Formerly known as HBO Max, Max completed its rebranding in May 2023, marking a new era for Warner Bros' streaming platform. Along with a new logo, this shift brought a change in payment plans, with Max offering three tiers rather than its predecessor's two. However, outside these alterations, Max did not alter all that much, and that holds true for its library. For the most part, the same movies and shows that were part of HBO Max are available on its successor.

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Science fiction is a cornerstone of the entertainment industry, with the genre being responsible for some of the most thought-provoking stories of all time. Like most other categories, Max has a decent selection of sci-fi tales that should be able to keep subscribers entertained for a long while. The platform's library is by no means exhaustive, but the best Max sci-fi shows are among the genre's better modern releases.

The Last Of Us

Movies or series based on video games have earned a spotty reputation, but The Last of Us has proven that the transition does not have to be painful. Naughty Dog's survival horror game is considered by many to be a masterpiece, and its character-driven narrative seemed like the perfect fit for Max. Casting Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey as Joel and Ellie respectively, the series expertly captures the source material's intensity and heart, all the while changing a few things to make the story a better fit for the medium.

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Now in the grand scheme of things, The Last of Us is not unabashedly sci-fi, but the show incorporates enough genre elements into its premise to be worthy of a recommendation. Ultimately, this Max series is for anyone who wants a well-acted and captivating post-apocalyptic drama with a father-and-daughter relationship at its core.

Station Eleven

Max has some seriously good original programming and Station Eleven is one of its better sci-fi offerings. It's a post-apocalyptic adventure with a twist, turning from traditional "survivors versus the new world" into something more personal and engrossing.

The plot takes place in a world ravaged by a flu pandemic, causing a post-apocalyptic scenario in which groups of surviving humans try to keep civilization going. One particular group works as traveling performers and all seems well until they come in contact with a crazed cult. To make things even more intense, the leader seems to have ties to a particular person in the group. It's a thrilling miniseries that should keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Fringe

Taking the X-Files formula and swapping aliens for parallel universes, Fringe stumbled out of the gate but eventually found its footing during season 2. At its core, this is a procedural revolving around the investigation of strange phenomena that cannot be explained through normal hypotheses, at least during its early stages. In due time, Fringe grew into an ambitious sci-fi epic that prioritized serial storytelling and character development, with nearly all of its main players significantly changing as the show progressed.

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Intelligent, gripping, and splendidly acted, Fringe is an addictive show that lures viewers into multiple universes laced with intrigue, danger, and discovery. All five seasons are available on Max, and the series makes every moment count.

Robot Chicken

Strictly speaking, Robot Chicken is not exclusively sci-fi, although the animated series dips its toes into the genre frequently. Utilizing stop-motion, Robot Chicken parodies pop culture by, more often than not, dropping famous fictional characters in mundane settings. This formula has produced gold for nearly two decades, and the show has proven to be consistently funny.

Imaginative, well-written, and irreverent, Robot Chicken is simply one of the best shows on Max, regardless of genre. All eleven seasons are available on the streaming service, so newcomers should be set for at least a few months.

Dr. Stone

What would happen if a brilliant scientist with up-to-date knowledge was sent to the Stone Age? That is the question Dr. Stone asks, and it achieves this scenario by triggering a global event that petrifies most of the population. Thousands of years later, Senku Ishigami breaks out of his shell to find a world ruled by nature; undeterred by his isolation or primitive instruments, Senku sets out to speedrun humanity's technological development and save everyone through the power of science.

Fantastical as this anime's premise is, Dr. Stone's science is grounded in reality. Senku is not some deity who can create things out of thin air, but rather a normal human who knows how to make good use of the tools at his disposal. Unlike most battle shonen anime that prioritize physical strength above all else, Dr. Stone centers around a protagonist who has to think his way out of situations. It makes for a refreshing change of pace.

Doom Patrol

Max has an impressive selection of live-action DC shows, be it Superman & Lois, Watchmen, or Titans. Out of the streaming service's comic catalog, none embrace the surreal and the bizarre quite like Doom Patrol.

A show about outcasts dealing with deep psychological scars, this series pushes superhero-style action to the side to focus on its main characters, each of which grows (or regresses) as the story progresses. Sentient streets, living robots, and meta villains are just a few of the things that populate Doom Patrol's world, making for an unpredictable and constantly entertaining watch.

Batman: The Animated Series

Batman: The Animated Series might be a bit of a stretch to describe as science-fiction, but the animated series has plenty of the genre's hallmarks. Technology is an intrinsic part of Batman's identity as a crime fighter, and while most of his gadgets are somewhat doable in this day and age, they are certainly fiction. Villains such as Mr. Freeze and Bane are also ripped right out of sci-fi, and the former's Heart of Ice episode represents the genre at its best.

