the National Council on Astronautics, received the blame for the failure and left. Now, a joint USA-Soviet expedition is sent to Jupiter to learn exactly what happened.

Why you should watch: Simply put, this movie is amazing . It's also one of the very best examples of where a sequel is at least as good as the original (see also, "Aliens," "Mad Max 2" and "Superman 2"). The story is gripping and relies very much on character development and dialogue. Along with the sensational Scheider are the talents of John Lithgow, Helen Mirren, Bob Balaban and Elya Baskin. They just don't make them like this anymore. And if you love this, which you will, then you might be interested to know there are two more novels in the series, "2061: Odyssey Three" and "3001: The Final Odyssey" and no spoilers or anything, but in the last one, Frank Poole's body is discovered... 😀

Synopsis: A young couple is thinking about buying their first home and so they visit a real estate agency where they are received by a strange sales agent, who accompanies them to a new, mysterious, peculiar housing development to show them a single-family home. From this moment on, they are unwittingly trapped in a nightmare scenario with no apparent way out. 

Why you should watch: To put it bluntly, this is an extremely underrated, character-driven, sci-fi horror story. It very much follows the style of "The Twilight Zone" and strong performances from both Imogen Poots and Jesse Eisenberg will leave you wondering what you would do differently, if anything at all. All in all, this is a simple but very effective frightener. 

The Wandering Earth

Synopsis: Set in the distant future when the sun is about to expand into a red giant and devour the Earth, mankind makes an audacious attempt to save the planet. People all around the world unite and build giant planet thrusters to move Earth out of its orbit and sail Earth to a new star system. Yet the 2500-year journey comes with unexpected dangers, and in order to save humanity, a group of young people in this age of a wandering Earth fight hard for the survival of humankind.

Why you should watch: This is without the Chinese equivalent of a Michael Bay sci-fi movie and as such it's utterly bonkers, but beautiful to watch. The performances are good, but the VFX, along with the out-of-this-world concepts, are truly the stars of this flick as our now frozen planet begins its slow journey through space, powered by hundreds of giant "planet engines."

Warriors of the Future

Synopsis: A meteorite brings an extraterrestrial life to the earth. When powerful alien creatures threaten humanity, Commander Sing Lee's elite forces are almost wiped out, and the surviving soldier Tai Loi discovers an even bigger conspiracy.

Why you should watch: According to IMDb, this is Hong Kong's highest grossing local film as of November 2022. We suspect that if you enjoyed other recent sci-fi offerings from Asia, including "The Wandering Earth" and "Space Sweepers," which themselves were quite enjoyable, then you'll probably enjoy this too. Put your brain into neutral and coast through this fun flick, without paying too much attention to silly things like a plot or believability. 

Altered Carbon

Synopsis: After 250 years on ice, a prisoner returns to life in a new body with one chance to win his freedom: by solving a mind-bending murder

Why you should watch: If you haven't seen Season 1, you've got 8 hours and 52 minutes worth to get through first. The second season is considerably better than the first, but to get maximum enjoyment, we suggest taking in the first season as well. The production design on this is incredible and thankfully Anthony Mackie helps bring the story up to the same standard of the Blade Runner-esque visual aesthetic. Tragically, Netflix canceled "Altered Carbon," so there won't be a third season, but these are without a doubt still worth watching.

Another Life

Synopsis: Set in the not too distant future, an anomaly from space appears in Earth's orbit and plants a stalk-like object into the ground. Humans attempt to determine what it is, why it's been placed there, and what's going to happen next, but it's taking too long to crack the code so they send a team into space to the source of the object to investigate further .

Why you should watch: Why you should watch this? Well … er, it's got Katee Sackoff in it, isn't that reason enough? No? Oh, okay. There's no other way to put this, "Another Life" is a mostly below-par sci-fi and frankly we're amazed that it got renewed for a second season. Sackoff herself seems to bounce around like a pinball in between amazing and atrocious sci-fi: "The Mandalorian" and "Battlestar Galactica" for example … and then "Riddick" and then this show. But, some people – mostly young kids – do enjoy it and if you've watched all the other sci-fi on Netflix, it couldn't hurt to give it a go, right?

Synopsis: An US astronaut struggles with leaving her husband and daughter behind to embark on a dangerous mission with an international space crew.

Why you should watch: This drama set in space really looks at the issues around family and relationships and in particular being a long distance away from them. What better backdrop is there than the life of a married astronaut? Hilary Swank stars in this 10-part series and while it's not perhaps as extreme as " Lucy in the Sky ," it covers much of the same emotional ground. Granted, some liberties have been taken with some of the plot points, but then that just wouldn't make for compelling television would it?

Black Mirror

Synopsis: A contemporary British re-working of "The Twilight Zone" with stories that tap into the collective unease about our modern world. Over the last 10 years, technology has transformed almost every aspect of our lives before we've had time to stop and question it. In every home, on every desk, in every palm is a plasma screen, a monitor, a smartphone — a black mirror of our 21st-century existence.

Why you should watch: There are only a few episodes in each season and among those are some truly inspired moments of genius from the show's creator Charlie Brooker. The first episode "The National Anthem" will frankly shock you into watching more and the standalone episode entitled " Bandersnatch " was the world's first interactive television experience, where you determine what happens to the principal character. Quite what dystopian misadventure awaits in this, the brand new fourth season...remains to be seen. 

Countdown: Inspiration4 Mission to Space

Synopsis: Follow four civilians as they launch into space on a three-day trip orbiting Earth and reaching an altitude higher than that of the International Space Station (254 miles). The SpaceX Dragon mission, dubbed Inspiration4 , was the most ambitious step to date in the rapidly-developing age of civilian space exploration, making history as the first all-civilian mission to orbit. The mission launched on Sept. 15, 2021 and returned to Earth three days later.

Related: Watch the first trailer for the Inspiration4 documentary from Netflix

Why you should watch: This five episode miniseries is the closest many of us will get to experiencing what it's like to train and then travel into space, and the privately funded mission raised money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. 

Dark Matter

Synopsis: The six-person crew of a derelict spaceship awakens from stasis in the farthest reaches of space. Their memories wiped clean, they have no recollection of who they are or how they got on board. The only clue to their identities is a cargo bay full of weaponry and a destination: a remote mining colony that is about to become a war zone. With no idea whose side they are on, they face a deadly decision. 

Why you should watch: Sadly, this show is yet another example of poor judgment by the studios as it was canceled while still very much in its prime. Despite there only being three seasons, it's still well worth a watch. The action scenes were enthralling and fun to watch, especially on a nice, big TV screen, but at the heart of the show was the relationship that slowly developed between the characters as they all found themselves in the same position and were forced to work together.

Lost In Space

Synopsis: The human race has been forced to organize an evacuation from Earth and a giant spacecraft has been built that's made up of smaller ships, designed to act as landing craft that can each accommodate one family. On the way to Alpha Centauri , the Robinson's landing craft crash lands on an uncharted planet and they struggle to survive against all the odds as they must deal with weird indigenous creatures, alien robots and potentially fatal flora and fauna.

Why you should watch: Remember how "Battlestar Galactica" was reimagined? The same has been done to the old 1965, black and white show that came from the mind of Irwin Allen. And the result is amazing. The first season is marginally better than the second, but both are worth binge-watching in their entirety. You'll laugh, you'll definitely cry and you'll be on the edge of your seat as you watch John Robinson, his wife, Maureen, their children (Judy, Penny and Will) and Major Don West fight to survive against the natural elements of an alien world. In the third and final season, the stakes are higher than ever and the Robinson family's survival instincts will be put to the ultimate test. 

Love Death + Robots

Synopsis: A collection of short stories, ranging from eight minutes to 18 minutes, each one in a different style of animation with the occasional live action one thrown in. They usually incorporate technology and/or robots in the plot and often take place in a dystopian future.

Why you should watch: This is the best original series Netflix has produced since "Lost in Space." Each story is totally different and while some follow a familiar theme, or perhaps feature some ideas seen before, each one has a totally unique twist. Some episodes are dark and disturbing, while others exhibit a very dark, but hilarious, sense of humor. Every one is creative, well written and beautifully produced. The first season contains 18 episodes and the second just eight and quite often there are very subtle nods to well known sci-fi franchises, including "The Terminator" and "Aliens." Season 3 recently debuted on Netflix. It captures your imagination and never lets go. 

The Movies That Made Us

Synopsis: A series of light-hearted, hour-long documentaries that focus on the production history of some of pop-culture's favorite flicks.

Why you should watch: Chances are high you've probably seen this before on Netflix, but this third season includes a look two of the biggest science fiction blockbusters to come out in the '80s, "Robocop" and "Aliens." Many of the cast members recount their experiences along with former senior studio executives. No matter how much of a fan you already call yourself of these epic sci-fi flicks, you will definitely learn something new. It's great to see Sigourney Weaver offer her insight, but sadly Peter Weller is a no-show. However, if you're a fan of "Robocop" you should definitely keep tabs on the fan-made " Robodocumentary " currently in production. And we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news about that here on Space.com.

Mystery Science Theater 3000

Synopsis: Set in the not-too-distant future, a Gizmonic Institute employee is lured to the dark side of the moon by third-generation mad scientist Kinga Forrester (Felicia Day) and her flunky, Max (Patton Oswalt). He is sat in front of cheesy movies with his robot buddies and forced to tortuously watch bad B-movies in their entirety as these mad scientists study the effects on his mind.

Why you should watch: Arguably one of the best hangover cures or rainy day shows ever made for television. During each atrociously bad B-movie, the crew of the SOL space station, Jonah, Servo, Crow and Gypsy, mercilessly shred it, with sarcastic and side-splittingly funny comments. The current Netflix offering is two seasons; the first is called "The Gauntlet" (six episodes) and the second is "The Return" (14 episodes). Back in November 2019, Netflix canceled the show, but in April of 2021, creator and star Joel Hodgson launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the production of more episodes and a dedicated platform to show every season of the show. The campaign reached its minimum goal of $2 million within 25 hours of launch and ended with more than $6.5 million, assuring that more episodes will be produced.

Resident Alien

Synopsis: The alien, whose actual name  is pronounced  N'a [click] ka-tay-ahla- Oooay , has crash landed on earth on a mission to destroy humanity. Assuming the identity of a small Colorado town doctor, he remains undetected by the residents while he searches the snow-covered mountains for pieces of his ship. Along the way, he spends more time with humans and learns what it means to be human, which gives him pause, but he's still determined to complete his mission to destroy the people of Earth.

Why you should watch: This was the surprise hit of the 2019 New York Comic Con when the first episode was shown to an excited crowd gathered at the Hammerstein Ballroom. Frankly, it's one of the best sci-fi comedies out there, with other notable examples in a shockingly small sub-genre including " Red Dwarf " and " Avenue 5 ." The character development is outstanding and you'll eventually become invested in every single character. The show was adapted by Chris Sheridan (who also is a producer on "Family Guy") from a series of comic books by British creators Peter Hogan and Steve Parkhouse and published by Dark Horse. 

Synopsis: After months on the ISS, scientist and astronaut Paula (Peri Baumeister) is finally back on Earth. She's just parachuted into the atmosphere aboard the Vision Capsule and, after a flight across the ocean, she'll soon be back home with her family. But Paula never makes it, and the plane she boarded is nowhere to be found. It's as if it completely vanished.

Why you should watch: In an increasingly crowded sci-fi arena currently witnessed in the steaming universe, "The Signal" represents another German-bred success that stirs the heart and opens the mind. Perhaps the best way to describe this impressive miniseries comes from a line spoken to Paula by one of her American astronaut crew members on the space station in response to her strange existential attitude: "How very German of you. Philosophical, poetic, and just a gentle touch of depression." There's a more detailed review here . 

The Silent Sea

Synopsis: During a perilous 24-hour mission on the moon, space explorers try to retrieve samples from an abandoned research facility steeped in classified secrets.

Why you should watch: Korean television is undoubtedly on a hot streak in the West. This is an 8-episode series based on the short film "The Sea of Tranquility," which was written and directed by Choi Hang-Yong, the man behind this show. Sadly this doesn't have quite the same production budget as say, something like " For All Mankind " and the cross-lunar-landscape hike in the first episode was weighed down without the benefit of more expensive practical effects, but that's not to say this show isn't enthralling. Sadly however, what starts off as a few teeny-tiny, nitpicky issues steadily grows to incorporate more than a fair share of clichés, which is a shame because they overshadow the clever, well-thought-out ideas that shone through early on.

