Consider blockbuster movies about aliens. These big-budget cinematic spectacles grip audiences both visually and through themes of aliens, which we have come to love. But how can this be translated onto the small screen? Oftentimes, TV series in this subgenre move away from the trope of little green men descending from spaceships. Instead, they serve as apt metaphors.
Sci-fi of this nature focuses more on what it means to be an “other” — and how that compares to being human. Dystopian entities (The Eternaut). Intergalactic adventure (Star Trek: The Original Series). Benevolent invasions, of sorts (3rd Rock from the Sun). There is so much to explore within this subgenre. From Farscape to The X-Files, these are the best sci-fi shows about aliens, ranked.
10
‘The Eternaut’ (2025–)
Ricardo Darín as Juan Salvo in The Eternaut wearing a gas mask in falling snow in Season 1.Image via Netflix
Based on the 1957 novel of the same name, Netflix’s latest sci-fi dystopian series proved to be a wild success. The series is set in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where survivors must navigate a dystopian world plagued by mysterious snowfall that causes mass casualties across the city. As it turns out, this dangerous weather is the work of alien technology.
While we don’t actually see the aliens themselves, their presence is heavily felt. That being said, they are not the main characters of the story — a plot device, in many ways. Additionally, it seems that alien invasions of this nature often affect only the United States. But The Eternaut takes these themes internationally and presents them in a foreign language. The ongoing series received an impressive 96% on Rotten Tomatoes for its first season.
9
‘Resident Alien’ (2021–2025)
Alan Tudyk as Harry in Resident Alien, sitting in a doctors office.Image via SYFY
An unnamed alien descends on Earth with a plan to infiltrate and demolish our planet. But this doesn’t go to plan. Resident Alien begins with a murder, that of Dr. Harry Vanderspiegle (Alan Tudyk). So, the alien takes on the identity and likeness of his victim as he assimilates into the small town.
A common trope is that aliens want to destroy humanity — and Earth as a whole. But Resident Alien challenges this preconceived notion, almost accidentally. That is, “Harry’s” intentions change upon getting to know the people in town on a deeper level. How can he attack them now? This recent sci-fi/comedy/drama became a breakout series throughout its four seasons, but was ultimately cancelled in 2025.
8
‘3rd Rock from the Sun’ (1996–2001)
The cast of 3rd Rock from the Sun sit on a roof ledge and look up at the night sky.Image via NBC
One of the few sitcoms — or comedies in general — about aliens. A group of aliens lands on Earth with a straightforward mission: learn everything they can about human life. To do so, they must pose as a conventional family residing in suburban Ohio. As expected, the self-proclaimed Solomon family gets itself into hilarious situations as it attempts to blend in with a society it really knows nothing about.
The 1996 series was partially inspired by the 1993 sci-fi/comedy Coneheads, and shared many commonalities with aliens trying to fit in on Earth. 3rd Rock from the Sun is not the best in terms of quality. However, the series presents alien life from a much more jovial perspective. And as a testament to the show’s success, 3rd Rock from the Sun earned 16 Emmy Awards throughout its six-season run.
7
‘Rick and Morty’ (2013–)
Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith (voiced by Justin Roiland) on an alien planet in Rick and Morty.Image via Adult Swim
Rick and Morty is more than just an animated series. It goes beyond silly jokes or situational quips. At its heart, Adult Swim’s hit series changed the game of storytelling. Each episode follows the titular duo, scientist Rick Sanchez (Justin Roiland and Ian Cardoni) and his grandson, Morty Smith (Roiland and Harry Belden), as they traverse the galaxy and beyond, getting themselves into ridiculous scenarios along the way.
It has developed a cult following for its storytelling and themes of existentialism, relationships, and science. While not every episode focuses on aliens, these themes are at the forefront of every episode. Rick and Morty frequently travel across space and time, after all, taking them to foreign planets with foreign characters. Notable episodes of the sort include “M. Night Shaym-Aliens” and “Total Rickall.”
6
‘Farscape’ (1999–2003)
Two characters stand in a corridor and look ahead with serious expressions in Farscape.Image via SYFY
Farscape premiered at the turn of the century and the millennium, a time when innovative storytelling was in vogue. But also, simply strange. This 1999 series follows astronaut John Crichton (Ben Browder) as he ventures into a strange new world by joining forces with aliens aboard their spaceship.
