Thescience fiction genrehas been one that entices its audiences as it sparks their imagination, poses questions, and offers thought-provoking narratives. In doing so, it sucks the viewer into a new world that is both relatable, and that is still fictionalized, which is the perfect mix. It helps one experience something beyond their everyday lives, which helps them get a higher understanding of their world.
Sci-fi shows and movies have been some of the highest-rated among other genres. Known for their clever premises and amazing executions, here are some of the best science fiction shows with impressive pilot episodes that will get you hooked right off the bat.
The long-running TV show has been one of the most loved shows of the genre, due to its mystery and character dynamics. A story about survival,Lostzooms in on the lives of the survivors of a plane crash who are stuck on an island that only seems to be more puzzling with each passing day. Filled with suspense, twists and turns, and complex characters that only make you look for answers with each episode,Lostis a show that has stood the test of time.
The first episode was truly captivating as one could already build rapport with the survivors, feel their worry and confusion as well as get excited and get intrigued by an island that is full of surprises. Mathew Fox gives an incredible performance as Jack,a doctor in the first episode, and the setting of the plane crash and the aftermath really take you on what that would feel and look like.
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8Invincible
Invincibleis a short animated series that chronicles the life of Mark Grayson, the son of Earth’s most influential and powerful superhero, who eventually has to live up to his father’s legacy. It is adapted from the image comic written by Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker, and Ryan Ottley. The show was a hit when it came to the superhero genre as it balances violence, thrill, entertainment, and well-developed storylines.
It gets better as the show goes on, and you can expect some great voice acting and fight sequences. In the first episode, we are introduced to the characters, already have action kicking in, and some humor which already gets you invested in the story but what makes it even better is the bang it leaves at the end of the episode which can’t help but make you hooked right from the start.
7Westworld
Westworldis loosely based on the 1973 of the same name. The futuristic show offers an interesting premise; what if humans can indulge in their wildest and weirdest fantasies and desires without any judgment? InWestworld, there is a technologically advanced amusement park, where high-paying guests are hosted by robots as they venture into a world without boundaries.
The first season isconsidered a masterpiece, with all the elements that make it a success unified and interlaced to the point of perfection.Westworldtakes a hard look at what constitutes reality as it plays with themes such as mind control, past vs future, memory and one’s own understanding of his humanity.
The pilot episode struck a chord with the audience because even though the viewer got introduced to the premise of whatWestworldis and what happens inside it, there were still glitches, and things didn’t go as smoothly as planned, which already makes you unclear about the future and what that could imply. For this reason, the show’s introduction makes it a strong and interesting start, as it leaves the audience slightly confused, but massively intrigued.
The Boysis a great watch with a twist on how we usually perceive superheroes. In the world of the boys, superheroes are not incredibly good people who save the day; they can be greedy, selfish, and abuse their power. They are run by Vought International, a powerful organization that places profit above anything else.
On the other hand, The Boys are out to get them and keep their corrupt tendencies under control. Naturally, conflict and tension ensue as the battle between good and evil is highlighted. What makes this show special is that it highlights that goodness or lack of character are not definitive things, and that there are many factors that interfere with what makes someone who they are. Filled with testing times, andhard, emotional situations,The Boyswill lure you into its universe.
Its pilot episode sets the mood perfectly. It starts off with amazing CGI, and brutal scenes, and introduces you to characters that will elicit strong emotions right from the start. It also quickly unravels its unique take on superheroes, which makes it all the more interesting, captivating, and refreshing.
5The Mandalorian
The Mandalorianis one of the most beloved storylines from theStar Warssphere. After the defeat of the Galactic Empire over Endor, a faceless bounty hunter, travels to the distant galaxy after the fall of the empire. Through his adventures, he encounters a baby creature, whom he adopts, which becomes the start of even more thrilling adventures. It’s as close as it gets in terms of mood and atmosphere when it comes to the originalStar Warstrilogy.
The layered script, the cinematography, the special effects and the heavy focus on the protagonists’ characters really showcases the immense production value for this show. The first episode does a terrific job of setting the atmosphere of thisStar Warsuniverse with scenery that will take your breath away and connect you to the faceless protagonist.
4Stranger Things
Stranger Thingszooms in on an event that leads to the disappearance of a young boy, Will Byers, in a close-knit community in the fictional town of Hawkins. The peaceful town is shaken when his mother, his friends, and police chief try to unravel the mystery behind his disappearance and startfacing supernatural phenomena.Loved for many reasons : its science fiction, nostalgic feel, character study, comedy, horror, and romance, the show has a something for everyone.
It has always maintained a very high standard throughout the episodes, starting from the very beginning. “Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers” blends horror and enigma, is intriguing as it immediately conveys a retro vibe of the town and its people who are trying to uncover what happened. To top it off, the young cast steals the screen, which makes it for an unorthodox and revitalizing start.
Arcaneis a groundbreaking, action-packed short TV series that will appeal to all League of Legends fans. Sister Vi and Powder are brought apart by the rivalry between the rich city of Piltover and the oppressed city of Zaun as they carry out missions using the most magical-blended technologies, but when things go wrong, everything changes and real struggle truly erupts. The expressive show is a stunning masterpiece.
The art style is something else and will definitely feel like an immersive experience. The characters and world-building are excellently developed and have depth. The fight sequences and score are also phenomenal. It’s hard to come across a production that ticks all the boxes exquisitely, butArcanehas managed to achieve exactly that. Its pilot episode is considered one of the best in the animation genre, as it strings together amazing animation and art direction alongside character background which brings out the bond between the sisters as well asa stellar score.These combined elements will give you all the feels.
2The X-Files
The X-Filesis a classic and timeless TV show that has had many successful seasons and has earned a special place in the heart of its fans when it comes to the science fiction genre. It follows the lives of two F.B.I. agents who have opposite approaches to their analysis when investigating strange phenomena. One is a skeptic and the other is a believer in the supernatural. Despite their different approach, their union unravels and makes for of one the most interesting on-screen duos. They explore conspiracy theories, extraterrestrial life, government motives and much more.
The show that helped popularize the sci-fi genre back in the ’90s also had an epic pilot episode. The first episode gets right into the heart of the action, where Agent Dana Scully and Agent Fox Mulder have to solve their first mysterious case together. It lays the very fabric for the rest of the show and sets the tone for the amazing thrill one is about to experience. It’s scary, fast-paced, and has everything to get you invested.
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Darkis one of themost finely produced Netflix shows. The German show blends together time travel, past and future, and endless mystery. Set in the town of Winden, it dives into the unusual disappearance of two children that brings out more than what meets the eye among four families. It closely examines fractured relationships, familial bonds, and how everything is interconnected through different timelines.
The captivating storyhas complex storylinesthat will need your full attention. Aside from its brilliant plot, it is superbly complemented by world-class cinematography, impressive acting, and a terrific soundtrack. The pilot here is one of the spookiest, with a very strong emphasis on lighting and cinematography that perfectly sets the eerie ambiance for the rest of the show.