Space Force

Synopsis: The second season of the space-themed satire "Space Force" picks up from the ending of the first, with the threat of nuclear war hanging over everyone's heads, the arming, disarming and rearming of Habitat One, potential conflict with the Chinese, and General Naird (Steve Carell) headed back to the Space Force to deal with the situation. 

Why you should watch: The arid dry wit of this show is not for all, but if you enjoy shows like "Avenue 5" and even Amazon's "Upload," then this will almost certainly appeal. A dynamite cast, including John Malkovich (Dr. Mallory), Ben Schwartz (F. Tony Scarapiducci), Tawny Newsome (Captain Angela Ali), Lisa Kudrow (Maggie Naird) joins Carell and hopefully we'll see more of both Jane Lynch (Chief of Naval Operations) and Patrick Warburton (Commandant of the Marine Corps) too. The first season is also available to watch. Netflix has cancelled this show, so there won't be a third season.

Star Trek: Prodigy

Synopsis: This latest incarnation of " Star Trek " comes from a collaboration between  Paramount+   and Nickelodeon and follows five alien adolescents from assorted origins who are incarcerated on an obscure planet in an uncharted part of the galaxy. They escape from their imprisonment and race across the planet to find a defunct starship buried in the sand of the planet's surface. They enter the ship, but are unable to make it work. With prison guards hot on their heels, they suddenly stumble upon an Emergency Training Hologram in the form of Capt. Janeway, voiced by none other than Kate Mulgrew herself . 

Why you should watch: You may recall that back in June we reported how Paramount had unexpectedly cancelled "Star Trek: Prodigy" and that it would remove the show from its streaming service. Post-production work on 20 episodes of the second season, which was originally scheduled to air this winter, was mostly completed, but without a new home, its future was uncertain. The reason? Nothing more complicated than trying to save cash. By removing the show, the network was no longer duty bound to pay royalties to the voice acting cast, which was a shame, because this was significantly better than most of the other nostalgia-driven "Star Trek" durge the studio insisted on spending countless $millions on. "Prodigy" is a surprisingly good show for new fans as well as veterans, both and young and old. 

The Twilight Zone

Synopsis: A series of unrelated, standalone stories containing drama, psychological thriller, fantasy, science fiction, suspense, and/or horror, often concluding with a macabre or unexpected twist.

Why you should watch: This, the original "Twilight Zone" that ran for five seasons from 1959 to 1964 should really be on the national curriculum. The iconic opening narration and music are instantly familiar and the show influenced an entire generation of sci-fi writers, including Harlan Ellison and Gene Roddenberry and other shows, like "The Outer Limits." In fact, "the Twilight Zone" was a big influence on "Black Mirror" that we mentioned above. 

Follow Scott Snowden and follow us at @Spacedotcom and on Facebook .

Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: [email protected].

Get the Space.com Newsletter

Breaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more!

When Scott's application to the NASA astronaut training program was turned down, he was naturally upset...as any 6-year-old boy would be. He chose instead to write as much as he possibly could about science, technology and space exploration. He graduated from The University of Coventry and received his training on Fleet Street in London. He still hopes to be the first journalist in space.

New trailer for 'Star Wars Outlaws' video game proclaims a golden age for the underworld (video)

Everything we know about 'The Fantastic Four'

Cosmic fountain is polluting intergalactic space with 50 million suns' worth of material

• dfjchem721 I am already watching the "Twilight Zone" - tons more to go. Of all the "movies" mentioned above, I have not even heard of half of them, but will have to Wiki them and see if I want to watch them. Some of these picks are questionable. But the one I want to remark on most is "Star Trek: Enterprise". This was grossly under-rated as the review states. I found this to be better than Deep Space Nine in many cases, and on par with the others in many episodes. You can really relate to so much of this series, and Captain Jonathan Archer is a match for Kirk and Picard in terms of tenacity and heroic performances. Star Trek: Enterprise is a must see. (It will also give you a different impression of those sneaky Vulcans!) Reply

dfjchem721 said: I am already watching the "Twilight Zone" - tons more to go. Of all the "movies" mentioned above, I have not even heard of half of them, but will have to Wiki them and see if I want to watch them. Some of these picks are questionable. But the one I want to remark on most is "Star Trek: Enterprise". This was grossly under-rated as the review states. I found this to be better than Deep Space Nine in many cases, and on par with the others in many episodes. You can really relate to so much of this series, and Captain Jonathan Archer is a match for Kirk and Picard in terms of tenacity and heroic performances. Star Trek: Enterprise is a must see. (It will also give you a different impression of those sneaky Vulcans!)

• jimbojoneskoolaid Nope, Scott Snowden you're way off. I felt compelled enough to create an account to comment on this article. These movies/shows listed are completely hot garbage. Do NOT waste your time on them: John Carter Star Trek Voyager Start Trek Enterprise Lost in Space (though not as bad as the Star Treks above) Reply
• Dave Enjoyed your selection. There are a few on your list I have not seen yet, and will try to see. Some of the greatest sci-fi is not on netflix, these are the movies I am currently binge watching. 1 The original Planet of the Apes movies. 2. Silent Running 3. Soylent Green 4. THX 1138 5. Dr. Who and the Daleks These are some of the true classics. Enjoy. Reply
• Truthseeker007 Must be nice to not have to work and time to watch these shows. Reply
• wangusangus Hellboy doesn't appear to be available on Netflix US right now, though someone was just telling me recently that I should watch it. I came to Star Trek late, and have been working my way through the different series over the last few years (taking some shortcuts thanks to binge-watching guides). I'm on Voyager now and am enjoying it--not as much as DS9 or TNG, but I think it's better than I expected it to be. Each series seems to follow a similar arc: promising first episode, rocky first season or two, then by S3-S4 it's pretty consistent and interesting. I wonder if Voyager's evaluation was hurt by the fact that DS9 was hitting its groove when Voyager was still rocky, then when Voyager was hitting its groove, DS9 was stellar. Reply
• Dave Reading sci-fi never gets old, either. Highly recommend some of the classics. Some of these novels and their message or warning have actually come true, in reality. Take H.G. Wells classic The Invisible Man, recently redone as a movie. It tells the story of a good natured man who when invisible becomes the darker side of himself. Today, the reality can be seen on the internet, as trolling, by so many. Reply

Dave said: Reading sci-fi never gets old, either. Highly recommend some of the classics. Some of these novels and their message or warning have actually come true, in reality. Take H.G. Wells classic The Invisible Man, recently redone as a movie. It tells the story of a good natured man who when invisible becomes the darker side of himself. Today, the reality can be seen on the internet, as trolling, by so many.

Dave said: Enjoyed your selection. There are a few on your list I have not seen yet, and will try to see. Some of the greatest sci-fi is not on netflix, these are the movies I am currently binge watching. 1 The original Planet of the Apes movies. 2. Silent Running 3. Soylent Green 4. THX 1138 5. Dr. Who and the Daleks These are some of the true classics. Enjoy.

• AgedWizard From the time children get hooked on Nintendo, they, and their parents, should watch and discuss ST-TNG Season 5, Episode 6, "The Game". Reply
• View All 18 Comments

Most Popular

• 2 India aims to achieve 'debris-free' space missions by 2030
• 3 Scientists use AI to reconstruct energetic flare blasted from Milky Way's supermassive black hole
• 4 Earth Day 2024: Witness our changing planet in 12 incredible satellite images
• 5 NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft finally phones home after 5 months of no contact

• Entertainment

Netflix's latest space drama, Away, is a trip to Mars worth taking

Review: Hilary Swank heads to Mars as a NASA astronaut with Earthly baggage.

• She has a master's degree in journalism from Syracuse University.

Hilary Swank has her eyes on Mars in Netflix's Away.

As soon as you introduce humans into the infinite vacuum of space, they'll fill it with their worst and best -- personal hang-ups, cultural biases, pettiness, but also ingenuity and optimism.

All of this is on full display in Away, a solid Netflix drama out now that stars Academy Award winner Hilary Swank. It joins a small fleet of movies and TV shows  offering the Earth-bound a reality-tethered glimpse of the sacrifice and struggle inherent in space exploration.

Away is based on a 2014 Esquire article by Chris Jones about NASA astronaut Scott Kelly, who spent a year aboard the International Space Station. The show takes the basic themes of the article, like grappling with the physical and emotional distance from loved ones, and transfers them to an international team of five astronauts, helmed by Commander Emma Green (Swank), as they embark on a three-year round-trip journey to Mars for the first time. 

The show splits its time between the crew of the spaceship Atlas, floating around and fixing life-threatening problems while managing their excitement and trepidation, and Green's family back in Houston. 

In the first episode, a health crisis back home forces Emma, who's on the moon waiting to launch to Mars, to choose between family and mission. All the while, an incident causes some of her crew -- including the older, more experienced Russian cosmonaut Misha Popov (Mark Ivanir) -- to question her leadership abilities.

The message is clear: Had Emma been a man, none of this would be up for debate. 

Away shows how even the most ascendant women aren't immune to workplace drama and sexism. 

If Emma chooses work, she's a bad mom. If she chooses family, she's "spitting in the face of women" everywhere, as one character says. It's a nearly impossible dilemma. But on Swank's shoulders, nothing is more believable than her full range of motion from concerned wife and mother to highly accomplished NASA astronaut and -- above all -- human being trying to figure it all out. 

Vivian Wu and Ray Panthaki in the Atlas' command module.

Gender dynamics aren't the only bit of baggage loaded in the Atlas' cargo hold. Away is also keenly aware of the journey to Mars as a "global effort," packing astronauts from the US, India, China, Russia and the UK into a tin can. Space politics is its own thing.

"Reaching Mars might prove to be not just the greatest achievement for science, but for our planet," Green says at a prelaunch press conference. On board it's not all harmony, as the crew members learn to deal with and accept each other as individuals coming with different life experiences and cultural frames of reference. Chinese astronaut Liu Wang and Emma, for example, butt heads when it comes to how they approach parenting from space, and what they mean as symbols in their respective countries. 

It's hard not to make space serious. It's a death trap. In the past several years multiple shows and movies have, with solemn tones, driven home how difficult space exploration is. National Geographic's Mars interspersed real documentary footage and dramatizations of the colonization of the red planet to explain everything from dealing with long term psychological strain in space to the seemingly inevitable battle between the scientists who want to study Mars and the corporations that'll want to strip it for resources. Hulu's The First , focused on the least sexy part of the whole process: politics and bureaucracy. 

Along those lines, there are moments when Away takes narrative routes that are familiar from other TV dramas. Each crew member, for example, gets his or her own backstory episode -- some more successful than others. Certain characters develop feelings for each other in the midst of this high-stress situation. Swank starts visualizing her husband Matt (Josh Charles), a NASA engineer, on the ship, counseling her and supporting her through her travails. 

There's also fun space stuff, too. Misha makes vodka. Botanist Kwesi's (Ato Essandoh) busies himself growing space salad. Everyone agrees the Chinese National Space Agency packed the best food.

Overall, Away is a fine, well-made drama that underlines just how human even the best of us are, even in the least human-friendly situations.

By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy . We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

The 18 Best Sci-Fi TV Shows Set In Space, Ranked

Liz shannon miller.

• Share on Facebook
• Share to Flipboard
• Share on LinkedIn
• Show more sharing options
• Submit to Reddit
• Post to Tumblr
• Print This Page
• Share on WhatsApp

Space is a scary place, as we’ve seen in countless movies and TV shows — but the thrills that come with these stories prove that while the dangers of venturing off this planet are many, there are still thrills a’plenty in the great unknown, and adventures beyond our potential comprehension.

Timed to the Season 3 premiere of Syfy’s “The Expanse” and the launch of the Netflix’s “Lost in Space” reboot, here’s a look back at all the great sci-fi television we’ve seen set in the cosmos, a rich tradition of storytelling that’s captured our imagination for decades. (For the record, while “Lost in Space” Season 1 was a bit too grounded on one planet for consideration here, it may make the cut in future seasons.)

Debating what counts as a “space show” is tricky, though one easy rule was that the show has to center around a spaceship or space station of some sort (sorry, stargates don’t count). Some of these selections below didn’t last all that long — several Season 1s weren’t followed by Season 2s — as television, much like space itself, can be an unforgiving environment. But that doesn’t mean they didn’t shine brightly when they had the chance.

18. “Defying Gravity”

In retrospect, it’s kind of hard to believe “Defying Gravity” was actually ever a real show made for broadcast television — one starring Ron Livingston, even! It’s not just that the ABC drama about a team of astronauts embarking on an epic tour of the solar system was tonally much closer to “Grey’s Anatomy” (romantic entanglements and all) than “The Right Stuff.”

