Netflix’s ever-expanding universe of original content has not only redefined the streaming landscape but also set a new standard for sci-fi storytelling. From mind-bending time travel dramas to dystopian thrillers and philosophical anthologies, the platform’s catalog is a testament to the creative risks and global scope that have become its trademark. Now, with the conclusion of one of its most talked-about series, Squid Game, and whispers of a potential American spinoff, Netflix’s sci-fi and action-mystery slate is once again at the center of pop culture conversation.
Few streaming platforms can boast the breadth and ambition of Netflix’s original sci-fi series. According to Collider, shows like Dark, Altered Carbon, Alice in Borderland, and 3 Body Problem have not only pushed the boundaries of visual storytelling but also delved deep into themes of technology, philosophy, and the human condition. These series often rely on intricate scripts and strong character arcs, weaving together narratives that are as intellectually stimulating as they are visually stunning.
Take Dark (2017-2020), for example. This German series is lauded as both critically acclaimed and criminally underrated. Set in the small town of Winden, the show unravels a multi-generational saga of time travel, exploring whether families can break free from the cycles that bind them. Its nonlinear plot and fairy tale-esque setting create an atmosphere that is both haunting and compelling. The success of Dark even inspired thematic echoes in later Netflix originals, such as 1899.
Equally ambitious is Altered Carbon (2018-2020), a cyberpunk odyssey set in a distant future where consciousness can be transferred between bodies, or “sleeves.” The series follows Takeshi Kovacs, a former soldier tasked with solving his own murder centuries after his death. With a staggering $7 million budget per episode, Altered Carbon stands as one of Netflix’s most expensive productions, rivaling cinematic blockbusters like Blade Runner in its world-building and visual effects.
Netflix’s international reach is further exemplified by Alice in Borderland (2020-Present), a Japanese thriller that throws its characters into an alternate, game-driven Tokyo. Much like Squid Game, survival hinges on completing deadly challenges, with the mysterious game of Ddakji playing a central role. The show’s use of playing cards as life-or-death tokens adds a layer of suspense and strategy, keeping viewers guessing until the very end.
