Hulu is one of the best streaming services available right now alongside Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Max. While it isn't as prolific as other networks, Hulu has created some of the most iconic science fiction shows out there, like The Handmaid's Tale and Extraordinary.
On top of that, Hulu is home to classic sci-fi TV shows from Lost, to Buffy The Vampire Slayer, and The X-Files. From comedy to horror and everything in-between, Hulu has everything a sci-fi fan needs.
Updated on May, 2023, by Andrea Sandoval: We've updated this list to include more great science fiction shows that are streaming on Hulu.
Legion
One of the best Marvel TV shows before Disney+, Legion follows an alternate X-Men timeline where David Haller, also known as Legion, comes to terms with his mutant powers. Haller had been diagnosed with schizophrenia, but later learns that there's a parasite in his head, the villain and mutant Shadow King.
Legion is perfect for fans of the superhero genre who are bored with the MCU's idyllic universe. The series was praised for its amazing storytelling, visuals, and unique portrayal of mental health.
Extraordinary
Extraordinary may be new, but it's already one of the funniest TV shows out there. The series follows Jen, who, unlike most people in this world, hasn't developed any superpowers, which is causing self-esteem issues as she struggles with not being special like everyone else.
A different take on the superhero genre, Extraordinary makes superpowers ordinary and makes fun of the whole concept. It's a refreshing view of science fiction for those who may be tired of very complicated and stressful shows. Extraordinary is a science fiction show that knows how to relax and have fun.
The Last Ship
In the post-apocalyptic The Last Ship, the crew of the USS Nathan James and Doctor Rachel Scott are the only hope for humanity. A pandemic has killed most of humanity, but the USS Nathan James remains unaffected by the disease.
In a world without governments or any sort of system, Scott needs to develop a vaccine to save the world from this lethal disease. The Last Ship offers an interesting approach to the pandemic trope, moving through the world in a ship which protects them from the illness that wiped out the rest of the world.
Smallville
Smallville is a classic in the superhero genre, and fans of the Man of Steel can watch all ten seasons on Hulu. Smallville follows Clark Kent in his teen years as he becomes Superman and learns how to use his power for the well-being of humankind.
What differentiates Smallville from other superhero shows is that the audience sees Clark Kent's personal life and day-to-day struggles when he's younger, dedicating a lot of time to the little details most superhero adaptations need to skip. Few shows today take the time to illustrate the daily life of such an iconic superhero.
Fear The Walking Dead
For those who can't get enough of The Walking Dead, the spin-off Fear the Walking Dead is perfect. The first seasons are a prequel to The Walking Dead, and follow a family who needs to survive the early onset of the zombie apocalypse.
Later seasons follow other familiar characters, like Morgan Jones. Now is a great time to start watching because the eighth and last season of Fear the Walking Dead just started airing on May 14, 2023.
Futurama
Set in a futuristic world, Futurama follows Philip J. Fry, a pizza delivery boy from the 20th century who is revived after a thousand years in a cryogenic state. Fry finds work at an interplanetary delivery company where he embarks on absurd and hilarious adventures with his friends Leela and Bender.
Futurama is smart, funny, and tackles real world issues in hilariously clever ways. Hulu is set to air more Futurama episodes in 2023.
Buffy The Vampire Slayer
Buffy the Vampire Slayer centers around Buffy Summers, played by Sarah Michelle Gellar, a teenager destined to be a vampire slayer. Together with her friends, the Scooby Gang, Buffy faces off against vampires, demons, and all types of supernatural creatures.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer is perfect for fans of horror, science fiction, and teen drama. The show has plenty of romances, including one of the best LGBTQ+ couples on television. The series also balances a ton of exciting action with great lore.
12 Monkeys
Based on the 1995 movie of the same name, 12 Monkeys is a sci-fi show that mixes the pandemic trope with time traveling. James Cole travels from 2043 to 2015 where he teams up with Cassie Railly to try and stop the Army of the 12 Monkeys from spreading a lethal virus that kills most of the population.
12 Monkeys is a thrilling show with plot twist after plot twist that keeps the audience wondering what's going to happen next. The series poses intersting philosophical questions about time travel and humanity's free will. 12 Monkeys is perfect for anyone looking for a heavy show tackling some deep issues.
Misfits
Misfits follows a group of socially displaced young people. When they start a community program, they're hit by a storm that gives them superpowers based on their insecurities. They have to use these powers to survive and, later on, become unlikely heroes.
Misfits features a charismatic group of characters and has a great sense of humor. Misfits is a terrific show for those looking into the superhero genre but tired of the typical superhero archetype.
