10 Best Sci-Fi Anthology Shows, Ranked
For several generations, the science-fiction genre has been credited by many as one of the most popular and versatile genres that has equally conquered both the big and small screens. Unlike other genres, sci-fi is one that has unlimited possibilities and the continuous ability to lure audiences into a world full of the unknown and a limitless imagination surrounding popular elements such as time travel, extra-terrestrial life, and futuristic societies.
After being established successfully on the silver screen, the science-fiction genre grew to new heights on television with hit shows such as The Twilight Zone, Lost in Space, and The Outer Limits. While countless exceptional shows have accurately explored the human imagination, anthology series, including The Ray Bradbury Theater and Electric Dreams, have opened the door to many stories that an episodic series can only strive to achieve.
10
‘Tales from the Loop’ (2020)
Created by Nathaniel Halpern
Based on the book written by Simon Stålenhag, Tales from the Loop centers around the fictional town of Mercer, Ohio, where an underground facility, the Mercer Center for Experimental Physics, also known as the Loop, is located. The center is home to dozens of researchers who are attempting the impossible, but the facility begins to have an impact on the residents of Mercer, whose lives are all interconnected one way or another.
Between the small town setting and the relatable subjects such as aging, grief, and parenthood, Tales from the Loop has a warm, humanizing quality that varies from the traditional storytelling of the science-fiction genre, setting it apart from other modern series. Along with the captivating and emotional stories, the series also features stunning wide shots and excellent usage of lighting against a homely Midwestern background that is a perfect representation of what modern science fiction should look like.
9
‘Out of the Unknown’ (1965-1971)
Created by Irene Shubik
The British horror and science-fiction series Out of the Unknown is a hidden gem of an anthology show that was created by Irene Shubik, who also created Out of this World, hosted by Boris Karloff. Out of the Unknown features adaptations of short stories by notable sci-fi authors, such as Robert Scheckly, Clifford D. Simak, and Rog Phillips. The series originally focused on the science-fiction genre, but after the third season, the show moved into other genres, like psychological horror and fantasy.
Unfortunately, many of the episodes have been lost, specifically, those in Season 4, but Out of the Unknown was a monumental success with both British and American audiences. The series’ success is mainly credited to Shubik’s adoration for the science-fiction genre and the variety of stories and novels she selected, which gave the show an intriguing element of surprise and unpredictability.
8
‘Electric Dreams’ (2017-2018)
Created by Ronald D. Moore and Michael Dinner
Electric Dreams is an excellent anthology series based on various short stories written by notorious science-fiction author Philip K. Dick and features an interchangeable cast of notable names such as Bryan Cranston, Steve Buscemi, and True Blood star, Anna Paquin. The series does an excellent job of having a variety of Dick’s work, especially lesser-known but top-notch stories, including The Commuter, The Hanging Stranger, and Exhibit Piece.
Electric Dreams has been praised for its dreamy atmosphere and optimistic undertones with a top-billed cast that allows it to stand on its own compared to other popular modern science-fiction series. The series received generally positive reviews from audiences and critics and even received several award nominations, including two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Music Composition for a Limited or Anthology series, Movie or Special.
7
‘The Outer Limits’ (1963-1965)
Created by Leslie Stevens
The Outer Limits is often compared to The Twilight Zone, but unlike Rod Serling‘s hit series, The Outer Limits stays strictly within the boundaries of the science-fiction genre, making it more appealing to the major fans of the genre. The series earned a loyal following in its first season, but when ABC switched the show from Monday to Saturday night, it had a hard time competing against The Jackie Gleason Show.
Despite the abrupt switch and short run, The Outer Limits is recognized today as a significant piece of science-fiction television from the 60s and also featured the work of future Oscar-winner, Robert Towne, Joseph Stefano, and Harlan Ellison. The show’s creator, Leslie Stevens, got a second chance to bring back his brainchild when the series was rebooted in 1995, which he worked on as a writer until his death in 1998.
6
‘The Ray Bradbury Theater’ (1985-1992)
Created by Ray Bradbury
The Ray Bradbury Theater is a one-of-a-kind anthology series that was hosted and written by critically acclaimed sci-fi author, Ray Bradbury, who is best known for his 1953 novel, Fahrenheit 451. The series earned recognition not only for its intricate, well-developed stories but also for the famous faces who appeared in episodes, including Shelley Duvall, Louise Fletcher, Peter O’Toole, Eugene Levy, and Robert Vaughn.
While the series is focused on the basic qualities of the sci-fi genre, The Ray Bradbury Theater also throws in a mix of macabre, suspense, and dark, unexpected twists that keep audiences fully invested and fascinated from start to finish. Initially, the series earned rave reviews and today, ranks as one of the most marginalized sci-fi anthology series of all time and is worth any science-fiction fan’s attention who has yet to tune in.
