The Essential '90s Sci-Fi TV List: 15 Iconic Shows You Can't Miss

The special effects might not hold up to today's standards, but back then, they blew our minds, and honestly, the creativity of the storytellers and the charm of the cast make these shows still worth watching; it's not just about the visuals, but the heart of the stories that keep fans coming back for more.

Super Force (1990)

In the near future, a former astronaut dons an advanced, armored suit, equipped with cutting-edge weapons, to combat crime in the city; supported by his AI motorcycle and a team, he seeks justice for his brother's murder and fights against various threats, both terrestrial and extraterrestrial.

Roswell (1999)

Rotten Tomatoes Audience score: 86%

After a high school girl accidentally discovers that three of her classmates are aliens surviving from the 1947 Roswell crash, they form a close bond, constantly evading government agents and uncovering the truth about their origins while navigating the complexities of love and friendship in a small town.

Space: Above and Beyond (1995)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 70%

Set in the mid-21st century, this series follows young Marine Corps pilots fighting in an interstellar war against an alien species known as the Chigs, delving into their personal stories, the horrors of war, and the mystery behind the alien aggression.

Futurama ( 1999)

Rotten Tomatoes Audience score: 92%

A pizza delivery boy, Philip J. Fry, is accidentally cryogenically frozen for 1000 years, waking up in the 31st century; he starts a new life working for an interplanetary delivery service, embarking on absurd, often perilous adventures with his new friends and relatives.

The X-Files (1993)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 74%

FBI agents Fox Mulder, a believer in aliens and the paranormal, and Dana Scully, a skeptic and scientist, investigate unsolved and often inexplicable cases involving paranormal phenomena, uncovering government conspiracies and alien interactions along the way.

Babylon 5 ( 1994)

Rotten Tomatoes Audience score: 69%

In the 23rd century, Babylon 5, a space station and diplomatic hub, hosts humans and alien races as they manage political intrigue, wars, and dark ancient forces, with its crew and ambassadors striving for peace and understanding among the stars.

Dark Skies (1996)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 67%

Set in the 1960s, this series portrays the struggle of John Loengard and Kim Sayers against the Hive, aliens covertly manipulating human history, while they also face opposition from Majestic 12, a secretive government group determined to keep alien activities hidden.

Millennium (1996)

Rotten Tomatoes Audience score: 84%

Former FBI agent Frank Black, able to see into the minds of criminals, works with the Millennium Group, investigating disturbing crimes and uncovering apocalyptic conspiracies, battling against time as the new millennium approaches, filled with forebodings of evil.

The Outer Limits (1995)

An anthology series that presents a different story each episode, exploring various dimensions of the science fiction genre, including time travel, space exploration, and unexplained phenomena, often highlighting the moral and ethical decisions faced by the characters.

SeaQuest DSV (1993)

Rotten Tomatoes Audience score: 86%

In the early 21st century, the crew of the advanced submarine SeaQuest DSV explores the ocean's mysteries, protects the seas from threats, and facilitates cooperation among the underwater colonies, under the command of Captain Nathan Bridger.

Lexx (1997)

Rotten Tomatoes Audience score: 93%

A group of misfits, including a love-struck security guard, a dead assassin, a runaway love slave, and a decaying, living ship known as the Lexx, travel through two universes fleeing from the tyrannical rule of His Divine Shadow, encountering bizarre worlds and entities.

Star Trek: Voyager (1995)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 76%

The starship Voyager, under the command of Captain Kathryn Janeway, is stranded in the Delta Quadrant, 70,000 light-years from Earth, facing a perilous journey home that introduces them to new civilizations and conflicts while forging unity among the diverse crew.

Time Trax (1993)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 40%

In the 22nd century, Captain Darien Lambert is sent back to the 20th century to apprehend fugitives from the future who have escaped back in time, using advanced technology and his own martial arts skills to bring them to justice.

Farscape (1999)

Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%

Astronaut John Crichton is catapulted through a wormhole to a distant part of the universe, where he joins forces with a band of alien fugitives on the run aboard the living ship Moya, struggling to survive against hostile forces and find a way home.

Stargate SG-1 (1997)

Rotten Tomatoes Audience score: 88%

After the discovery of an ancient portal known as the Stargate, Colonel Jack O'Neill and his team travel to different worlds, battling the Goa'uld, a parasitic alien race bent on galactic domination, while uncovering ancient technologies and allying with other civilizations to defend Earth and explore the galaxy.