30 Best 90s Sci-fi Shows Every Fan Needs To Watch
The 90s was a decade of great advancement in science fiction television shows. Technological advancements and a growing fascination with the unknown made it the perfect time to explore new worlds, dimensions and possibilities. Fans were left in awe by the creativity and storytelling of these shows, leading to some of the best sci-fi series of all time.
From space adventures to time-traveling escapades, the 90s had it all. These shows took viewers on thrilling journeys through the universe, where anything was possible. These shows continue to captivate audiences today with groundbreaking special effects and compelling storylines. If you’re a sci-fi fan, these 90s shows are a must-watch.
The X-Files (1993-2002)
The X-Files follows the story of FBI agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) as they investigate unexplained phenomena, including paranormal and extraterrestrial cases.
Mulder believes in the existence of extraterrestrial life and the supernatural, while Scully is a skeptic. Together, they uncover a government conspiracy to cover up the existence of aliens and their technology, and fight to uncover the truth.
Babylon 5 (1994-1998)
Babylon 5 is a space opera on a five-mile-long space station in 2257. The station serves as a hub for diplomacy and trade between different species, and is a place of political intrigue and conflict.
The show follows the story of the station’s crew, as they navigate through various alliances and conflicts, including a looming war between different alien races.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993-1999)
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine takes place on a space station in the Bajoran system, which was recently liberated from the Cardassian occupation. The show follows the story of the station’s crew, led by Commander Benjamin Sisko (Avery Brooks), as they explore the Gamma Quadrant and encounter new alien species. The show also explores themes of politics, war, and religion, as the Bajoran people deal with the aftermath of their occupation.
Stargate SG-1 (1997-2007)
Stargate SG-1 is a spin-off of the 1994 film Stargate, and follows the story of a team of military personnel who use an ancient alien device called the Stargate to travel to different planets.
Led by Colonel Jack O’Neill (Richard Dean Anderson), the team explores new worlds and encounters different alien species, while also dealing with threats from a powerful race of beings known as the Goa’uld. The show also explores themes of mythology and ancient civilizations, as the Stargate is revealed to have been used by different cultures throughout history.
Sliders (1995-2000)
Sliders follows the adventures of a group of travelers who discover a way to travel between parallel universes. Led by Quinn Mallory (Jerry O’Connell), the group slides from one universe to another, encountering different versions of themselves and exploring alternate realities.
Along the way, they face challenges and dangers, including encountering evil versions of themselves and getting stuck in universes that are not safe.
Quantum Leap (1989-1993)
Quantum Leap follows the story of Dr. Sam Beckett (Scott Bakula), a scientist who becomes trapped in a time travel experiment, leaping into the bodies of different people in different time periods.
Sam must find a way to “leap” back to his own time, while also helping the people he inhabits to fix their problems and change history for the better. Along the way, he is guided by his holographic companion Al (Dean Stockwell), who provides him with information and support.
Star Trek: Voyager (1995-2001)
Star Trek: Voyager follows the adventures of the USS Voyager, a Starfleet vessel that becomes stranded in the Delta Quadrant, 70,000 light years from Earth.
The crew, led by Captain Kathryn Janeway (Kate Mulgrew), must find a way back to Earth while also dealing with new alien threats and challenges. The show explores exploration, diplomacy, and survival themes, as the crew navigates through uncharted space and encounters new alien species.
The Outer Limits (1995-2002)
The Outer Limits is an anthology series that explores different science fiction and horror stories, each with a different cast and storyline. The show often deals with themes of morality, ethics, and the consequences of scientific experimentation.
Each episode is introduced by a voice-over that warns viewers that they are about to enter a realm “beyond that which is known to man.” The show features many actors and guest stars, including Ryan Reynolds, Mark Hamill, and Alyssa Milano.
The Adventures of Brisco County Jr. (1993-1994)
The Adventures of Brisco County Jr. is a Western/science fiction hybrid that follows the story of Brisco County Jr. (Bruce Campbell), a Harvard-educated lawyer who becomes a bounty hunter in the Old West.
A group of businessmen hires Brisco to track down the notorious John Bly and his gang, searching for powerful artifacts left by aliens known as the “Orb.” Along the way, Brisco encounters various characters, including a rival bounty hunter and a mad scientist.
