Celebrate the ‘Dune: Prophecy’ premiere by binging these 7 must-watch sci-fi fantasy shows
Celebrate the ‘Dune: Prophecy’ premiere by binging these 7 must-watch sci-fi fantasy shows
From space adventures to parallel worlds, these shows are the perfect appetizer before jumping into “Dune: Prophecy.”
There’s something endlessly interesting about exploring other worlds, whether out in space or parallel universes on planet earth. That’s why sci-fi fantasy TV shows seem to always be in style. And there will be a new show in the collection when HBO drops its “Dune” prequel series, “Dune: Prophecy” on Sunday, Nov. 17 at 9 p.m. ET. With that premiere this weekend, now is a good time to count down the top 7 sci-fi fantasy TV shows you can stream right now.
Top 7 Sci-Fi Fantasy TV Shows On Streaming Right Now:
No. 7: ‘His Dark Materials’ (2024) | Max
“His Dark Materials” is a fantasy series based on Philip Pullman’s popular trilogy. The story follows young Lyra Belacqua (played by Dafne Keen) as she sets off on a journey through parallel universes to uncover the truth behind a mysterious substance called Dust. Along the way, she faces witches, armored polar bears, and sinister groups, all while trying to fulfill a prophecy that could change the fate of all worlds. Lyra’s journey intertwines with that of Will Parry (Amir Wilson), a boy from another world who becomes her friend and ally.
Created by Jack Thorne, the series blends magic, adventure, and philosophical questions about the nature of the universe. With standout performances by Ruth Wilson as the complex Mrs. Coulter and James McAvoy as Lord Asriel, along with awesome set designs and special effects, it’s a good one to add to your streaming list.
His Dark Materials
Lyra is an orphan who lives in a parallel universe in which science, theology and magic are entwined. Her search for a kidnapped friend uncovers a sinister plot involving stolen children and turns into a quest to understand a mysterious phenomenon called Dust. She is later joined on her journey by Will, a boy who possesses a knife that can cut windows between worlds. As she learns the truth about her parents and her prophesied destiny, the two young people are caught up in a war against celestial powers that ranges across many worlds.
No. 6: ‘3 Body Problem’ (2024) | Netflix
Like many of the shows on this list, “3 Body Problem” is based on a book by the same name by renown Chinese science fiction writer, Liu Cixin. The story explores humanity’s first contact with an alien civilization when a Chinese scientist uncovers an international conspiracy after receiving strange signals from space. As the truth unravels, it forces humanity to confront the implications of reaching out to a species far more advanced than our own.
The series, created by David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, and Alexander Woo, dives deep into themes of science, survival, and existential dread. With a mix of hard science fiction and philosophical exploration, the show delivers a visually stunning experience with excellent performances from Benedict Wong and Eiza González.
3 Body Problem
Across continents and decades, five brilliant friends make earth-shattering discoveries as the laws of science unravel and an existential threat emerges.
No. 5: ‘Raised By Wolves’ (2020) | Max
Created by Aaron Guzikowski, “Raised by Wolves” transports viewers to a faraway planet where two androids raise human children after the destruction of Earth. The show explores what happens when these androids attempt to build a new civilization, only to face off against a group of religious colonists who arrive to reclaim the planet. The series explores the never-ending conflict between faith and reason, as both humans and androids struggle with their programming and beliefs.
Part sci-fi, part psychological thriller, the series has a haunting atmosphere that keeps you guessing. The visuals are stunning, with stark landscapes that complement its philosophical tone. Stars Amanda Collin and Abubakar Salim are great, as they explore what it means to be human when humanity itself is on the brink.
Raised by Wolves
After Earth is ravaged by a great religious war, an atheistic android architect sends two of his creations, Mother and Father, to start a peaceful, godless colony on the planet Kepler-22b. Their treacherous task is jeopardized by the arrival of the Mithraic, a deeply devout religious order of surviving humans.