But what did air was fascinating, as it gave real effort to ground the storytelling in ways that made the scenario seem legitimately plausible. Well, that is, until the glowy space rocks showed up, all part of a series of twists creator James Parriott explained after the show’s cancellation would have led to some of the most bonkers TV ever. “Defying Gravity” was one weird show, and we would have liked to see more of it.

17. “Final Space”

It’s still early days yet for the TBS animated series created by Olan Rogers and David Sacks, but so far the first season has proven itself to be far more than the comedy we might have expected based on early trailers, with some epic-scale space-set sequences. Plus, the stellar voice cast includes Fred Armisen, Tom Kenny, Tika Sumpter, Steven Yeun, Gina Torres, Keith David, David Tennant, and also… Mooncake.

Mooncake is the best — adorable and yet highly lethal. He adds a level of cute darkness to the adventures of Gary (voiced by Rogers), a one-time prisoner who gets drawn into an intergalactic conflict over Mooncake’s fate — even though Mooncake is more than capable of taking care of himself.

16. “Space: Above and Beyond”

Glen Morgan and James Wong left “The X-Files” in 1995 for this one-season adventure, which tracked a team of young fighter pilots who get enlisted in the war to save humanity from alien invaders. There were plenty of interesting sci-fi touches to the action, including the introduction of clone soldiers that brought up some deep questions about the nature of humanity. But more importantly, there were kick-ass space battles (especially given the level of technology available in 1995 for such things). More a war show than an exploration show, “Space: Above and Beyond” still showcased the thrill that comes with breaking out of our atmosphere.

15. “Virtuality”

“Virtuality” had a lot of early buzz associated with it in 2009, as it represented “ Battlestar Galactica ” creator Ronald D. Moore returning to sci-fi television for a pilot directed (brilliantly!) by Peter Berg. Plus, check out this stacked cast: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (“Game of Thrones”), Kerry Bishé (“Halt and Catch Fire”), Joy Bryant (“Parenthood”), Jose Pablo Cantillo (“The Walking Dead”), Ritchie Coster (“Happy!”), James D’Arcy (“Cloud Atlas,” “Agent Carter”), Clea DuVall (“Veep”), Omar Metwally (“The Affair”) and Jimmi Simpson (“Westworld”). The premise was also an exciting one, albeit somewhat similar to “Defying Gravity” (which coincidentally came out the same year) — an ensemble cast heads out on a dangerous deep space mission, one that’s being documented live in part as a reality show being broadcast back to Earth.

However, “Virtuality” was less about weird glowy space rocks and more about two big ideas: Our home planet is currently besieged by environmental crises that threaten the end of mankind, making the crew’s mission all the more important. And also, the crew’s primary form of entertainment — a virtual reality system that lets them live out all manner of fantasies — is malfunctioning in a major way. There were a ton of big ideas here, but while the show never went anywhere beyond a one-time airing on Fox in the summer of 2009, you can still find the full-length pilot available for sale on DVD.

14. “Red Dwarf”

The rare space show that plays as a comedy, “Red Dwarf” has been a cult favorite for decades, initially premiering in the UK in 1988 and continuing to release new episodes even as recently as 2017. Iconic for both its longevity as well as its relatively bonkers plotting (which involved several major resets over the years, killing off every character at one point and then resurrecting them), the series quickly developed its own wackadoo world view, while also having a great deal of fun playing with sci-fi tropes with pure irreverence. Bopping around space with Lister and his pals might not be the safest of adventures, but they did seem to have a good time.

13. “Black Mirror: USS Callister”

When publicity photos for the Season 4 premiere of Charlie Brooker’s Netflix anthology series began to circulate, they led to a lot of questions — most especially why the show, normally based in a world that looks a lot like ours, was doing a “ Star Trek ” homage. The answer not only proved to be one of the show’s most intriguing twists to date, as we discover that the world of “Space Fleet” has been recreated by bullied-turned-bully Robert (Jesse Plemons), and he’s using his virtual world to torture those he feels have wronged them. While “USS Callister” is in many ways a postmodern riff on “Trek,” it also manages to build up to an exciting climax that J.J. Abrams himself would be proud to direct.

12. “Star Trek: The Next Generation”

Proving that “Star Trek” wasn’t just the domain of Kirk and Spock, the 1987-1994 series featured some pretty epic moments. While not as dark or complex narratively as subsequent “Trek” installments, “Next Generation” did manage to wow us both narratively and visually — whether facing off against the Borg, the Klingons, the Romulans, or beyond. Life wasn’t all that tough on board the Enterprise (compared to other ships, the place was basically a Lexus) but it didn’t skimp on the action when the time came for it.

11. “Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2003)”

The 2003 animated series technically no longer exists in “Star Wars” canon, but while later shows like the 2008 “Clone Wars” and “Star Wars: Rebels” represented quality efforts to extend the universe to new worlds, artistically neither reach the same levels as this. In hiring “Samurai Jack” creator Genndy Tartakovsky to tell his version of the events between “Attack of the Clones” and “Revenge of the Sith,” Lucasfilm ended up with a truly groundbreaking series that was rich with striking visuals and exciting action; as Tartakovsky recently discussed with Uproxx , his work might continue to have a strong influence on the franchise.

10. “Babylon 5”

Created by J. Michael Straczynski (who would later collaborate with the Wachowskis for the Netflix series “Sense8”), this five-season adventure took some very odd twists and turns, with epic interplanetary struggle getting showcased alongside some groundbreaking CGI effects. While the battles were good, it was the political aspect of the show that was the most intriguing, as the premise focused on a space station created to serve as a neutral ground for peaceful deliberations between alien species — whose battles often took on a Shakespearean feel. But there were also religious overtones introduced, warring telepaths, a Earth government which becomes increasingly totalitarian in scope, and some badass standoffs. “Babylon 5” had great ambition that has kept it memorable for sci-fi fans. (Never forget Ivanova’s take on the Babylon 5 Mantra. )

Continue Reading: The 18 Best Sci-Fi TV Shows Set In Space, Ranked Next »

Most Popular

You may also like.

The Streaming Era’s Recent Astronaut-Themed TV Shows, Ranked

It’s not exactly clear why this is the case, but the various streaming networks have all attempted — with varying degrees of success — to launch their own astronaut-themed series. In fact, both Apple TV+ and Disney+ , launched their services with an astronaut series onboard, while Netflix has created three astronaut-themed shows in recent years. Even Hulu and Showtime have gotten in the game, as well.

If you love shows about astronauts but are selective about which shows to watch, here’s a quick guide to the best and worst currently featured on the various streaming platforms.

7. Another Life (Netflix)

Another Life is technically an astronaut drama — Katee Sackhoff plays an astronaut who leads her team on a high-risk mission to explore the genesis of an alien artifact — but unlike the others on this list, it’s less about the space program and more science-fiction. It is more like a bad version of Alien than it is a bad version of Apollo 13 , but rest assured that it is bad. Very bad. All one needs to understand about how bad it is that there is a very long rave on the spaceship in one episode. Otherwise, it’s a tepid parade of bad sci-fi tropes, and it never once manages to distinguish itself except in how badly it wastes the talents of Katee Sackhoff. (The series was renewed for a second season, due out in 2021).

6. Moonbase 8 (Showtime)

Fred Armisen, John C. Reilly, and Tim Heidecker created this absurdist comedy about three woefully incompetent astronauts living in a simulated moon environment in an effort to earn the right to fly to the moon. The three had to shop the series around for a while, and it only landed at Showtime when the network was desperate for content at the outset of the pandemic. It’s easy to see why it wasn’t immediately picked up. It’s not that Moonbase 8 is that bad, it’s that it is very specific — it tries to find the comedy in the mundane, but it often only ends up highlighting the mundanity. The best and funniest part of the show, in fact, is the bizarre appearance of Travis Kelce — the tight-end of the Kansas City Chiefs — who appears in the opening episode before being hilariously killed off. It’s all downhill from there. (Showtime has not yet picked up a second season of the series).

5. Space Force (Netflix)

There’s an immense amount of talent involved in the Netflix comedy — Steve Carell, Lisa Kudrow, John Malkovich, Jimmy O. Yang, Tawny Newsome, and Ben Schwartz star in the series created by Greg Daniels ( The Office ) — but the series ultimately feels like what it is, which is a show based on a Donald Trump brain fart (a brain fart that would later become a reality ). Space Force is something of a workplace comedy, only the workplace is full of astronauts, engineers, and command center operatives, and unlike The Office , there is nothing about their jobs with which the audience can relate. It’s a show that viewers will definitely want to like, but it’s so grating and obnoxious that it proves to be almost impossible. (The series was renewed for a second season in November 2020).

4. The First (Hulu)

The First stars Sean Penn and comes from Beau Willimon ( House of Cards ), and the opening episode hooks the viewer in with a massive rocket explosion, killing everyone on board. Unfortunately, the series — about an effort to send the first manned mission to Mars — stalls after the premiere episode as it gets bogged down in uninteresting family drama. Unfortunately, it’s less about the space mission, which doesn’t take off until the finale, and more about the emotional toll a two-and-a-half-year journey to Mars can take on a family, specifically the daughter of Sean Penn’s character. Everything else between the explosion in the first episode and the take-off in the final episode is a relationship drama, and not a particularly good one, at that. (Canceled after one season)

3. Away (Netflix)

Away is thematically similar to The First — it’s about the toll a trip to Mars takes on the family of its astronauts — but at least in this one, the relationship and family drama takes place in space instead of on the ground back on Earth. While the astronauts are dealing with their problems at home, they also have problems with which to deal in space, like fixing the water filtration system (an issue the astronauts spend several episodes contending with). It’s designed to be a weepy space drama, and it is at times emotionally affecting, but the show moves so slowly that it’s often difficult to invest too much into the characters at the center of it. (Canceled after one season).

2. The Right Stuff (Disney+)

The Right Stuff is based on Tom Wolfe’s nonfiction book about the first Project Mercury astronauts selected for the NASA space program back in the 1960s. As an adaptation of Wolfe’s book, The Right Stuff is a misfire. On the other hand, as a series about the early years of America’s space program, it is entertaining and occasionally insightful. It’s interesting to get a glimpse into the early lives of men who are now well known for their accomplishments in the space program — Alan Shepard, Gus Grissom, John Glenn, and Gordon Cooper, among others — but the space exploits in the series are often constrained by history itself. Disney+, meanwhile, rounds off some of the harder edges in the personal lives of the astronauts to make it more palatable for their audience, but in doing so, it sacrifices some of the drama. ( The Right Stuff has aired for one season; it’s still unclear whether it will be renewed for a second).

1. For All Mankind (Apple TV+)

For All Mankind is easily the best of the recent astronaut-themed series, and it’s not close. For All Mankind picks up several years after The Right Stuff (there are, in fact, some overlapping characters) and offers an alternate version of history in which the space race with Russia did not end. In this version of history, the Russians were the first to land on the moon, and the Americans spent the next several years trying to play catch-up by, for instance, trying to land the first woman on the moon or becoming the first to build a space station there.

Like several of the series above, For All Mankind — which stars Joel Kinnaman, Michael Dorman, Shantel VanSanten, Jodi Balfour, and Wrenn Schmidt, among others — is also about the emotional toll the job of astronaut takes on a family, but the alternative history allows creator Ronald D. Moore ( Battlestar Gallactica ) to introduce women and people of color into the space program while keeping the events in space themselves exciting, intense, and unpredictable. For All Mankind is not just the best astronaut series of the streaming era, it’s the best astronaut television series period, combining elements of Apollo 13 and Gravity into a suspenseful, emotional, and incredibly satisfying roller coaster ride. ( For All Mankind has aired one season and has been renewed for a second and third season. The second season will bow in February 2021).

• Newsletters

Site search

• Israel-Hamas war
• Home Planet
• 2024 election
• Supreme Court
• Relationships
• Homelessness
• All explainers
• Future Perfect

Filed under:

Streaming space tourism is the new reality TV

You can’t afford space tourism. But you’ll be able to watch it on Netflix.

Share this story

• Share this on Facebook
• Share this on Twitter
• Share this on Reddit
• Share All sharing options

Share All sharing options for: Streaming space tourism is the new reality TV

When SpaceX launches its first all-civilian crew into space later this fall and takes a multi-day trip circling the Earth, humanity can follow along online thanks to an exclusive documentary deal Netflix sealed with Elon Musk’s private space company.