Rather than the conventional narrative of aliens infiltrating human society, Farscape flips the script. As it turns out, they aren’t too different from us. The depiction of the aliens is cheap yet captivating, a product of puppetry created by The Jim Henson Company (adding to the nostalgia of a bygone era).
5
‘Smallville’ (2001–2011)
Tom Welling as Clark Kent looking intently to the side through a barred window in Smallville.Image via The CW
Superman is the DCU’s resident extraterrestrial. An alien by definition, Clark Kent (Tom Welling) must adapt to Earth after fleeing his home planet, Krypton. This means learning how to engage with people in his hometown, harnessing his powers, and being a human altogether. Notably, earlier seasons follow episodic situations around a “freak of the week.” While not entirely alien in nature, these characters were all affected by the meteor shower as a byproduct of Clark’s arrival.
This is one of many examples of foreign entities in Smallville. Clark’s extraterrestrial nature becomes a significant plot point as the show progresses, and he learns more about his ancestry beyond Earth. It’s this dual identity as Kal-El that bridges the gap between our world and something greater. Something alien.
4
‘Alien: Earth’ (2025–)
A sheep with a mutated eye in Alien: Earth.Image via FX on Hulu
In the near future, a group of soldiers led by a powerful corporation must battle aliens who crash-land on Earth. Although Alien: Earth shares its name with previous installments of the Alien franchise, the series exists outside the franchise’s canon. This offers the opportunity to explore new characters and conflicts, creating exceptional worldbuilding in its own right.
And with Wendy’s final line, “Now, we rule,” it’s made clear that this is only the beginning. Alien: Earth utilized a $250 million budget to translate the beloved franchise onto the small screen; it was a big risk, with an even bigger reward. Alien: Earth is only one season in, and it has already received enough critical praise and a season renewal.
3
‘Doctor Who’ (1963–1989; 2005–)
Doctor Who unfolds over seven decades. It first began in 1963 with the first generation of the eponymous Doctor, played by William Hartnell. The beloved space traveler has undergone 15 regenerations since then, eight in the original series (spanning 1963 to 1989) and seven in the current run, which began in 2005. Each Doctor has something to offer; a culmination of more than 900 years (or 2,000 depending on who you ask) of wisdom dispelled unto Earth and beyond.
It’s easy to forget that the Doctor is, in fact, an alien. Yes, the Doctor travels through time on Earth, from the past to the future, with the help of the TARDIS. But their adventures also take them to distant worlds, where they encounter alien life. The Doctor connects with their human companions with ease, both teaching and learning what it means to be human along the way. As the Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith) so beautifully puts it, “In 900 years of time and space, I’ve never met anyone who wasn’t important.”
2
‘Star Trek: The Original Series’ (1966–1969)
Kirk (William Shatner), Spock (Leonard Nimoy) and McCoy (DeForest Kelley) are stuck in a black room in the Star Trek: The Original Series episode “The Empath.”Image via NBC
Star Trek: The Original Series is a mid-twentieth-century feat of storytelling. As the premise goes, Star Trek: The Original Series follows Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) and his crew aboard the Starship Enterprise as they traverse the galaxy on an exciting — and sometimes dangerous — mission. The series spans five years and features standalone encounters with intergalactic creatures. And of course, their relationship with the Klingons.
In doing so, the series provides commentary on the decade’s events, including ongoing wars, the civil rights movement, and political defiance. Star Trek: The Original Series is unique in that it captured audiences on the small screen nearly a decade before it was turned into a movie. This is not often seen in major franchises, but an ode to the show’s success. Overall, the 1966 original series laid the foundation for what the Star Trek universe would become and remains relevant even today through prequels, sequels, and numerous adaptations.
1
‘The X-Files’ (1993–2018)
Mulder and Scully look up as they stand at an outdoor beach restaurant in The X-Files.Image via FOX
A bona fide classic of the sci-fi alien genre, The X-Files follows FBI agents Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) and Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) as they investigate bizarre and unsolved cases. There are two distinct episode formats: mythology and monster of the week. Yet, each one connects back to the idea that there are entities out there that we may never know. These are alien concepts that possess mystery and intrigue.
But while The X-Files is undoubtedly a show about aliens, it’s also one about human nature and the lengths we go to for answers. While frustrating at times, the mystery of whether alien life exists remains unresolved. And, as Mulder’s saying goes, “The truth is out there.” The series averaged over 19 million viewers and built a dedicated fanbase over the years. This can, in part, be attributed to the longstanding curiosity about whether The X Files will ever reveal the truth.