Attack On Titan
Attack on Titan is set in a post-apocalyptic world where cities need to be surrounded by giant walls to protect people from Titans, gigantic creatures who feed on humans.
After his family and community are killed by Titans, Eren Yeager makes it his life mission to destroy all of these terrible creatures. Eren becomes a part of a military group to fight the Titans, and along the way, discovers that he can transform into an Attack Titan without losing consciousness.
The Last Man On Earth
People looking for a lighter TV show still within the science fiction genre will greatly enjoy The Last Man on Earth series. The show follows Phil and Carol, two of the few survivors of a viral pandemic who decide it is their duty to repopulate the Earth.
With so many end-of-the-world TV shows currently streaming, The Last Man on Earth proposes a refreshing yet cynical outlook to this cliché trope. The Last Man on Earth is incredibly hilarious at the same time that it questions and analyzes society's traditions and systems in a bizarre way.
Firefly
Set in the year 2517, Firefly follows a group of humans who live in a spaceship and travel the galaxy, trying to escape as they try to survive. Firefly portrays the social and political tensions of humans on different planets throughout the universe.
Even though it only has one season, Firefly was critically acclaimed and even won an Emmy for Outstanding Special Visual Effects for a Series.
My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia follows Izuku (also known as Deku), a kid who was born without a "quirk," or superpower. Not before long, Deku gets the help of the most important Japanese hero, All Might.
With the power he obtains from "One For All", Deku starts studying at a superhero academy. Along the way, he has to face many foes to slowly become a great superhero.
The X-Files
A true classic from the science fiction genre, The X-Files revolves around FBI agents Fox Mulder (played by David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (played by Gillian Anderson). Mulder and Scully are in charge of the X-Files, cases associated with the paranormal.
While Mulder believes in the supernatural, Scully is a skeptic. Mulder & Scully's dynamic and the way the series explores some of the most famous conspiracy theories out there makes The X-Files a must-watch.
Cloak & Dagger
Cloak & Dagger is set in the MCU and follows Tandy and Tyrone, two teenagers who acquire superpowers after the collapse of Roxxon Gulf Platform.
Tandy and Tyrone are very different people with different backgrounds, but their powers work better so long as they work together. Cloak & Dagger is a great teen superhero show with POC representation that reflects on relevant subjects like racism.
Lost
Often described as one of the best television shows in history, Lost is a staple of the science fiction genre. Lost follows a group of people who survive a plane crash and end up on a supposedly deserted island.
Lost was nominated for several awards while it aired and even won an Emmy Award for Most Outstanding Drama Series. The show has one of the largest fandoms ever, creating hundreds of online theories and discussions. Lost is one of the best science fiction shows to watch or rewatch on Hulu.
Rick & Morty
Rick & Morty is one of the best adult animated TV shows today. The series follows an unconventional scientist, Rick, who gets into many interdimensional adventures with his grandson Morty.
Rick and Morty tend to travel to other realities where they often find alternative versions of themselves in the most absurd and bizarre scenarios. Rick & Morty is known for its unique animation, wacky situations, hilarious dialogue, and amazing character development.
Tengoku Daimakyo
Tengoku Daimakyo, also known by its English name Heavenly Delusion, is an anime about a group of children who live in a facility shut off from the outside world. They soon discover that beyond the walls of the facility lie many horrible threats.
Tengouky Daimakyo premiered in April this year, but it's quickly becoming one of the best sci-fi animes out there. Heavenly Delusion has been especially praised for its engaging plot, dynamic scenes, and the careful and insightful way in which it deals with gender and sexuality.
The Orville
Created by and starring Seth MacFarlane (creator of Family Guy), The Orville is an interesting combination of a sitcom with a prototypical science fiction show. In fact, it's clear that The Orville isn't only inspired by Star Trek, but a loving parody of the franchise on a whole.
An interplanetary crew riding the USS Orville visits many planets and gets into adventures along the way. It may not be to everyone's sense of humor, but The Orville is a funny take on classic science fiction.
The Handmaid's Tale
Based on Margaret Atwood's novel, The Handmaid's Tale is one of the hardest shows to watch, but it's completely worth it. The series follows a dystopian reality where women lose all kinds of rights. The United States is controlled by the Gilead, a totalitarian government based on religious fanatism and the objectification of women.
The Handmaid's Tale uses a dystopian world to warn the audience about the consequences of a patriarchal society taken to the extreme. On top of that, the series discusses the consequences of a world that ignores the dangers of global warming and destroying the planet.