The first two installments of the five-episode miniseries, Countdown: Inspiration4 Mission to Space , will debut on the streaming platform September 6 and will be the closest Netflix has come yet to covering an event in “near-real time,” the company said on Tuesday. Over the course of September, a team of videographers will follow the civilian astronauts, including billionaire Jared Isaacman, who will be piloting the spacecraft, as they prepare for the journey and eventually launch into space. If all goes as planned, Netflix will release two more episodes September 13; it will film the actual launch on September 15 and then stream it as a “feature-length finale” at the end of the month.

Netflix is making it clear that it wants us to think the mission, which will also raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, is really for everyone. One promotional poster for the show declares, “This September, we’re all going to space.” The streaming platform is even releasing a live-action/animated show to explain the mission to kids and their families.

This September, four civilians will launch into space for a three-day trip orbiting Earth. Countdown: Inspiration4 Mission To Space — the first Netflix documentary series to cover an event in near real-time — will premiere in five parts leading up to and following the mission. pic.twitter.com/8fLnxHCQNN — Netflix (@netflix) August 3, 2021

But SpaceX and Netflix are hardly the only companies hoping to capitalize on the historic shift to commercial space travel. The Inspiration4 mission and its streaming special mark a new era of live broadcasting from space. The rise of space tourism also seems ripe for the streaming age, a time when people can watch these events almost anywhere, and the entertainment industry has already started turning billionaires’ joyrides in zero gravity into massive media events.

“Shooting something into space, that’s something that’s going to bring in subscribers globally,” Julia Alexander, a senior strategy analyst at Parrot Analytics, told Recode. Alexander added that growing demand and “the fact that they’re relatively cheap to produce compared to the high-profile prestigious dramas with the big Hollywood talent” means we’ll see many more space-bound reality shows in the future.

The space-focused science series Nova was the eighth-most popular documentary series in the United States between June 2020 and July 2021; last year, the Cosmos: Possible Worlds featuring Neil deGrasse-Tyson saw 18 times the average demand for science and nature documentary content, according to Alexander. And let’s not forget that the data-driven nature of platforms can steer viewers to specific types of shows.

“Netflix and other streaming platforms are able to create niche content like this because they are able to use their customer data to match the content to the interests of their consumers,” Michael Smith, an information technology and marketing professor at Carnegie Mellon University, told Recode in an email.

Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic are also acutely aware that their launches can act as advertising for their brands, affiliated companies, and commercial space tourism in general. Accordingly, they’ve invested heavily into incorporating expert commentators, live updates, and streaming coverage of launches. Virgin Galactic has even recruited a TikTok influencer for an upcoming flight.

Millions tuned into Blue Origin’s YouTube channel for the July 20 launch that carried Jeff Bezos on a suborbital flight along with the oldest and youngest person to ever visit space, pilot Wally Funk and Dutch teenager Oliver Daemen.

“We also wanted to show this is a true rocket ride experience. There are fewer than 600 people who have ever been to space,” Linda Mills, Blue Origin’s vice president of communications, told PR Week of the event. “To demonstrate that specialness and uniqueness of the flight was something we were trying to get across to future customers.”

Bezos’s flight was also the first — and for now, the only — rocket launch that Amazon customers could watch live on Prime Video.

More reality shows filmed from space are planned for the near future. An American production company called Space Hero is working on a contest-based show that will have average people train and compete for the chance to win a very expensive trip to the International Space Station. Like Netflix, the company says it’s focusing on “opening space up to everyone” while offering the first-ever truly off-planet experience.” Space Hero even signed a contractor agreement with NASA in April.

Of course, rocket launches as blockbuster media events predate the streaming era. From the early days of the space program, NASA missions were live demonstrations of national achievement, and humanity’s journey to the final frontier was the stuff of national news broadcasts. An estimated 600 million people watched Neil Armstrong land on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission. While enthusiasm for broadcasting space events in real time dwindled after the Challenger explosion in 1986, private space companies are once again trying to market launches as something everyone on Earth can watch live.

That messaging has the convenient effect of distracting viewers from the fact that commercial space tourism, at least for now, is an environmentally questionable hobby for the ultrarich that won’t immediately accomplish much in terms of advancing our scientific understanding of space. But while criticism of billionaires’ space dreams surged following Bezos’s launch, that same narrative may not pop up with Netflix’s latest SpaceX show, says Alexander from Parrot Analytics.

“I imagine SpaceX has some form of say in what is going on,” she told Recode. “Netflix just wants to carry it and make the best docu-series possible.”

Will you support Vox today?

We believe that everyone deserves to understand the world that they live in. That kind of knowledge helps create better citizens, neighbors, friends, parents, and stewards of this planet. Producing deeply researched, explanatory journalism takes resources. You can support this mission by making a financial gift to Vox today. Will you join us?

We accept credit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. You can also contribute via

Next Up In Technology

Sign up for the newsletter today, explained.

Understand the world with a daily explainer plus the most compelling stories of the day.

Thanks for signing up!

Check your inbox for a welcome email.

Oops. Something went wrong. Please enter a valid email and try again.

Summer Lee’s primary puts Democrats’ divides on Israel on display

Can Canada stave off populism?

Compassion is making a comeback in America

Ukraine aid and a potential TikTok ban: What’s in the House’s new $95 billion bill

The Supreme Court doesn’t seem eager to get involved with homelessness policy

Drake vs. everyone, explained

Netflix Just Quietly Dropped The Best Time-Travel Show of 2023

“Know you are loved.”

Netflix has made a name for itself in mind-bending science fiction. Between Stranger Things , Dark , The OA , and Sense8 , the streamer keeps finding new and exciting ways to shape how we think about the world. Usually, these new shows are met with a big fanfare, an even bigger marketing campaign, and, in the case of Stranger Things , a tie-in ice cream.

But recently, Netflix dropped a series that more than deserves to stand next to these tentpoles: a graphic novel adaptation that takes a fresh approach to one of the oldest genres and adds a huge time-travel element that changes everything.

Bodies, based on the graphic novel of the same name by Si Spencer, emerges from a simple concept: four detectives from four different points in time all find a strange body on the ground. It’s naked, missing its left eye, and there’s no trace of any bullets found in it. In 2023, Muslim detective Shahara Hasan (Amaka Okafor) tries to stop what she thinks is a terrorist plot. In 1941, Detective Charles Whiteman (Jacob Fortune-Lloyd) deals with antisemitism while investigating a death that couldn’t have come from a bomb. In 1890, Detective Alfred Hillinghead (Kyle Soller) gets caught up with a journalist and a strange society. Finally, in 2053, Detective Iris Maplewood (Shira Haas) finds the same body... alive.

It’s a complicated premise, but Bodies expertly weaves four different mysteries on top of each other. A strange boy discovered in 2023 informs a strange man in 1941. A message scrawled into a wall in 1890 is still there in 2053. While there are four different investigations, there’s only one big mystery, and every character has a role in it.

The climax of the story happens in 2023, meaning when we first take a peek into 2053, we know what will happen in the “present.” Bodies , though initially a straightforward whodunit, quickly becomes a hard sci-fi story about time loops, quantum physics, and quite literally changing history. It all circles around one phrase told to each detective in their respective times: “Know you are loved.”

Four different detectives find the same body in four different eras.

Apart from its time-travel element, Bodies is simultaneously a period piece, police procedural, dystopia, conspiracy thriller, family drama, and cult story. It’s a lot for any series to attempt, but Bodies is able to incorporate each through its divided plot. When the action jumps from era to era, the tone is effectively reset. One scene may be a gripping chase scene between Hasan and a suspect, but then it will cut immediately to Whiteman in 1941 bonding with a little girl.

Bodies is a stealth time-travel show. The science fiction elements are added so gradually that it’s hard to even notice until the last episode where events are changed and characters even embrace their future selves. It’s a testament to the all-star cast to balance the tones so excellently: it could be tempting to shift from “detective show acting” to “science fiction acting” but everything is played with the utmost seriousness.

Detective Shahara Hasan (Amaka Okafor) appears in the 2023 and 2053 eras.

Maybe this is why this series isn’t getting the same acclaim as its spiritual successors: calling it a time-travel show betrays the shift of the series altogether. But this show should be on the watchlist of every sci-fi fan, whether they’re the kind who misses the grandfather paradoxes of Dark or the political commentary of Stranger Things .

Bodies is now streaming on Netflix.

• Science Fiction

• Copy from this list
• Report this list

100 Best Space TV Shows

• Movies or TV
• IMDb Rating
• In Theaters
• Release Year

1. Babylon 5 (1993–1998)

TV-PG | 45 min | Action, Adventure, Drama

In the mid 23rd century, the Earth Alliance space station Babylon 5, located in neutral territory, is a major focal point for political intrigue, racial tensions and various wars over the course of five years.

Stars: Mira Furlan , Richard Biggs , Stephen Furst , Andreas Katsulas

Votes: 34,601

2. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993–1999)

In the vicinity of the liberated planet of Bajor, the Federation space station Deep Space Nine guards the opening of a stable wormhole to the far side of the galaxy.

Stars: Avery Brooks , Rene Auberjonois , Cirroc Lofton , Alexander Siddig

Votes: 70,736

3. The Expanse (2015–2022)

TV-14 | 60 min | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi

The disappearance of 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.

Stars: Steven Strait , Dominique Tipper , Wes Chatham , Shohreh Aghdashloo

Votes: 172,109

4. Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994)

Set almost 100 years after Captain Kirk's 5-year mission, a new generation of Starfleet officers sets off in the U.S.S. Enterprise-D on its own mission to go where no one has gone before.

Stars: Patrick Stewart , Brent Spiner , Jonathan Frakes , LeVar Burton

Votes: 135,859

5. Andor (2022– )

TV-14 | 40 min | Action, Adventure, Drama

Prequel series to Star Wars' 'Rogue One'. In an era filled with danger, deception and intrigue, Cassian will embark on the path that is destined to turn him into a Rebel hero.

Stars: Diego Luna , Kyle Soller , Stellan Skarsgård , Genevieve O'Reilly

Votes: 164,728

6. Stargate SG-1 (1997–2007)

TV-14 | 44 min | Action, Adventure, Drama

A secret military team, SG-1, is formed to explore other planets through the recently discovered Stargates.

Stars: Richard Dean Anderson , Michael Shanks , Amanda Tapping , Christopher Judge

Votes: 101,325

7. Star Trek: Enterprise (2001–2005)

TV-PG | 60 min | Action, Adventure, Drama

A century before Captain Kirk's five-year mission, Jonathan Archer captains the United Earth ship Enterprise during the early years of Starfleet, leading up to the Earth-Romulan War and the formation of the Federation.

Stars: Scott Bakula , John Billingsley , Jolene Blalock , Dominic Keating

Votes: 59,067

8. Battlestar Galactica (2003)

TV-14 | 92 min | Action, Adventure, Drama

Following the destruction of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol by the Cylons, a rag-tag fugitive fleet of the last remnants of mankind flees the pursuing Cylons while simultaneously searching for their true home: Earth.

Stars: Edward James Olmos , Mary McDonnell , Katee Sackhoff , Jamie Bamber

Votes: 80,141

9. Stargate Universe (2009–2011)

TV-PG | 43 min | Drama, Sci-Fi

Trapped on an Ancient spaceship billions of light-years from home, a group of soldiers and civilians struggle to survive and find their way back to Earth.

Stars: Robert Carlyle , Louis Ferreira , Brian J. Smith , Elyse Levesque

Votes: 53,254

10. Firefly (2002–2003)

TV-14 | 45 min | Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi

Five hundred years in the future, a renegade crew aboard a small spacecraft tries to survive as they travel the unknown parts of the galaxy and evade warring factions as well as authority agents out to get them.

Stars: Nathan Fillion , Gina Torres , Alan Tudyk , Morena Baccarin

Votes: 281,575

11. Stargate: Atlantis (2004–2009)

TV-PG | 44 min | Action, Adventure, Drama

An international team of scientists and military personnel discover a Stargate network in the Pegasus Galaxy and come face-to-face with a new, powerful enemy: The Wraith.

Stars: Joe Flanigan , Rachel Luttrell , David Hewlett , Jason Momoa

Votes: 71,669

12. The Orville (2017–2022)

TV-14 | 44 min | Adventure, Comedy, Drama

Set 400 years in the future, the crew of the U.S.S. Orville continue their mission of exploration, navigating both the mysteries of the universe, and the complexities of their own interpersonal relationships.

Stars: Seth MacFarlane , Adrianne Palicki , Penny Johnson Jerald , Scott Grimes

Votes: 99,681

13. Crusade (1999)

Set right after the events of Babylon 5: A Call to Arms (1999), a team of soldiers and scientists led by Capt. Matthew Gideon have five years to find a cure for an alien plague decimating Earth.

