Best Sci-Fi Web Series Hollywood Has to Offer: A Definitive Guide

Best Sci-Fi Web Series Hollywood Has to Offer: A Definitive Guide

1. High Maintenance (HBO/Vimeo): The Unexpected Sci-Fi Angle

While ostensibly a comedy-drama about a weed delivery guy in New York City, “High Maintenance” subtly weaves in elements of science fiction that elevate it beyond typical stoner fare. Its strength lies in its anthology format, allowing each episode to explore unique characters and situations, occasionally touching upon themes of technological dependence, virtual realities, and the human condition in a rapidly changing world.

• Sci-Fi Elements: The show subtly introduces advanced technologies and explores their impact on everyday life. Think smart homes with glitches, augmented reality applications blurring the lines between the real and the virtual, and social dynamics shaped by ubiquitous connectivity. One particularly memorable episode features a character obsessed with a virtual reality game, highlighting the potential for escapism and its consequences.

  

• Why It’s Great: “High Maintenance” excels because it doesn’t hit you over the head with its sci-fi elements. They are integrated organically into the narrative, serving as a backdrop for exploring human relationships and anxieties. Its insightful character studies, sharp writing, and relatable themes make it a must-watch, even for those not typically drawn to science fiction. The low-budget aesthetic adds to its authenticity and charm.

• Where to Watch: HBO Max.

2. Carmilla (Veritas Entertainment): Queer Vampire Sci-Fi Done Right

“Carmilla” started as a web series based on the novella of the same name by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu. Set in a contemporary university, it follows Laura Hollis, a journalism student, as she investigates the disappearance of her roommate and encounters the enigmatic and alluring Carmilla Karnstein, a centuries-old vampire. What sets “Carmilla” apart is its clever blend of gothic horror, romance, and a surprisingly well-developed science fiction backdrop.

• Sci-Fi Elements: The series gradually reveals that Silas University is not just a regular institution. It’s a testing ground for a shadowy organization experimenting with genetic engineering and manipulating supernatural entities. Carmilla’s immortality is linked to these experiments, and the university’s faculty are involved in a conspiracy that threatens the world. The introduction of advanced technology, secret labs, and morally questionable scientific research firmly plants “Carmilla” in the sci-fi genre.

• Why It’s Great: “Carmilla” is a groundbreaking series for its LGBTQ+ representation and its ability to build a compelling narrative on a limited budget. The chemistry between the lead actresses, Elise Bauman and Natasha Negovanlis, is undeniable, and the show’s witty dialogue and suspenseful plot keep viewers hooked. The sci-fi elements add depth and complexity to the story, transforming it from a simple vampire romance into a thought-provoking exploration of ethics, power, and the consequences of unchecked scientific advancement.

• Where to Watch: YouTube (KindaTV).

3. Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome (Syfy/YouTube): Visual Spectacle and Canon Expansion

Serving as a prequel to the critically acclaimed “Battlestar Galactica” reboot, “Blood & Chrome” focuses on a young William Adama during the First Cylon War. While initially intended as a full series, it was ultimately released as a web series and television film. Despite its truncated format, “Blood & Chrome” delivers stunning visuals, intense action sequences, and a compelling glimpse into the early days of the conflict that defined the “Battlestar Galactica” universe.

• Sci-Fi Elements: “Blood & Chrome” is steeped in the established sci-fi lore of “Battlestar Galactica.” It features advanced spacecraft, robotic Cylons, and the ongoing struggle for survival against a technologically superior enemy. The series explores the ethical dilemmas of war, the dehumanizing effects of technology, and the importance of human connection in the face of existential threats.

• Why It’s Great: “Blood & Chrome” is a visual feast. Its CGI is remarkably impressive for a web series, creating believable space battles and alien landscapes. The series also deepens the mythology of “Battlestar Galactica,” providing valuable context for the events of the main series. For fans of the franchise, “Blood & Chrome” is an essential watch. For newcomers, it offers a compelling entry point into the world of “Battlestar Galactica.”

• Where to Watch: YouTube (Syfy).