5
‘Journey to the Unknown’ (1968)
Created by Joan Harrison and Norman Lloyd
Journey to the Unknown is a sci-fi anthology series that taps into an array of other genres and focuses on average, everyday people who soon find themselves in the middle of extraordinary and unexplainable scenarios. The series was described as the British equivalent to The Twilight Zone and, much like the Fifth Dimension, also featured big names such as Joseph Cotten, Patty Duke, Vera Miles, and Roddy McDowell.
Despite only running for one season, Journey to the Unknown is crucial for any sci-fi fan’s list, especially those who enjoy a potpourri of science-fiction mixed with fantasy, horror, and psychological thrillers that maintain a level of spontaneity. The series doesn’t appear to be available on any major streaming platforms, but viewers can still watch some episodes on YouTube, which is highly recommended for anyone who has never seen an episode of this treasure of a sci-fi anthology series.
Journey to the Unknown is currently not available to stream, rent, or purchase in the U.S.
4
‘Love, Death & Robots’ (2019 – )
Created by Tim Miller
Love, Death & Robots (also stylized Love, Death + Robots) is an animated anthology series that covers several genres ranging from science-fiction to comedy and fantasy. In a nutshell, the series explores different worlds and alternate histories, with some populated by robots or, on a more humorous note, a plot for world domination by super-intelligent yogurt. It also doesn’t hurt to have David Fincher on board as an executive producer as well as the voice talents of stars such as Chris Parnell, Gary Cole, and Michael B. Jordan.
Despite some episodes being way out there, Love, Death + Robots is a bold take on modern science-fiction that includes an excellent blend of other genres that is appealing to a larger general audience. The series was well received by audiences and critics and, while Love, Death, + Robots might not be the typical science-fiction anthology series, with its visually appealing animation and unique blend of episodes, it’s definitely a must-see for any major fan of animation and the sci-fi genre.
3
‘Black Mirror’ (2011 – )
Created by Charlie Brooker
Black Mirror is considered to be one of the best science-fiction anthology series of the last decade and was inspired by certain elements of the famous series, The Twilight Zone. Compared to other sci-fi anthology series, Black Mirror is considered to be a top-tier dark television drama and provides viewers with a well-rounded variety of original stories as well as adaptions of stories by famous sci-fi writers such as Philip K. Dick.
Black Mirror is also noted for its major star appearances, such as Mad Men‘s Jon Hamm, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Breaking Bad star Aaron Paul. Despite some mixed reviews from critics, Black Mirror was overall a major success with audiences and went on to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Television Movie three consecutive times. With six seasons under its belt, Black Mirror is set to return in 2025 with the 7th season, which is supposed to include six episodes.
2
‘The Outer Limits’ (1995-2002)
Created by Leslie Stevens
The Outer Limits is a successful reboot of the original 1963 series by the same name, which had an impressive seven-season run. While the show is an anthology series, The Outer Limits did occasionally tie a few episodes together and typically featured a jaw-dropping twist, taking audiences by surprise. The show featured some episodes based on the works of Game of Thrones author, George R.R. Martin, and also landed some big names, including William Shatner, Martin Sheen, and Bruce Dern.
The series has been described as a well-made piece of science-fiction entertainment that also serves as a fitting homage to the original series and its traditional formula. Despite having access to more well-developed special effects and advanced technology, there are still some select episodes that fall a bit flat and are visually flimsy, but all in all, The Outer Limits is a stellar series that ranks as one of the best-modernized sci-fi anthology series as well as one of the most successful reboots of a popular series to date.
1
‘The Twilight Zone’ (1959-1964)
Created by Rod Serling
Rod Serling’s iconic series, The Twilight Zone, is without a doubt the best sci-fi anthology series and has cultivated one of the largest fanbases that continues to grow today. With Serling writing many of the show’s episodes, The Twilight Zone also featured the works of Richard Matheson, Ray Bradbury, and Charles Beaumont. The show also achieved immense appeal with a long list of guest stars including Ida Lupino, Lee Marvin, Gladys Cooper, and Buster Keaton.
While the show mainly focuses on science-fiction, it does have its fair share of horror, fantasy, and psychological thrills that retain a large variety of viewers. The ultimate power of the show lies within Serling’s choice to depict stories surrounding our current society and social issues as well as history, which all play a major role in many of the creator’s episodes. Considering Serling’s unique style of storytelling and variety of imaginative writers, The Twilight Zone has become a staple in pop culture, and, even decades later, it reigns as the best science-fiction anthology series of all time.
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