Stars: Gary Cole , Tracy Scoggins , Daniel Dae Kim , David Allen Brooks

Votes: 5,451

14. Star Trek: Voyager (1995–2001)

Pulled to the far side of the galaxy, where the Federation is seventy-five years away at maximum warp speed, a Starfleet ship must cooperate with Maquis rebels to find a way home.

Stars: Kate Mulgrew , Robert Beltran , Roxann Dawson , Robert Duncan McNeill

Votes: 77,266

15. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2022– )

TV-PG | 52 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

A prequel to Star Trek: The Original Series, the show follows the crew of the USS Enterprise under Captain Christopher Pike.

Stars: Anson Mount , Ethan Peck , Christina Chong , Melissa Navia

Votes: 58,773

16. The Mandalorian (2019– )

TV-14 | 40 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy

The travels of a lone bounty hunter in the outer reaches of the galaxy, far from the authority of the New Republic.

Stars: Pedro Pascal , Chris Bartlett , Katee Sackhoff , Carl Weathers

Votes: 586,422

17. Earth 2 (1994–1995)

TV-PG | 60 min | Adventure, Sci-Fi

Colonists, crash-landed on an alien planet, begin the long trek to their originally designated landing place, facing alien and human threats.

Stars: Debrah Farentino , Clancy Brown , Sullivan Walker , Jessica Steen

Votes: 5,519

18. Caprica (2009–2010)

TV-14 | 60 min | Action, Drama, Sci-Fi

Two families, the Graystones and the Adamas, live together on a peaceful planet known as Caprica, where a startling breakthrough in artificial intelligence brings about unforeseen consequences.

Stars: Eric Stoltz , Esai Morales , Paula Malcomson , Alessandra Torresani

Votes: 26,168

19. Dark Matter (2015–2017)

TV-14 | 42 min | Adventure, Drama, Mystery

In the dystopian 27th century, six people wake up on a deserted spaceship with no memory of who they are or what they're doing there. They reluctantly team up and set off to find answers with the help of a female android.

Stars: Melissa O'Neil , Anthony Lemke , Alex Mallari Jr. , Jodelle Ferland

Votes: 44,977

20. Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)

TV-14 | 44 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi must save young Leia after she is kidnapped, all the while being pursued by Imperial Inquisitors and his former Padawan now known as Darth Vader.

Stars: Ewan McGregor , Moses Ingram , Vivien Lyra Blair , Hayden Christensen

Votes: 229,342

21. Dark Skies (1996–1997)

TV-14 | 60 min | Adventure, Drama, Mystery

In 1960s America, a young couple struggle to expose the truth about a hidden alien invasion, while a secret government organization follows its own agenda in dealing with the threat.

Stars: Eric Close , J.T. Walsh , Lackos , Megan Ward

Votes: 2,375

22. Legend of the Galactic Heroes (1988–1997)

TV-MA | 25 min | Animation, Action, Drama

Various people, especially two rising commanders, cope with a massive continual space conflict between two interstellar nations.

Stars: Yûsaku Yara , Ryô Horikawa , Katsuji Mori , Nozomu Sasaki

Votes: 4,719

23. Space Battleship Yamato 2199 (2012–2013)

TV-14 | Animation, Action, Adventure

In the year 2199, the space battleship Yamato embarks on a voyage to the planet Iscandar, to retrieve a device that will rejuvenate a war-ravaged Earth.

Stars: Mallorie Rodak , Monica Rial , Jamie Marchi , Mike McFarland

Votes: 1,175

24. Cowboy Bebop (1998–1999)

TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure

The futuristic misadventures and tragedies of an easygoing bounty hunter and his partners.

Stars: Kôichi Yamadera , Unshô Ishizuka , Megumi Hayashibara , Steve Blum

Votes: 138,686

25. The Visitor (1997–1998)

60 min | Drama, Sci-Fi

Adam MacArthur, who disappeared 50 years ago in the Bermuda Triangle, has returned to save humanity from destruction. Chased by the government s and aliens who abducted him, he travels across the United States to help people.

Stars: John Corbett , Grand L. Bush , Leon Rippy , John Storey

26. For All Mankind (2019– )

TV-MA | 60 min | Drama, Sci-Fi

In an alternative version of 1969, the Soviet Union beats the United States to the Moon, and the space race continues on for decades with still grander challenges and goals.

Stars: Joel Kinnaman , Michael Dorman , Wrenn Schmidt , Krys Marshall

Votes: 68,898

27. Halo (2022– )

TV-14 | 60 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

With the galaxy on the brink of destruction, Master Chief John-117 leads his team of Spartans against the alien threat known as the Covenant.

Stars: Pablo Schreiber , Shabana Azmi , Natasha Culzac , Olive Gray

Votes: 92,789

28. Lexx (1996–2002)

R | 90 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy

A group of disparate fugitives from an interplanetary tyranny find themselves in control of a massively powerful starship.

Stars: Brian Downey , Michael McManus , Jeffrey Hirschfield , Xenia Seeberg

Votes: 8,635

29. Cowboy Bebop (2021)

TV-MA | 58 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy

A ragtag crew of bounty hunters chases down the galaxy's most dangerous criminals. They'll save the world--for the right price.

Stars: John Cho , Mustafa Shakir , Daniella Pineda , Elena Satine

Votes: 43,590

30. Space Precinct (1994–1995)

TV-14 | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Sci-Fi

The alien adventures of former NYPD detective Patrick Brogan, now a lieutenant in the Demeter City Police Department on the planet Altor.

Stars: Ted Shackelford , Rob Youngblood , Simone Bendix , Nancy Paul

Votes: 1,012

31. Roswell (1999–2002)

TV-14 | 42 min | Drama, Mystery, Romance

The lives of three young alien/human hybrids with extraordinary gifts in Roswell.

Stars: Shiri Appleby , Jason Behr , Katherine Heigl , Majandra Delfino

Votes: 30,702

32. V (2009–2011)

TV-14 | 42 min | Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller

An extraterrestrial race arrives on Earth with seemingly good intentions, only to slowly reveal their true machinations the more ingrained into society they become.

Stars: Elizabeth Mitchell , Morris Chestnut , Joel Gretsch , Logan Huffman

Votes: 58,855

33. Mobile Suit Gundam 00 (2007–2009)

TV-PG | 24 min | Animation, Action, Drama

In the distant future, mankind has used up all of its fossil fuels, forcing them to turn to Solar Power as an alternate energy source. As a result, this causes a rift to form between richer... See full summary  »

Stars: Sam Vincent , Mamoru Miyano , Shin'ichirô Miki , Hiroyuki Yoshino

Votes: 2,679

34. Exosquad (1993–1995)

TV-Y7 | 30 min | Animation, Drama, Sci-Fi

Set in the beginning of the 22nd century, an interplanetary war wages between humanity and the Neosapiens.

Stars: Stevie Vallance , Campbell Lane , Robby Benson , Garry Chalk

Votes: 1,275

35. Loki (2021–2023)

TV-14 | 586 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy

The mercurial villain Loki resumes his role as the God of Mischief in a new series that takes place after the events of “Avengers: Endgame.”

Stars: Tom Hiddleston , Owen Wilson , Sophia Di Martino , Wunmi Mosaku

Votes: 411,023

36. Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn (2010–2014)

TV-PG | 436 min | Animation, Action, Drama

A conspiracy around Laplace's Box is potentially going to start another war between the Earth Federation and Neo Zeon. Chosen by fate, Banagher Links gets the key to the box, and must follow his heart to decide what to do with it.

Stars: Troy Baker , Yuri Lowenthal , Keith Silverstein , Brandon Potter

Votes: 1,584

37. Banner of the Stars II (2000–2005)

TV-PG | Animation, Action, Romance

Now that three years has passed since their first adventure, Lafiel is now captain on a new ship and Jinto has just finished his training. They go out to complete a mission of defending the Laptic Gate.

Stars: Haruhiko Jô , Ayako Kawasumi , Matthew Erickson , Yuka Imai

38. Space: 1999 (1975–1977)

TV-14 | 50 min | Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi

The crew of Moonbase Alpha must struggle to survive when a massive explosion throws the Moon from Earths orbit and into deep space.

Stars: Martin Landau , Barbara Bain , Nick Tate , Zienia Merton

Votes: 9,425

39. Planetes (2003–2004)

TV-14 | 25 min | Animation, Drama, Sci-Fi

Ai Tanabe joins the Debris Section of the Technora Corporation as they work to remove the debris left around Earth. As Ai tries to accommodate to space life, she learns more about her crew on the dilapidated 'Toy Box'.

Stars: Kazunari Tanaka , Satsuki Yukino , Ai Orikasa , Kirk Thornton

Votes: 3,923

40. Ascension (2014)

TV-MA | 77 min | Drama, Sci-Fi

A young woman's murder causes the subjects of a century-long mission to populate a new world to question the true nature of the project as they approach the point of no return.

Stars: Tricia Helfer , Gil Bellows , Brian Van Holt , Andrea Roth

Votes: 19,183

41. Farscape (1999–2003)

TV-14 | 50 min | Action, Adventure, Drama

Thrown into a distant part of the universe, an Earth astronaut finds himself part of a fugitive alien starship crew.

Stars: Ben Browder , Claudia Black , Anthony Simcoe , Lani John Tupu

Votes: 40,255

42. Mars (2016–2018)

TV-PG | 60 min | Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi

The first manned mission from Earth to Mars in 2033 attempts to colonize the red planet.

Stars: Jihae , Alberto Ammann , Sammi Rotibi , Clémentine Poidatz

Votes: 15,199

43. Space Pirate Captain Herlock: Outside Legend - The Endless Odyssey (2002– )

390 min | Animation, Adventure, Fantasy

Professor Daiba unleashes an ancient horror from it's sleeping chamber. The crew members of the Arcadia set sail to stop it as well as have Tadashi Daiba meet Captain Harlcok.

Stars: Kôichi Yamadera , Tomokazu Seki , Kari Wahlgren , Barbara Goodson

44. Something Is Out There (I) (1988–1989)

60 min | Horror, Sci-Fi

Jack Breslin was a somewhat maverick police detective paired (unofficially) with a beautiful alien possessing strange powers and abilities named Ta'Ra. Posing as his cousin and keeping her ... See full summary  »

Stars: Joe Cortese , Gregory Sierra , Maryam d'Abo , Neill Barry

45. Macross Frontier (2008)

24 min | Animation, Action, Music

In 2059 A.D., the 25th Frontier fleet near the Galactic center is attacked by the Vajra aliens. Bored colonist Alto Saotome joins the Valkyrie pilots defending the Frontier.

Stars: Yûichi Nakamura , Tomokazu Sugita , Jun Fukuyama , Katsuyuki Konishi

46. Voltron: Defender of the Universe (1984–1985)

TV-Y7 | 24 min | Animation, Adventure, Family

This series focuses on five lion robots and their pilots as they fight the evil forces of King Zarkon and Prince Lotor.

Stars: Peter Cullen , Michael Bell , Jack Angel , Lennie Weinrib

Votes: 5,177

47. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)

PG | 98 min | Animation, Action, Adventure

As the Clone Wars sweep the galaxy, Anakin Skywalker and his new Padawan, Ahsoka Tano, embark on a mission to rescue the kidnapped son of Jabba the Hutt. The renegade Count Dooku, however, is determined to ensure that they fail.

Director: Dave Filoni | Stars: Matt Lanter , Nika Futterman , Tom Kane , Ashley Eckstein

Votes: 73,004 | Gross: $35.16M

48. The Silent Sea (2021)

TV-MA | 45 min | Adventure, Drama, Mystery

During a perilous 24-hour mission on the moon, space explorers try to retrieve samples from an abandoned research facility steeped in classified secrets.

Stars: Bae Doona , Gong Yoo , Lee Joon , Kim Sun-young

Votes: 25,143

49. Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs (1987–1988)

Not Rated | 23 min | Animation, Action, Adventure

In the distant future, a team of four high-tech Star Sheriffs defends frontier space colony Yuma from outlaws, as well as Outriders, an army of humanoid alien beings called Vapors, led by mysterious Nemesis, who need Yuma's resources.

Stars: Rob Paulsen , Townsend Coleman , Pat Fraley , Pat Musick

Votes: 2,596

50. SeaQuest 2032 (1993–1996)

TV-PG | 60 min | Action, Adventure, Family

In the early 21st century, mankind has colonized the oceans. The United Earth Oceans Organization enlists Captain Nathan Bridger and the submarine seaQuest DSV to keep the peace and explore the last frontier on Earth.

