Looking for some new shows to binge-watch?
You’ve probably scrolled all the halls of Netflix categories wondering what you should watch next. If you’re a sci-fi fan, and you have Prime Video, then you’re in for some mind-bending, futuristic treats.
Amazon Prime Video has become a treasure trove of stellar sci-fi content suitable for a good binge session.
In this article, I’m going to give you 11 of their best original series that’ll scratch that sci-fi itch and keep you glued to your screen.
Why Amazon Prime Video Is a Sci-Fi Hub
Amazon Prime Video has really stepped up its game in recent years. They’ve poured serious cash into producing top-notch original content, and sci-fi fans are reaping the benefits. From space operas to time-travel tales, there’s something for everyone.
The best part? These shows aren’t just flashy effects and cool gadgets. They’re packed with compelling stories, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes that’ll stick with you long after the credits roll.
Here are the 11 best original sci-fi series to watch right now from Amazon Prime Video.
Top 11 Amazon Prime Video Original Sci-Fi Series
Remember, you can get a 30-day free trial to Amazon Prime Video if you don’t already have a subscription to Prime. Subscribe and binge all 11 titles for free.
1. Fallout
“Fallout” is a sci-fi series that successful blends a few genres including action, drama, post-apocalyptic fiction and science-fiction western together. It is the newest entry on this list after having been released in April 2024. Based on the popular video game of the same name, the show is about the citizens of post-apocalypse Los Angeles trying to protect themselves from radiation, mutants and bandits following a nuclear attack.
It was well-received by critics and audiences alike scoring a 4.6/5 star rating among Prime Video reviewers. Fans praise the humor and the show’s ability to capture the essence of the game series while creating a compelling narrative of its own. The stellar cast, including Ella Purnell and Walton Goggins, brings depth to their characters, making the wasteland feel alive and lived-in.
With its mix of dark humor, retro-futuristic aesthetics, and thought-provoking themes about human nature, “Fallout” has quickly become a must-watch for both gamers and sci-fi enthusiasts alike.
2. The Expanse
“The Expanse” is a wild ride through a colonized solar system on the brink of war. Based on James S. A. Corey’s book series, this show has it all – political intrigue, alien mysteries, and some of the most realistic space physics you’ll see on TV. The characters are so well-developed, you’ll feel like you’re part of the crew. With a 4.7/5 star rating, it’s clear that fans can’t get enough of this space epic.
The show originally started on the Syfy channel and despite having great reviews and winning a Hugo Award and 3 Saturn nominations for best sci-fi series, it was cancelled after just 3 seasons. Amazon saw its potential and bought the rights, running it for another 3 seasons before it concluded.
3. The Man in the High Castle
“The Man in the High Castle” asks a chilling question: What if the Axis powers had won World War II? Based on Philip K. Dick’s novel, this alternate history thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s got spies, resistance fighters, and parallel universes – what more could you want? Fans have given it a stellar 4.5/5 stars for its gripping plot and superb acting.
4. Undone
Here’s something a little different. “Undone” is a rotoscope-animated series that follows a young woman who gains the ability to manipulate time after a near-fatal car accident. It’s visually stunning, emotionally rich, and explores themes of mental health and family secrets. Critics and viewers alike have praised its innovative storytelling, giving it a impressive 4.6/5 star rating.
5. Tales From the Loop
Ever wondered what life would be like if strange, sci-fi concepts were just part of everyday life? “Tales from the Loop” explores exactly that. Inspired by Simon Stålenhag’s art book, each episode tells a different story set in a town where the impossible becomes possible. It’s like “The Twilight Zone” meets small-town America, with a dash of retro-futurism. Critics and viewers alike praise its haunting beauty and emotional depth, giving it a solid 4.5/5 stars.
6. Upload
What if you could choose your afterlife? “Upload” takes this wild idea and runs with it. Set in a future where people can “upload” their consciousness to a digital afterlife, this show blends sci-fi concepts with rom-com charm and a dash of murder mystery. It’s funny, it’s touching, and it’ll make you think twice about the role of technology in our lives. With a 4.5/5 star rating, viewers are clearly loving this digital afterlife.