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More importantly, Batman: The Animated Series is arguably the best adaptation of DC's Caped Crusader. The first season is particularly strong, telling some of Bruce Wayne's most personal and memorable storylines. The subsequent seasons might not quite reach the same heights, but they are still highly enjoyable in their own right.

Batman Beyond

Batman: TAS might be a questionable sci-fi recommendation, but the same cannot be said for Batman Beyond. Predominantly set in 2039, Gotham has transformed into a sci-fi version of itself, one that even has flying cars. Effectively retired, Bruce Wayne can do little but watch from the sidelines as the city he once protected becomes a haven for gangs and crime. However, all hope is not lost as Bruce discovers a potential successor in Terry McGinnis, a high school student who learns the recluse billionaire's secret.

Batman Beyond blends The Animated Series' gothic architecture with futuristic iconography, and the combination works shockingly well. The cartoon has great action and memorable characters, and it maintains a stable level of quality throughout its run. While the show might not reach the dizzying heights of its predecessor, Batman Beyond is a must-watch for any fan of DC's superhero.

The Venture Bros

This might sound like hyperbole, but The Venture Bros is a masterpiece. Starting out as something of a parody of a wide range of animated staples, especially the superhero and spy genres, this Adult Swim cartoon quickly blossoms into something beautifully unique. Boasting a contender for the best roster of characters of any sci-fi series on Max, The Venture Bros seamlessly blends comedy, action, and character growth to craft a world that is constantly changing. In this series, henchmen can become heroes, and these evolutions are nearly always earned.

Over the course of seven seasons, The Venture Bros delivers unforgettable adventures, heartbreaking moments, quite a bit of gore, and the occasional David Bowie reference. The first few episodes can be a bit underwhelming, but when this series hits its stride, it never lets up.

DC's Stargirl

Another superhero show, Stargirl captures a charming B-movie feel better than most of its contemporaries. A decade after the Justice Society of America's defeat, a new generation of plucky heroes rise up to face the threat imposed by the Injustice Society of America. At the helm of this movement is Courtney Whitmore, a girl who comes to possess Starman's Cosmic Staff.

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Stargirl has not attracted the same attention as some other Arrowverse series, but it is a lighthearted and endearing adventure that blends sci-fi, action, and comedy quite well. Max has Stargirl's three completed seasons.

The Jetsons

Clearly inspired by The Flintstones, The Jetsons teleports viewers to a distant future filled with sci-fi goodies like sentient robots, flying cars, and overbearing bosses. The cartoon only lasted for a single season during its initial run, but it was brought back in the '80s for another go. The original season is generally considered to be the best, although both incarnations attract quite a bit of nostalgia.

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While a classic, The Jetsons is not particularly amazing. Hanna-Barbera's low-budget animation is easier to stomach in Scooby-Doo and The Flintstones since they make up for it with atmosphere and personality, two areas that The Jetsons falls short in. Nevertheless, the cartoon has some charm, and there is a reason it is still remembered today when so many other animated shows have been lost to time.

Samurai Jack

Genndy Tartakovsky's Samurai Jack started life on Adult Swim, and the unique animated series was unlike anything else on TV. A Japanese samurai named Jack is sent to the far future by the demon Aku, and the former wakes up in a world that has fallen at the hands of the latter. Stuck in a universe that is beyond his comprehension, Jack travels the land as he tries to defeat Aku, an act that would hopefully send him back to his time.

Samurai Jack's world-building is fantastic, and the show does a stellar job of constantly introducing new settings and subcultures that reflect Earth's almost-cyberpunk aesthetic. The animation has barely aged a day, and the same extends to Samurai Jack's storytelling and characters.

Clone High

Originally released via MTV, Clone High's life was cut short after just 13 episodes. The animated series takes place at a high school consisting of clones of famous historical and pop culture figures, including the likes of Lincoln, Joan of Arc, and JFK. Along with serving as a parody of high school dramas that were popular during the late '90s and early 2000s, Clone High also managed to build lovable characters who pursued, destroyed, or engaged in engrossing relationships. The show was and still is hilarious.

In 2023, Max brought Clone High back for a sequel season, with the first episode airing on May 23, 2023. These episodes are not available on the streaming service at the moment, which is a shame; however, subscribers can check out the classic season. Newcomers should start with the original anyway.

Rick And Morty

Another animated show, but this one is definitely not for kids. Rick and Morty is the brainchild of Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon and is easily one of the most polarizing television series to hit the small screen in the last decade. It's crude, incredibly imaginative, and downright hilarious. Its no-holds-barred approach to comedy features some heavy sci-fi elements, which should appeal to those looking for something that never takes itself too seriously.

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But that doesn't mean it's all wacky comedy. Rick and Morty still manages to explore some incredibly heavy themes and packs plenty of depth in each episode. Conversely, if someone is only looking for a laugh, then this show more than delivers on that front. At its peak, Rick and Morty is one of the best sci-fi series of all time.

