Top 7 Sci-Fi Series with 90%+ Rotten Tomatoes Ratings

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Several science fiction series have earned exceptionally high ratings on Rotten Tomatoes – 90% or better. While many sci-fi shows are great, not all of them achieve this level of critical acclaim. For example, even popular and compelling shows like Lost (86%) and the chilling Netflix series Black Mirror (83%) didn’t quite reach the 90% threshold.

To really capture viewers, a science fiction show needs a compelling and frightening setting, whether it features futuristic technology or strange beings. This world needs to feel believable and well-thought-out, not silly or forced. A common problem is shows getting lost in complicated storylines that don’t ultimately lead to a rewarding conclusion.

As a sci-fi fan, I have to say these shows really deliver! The characters are well-developed and the stories are just amazing – it’s no surprise they’ve gotten such great reviews and everyone’s been talking about them!

The Twilight Zone (92%)

Rod Serling’s The Twilight Zone truly shaped how we experience storytelling on television. It proved a single episode could be a complete and compelling story, often featuring a memorable antagonist, an intriguing puzzle, and a surprising ending. It’s a testament to its impact that the show still boasts a 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Sci-fi and horror stories don’t always end happily, but each episode of The Twilight Zone is uniquely captivating and memorable. While some episodes are stronger than others, even the weaker ones offer an interesting idea, at least one frightening scene, and a thought-provoking conclusion.

Despite first airing in 1959, The Twilight Zone still has many famous episodes that people talk about today. For example, “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet” creates a frightening image of something terrifying on an airplane wing, while “The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street” tells a scary story about dangers lurking in a typical neighborhood.

Star Trek: The Next Generation (92%)

It’s unusual for any TV show to consistently deliver seven outstanding seasons, and it’s even harder for science fiction shows, which often get lost in complex details. That’s what makes Star Trek: The Next Generation – following the voyages of Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) and the crew of the USS Enterprise – truly special.

With over ten Star Trek series, The Next Generation remains the most beloved and is still widely discussed today. Whether it’s the Klingon characters or the everyday challenges faced by the crew of the USS EnterpriseD, Star Trek: TNG* is unforgettable and has left a lasting impact on popular culture.

It’s rare for a show with so many episodes to be perfect, and the first season of Star Trek: The Next Generation often gets criticism. Still, it remains a beloved series full of exciting stories, and it’s usually what people suggest to those new to Star Trek.

Battlestar Galactica (95%)

While the original Battlestar Galactica from 1978 only received a 43% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the 2004 reimagining is widely considered the better show, boasting a 95% rating.

Great science fiction series always feature memorable settings, and both Star Trek and Battlestar Galactica deliver with their expansive space-based worlds. Though both shows are fan favorites, they offer very distinct experiences.

Battlestar Galactica is known for its complex relationships, especially between characters like Starbuck and William Adama, as they fight against a robotic enemy called the Cylons. While robot villains can often feel cliché, the Cylons in this show are genuinely creepy, making the 2000s series a really exciting watch.

Severance (95%)

AppleTV+ is quickly becoming a favorite for science fiction fans, with popular shows like Silo and the critically acclaimed Pluribus. However, nothing on the platform quite measures up to Severance, which boasts an impressive 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

If you’ve seen the first two seasons, you’ll probably agree that Severance deserved a perfect score. This sci-fi series, set within the mysterious Lumon Industries, is full of the surprising twists and turns that make a great story.

I was completely drawn in by “Severance,” and a lot of that comes down to Adam Scott’s incredible performance as Mark S. The show posits this fascinating idea: what if you could completely separate your work life from your personal life? It’s a compelling premise, and Scott really sells the emotional weight of that division. He’s supported by a fantastic cast, too – Zach Cherry, Dichen Lachman, Britt Lower, and Patricia Arquette all deliver really strong work. They all feel crucial to building this strange and unsettling world.

The show has done a great job of slowly revealing information while still keeping things intriguing, so it absolutely deserves to continue for several more seasons. We believe that will give the writers enough time to finally answer all the questions the series has raised.

Stranger Things (92%)

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It’s rare for a TV show to stay popular for nearly ten years, but Stranger Things on Netflix has managed to do just that. While the show has a fantastic 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, some viewers feel it could be even better. One reason might be that certain episodes, like “The Lost Sister” from season two, don’t quite fit with the main storyline and feel a bit out of place.

The long wait between seasons four and five has been frustrating, though fans are excited for the final season. Despite this, Stranger Things remains highly deserving of its acclaim, largely due to its well-developed characters and emotionally powerful moments.

Though the show features strong science fiction elements – like the terrifying Upside Down and creatures such as Vecna and the Mind Flayer – many viewers connect with the characters’ personal growth and relationships. Unlike some sci-fi shows, this one focuses more on emotional storytelling, and it’s very effective.

Orphan Black (93%)

It’s no surprise Orphan Black has a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Tatiana Maslany’s incredible performance playing 17 different clones, combined with a truly gripping and thought-provoking story, makes for compelling television. The show tackles the complex idea of cloning and manages to do it well, even though it could easily have become confusing.

Even though the world of Orphan Black gets increasingly complicated with each season, the show remains relatable thanks to its main character, Sarah Manning. We discover details about Sarah’s difficult past and her strong wish to be a good mother to her daughter, Kira (Skyler Wexler), and it’s heartwarming to see her connect with other clones.

While the complex story of the clones is the biggest reason to watch Orphan Black, at its heart, it’s a touching story about a woman looking for her family. This personal connection makes the show’s sci-fi elements even more engaging.

The Expanse (95%)

This sci-fi series, which ran for six seasons on SyFy and Prime Video, is a strong addition to the genre, offering a compelling story set within our solar system. Despite a complex initial setup with detailed world-building, the show consistently delivers high quality and avoids becoming confusing or disappointing.

Beyond its grand, sweeping scale, The Expanse tackles complex political themes like rivalry and conflict, giving the show real depth. Many space-based sci-fi series fall flat when future technology feels unrealistic, but The Expanse avoids this pitfall with its stunning and believable visuals.

It’s easy to understand why many believe The Expanse is unmatched, even after watching just one episode. Great science fiction allows us to simply enjoy the story, and despite the number of space-based series available, The Expanse‘s stunning visuals still manage to impress.

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2025-11-12 03:10