Stars: Jonathan Brandis , Don Franklin , Ted Raimi , Darwin

Votes: 7,770

51. Lost in Space (2018–2021)

TV-PG | 60 min | Adventure, Drama, Family

After crash-landing on an alien planet, the Robinson family fight against all odds to survive and escape, but they're surrounded by hidden dangers.

Stars: Toby Stephens , Molly Parker , Maxwell Jenkins , Taylor Russell

Votes: 105,683

52. Space: Above and Beyond (1995–1996)

60 min | Action, Adventure, Drama

The Earth is embroiled in a desperate war against alien invaders, and this series focuses on one squadron of Marine pilots involved in it.

Stars: Morgan Weisser , Kristen Cloke , Rodney Rowland , Joel de la Fuente

Votes: 8,666

53. Moonlight Mile (2007– )

TV-MA | Animation, Adventure, Drama

Gorou and Lostman at the peak of Mount Everest see the ISA Space Station in the sky above and become determined to go into space. ISA begins a program to research and obtain a new energy source which has been discovered on the moon.

Stars: Fuminori Morisada , John Swasey , Chris Patton , Andrew Love

54. Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans (2015–2017)

TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Action, Drama

300 years after the Calamity War, a ragtag group of freedom fighters and an ancient Mobile Suit rise to the call for justice, once and for all.

Stars: Bill Rogers , Adin Rudd , Landon McDonald , Kengo Kawanishi

Votes: 2,156

55. Starship Operators (2005)

PG-13 | 25 min | Animation, Drama, Sci-Fi

Starship Operators of the Planet Kibi are returning home after the maiden voyage of the Amaterasu, they find that their home planet has been taken over by Henrietta Alliance of Planetary Nations.

Stars: Kirby Morrow , Kelly Sheridan , Rebecca Shoichet , Paula Lindberg

56. The Jetsons (1962–1963)

TV-Y7 | 25 min | Animation, Comedy, Family

The misadventures of a futuristic family.

Stars: George O'Hanlon , Janet Waldo , Mel Blanc , Penny Singleton

Votes: 23,949

57. Red Dwarf (1988– )

TV-14 | 30 min | Comedy, Sci-Fi

The adventures of the last human alive and his friends, stranded three million years into deep space on the mining ship Red Dwarf.

Stars: Chris Barrie , Craig Charles , Danny John-Jules , Robert Llewellyn

Votes: 37,272

58. Killjoys (2015–2019)

TV-MA | 42 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

In the Quad, a planetary system on the brink of a bloody interplanetary class war, a fun loving trio of bounty hunters attempt to remain impartial as they chase deadly warrants.

Stars: Hannah John-Kamen , Aaron Ashmore , Luke Macfarlane , Tamsen McDonough

Votes: 23,483

59. Futurama (1999– )

TV-14 | 22 min | Animation, Adventure, Comedy

Philip J. Fry, a pizza delivery boy, is accidentally frozen in 1999 and thawed out on New Year's Eve 2999.

Stars: Billy West , John DiMaggio , Katey Sagal , Tress MacNeille

Votes: 260,806

60. Taken (2002)

TV-PG | 68 min | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi

Three families experience alien abductions over a period of five decades.

Stars: Dakota Fanning , Matt Frewer , Emily Bergl , Heather Donahue

Votes: 21,005

61. Star Trek: Picard (2020–2023)

TV-MA | 46 min | Action, Adventure, Drama

Follow-up series to Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987) and Star Trek: Nemesis (2002) that centers on Jean-Luc Picard in the next chapter of his life.

Stars: Patrick Stewart , Michelle Hurd , Jeri Ryan , Alison Pill

Votes: 94,633

62. Foundation (2021– )

TV-14 | 60 min | Drama, Sci-Fi

A complex saga of humans scattered on planets throughout the galaxy all living under the rule of the Galactic Empire.

Stars: Jared Harris , Lou Llobell , Leah Harvey , Terrence Mann

Votes: 95,961

63. Outcasts (2010–2011)

TV-14 | 50 min | Drama, Sci-Fi

With Earth rapidly becoming uninhabitable, pioneers seek to colonize the harsh terrain of the planet Carpathia. 10 years later, the town of Forthaven faces danger as the planet's dark secrets are revealed.

Stars: Hermione Norris , Daniel Mays , Amy Manson , Ashley Walters

Votes: 5,840

64. Blake's 7 (1978–1981)

Not Rated | 50 min | Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi

A group of convicts and outcasts fight a guerrilla war against the totalitarian Terran Federation from a highly advanced alien spaceship.

Stars: Michael Keating , Paul Darrow , Peter Tuddenham , Jan Chappell

Votes: 4,490

65. Space Patrol (1950–1955)

30 min | Action, Adventure, Family

Commander Corey and youthful Cadet Happy roam the 30th-century universe in their ship "Terra" fighting super-villains Mr. Proteus, Prince Baccarratti, and other bad guys. The captured bad ... See full summary  »

Stars: Ed Kemmer , Lyn Osborn , Nina Bara , Ken Mayer

66. Quark (1977–1978)

221 min | Comedy, Sci-Fi

The misadventures of an outer space garbage collector and his crew.

Stars: Richard Benjamin , Tim Thomerson , Patricia Barnstable , Cyb Barnstable

67. The Starlost (1973–1974)

60 min | Sci-Fi

A group of humans must explore a vast starship in order to find the controls to save it from destruction.

Stars: Keir Dullea , Gay Rowan , Robin Ward , William Osler

68. Space Rangers (1993–1994)

45 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

A rag-tag police force stationed in deep space on Planet Avalon's Fort Hope. They deal with all manner of criminals, aliens, technology and the more mundane problems of certain individuals trying to have them shut down.

Stars: Jeff Kaake , Marjorie Monaghan , Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa , Jack McGee

69. The Astronauts (2020–2021)

TV-PG | Action, Adventure, Drama

When a group of kids are accidentally launched into space, they embark on an adventure of a lifetime to get back home.

Stars: Miya Cech , Bryce Gheisar , Keith L. Williams , Kayden Grace Swan

Votes: 2,344

70. Nightflyers (2018)

TV-14 | 60 min | Drama, Horror, Mystery

A crew of scientists embarks on a mission aboard a ship called the Nightflyer to investigate a mysterious alien signal, but they soon begin to question if something is already on the ship with them.

Stars: Eoin Macken , David Ajala , Jodie Turner-Smith , Angus Sampson

Votes: 14,363

71. Dino-Riders (1988)

Not Rated | 22 min | Animation, Action, Adventure

Pursued by intergalactic warlord Krulos and his Rulons, human Valorians fly through a wormhole and end up on the prehistoric Earth. Krulos follows and becomes stuck in prehistory as well. Both sides build dinosaur armies and engage.

Stars: Stephen Dorff , Christopher Collins , Wally Burr , Dan Gilvezan

Votes: 1,429

72. The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers (1986)

TV-MA | 30 min | Animation, Action, Adventure

Four elite Galaxy Rangers with unique abilities defend law & order among the space colonies and protect humanity from the evil Crown Empire.

Stars: Jerry Orbach , Bob Bottone , Laura Dean , Doug Preis

Votes: 1,400

73. Final Space (2018–2021)

TV-14 | 30 min | Animation, Action, Adventure

An astronaut named Gary and his planet-destroying sidekick called Mooncake embark on serialized journeys through space in order to unlock the mystery of where the universe actually ends and if it actually does exist.

Stars: Fred Armisen , Tom Kenny , Olan Rogers , Tika Sumpter

Votes: 48,369

74. Space Force (2020–2022)

TV-MA | 30 min | Comedy

The people tasked with creating a sixth branch of the armed services: The Space Force.

Stars: Steve Carell , John Malkovich , Ben Schwartz , Diana Silvers

Votes: 70,798

75. Lost in Space (1965–1968)

TV-G | 60 min | Adventure, Comedy, Family

A space colony family struggles to survive when a spy/accidental stowaway throws their ship hopelessly off course.

Stars: Guy Williams , June Lockhart , Mark Goddard , Marta Kristen

Votes: 8,859

76. Star Trek: The Animated Series (1973–1975)

TV-Y7 | 30 min | Animation, Action, Adventure

The further adventures of Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the USS Enterprise, as they explore the galaxy and defend the United Federation of Planets.

Stars: William Shatner , Leonard Nimoy , DeForest Kelley , George Takei

Votes: 8,172

77. Mystery Science Theater 3000 (1988–1999)

TV-14 | 90 min | Comedy, Sci-Fi

In the not-too-distant future Joel Robinson is held captive by Dr. Forrester and TV's Frank, forced to watch B-Grade movies on the Satellite of Love with the help of his robot friends: Cambot, Gypsy, Tom Servo and Crow T. Robot.

Stars: Joel Hodgson , Michael J. Nelson , Trace Beaulieu , Kevin Murphy

Votes: 25,843

78. Infinite Ryvius (1999–2000)

TV-PG | 23 min | Animation, Adventure, Drama

Over 400 teenagers are stranded without adult supervision aboard a prototype space battleship after their astronaut training school is sabotaged by an outside group.

Stars: Tetsu Shiratori , Sôichirô Hoshi , Houko Kuwashima , Tomokazu Seki

79. Kurau: Phantom Memory (2004–2005)

Animation, Action, Comedy

It's the year 2100, and the moon is now home to a colony of scientists and pioneers. It's also host to dangerous experiments into strange new forms of energy, and it isn't long before one ... See full summary  »

Stars: Monica Rial , Mamoru Miyano , Jessica Boone , Rie Kugimiya

80. Dune (2000)

Not Rated | 265 min | Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi

A three-part miniseries on politics, betrayal, lust, greed and the coming of a Messiah. Based on Frank Herbert's classic science fiction novel.

Stars: William Hurt , Alec Newman , Giancarlo Giannini , Uwe Ochsenknecht

Votes: 24,847

81. Knights of Sidonia (2014–2015)

TV-MA | Animation, Action, Adventure

A thousand years after the destruction of Earth by gigantic aliens called Gauna, mankind is living on massive spaceships. One of these space ships is Sidonia, which is protected by large pilot controlled exosuits called Gardes.

Stars: Sayaka Ôhara , Pete Sepenuk , Ryôta Ôsaka , Takahiro Sakurai

Votes: 4,619

82. Gurren Lagann (2007)

Two friends, Simon and Kamina, become the symbols of rebellion against the powerful Spiral King, who forced mankind into subterranean villages.

Stars: Tetsuya Kakihara , Shizuka Itou , Yuri Lowenthal , Marina Inoue

Votes: 21,015

83. Space Brothers (2014)

90 min | Animation, Comedy, Sci-Fi

A perfect prequel for the manga as well as the anime. A very detailed view of the characters and a perfectly fitted side story. If you are a fanatic of Nanba Mutta, you will love this one.

Director: Ayumu Watanabe | Stars: Kinryû Arimoto , Hiroaki Hirata , Kenichiro Ohashi , Akio Ôtsuka

84. Kakumeiki Valvrave (2013– )

True Calendar year 71-a new age where 70% of the human population lives in space thanks to the development of "Dyson Sphere", a city in space. The world is divided into two main powers: The... See full summary  »

Stars: Asami Seto , Haruka Tomatsu , Ryôta Ôsaka , Ryohei Kimura

85. Mobile Suit Gundam Seed (2002–2003)

50 min | Animation, Action, Adventure

The discovery of an advanced model of combat mecha on their space colony throws a young man and his friends into involvement in an interplanetary war as the crew of a powerful fighting ship.

Stars: Sôichirô Hoshi , Scott McNeil , John Novak , Lee Tockar

Votes: 2,642

86. Mobile Suit Gundam Wing (1995–1996)

TV-PG | 30 min | Animation, Action, Adventure

A squadron of giant robot pilots of a beleaguered Earth colony bring the war to their oppressive home planet.

Stars: Hikaru Midorikawa , Toshihiko Seki , Ryûzô Ishino , Akio Ôtsuka

Votes: 4,884

87. Outlaw Star (1998–2001)

The adventures of an outlaw crew of an advanced starship.

Stars: Ayako Kawasumi , Bob Buchholz , Bridget Hoffman , Emilie de Azevedo Brown

Votes: 4,132

88. Mobile Suit Gundam (1979–1980)

In the war between the Earth Federation and Zeon, a young and inexperienced crew find themselves on a new spaceship. Their best hope of making it through the conflict is the Gundam, a giant humanoid robot, and its gifted teenage pilot.

Stars: Hirotaka Suzuoki , Tôru Furuya , Toshio Furukawa , Kiyonobu Suzuki

Votes: 2,774

89. Edens Zero (2021–2023)

TV-14 | 25 min | Animation, Action, Adventure

A young boy cut off from the world meets his friends and sets off on a hard, long journey to be reborn.