Earth 2 (1994-1995)
Earth 2 takes place in the future, where humanity has left a polluted and dying Earth to start anew on a distant planet. The show follows the story of a group of colonists, led by Devon Adair (Debrah Farentino), as they travel to the planet searching for a new home.
Along the way, they encounter various obstacles, including hostile aliens and dangerous environmental conditions. The show explores themes of survival, discovery, and the relationship between humans and their environment.
The Pretender (1996-2000)
The Pretender follows the story of Jarod (Michael T. Weiss), a genius who was taken from his parents as a child and raised in a secret government organization known as “The Centre.” Jarod can simulate and adopt any profession or personality, and uses this ability to escape from The Centre and help people in need.
The show also follows the story of Miss Parker (Andrea Parker), a The Center member tasked with capturing Jarod. The show explores themes of identity, morality, and the consequences of scientific experimentation.
The Secret World of Alex Mack (1994-1998)
The Secret World of Alex Mack follows the story of Alex Mack (Larisa Oleynik), a teenage girl who gains superpowers after exposure to a chemical spill. Alex must keep her powers a secret from her friends and family while also dealing with the effects of chemical exposure on her health. The show explores themes of adolescence, friendship, and the dangers of industrial pollution.
Dark Skies (1996-1997)
Dark Skies takes place in the 1960s, where a young couple, John (Eric Close) and Kim (Megan Ward), become embroiled in a government conspiracy involving extraterrestrial life. The show explores themes of paranoia, trust, and the fear of the unknown, as the couple tries to uncover the truth about the government’s involvement with the aliens.
SeaQuest DSV (1993-1996)
SeaQuest DSV is a science fiction series that takes place in the year 2018, where a United Earth Oceans Organization (UEO) submarine, the SeaQuest DSV, explores the ocean’s depths and encounters different underwater civilizations.
The show follows the story of the crew, led by Captain Nathan Bridger (Roy Scheider), as they deal with various challenges, including environmental disasters and conflicts with rival nations. The show also explores themes of diplomacy, teamwork, and the consequences of scientific experimentation.
The Sentinel (1996-1999)
The Sentinel follows the story of Jim Ellison (Richard Burgi), a former Army Ranger who gains heightened senses after spending 18 months alone in the wilderness.
With the help of his friend and guide, Blair Sandburg (Garett Maggart), Jim uses his abilities to fight crime and protect the citizens of Cascade, Washington. The show explores themes of friendship, justice, and the dangers of unchecked power.
First Wave (1998-2001)
First Wave follows the story of Cade Foster (Sebastian Spence), a former intelligence operative who discovers a conspiracy to take over the Earth by aliens known as the Gua. Cade sets out to stop the Gua and protect humanity, aided by his ally, Eddie (Rob LaBelle). The show explores themes of paranoia, survival, and the struggle against oppression.
Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (1995-1999)
Hercules: The Legendary Journeys is a fantasy series that follows the story of the mythical hero, Hercules (Kevin Sorbo), as he travels through ancient Greece and battles monsters, gods, and other supernatural threats.
Along the way, he is joined by his loyal friend, Iolaus (Michael Hurst), and encounters various characters from Greek mythology. The show explores themes of heroism, redemption, and the power of friendship.
Farscape (1999-2003)
Farscape follows the story of astronaut John Crichton (Ben Browder), who is accidentally transported to a distant part of the galaxy and embroiled in a conflict between alien species. Along the way, he encounters a variety of characters, including a group of escaped prisoners and a living ship named Moya. The show explores themes of identity, morality, and the struggle to survive in a hostile environment.
Space: Above and Beyond (1995-1996)
Space: Above and Beyond takes place in the year 2063, where a group of young Marines fight in a war against a mysterious alien race known as the Chigs. The show explores themes of war, sacrifice, and the bonds of brotherhood, as the soldiers face the dangers of space combat and deal with the emotional toll of the war.
The Visitor (1997-1998)
The Visitor follows the story of Adam MacArthur (John Corbett), a reporter who discovers that his 8-year-old son has the ability to time-travel. Together, they try to prevent a future disaster, while also dealing with the consequences of changing the course of history. The show explores themes of family, destiny, and the power of love.
Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994)
Star Trek: The Next Generation follows the adventures of the USS Enterprise-D, a Starfleet vessel that explores the galaxy and encounters different alien species. Led by Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), the crew deals with a variety of challenges, including conflicts with rival civilizations and threats to the safety of the galaxy. The show explores themes of diplomacy, exploration, and the potential for humanity to overcome its flaws.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (1992)
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is a science fiction comedy series that follows the story of Arthur Dent (Simon Jones), a human who is transported off Earth just moments before it is destroyed to make way for a hyperspace bypass.
Along with his alien friend Ford Prefect (David Dixon), Arthur travels through the galaxy and encounters a variety of strange and bizarre characters. The show explores themes of the meaning of life, the absurdity of existence, and the power of laughter.
American Gothic (1995-1996)
American Gothic is a horror series that follows the story of Sheriff Lucas Buck (Gary Cole), a powerful and corrupt figure in the small town of Trinity, South Carolina.
Buck is the father of the young Caleb (Lucas Black), who he claims is the product of a supernatural pact he made with the devil. As the town’s sheriff, Buck uses his power to control and manipulate the people around him, including his own son and Caleb’s cousin Gail (Paige Turco).
VR.5 (1995)
VR.5 follows the story of Sydney Bloom (Lori Singer), a woman with the ability to enter virtual reality and interact with people and events in a way that is more real than reality.
Along with her friend Duncan (Michael Easton), Sydney uses her unique abilities to help people in need, including a man who has lost his memory and a woman who is trapped in a virtual world. As she delves deeper into the world of virtual reality, Sydney uncovers a conspiracy that threatens to destroy the world as she knows it.
Earth: Final Conflict (1997-2002)
Earth: Final Conflict takes place in the near future, where a race of aliens known as the Taelons arrive on Earth and offer to share their advanced technology and knowledge with humanity.
Led by the charismatic Da’an (Leni Parker), the Taelons become deeply involved in human affairs, forming alliances with governments and working to solve the world’s problems. However, a resistance movement led by the human Joshua Doors (Richard Chevolleau) sees the Taelons as a threat to humanity and works to expose their true intentions.
The Odyssey (1992-1994)
The Odyssey follows the story of Jay Ziegler (Illya Woloshyn), a young boy who is in a coma and travels through a surreal world of his own imagination.
Along the way, he encounters a variety of characters, including a talking computer named Thespia (Ashleigh Aston Moore) and a shape-shifting guardian named Hermes (Tony Sampson). As he navigates this strange world, Jay tries to find a way back to reality and understand the mysteries of his own mind.
Lexx (1997-2002)
Lexx is a science fiction series that follows the story of a group of outcasts, including the undead assassin Kai (Michael McManus) and the half-human, half-insect Zev (Eva Habermann), who travel through space in a living spaceship called the Lexx.
They are joined by the cowardly Stanley Tweedle (Brian Downey) and the robot 790 (Jeffrey Hirschfield). The show explores a dark and twisted universe, where the characters encounter different alien species and engage in a variety of adventures, including battling evil dictators and uncovering conspiracies.
The Prisoner (1990)
The Prisoner is a remake of the classic 1960s series of the same name. It follows the story of a man known only as Number Six (Jim Caviezel), who is imprisoned in a mysterious village and subjected to psychological experiments by a group known as the “Village Council.”
Number Six is determined to escape and discover the truth about why he was imprisoned, but he soon realizes that the village is full of traps and obstacles designed to break his spirit.
Millennium (1996-1999)
Millennium follows the story of Frank Black (Lance Henriksen), a retired FBI agent who can see into serial killers’ minds. He is recruited by a shadowy organization, the Millennium Group, to help solve crimes and prevent the coming apocalypse. Along the way, he struggles with his own sanity and the moral implications of his work.
Highlander: The Series (1992-1998)
Highlander: The Series follows the story of Duncan MacLeod (Adrian Paul), an immortal warrior who battles other immortals throughout history. Along the way, he encounters a variety of characters, including his mentor Juan Sanchez Villa-Lobos Ramirez (Sean Connery) and his friend and occasional rival Methos (Peter Wingfield).
The show explores themes of mortality, friendship, and the cost of eternal life, as Duncan navigates a world where he can never die and must face the consequences of his actions throughout the centuries.