Regular Show

Max has a solid selection of modern animated shows, and quite a few could theoretically slot into the sci-fi genre. However, while Adventure Time and Steven Universe are primarily fantasy with splashes of science fiction, Regular Show pulls from the latter far more consistently. Revolving around the employees of a park, the cartoon's episodes typically start as relatively mundane before they veer into absurdist territory. The show is filled with references to movies and games.

In its final season, Regular Show fully embraces its sci-fi roots by trading the park for space. This change of pace proves to be a good match for the show's personalities and comedic style, and it even climaxes in an epic three-part finale that stands toe-to-toe with most other series.

Tokyo Revengers

Except for its central plot device, Tokyo Revenger is an action-drama rather than sci-fi. In his mid-20s, Takemichi has led an unfruitful life, and he spends his time reminiscing about his teenage years when he was part of a gang and dating his childhood sweetheart, Hinata. One random day after the death of his former girlfriend, he travels 12 years back in time and finds himself reliving his "glory" days. Granted the opportunity to change his future, Takemichi sets out to save Hina by raising up the ranks of the Toman gang.

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Tokyo Revengers structures its story around Takemichi's trips through time as he constantly tries to defy fate. While the protagonist is an acquired taste, the anime is generally a fun ride, provided a viewer does not anticipate realism in its depiction of gang warfare. Max only has the show's first season.

Avenue 5

Sci-fi doesn't have to be all seriousness, danger, and thrilling adventure. Although it's not as prominent in the main sci-fi genre as many other sub-genres, Comedy can be an incredibly elevating tool that carries science-fiction themes to great heights while simultaneously providing gut-busting laughs. Avenue 5 is a great example of this, showcasing itself as a smart adventure with some great intellectual humor and fantastic acting by Hugh Laurie and Josh Gad.

The series follows the two actors as leads on an interplanetary cruise ship, a concept that works well as center stage for some truly imaginative (and funny) scenarios.

Years And Years

Russell T Davies's Years and Years cannot be classified as a traditional sci-fi series as the show is very much grounded in reality, or at least an interpretation of Earth's immediate future. Covering the span of 15 years starting from 2019, the mini-series revolves around a close-knit family's members who live through personal and societal changes.

Naturally, these modifications include technological developments such as the ability to upload one's consciousness into the cloud. While relatively farfetched, the show's sci-fi ideas are not that far removed from the present day, and they could become a reality in the not-so-distant future. Years and Years is among the best shows on Max of any genre, which includes sci-fi.

Peacemaker

Tempting as it might be to dismiss superhero shows as their own things, Peacemaker undoubtedly has a sci-fi edge to it, although it seems to be inspired by the B-movies of yesteryear rather than more cerebral properties. To be clear, that is not a criticism. James Gunn's series is simply entertaining and brilliantly written, successfully redeeming a funny but murderous villain without undermining the elements that make Peacemaker such a memorable character to begin with.

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The muscular vigilante unenthusiastically joins A.R.G.U.S's Project Butterfly, an operation revolving around the discovery and elimination of parasites that have taken over human bodies. The mission proves to be anything but straightforward, but it produces plenty of laughs, great action, and tears along the way.

Gen:Lock

Produced by Rooster Teeth, Gen:Lock takes place in an alternate reality where Earth is defined by a war between The Polity and the Union. The former consists of humans who can mentally control mecha, a technology they must master if they want to have any hope of defeating the Union.

Gen:Lock has stellar animation and fight sequences, with both seasons delivering the goods in those areas. While not always the main focus, the show also knows how to write captivating characters, some of which are voiced by A-list actors like Michael B. Jordan and David Tennant. Season 1 is generally considered to be superior to its successor, although the latter is not devoid of positives.

Doctor Who

Although there is a lot of great original programming featured on Max, there is also plenty of established series that are waiting for new viewers to dive into their many, many episodes. One such example is Doctor Who, a sci-fi juggernaut that has been entertaining fans for decades. Approximately 869 episodes of this engaging and imaginative series have aired (although some are missing) and there are many seasons for new-and-returning fans to jump into.

Doctor Who has withstood the test of time as one of the most beloved sci-fi series out there, with an in-depth world that has allowed creators to craft an array of episodes that tackle multiple genres, from action to comedy to horror and everything in between.

The Sarah Jane Adventures

Doctor Who targets the whole family, although some of the darker or more complicated episodes might be too much for children. In that case, they should try out The Sarah Jane Adventures, a spin-off that redefines its parent show's style of writing for a younger audience. Focusing on a former companion of the doctor, this BBC series has likable characters, charming sets, and a ton of heart.

Live-action sci-fi shows specifically designed for children are not all that common, and that holds true for Max's library. However, The Sarah Jane Adventures proves this sort of series can easily work. While a good entry point into the genre for youngsters, this show could also hit the spot for die-hard Doctor Who fans.

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