Stars: Rie Kugimiya , Takuma Terashima , Mikako Komatsu , Kira Buckland

Votes: 2,025

90. Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Destiny (2004–2005)

Two years after the war between the Earth Alliance and ZAFT, conflicts between the two nations heat up again. Shin Asuka, the new main character's eyes are full of sorrow as his family was ... See full summary  »

Stars: Aaron Phillips , Sam Vincent , Vanessa Morley , Alyson Leigh Rosenfeld

Votes: 1,551

91. Blue Gender (1999–2000)

TV-MA | 23 min | Animation, Action, Sci-Fi

Yuji Kaido was diagnosed with a serious disease and since there was no cure for the unknown illness, he was cryogenically frozen.

Stars: Laura Bailey , Eric Vale , Houko Kuwashima , Kenji Nojima

Votes: 1,321

92. Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam (1985–1986)

TV-14 | 30 min | Animation, Action, Drama

Eight years after the One Year War, the Earth Federation creates an elite force called the Titans to hunt Zeon remnants. When Titans proves to be no better than Zeon, the Anti Earth Union Group (AEUG) is formed to restore peace in space.

Stars: Nobuo Tobita , Shûichi Ikeda , Hirotaka Suzuoki , Miyuki Matsuoka

Votes: 1,547

93. Martian Successor Nadesico (1996–1997)

TV-PG | Animation, Action, Comedy

Some unknown presence is attacking Earth with dangerous robots and the only thing that can save the day is the crew of the Nadesico: a powerful spaceship.

Stars: Kira Vincent-Davis , Cynthia Martinez , Spike Spencer , Mark Laskowski

94. Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt: December Sky (2016)

70 min | Animation, Sci-Fi, War

Follows the decisive battles in Thunderbolt sector around the debris of Side 4 during the One Year War, between Earth Federation's prototype Full Armor Gundam and Zeon's prototype Psycho Zaku.

Director: Kô Matsuo | Stars: Yûichi Nakamura , Ryohei Kimura , Toa Yukinari , Sayaka Ôhara

96. Astra Lost in Space (2019)

TV-14 | 23 min | Animation, Action, Adventure

Warped into outer space by a mysterious sphere, nine children find themselves in an assassination plot as they retrieve a spaceship and try to return home safely.

Stars: Saori Hayami , Jessie James Grelle , Dawn M. Bennett , Kôki Uchiyama

Votes: 1,726

97. Silverhawks (1986)

TV-Y7 | 23 min | Action, Sci-Fi, Family

A team of cyborgs protects Limbo from Mon Star and his gang.

Stars: Bob McFadden , Earl Hammond , Larry Kenney , Peter Newman

Votes: 3,417

98. Andromeda (2000–2005)

TV-PG | 43 min | Action, Adventure, Drama

Captain Dylan Hunt and the crew of the Andromeda Ascendant set out on a mission to rebuild the Systems Commonwealth 300 years after its fall.

Stars: Kevin Sorbo , Lisa Ryder , Laura Bertram , Gordon Michael Woolvett

Votes: 14,819

99. Avenue 5 (2020–2022)

TV-MA | Comedy, Sci-Fi

The troubled crew of Avenue 5, a space cruise ship filled with spoiled, rich, snotty space tourists, must try and keep everyone calm after their ship gets thrown off course into space and ends up needing three years to return to Earth.

Stars: Hugh Laurie , Josh Gad , Zach Woods , Rebecca Front

Votes: 22,704

100. Earth: Final Conflict (1997–2002)

TV-PG | 60 min | Action, Drama, Mystery

When an alien species comes to Earth bearing gifts for humanity, a few suspicious humans seek to discover and resist the newcomers' true designs.

Stars: Von Flores , Leni Parker , Anita La Selva , Richard Chevolleau

Votes: 4,784

List Activity

Tell your friends, other lists by turanic.

Recently Viewed

The 12 Best Space Movies You Can Watch On Netflix Right Now

If Hollywood has taught us anything, it's that humanity is destined to venture among the stars. Whether as an act of exploration or defense against global disaster, interstellar travel remains the great fantasy of both big-budget blockbusters and inexpensive science fiction films alike. So, where better to start your space travel movie marathon than Netflix, especially since the streaming giant has made our solar system — and the stars beyond — the basis of several of its original features? 

Whether your ideal space movie is a family-friendly starship adventure or a rocket trip straight to the outer layers of Hell, you can probably find something on this list to satisfy your mood on any movie night. But be warned: the crews in these movies may be small, but the body counts are disproportionately high. In space, the odds of survival are despairingly low.

Indian science fiction film Cargo finds the joy in living — and in dying

The best way to describe "Cargo," the debut feature from Indian filmmaker Arati Kadav, is "Pushing Daisies" on a spaceship. Prahastha, a demon astronaut who helps process humans for reincarnation, has spent a century alone on his spacecraft, speaking only with his handlers back on Earth. When he is assigned a new demonic assistant near the end of his campaign, Prahastha is forced to reintegrate himself into society. He must also address the loneliness that bubbles just beneath his unflappable exterior. Think a workplace comedy with a heavy layer of fantasy, and you're right there.

This premise might've ended up too cute by half in the hands of a lesser filmmaker, but Kadav quickly proves herself a masterful hand at comedy. We never tire of watching Prahastha and Yvishka process new souls — as well as the charming cutaways depicting the moments leading up to the new arrivals' deaths — but, thankfully, Kadav keeps coming back to the demons' individual growth. Space is a lonely place, and even friendly demons are not meant to spend this much time away from their loved ones.

When to Watch : You need a little brightness in your space movies, and are okay with having a movie's theme song — in this case, "Forget Me Not" by Megha Ramaswamy — stuck in your head for days.

Doom: Annihilation is an earnest attempt at recreating a blockbuster video game franchise

There are two kinds of people in this world: those who prefer Andrzej Bartkowiak's 2005 "Doom" and those who prefer Tony Giglio's 2019 "Doom: Annihilation." The former has a reputation as one of the all-time biggest video game movie disappointments, wasting a cast that included Karl Urban, Rosamund Pike, and Dwayne Johnson, the ultimate space marine. By contrast, Giglio's adaptation's limited budget may be obvious, but the movie also comes with lower expectations, delivering for audiences who prefer flawed passion projects over middling studio fare.

All of the pieces necessary for a "Doom" adaptation are in place: soldiers, monsters, and the dark void of space. In its best moments, "Doom: Annihilation" recalls some of Neil Marshall's best work , with inventive creature designs that will remind you of films like "Dog Soldiers" and "The Descent." And when Giglio goes for broke in the final minutes, dumping his main character onto a planetary hellscape that puts her in direct contact with the monsters of "Doom," we get a glimpse of what someone with real vision could bring to this franchise. 

When to Watch: You have a fridge full of beer and a Friday night to kill, and you're ready to make some questionable movie-watching decisions in the name of curiosity.

Thanks to Melanie Laurent, Oxygen is claustrophobic science fiction at its finest

French director Alexandra Aja made his name on gory horror fare like "High Tension," "The Hills Have Eyes," and "Crawl," but he doesn't need blood to tell a thrilling story. Nowhere is this more evident than in 2021's "Oxygen," a claustrophobic horror film starring Mélanie Laurent ("Inglourious Basterds") about an amnesiac trapped in a cryogenic pod that is quickly losing air.

"Oxygen" may not offer many surprises — once the puzzle pieces start coming together, it only takes a small leap of the imagination to see the film's ultimate destination — but that's part of the movie's appeal. The real intrigue comes in watching how Aja and Laurent build a cohesive story out of only a few elements, and in enjoying the craft of a simple concept executed to perfection. Laurent's performance and Aja's direction make it look deceptively easy to build narrative momentum in a set devoid of physical space. Even in 2021, there's nothing quite as satisfying as a simple idea done right.

When to Watch: You are curious to know how a simple writing prompt — "woman trapped in a box" — can succeed as 101 thrilling minutes of science fiction.

Prospect is a science fiction standout in desperate need of rediscovery

If you prefer your space movies with more of a lived-in feel, then you should consider Christopher Caldwell and Zeek Earl's "Prospect". The film stars Sophie Thatcher and Pedro Pascal as a pair of prospectors stuck on an alien planet. After a gunfight leaves each person without their crew, the two must learn to work together to secure off-world passage or risk being stranded when the orbiting transport heads home.

For most people, seeing Pedro Pascal do his best Han Solo impersonation is enough of a sales pitch. But once you dive into the worldbuilding proper, the film's production design makes "Prospect" singularly memorable. "Prospect" is the perfect example of retrofuturism on the big screen, a mode of science fiction that takes inspiration from the '50s' dated visions of what the future might look like. What seemed revolutionary then is cheekily archaic now. Thanks to production designer Matt Acosta, however, "Prospect" offers its audience a uniquely low-fi future, one that will stay on your mind long after the credits roll (or the next Netflix auto-play feature starts).

When to Watch: You are working on your Pedro Pascal backlog and are in the mood for a science fiction romp that would feel at home in the "Star Wars" universe.

Skylines proves that, against all odds, the Skyline franchise just keeps getting better

Sometimes, noteworthy franchises come from the most peculiar places. "Skyline," a 2010 film from special effects gurus The Brothers Strause, might have been a modest success, but no one could've expected that it would spawn two sequels that, incredibly, push the franchise into new and exciting directions. Surprise Netflix hit "Beyond Skyline" added action stars Frank Grillo and Iko Uwais to the series and brought an intergalactic war to the mix. 2020's "Skylines" upends the formula again, maintaining continuity with the previous two films but skipping a few years into the future, riffing more heavily on James Cameron's "Aliens" than established alien invasion tropes.

If anything, it seems like franchise co-creator Liam O'Donnell has started to use the "Skylines" films as his private sandbox, making his directorial debut with the second installment and ramping up the action in the third. And with a scrappy cast — star Lindsey Morgan is a smart piece of casting — and a knack for production design that keeps these movies punching above their weight class, the Skyline films promise to keep the good times coming for years to come.

When to Watch: You are in the mood for something action-packed and aren't afraid to spend a few minutes on Wikipedia getting up to speed on the previous films.

Space Sweepers is the South Korean answer to Star Wars

Have filmmakers forgotten that space can be funny? Many science fiction films use the crushing void of space to play up existential dread of what it means to be human, but sometimes, you just want a movie with talking robots and thrilling starship chases. South Korean filmmaker Jo Sung-hee isn't afraid to get silly, peppering "Space Sweepers" with quips and slapstick comedy, and giving his godlike Steve Jobs analogue a few fart jokes.

Equal parts "Star Wars" and "Elysium," "Space Sweepers" follows a group of destitute freelancers tasked with cleaning up the debris that orbits our dying planet. When they stumble across a young robot with a bounty on her head, their get-rich-quick scheme gets them stuck in the middle of a battle between a group of rebellious climate activists and a government that's building a new utopia for the super-rich on Mars. Goofy and more than a little broad at times, "Space Sweepers" is a grand space opera for fans of all ages. It's also an excellent introduction to international cinema for people who might be reluctant to watch a subtitled feature.

When to Watch: You want something filled with heart that the entire family can enjoy, and you absolutely, positively cannot watch "Star Wars" one more time.

Stowaway is the epitome of science fiction for grown-ups

In most space movies, humankind's trips to the stars are cautionary tales. Every once in a while, though, science fiction comes with a dash of humanism, telling stories about people coming together to solve impossible problems through collaboration and ingenuity. These days, the world may be too cynical for a film like "Apollo 13," but the success of Joe Penna's "Stowaway" shows we still have an appetite for uplifting space stories.

In that way, this 2021 feature is something of a throwback: a film centered on a deadly space catastrophe without any of the infighting or backstabbing we often see in similar movies. Anchored by a standout cast, including a much-deserved leading role for Daniel Dae Kim, "Stowaway" is more interested in humankind's tenacity than its failures. Sure, the science might be a little suspect at times, but Penna and his cast create a group of survivors you want to root for — especially during one of the most anxiety-inducing spacewalks you'll ever see on film.

When to Watch: It's been a few years since you watched "Gravity," and you've deluded yourself into thinking that you don't stress cry during space dramas anymore.

The Cloverfield Paradox is so much more than just its Super Bowl release date

Most of the time, it's hard to identify cult classics when they first arrive, but every now and then, the future seems obvious. Such is the case with "The Cloverfield Paradox," a movie that might have generated a more positive fandom if not for Netflix's gimmicky launch strategy.