4. Star Trek: Continues (Farragut Films): Fan-Made Excellence

“Star Trek: Continues” is a fan-made web series that aims to faithfully recreate the look, feel, and spirit of the original “Star Trek” series. Produced with meticulous attention to detail, “Star Trek: Continues” features professional-quality sets, costumes, and special effects. The series follows the adventures of Captain Kirk and the crew of the USS Enterprise as they continue their five-year mission to explore strange new worlds.

• Sci-Fi Elements: “Star Trek: Continues” is pure “Star Trek” science fiction. It explores themes of exploration, diplomacy, ethics, and the challenges of encountering new civilizations. The series features advanced technology, alien lifeforms, and the ongoing quest for knowledge and understanding that defines the “Star Trek” universe.

• Why It’s Great: “Star Trek: Continues” is a testament to the power of fandom. The series is made with genuine love and respect for the source material, and it shows. The actors embody their roles perfectly, the writing is intelligent and engaging, and the production values are surprisingly high. For “Star Trek” fans, “Star Trek: Continues” is a must-watch. It’s a loving tribute to the original series that captures its essence and expands upon its legacy.

• Where to Watch: YouTube (Star Trek Continues).

5. Other Space (Yahoo! Screen/YouTube): Sci-Fi Comedy with Heart

Created by Paul Feig, the director of “Bridesmaids” and “Ghostbusters” (2016), “Other Space” is a hilarious sci-fi comedy about a group of inexperienced and dysfunctional space explorers who accidentally stumble into another universe. The series follows their misadventures as they try to find their way back home, encountering bizarre alien cultures and navigating the challenges of working together despite their numerous flaws.

• Sci-Fi Elements: “Other Space” embraces the tropes of science fiction while simultaneously poking fun at them. The series features spaceships, alien planets, futuristic technology, and the classic “lost in space” scenario. However, it also subverts expectations by focusing on the mundane aspects of space travel and the interpersonal dynamics of the crew.

• Why It’s Great: “Other Space” is a laugh-out-loud funny show with a surprisingly heartfelt core. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the writing is sharp and witty. The series balances humor and heart perfectly, creating a show that is both entertaining and emotionally resonant. The ensemble cast delivers fantastic performances, and the imaginative world-building adds to the show’s charm.

• Where to Watch: YouTube (Yahoo! Screen).

6. Dimension 404 (Hulu): Anthology of Technological Terror

“Dimension 404” is a science fiction anthology series that explores the dark side of the internet and technology. Each episode tells a standalone story that delves into the anxieties and fears surrounding our increasingly digital world. From sentient dating apps to time-traveling cartoons, “Dimension 404” offers a collection of unsettling and thought-provoking tales.

• Sci-Fi Elements: “Dimension 404” is a showcase of modern sci-fi anxieties. It features advanced technologies, virtual realities, artificial intelligence, and the potential for these technologies to go wrong. The series explores themes of privacy, identity, and the blurring lines between the real and the virtual.

• Why It’s Great: “Dimension 404” is a consistently engaging and unsettling series. Its anthology format allows it to explore a wide range of sci-fi themes, and each episode offers a unique and memorable experience. The series features strong writing, solid performances, and a consistently eerie atmosphere. It’s a perfect choice for fans of “Black Mirror” or “The Twilight Zone.”

• Where to Watch: Hulu.

7. Video Game High School (RocketJump): Gamer Culture and Coming-of-Age

“Video Game High School” (VGHS) is a web series that follows BrianD, a young gamer who accidentally scores a spot at the elite Video Game High School. The series explores the world of competitive gaming, the challenges of adolescence, and the importance of friendship. With its energetic action sequences and its affectionate portrayal of gamer culture, “VGHS” is a fun and engaging series for gamers and non-gamers alike.

• Sci-Fi Elements: While not strictly science fiction, “VGHS” features elements of futuristic technology and augmented reality. The series depicts a world where video games are a major cultural force, and where competitive gaming is a legitimate career path. The advanced gaming technology and the virtual reality elements add a sci-fi edge to the series.

• Why It’s Great: “VGHS” is a well-produced and entertaining series that captures the spirit of gamer culture. The action sequences are exciting and inventive, the characters are likable and relatable, and the story is engaging and heartwarming. The series also features impressive visual effects and a catchy soundtrack.

• Where to Watch: YouTube (RocketJump).

8. Marble Hornets (YouTube): Found Footage Horror with a Sci-Fi Twist