7. Electric Dreams
If you like your sci-fi in bite-sized chunks, “Electric Dreams” is right up your alley. This anthology series is also based on Philip K. Dick’s short stories, with each episode tackling a different sci-fi concept. From virtual reality to alien invasions, it covers a lot of ground. With big-name stars and mind-bending plots, it’s no wonder this show has earned a 4.3/5 star rating.
“Electric Dreams” only ran for 1 season with 10 episodes but it garnered two Primetime Emmy nominations as well as 2 Saturn Award nominations and 4 Black Reel Award nominations.
8. The Peripheral
Ready for some cyberpunk action? “The Peripheral,” based on William Gibson’s novel, delivers in spades. Set in a near-future America and a post-apocalyptic London, it follows a young woman who discovers a secret connection to an alternate reality. With its sleek visuals and mind-bending plot, it’s no surprise that sci-fi fans have awarded it a 4.3/5 star rating.
9. Night Sky
Imagine finding a portal to another planet in your backyard. That’s the premise of “Night Sky,” starring the legendary J.K. Simmons and Sissy Spacek. This slow-burn sci-fi drama balances its otherworldly elements with a touching exploration of aging and long-term relationships. It’s got mystery, it’s got heart, and it’s got a 4.2/5 star rating from viewers who appreciate its unique blend of genres.
10. Paper Girls
“Paper Girls” follows four newspaper delivery girls who get caught up in a time war. Based on the comic book series by Brian K. Vaughan, this show mixes nostalgia with sci-fi adventure. It’s like “Stranger Things” meets “Doctor Who,” with a girl-power twist. Great show for ’80s kids and time-travel fans. Viewers have given it a 4.2/5 star rating for its fun premise and strong character development.
Only 8 episodes of this show is available so it’s built for a quick binge. The show, though it received favorable reviews was cancelled in 2022 after only 1 season.
11. Outer Range
What do you get when you mix a Western with sci-fi elements? You get “Outer Range,” a genre-bending series that’s as mysterious as it is captivating. Starring Josh Brolin as a rancher who discovers a bizarre phenomenon on his land, this show keeps you guessing until the very end. Its unique premise and stellar performances have earned it a 4.2/5 star rating.
What Makes These Shows Stand Out?
So, what sets these shows apart from the sci-fi crowd?
For starters, they’re not afraid to take risks. Whether it’s the hard sci-fi approach of “The Expanse” or the genre-blending of “Outer Range,” these series push the boundaries of what sci-fi can be.
But it’s not just about cool concepts. These shows shine because they put characters first. They use sci-fi elements to explore very human stories – love, loss, identity, and the choices that define us. That’s why they resonate with viewers and critics alike.
Another standout feature? The production value. Amazon has clearly spared no expense in bringing these worlds to life. From the gritty realism of “The Expanse” to the retro-futuristic aesthetic of “Tales from the Loop,” each show has its own distinct visual style that draws you right in.
These series aren’t afraid to tackle huge ideas. They use their sci-fi premises to comment on current issues like climate change, technology ethics, political divisions, and more, in ways that are thought-provoking without being preachy.
They also excel at adapting beloved properties. “Fallout” proves that video game adaptations can be done right when they capture the spirit of the source material while creating something new and exciting for the screen. It joins “The Expanse” and “The Man in the High Castle” in showing how Prime Video can turn beloved books and games into must-watch TV.
Conclusion
There you have it, folks – 11 of the best sci-fi series Amazon Prime Video has to offer. Whether you’re into space operas, time travel, alternate histories, post-apocalyptic wastelands, or something completely different, there’s a show here that’ll knock your socks off.
These aren’t just good sci-fi shows; they’re good TV, period. They prove that science fiction isn’t just about lasers and aliens (although those are cool too). It’s about exploring the human condition through the lens of “what if?”
So, what are you waiting for? Grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready for some mind-bending, heart-touching, utterly addictive sci-fi goodness. Trust me, your inner geek will thank you.