"The Cloverfield Paradox" will always be remembered as the film dumped on Netflix as part of a wild Super Bowl LII promotional campaign . But given the film's talented cast and outrageous premise — a series of fusion particle tests accidentally knock an international space station into a parallel universe — there is also plenty of time for the next generation of horror and science fiction fans to rediscover Julius Onah's bizarre little movie. By accident or intent, "The Cloverfield Paradox" operates entirely on its own goofy wavelength; give it a few years, and those scenes with sentient arms and oddball quantum physics will feel right at home within the broader "Cloverfield" cinematic universe .

When to Watch: To recreate the authentic experience, you can only watch "The Cloverfield Paradox" immediately following a major sporting event.

The Midnight Sky finds grace in humanity's final hours

In the hands of anyone else, "The Midnight Sky" might be tossed aside as an expensive mess. In the hands of star director (and star-director) George Clooney, "The Midnight Sky" is, well, still a mess, but one that refuses to be forgotten. When an ecological disaster wipes out humanity, a dying scientist races against time to warn an interstellar survey team not to return home from their mission. Meanwhile, the crew of the ship must survive an increasingly dangerous route back to Earth in order to have a chance to learn the truth.

Not everything in "The Midnight Sky" lands, but when it works it's an effective elegy for both humankind and the planet we have thus far failed to protect, and as a director, Clooney manages to tap into some of our biggest existential fears . In addition, "The Midnight Sky" finds a tiny shred of hope as it honors both those the characters lost and those who go on, adding a welcome note of optimism to an otherwise heavy feature.

When to Watch : You want a space movie with some Oscar vibes ("The Midnight Sky" was nominated for Best Visual Effects, and was projected to be competitive in several categories, although that didn't exactly pan out).

The Wandering Earth is Chinese blockbuster filmmaking at its finest

In the future, the sun has begun to expand. So, the world's governments come together to build giant rockets inside the Earth's crust in order to fly the planet to another solar system. Still with us? Then you might be the target audience for Frant Gwo's "The Wandering Earth," a 2019 Chinese blockbuster that thrives by building a series of escalating disasters for humanity to escape. Light on plot but long on spectacle, "The Wandering Earth" feels like a love letter to Hollywood of the '90s , when producers like Jerry Bruckheimer ushered in an era of big-screen splendor that would set the standard for event movies for years to come.

If you've developed a healthy skepticism of second-tier Chinese blockbusters and worry that the visual effects in "The Wandering Earth" won't carry the monumental story, you have nothing to fear. Even on his best day, Michael Bay would need to work hard to top something like this. If you are the sort of person who likes to bring up that "Armageddon" is in the Criterion Collection, then you would do well to seek "The Wandering Earth" out immediately, ideally on the biggest screen available to you.

When to Watch: Your life has taken on a little too much stress, and you need to retreat to the organized chaos that only a big-budget space spectacle can offer.

Total Recall is a timeless treatise on corporate greed and chest people

At this point, what is there to say about Paul Verhoeven's science fiction masterpiece that hasn't already been said? With "Total Recall," "RoboCop," and "Starship Troopers" on his filmography, Verhoeven's reputation as one of our great sci-fi satirists is forever secure. Besides, you know the broad points by now: memory wipes, armed revolution, and more Arnold Schwarzenegger one-liners than any single film can hope to contain. Even those with only a passing knowledge of "Total Recall" could probably pick Kuato out of a lineup, thanks to three decades' worth of pop culture references and loving spoofs.

Unsurprisingly, time has been kind to "Total Recall" — maybe a little  too kind. With water futures now being actively traded on Wall Street, it seems like Verhoeven's only mistake was to pretend that the conservation of natural resources would be overtly evil instead of just blandly capitalist. At any rate, "Total Recall" remains a highlight in a career of highlights for both its star and its director. And the 2012 remake (which, sadly, isn't on Netflix) has its moments too, if we're being perfectly honest with each other.

When to Watch : You are ready to get your ass to Mars.

Zathura is the kid-friendly science fiction you've been looking for

From the original film to its two surprisingly successful video game-inspired sequels, no franchise continues to surprise as much as "Jumanji." And although "Zathura" is more overtly a children's movie than its predecessor — Robin Williams had a habit of aging up his projects — it comes packing a pretty heartfelt message of brotherly love. We never split the party, no matter how frustrating its members might be.

Those who appreciate director Jon Favreau's place as the next Robert Zemeckis — they're both directors with an eye for family entertainment and an appetite for technology — will find a lot of value in "Zathura." In terms of Favreau's career, the film serves as the pivot point between "Elf" and "Iron Man," and similarities to both movies can be seen throughout. For everyone else, the film is a solid entry in the loosely-defined "Jumanji" universe, with admirable pre-fame roles performances from both Josh Hutcherson and Kirsten Stewart. Just shrug off some of the weird reveals regarding Dax Shepard's character (you know the ones).

When to Watch: You need something for the entire family but still want a little bit of space adventure on your Thursday evening.

Kids' Entertainment

Do you have a future astronaut in the family? Read on!

There's really no downside to encouraging a love of outer space in your kiddos. And while family visits to the planetarium might not be feasible every weekend, these kids’ shows about space will keep their intergalactic curiosity peaked from the comfort of your home. From imaginative animated series, to pint-sized space documentaries, this list is sure to spark an interest in the worlds beyond our own.

Aside from interesting facts about the planets, a working knowledge of outer space has multiple benefits for kids. By learning about what lies beyond our own atmosphere, kids get a glimpse into what makes planet Earth so special. And once they understand that uniqueness, they are more likely to be interested in conservation and environmental science at a young age. Additionally, learning about space can help foster an interest in science, engineering, technology, mathematics, and more. With a growing need for new minds in STEM fields, there is truly no drawback to getting your kids' minds working early.

Along with endless resources about outer space online, educational and inspirational programs geared towards younger viewers can be a great tool for fostering an interest in learning more about our galaxy. Here are a few great shows to get you started.

This series of three to five minute segments is the perfect space show for those times you only want a little bit of screen time (even watching all of them is less than half an hour), but it’s an educational and beautifully shot primer on our galaxy and the technologies scientists use to learn more about our universe.

Stream Spaced Out , rated TV-G, on Disney+ .

Star Trek Prodigy

When a cadre of children on an enslaved planet discover a Federation ship, they realize they have been presented with an opportunity to escape to a better world. As they learn the values of the United Federation of Planets, they also learn how to work together as a team.

Stream Star Trek: Prodigy , rated TV-Y7, on Netflix .

Dogs in Space

In the not-so-distant future, humans have all but destroyed Earth. In order to save their species, they have sent a cadre of genetically enhanced dogs on an intergalactic mission to find a new home for humanity. The pups — Garbage, Stella, Nomi, Ed, Chonies, and Loaf — are determined to succeed, mainly so they can return to their beloved owners.

Stream Dogs in Space , rated TV-Y7, on Netflix .

Lost in Space

This reboot of the classic space show from the 1960s earned some terrific reviews from critics and viewers alike. When the Robinson family crash lands on an alien planet, the struggle to survive — and return home — amid untold dangers.

Stream Lost in Space , rated TV-PG, on Netflix .

The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants in Space

In this season of Captain Underpants , George, Harold and their friends all go to school on a space station, and things get weird... well... even weirder than usual, which is saying something! Fortunately, Captain Underpants is around to make sure the day is saved.

Stream The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants in Space , rated TV-Y7, on Netflix .

The Mandalorian

Adopted as a child by the Mandalorians, a diaspora community of mercendaries and bounty hunters, Din Djarin is a loner. But when a job leaves him in the care of a tiny, non-verbal, but Force sensitive child, he finds a new purpose: the protect this little one at all costs. His intergalactic adventures are just the thing for your space-loving child. (And whomst among us doesn’t love “Baby Yoda.”)

Stream The Mandalorian , rated TV-14, on Disney+ .

The Orville

Think “ Star Trek , but make it funny.” Set 400 years in the future, this space show follows the interstellar adventures of The Orville , a somewhat shabby exploratory ship crewed by a rag-tag band of misfits determined to explore the universe. This is a great pic for families with older kids ( Common Sense Media suggests 12 and older ).

Stream The Orville , rated TV-14, on Hulu .

It’s 1999 in New York City, and Phillip J. Fry, a humble pizza delivery boy, is ready to ring in the New Year. But before he knows it, he’s cryogenically frozen only to emerge 1,000 years in the future in New New York. In this future world, intergalactic travel and living alongside aliens and robots is the norm. A classic pick for families with older kids .

Stream Futurama , rated TV-14, on Hulu .

Space Racers

Space Racers is an animated preschool series that introduces young children to the worlds beyond our own. The show follows the adventures of the Stardust Space Academy cadets, a group of young planes out to explore the galaxy. In the course of their explorations, young viewers will get an education on scientific exploration and investigation, as well as the importance of cooperation and teamwork.

Watch Space Racers (rated TV-Y) on Tubi .

Ready Jet Go!

Ready Jet Go! is the story of three kids who get to know an alien family and learns quite a bit about science and the solar system along the way. A central focus of the show is the evolutionary nature of science, and how our understand of it changes as people make new discoveries. Who knows, maybe it will inspire your kids to go on to make a discovery of their own one day.

Watch Ready Jet Go! (rated TV-PG) on Amazon Prime Video .

What's Up In Space: The Solar System For Kids

This fun, educational series approaches space-related topics at an age appropriate level, answering common classroom space questions in a refreshing new way. Each episode features a mix of animation, colorful illustrations, and live-action scenes. This award-winning series has had great success in both homes and classrooms, so your kids are sure to love it.

Watch What’s Up In Space: The Solar System For Kids (rated TV-G) for free on Amazon Prime .

The Planets

Another fun documentary series, The Planets reviews cutting-edge discoveries about the planets, explains the origin of the sun, raises the question of life on other planets, and more. While it may not be flashy enough to entertain preschoolers, older kids will learn a lot from the five-part series.

Watch The Planets (not rated) on PBS.

Mission Force One

If you're looking for an action-packed series that is set in space, you've found your jam. Space adventurer Miles Callisto is little boy ready for anything the universe throws at him. Follow his travels through the universe with his family and his best friend, a robo-ostrich named Merc. Each episode features an interesting fact related to outer space or science that guides the storyline.

Watch Mission Force One (TV-Y) on Disney+ .

The Magic School Bus Rides Again: Kids In Space

Who better to take your kids on field trips into outer space than the one and only Ms. Frizzle? She and her magical school bus full of curious kiddos, along with the help of her pet iguana, are headed to infinity and beyond in this special. With episode runtimes of just 25 minutes, even the most distractible of children are sure to tune in for this one.

Stream The Magic School Bus Rides Again: Kids In Space (TV-Y) on Netflix.

Bill Nye The Science Guy: Outer Space

If you're looking for a little bit of nostalgia thrown in with your kids' education, Bill Nye The Science Guy is here to lend a hand. Each episode of his show teaches kids a specific topic in a natural science, outer space included!

Watch Bill Nye The Science Guy: Outer Space (not rated) on YouTube .

How The Universe Works

Mike Rowe takes viewers on a journey through the cosmos that goes over our own solar system, distant galaxies, and even travels back in time to the Big Bang. Another series aimed at older children, these eight episodes are 50 minutes long.

Watch How The Universe Works (TV-PG) on Discovery+.

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

While not every episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is set on Mars, the Martian Mickey episodes have become a staple in my home when my toddler is looking for a bit of outer space in her day. She watches these episodes on repeat and has been begging to go to Mars herself ever since.

Watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (rated TV-Y) on Disney+.

Star Wars Rebels

A kid-friendly approach to the popular film franchise, these intergalactic adventures will give them a peak into the Star Wars universe along with an exciting introduction into outer space.

Watch Star Wars Rebels (TV-Y7) on Disney+.

The Jetsons

Introduce your kids to one of the greatest cartoons of all time: The Jetsons ! This ‘60s-era sitcom follows George Jetson, his wife Jane, his kids Judy and Elroy, their talking dog Astro, and their robotic maid Rosie who live in outer space in the future. It’s still a delight!

Watch The Jetsons (rated TV-G) on HBO Max .

A StoryBots Space Adventure

This 12-minute StoryBots special takes the gang to outer space, where they join the space travelers of the historic Inspiration4 mission and discover answers to kids’ questions about outer space. There’s also plenty of fun, educational songs.

Watch A StoryBots Space Adventure (rated TV-Y) on Netflix .

With offerings for kids of all ages, you should be able to find something on this list for your little ones — whether they're in preschool or grade school. Happy watching!

This article was originally published on Jan. 30, 2021