No. 4: ‘Silo’ (2023) | Apple TV+
With the second season dropping on Thursday, Nov. 14, it’s a great time to catch up “Silo.” The show tells the story of humanity’s last remnants who live deep underground in a massive silo, where everything they do is tightly regulated to ensure survival. When Juliette, an engineer played by Rebecca Ferguson, starts investigating a suspicious death, she discovers unsettling secrets about the silo’s origins and purpose. As she digs deeper, it becomes clear that the rules might not just be to keep them safe… but to keep them inside.
Created by Graham Yost, the show has a tense, claustrophobic feel, with every episode peeling back layers of mystery. It’s thrilling, gorgeous to look at, and bingeworthy - my wife and I ripped through it in about three days as the mystery keeps getting better.
Silo
In a ruined and toxic future, thousands live in a giant silo deep underground. After its sheriff breaks a cardinal rule and residents die mysteriously, engineer Juliette starts to uncover shocking secrets and the truth about the silo.
No. 3: ‘Foundation’ (2021) | Apple TV+
I read the first “Foundation” book earlier this year (I was on a sci-fi kick and knocked out “Dune,” “Ender’s Game,” “Snow Crash” among others), and the TV show was a great way to keep the party going. It’s certainly ambitious to try and bring the TV adaption of “Foundation” to life, as Isaac Asimov’s classic series is expansive. It follows Dr. Hari Seldon (played by Jared Harris) as he predicts the fall of a vast Galactic Empire. To save humanity from a prolonged dark age, Seldon establishes a foundation to preserve knowledge. The series spans centuries and explores the impact of his ambitious plan on future generations as they navigate politics, betrayal, and the unknown.
Created by David S. Goyer and Josh Friedman, the show is a visual spectacle with sprawling alien landscapes and intricate world-building. Like the book, it’s a bit of slow burn, balancing epic sci-fi concepts with deep philosophical questions. Jared Harris, Lee Pace and Lou Llobell lead a strong cast that brings Asimov’s ambitious vision to life.
Foundation
Follow a band of exiles on their monumental journey to save humanity and rebuild civilization amid the fall of the Galactic Empire.
No. 2: ’ The Expanse’ (2015) | Prime Video
Set in a future where humanity has colonized the solar system, “The Expanse” follows the crew of the Rocinante as they uncover a conspiracy that could alter the balance of power among Earth, Mars, and the asteroid belt. The series begins with a missing person’s case but quickly grows into a deeper mystery involving an ancient alien technology that threatens humanity’s existence.
Created by Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby, this show blends hard sci-fi with political intrigue, focusing on realistic space travel and the harsh realities of living beyond Earth. The ensemble cast, led by Steven Strait and Shohreh Aghdashloo, brings depth to this intense, character-driven story. Fans of intelligent, gritty sci-fi will feel at home in “The Expanse.”
The Expanse
A thriller set two hundred years in the future following the case of a missing young woman who brings a hardened detective and a rogue ship’s captain together in a race across the solar system to expose the greatest conspiracy in human history.
No. 1: ‘The Mandalorian’ (2019) | Disney+
Despite the heat the “Star Wars” franchise has taken in recent years, there is one thing they got right: “The Mandalorian.” Created by the prolific (and genius) writer and producer, Jon Favreau, “The Mandalorian” follows the adventures of Din Djarin, a lone bounty hunter navigating the galaxy’s lawless outskirts in the post-Empire era. Tasked with capturing a mysterious child (affectionately known as Baby Yoda), he instead becomes its protector, leading to epic space-Western style encounters along the way, littered with shootouts, side-quests, and plenty of heart.
The show breathes new life into the “Star Wars” universe with its blend of action, nostalgia, and character-driven storytelling. Pedro Pascal shines as the stoic yet tender Mando, and when combined with the show’s gorgeous cinematography, and rich world-building, no wonder it’s a fan favorite.
The Mandalorian
After the fall of the Galactic Empire, lawlessness has spread throughout the galaxy. A lone gunfighter makes his way through the outer reaches, earning his keep as a bounty hunter.