When it comes to sci-fi, HBO reigns supreme. HBO’s addictive alternate worlds–like the fantasy realms of Game of Thrones and the vampire-filled bayous of True Blood–have become staples in pop culture. Acclaimed by critics and audiences alike, many of its sci-fi series have earned Golden Globes, Emmys, and other major awards for their outstanding production values, writing, and acting performances. From aliens and zombies to dragons and robots, here are 11 of HBO’s best sci-fi series.
True Blood (2008)
True Blood sank its fangs into HBO’s lineup in 2008 and didn’t let go for seven seasons. This series follows the adventures of telepathic waitress Sookie Stackhouse and her entanglement with vampires after synthetic blood allows the undead to “mainstream” with humans. Dripping with Louisiana flavor, steamy romances, and supernatural thrills, True Blood secured its status as one of HBO’s wildest and most unabashedly entertaining sci-fi series.
Game of Thrones (2011)
Game of Thrones may be HBO’s crowning sci-fi achievement. The epic tale of warring kingdoms and fire-breathing dragons went from a quiet fantasy series to a full-blown cultural phenomenon. The show, which was adapted from George R.R. Martin’s novels, hooked viewers with its moral ambiguity, shocking twists, and incredibly rich world-building. But it was the juicy palace intrigue between schemers like Cersei and Littlefinger that fed rabid fandom and Internet theorizing. With cinematic spectacle and complex meditations on power, Game of Thrones didn’t just entertain, it sparked ubiquitous watercooler buzz and unprecedented mainstream mania. A high mark in HBO’s prestigious sci-fi pedigree.
The Leftovers (2014)
HBO’s The Leftovers follows the aftermath of a global event where 2% of the world’s population vanishes without explanation. Blending science fiction and drama, the series delivers a haunting tale that questions existence itself. It’s a truly captivating journey that lingers long after the final credits roll.
Westworld (2016)
Set in a dystopian future ruled by AI and robots, Westworld is one of HBO’s most futuristic sci-fi dramas. The series follows the stories of disturbingly human-like robots who become self-aware after being used and abused by wealthy elites. With sophisticated plot twists and intertwined mysteries, the show explores the impacts of consciousness, free will, and the ethical implications of technological overreach.
His Dark Materials (2019)
His Dark Materials is a sweeping sci-fi fantasy series based on Philip Pullman’s beloved literary trilogy. The HBO adaptation introduces us to the author’s parallel worlds and fantastical creatures. Through the eyes of the young Lyra Belacqual, the show takes us on an epic adventure fueled by her quest to find her best friend and uncover the truth about her parents.
Watchmen (2019)
Damon Lindelof’s Watchmen takes us into an alternate-universe America reckoning with its historical racial divide. Following multiple storylines and timelines, the mini-series unpacks the mystery surrounding an array of superheroes, including the godlike Dr. Manhattan; the brilliant but morally ambiguous Ozymandias; the haunted crime fighter Looking Glass; and the fierce Sister Night leading the charge against a vast conspiracy.
The Outsider (2020)
From the macabre mind of Stephen King came The Outsider – a supernatural thriller that instantly grabbed viewers by the throat. On its surface, a harrowing investigation into an unthinkable crime. But this slow-burn mystery quickly turns into steadily mounting dread.
Raised By Wolves (2020)
Ridley Scott and Aaron Guzikowski’s Raised by Wolves is a daring sci-fi series that grabs your attention from the start. It follows two humanoid robots, Mother and Father, tasked with raising human children on a planet called Kepler-22B after Earth is decimated by war. Eventually, other colonists arrive and threaten the androids’ directives. The show builds a stunning, complex world while diving deep into the impacts artificial intelligence and religion have on humanity.
Lovecraft Country
HBO’s Lovecraft Country is set in the 1950s and tells the story of a war veteran who returns home to uncover deadly secrets connected to his father in a small, creepy segregated town. The show, which features monsters and other supernatural elements, is based on Matt Ruff’s 2016 novel–a story inspired by 20th-century science fiction writer, H.P. Lovecraft.
The Last of Us (2023)
You know a video game adaptation has nailed it when even non-gamers get fully invested. That’s the magic HBO conjured with The Last of Us. In a world ravaged by a terrifying fungal pandemic that turns people into aggressive, mindless hosts, a survivor is hired to smuggle a teenage girl across a post-apocalyptic United States as she may hold the key to a cure. What starts as a straightforward job becomes a brutal journey forging an unlikely bond between the two, navigating vicious human survivors and the zombie-like infected.
House of the Dragon (2022)
Game of Thrones fans knew HBO would take them back into the world of Westeros. And with House of the Dragon, the network dives headfirst into the sordid history of the Targaryen civil war and follows the bloody battle over the Iron Throne’s line of succession. With juicy palace intrigue, intense dragon battles, and delightful Easter eggs and throwbacks, the series instantly draws you into its high-stakes family feud.
