Club Benefits
Craving a sci-fi fix after “Stranger Things"? Netflix is packed with mind-bending stories, but not every binge requires a massive time commitment. If your free time is limited, these sci-fi miniseries offer complete, high-stakes stories distilled into just a few episodes.
Here are the three best sci-fi miniseries on Netflix to binge-watch in one weekend.
At a Glance: Top sci-fi picks on Netflix
• "Maniac": Best for fans of surrealism and psyche-bending plots
• "Cassandra": Best for fans of "Black Mirror" and AI-driven horror
• "11.22.63": Best for fans of historical thrillers and Stephen King
‘Maniac’ (2018)
If you’re looking for a series that leans fully into the strange and unconventional, “Maniac” is well worth adding to your watchlist. Helmed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, the show is bold, thrilling, and strangely addictive, constantly making you question what’s real and what’s not. As someone who loves stories that twist and turn in unexpected ways, this sci-fi drama comes highly recommended, even if for the stark visuals alone.
“Maniac” follows two strangers, Annie Landsberg (Emma Stone) and Owen Milgrim (Jonah Hill), who sign up for a mysterious pharmaceutical drug trial in hopes of changing their lives. The experiment, run by Neberdine Pharmaceutical Biotech under the supervision of eccentric scientists, promises to cure whatever ails them through a sequence of pills that they’re told has no side effects. As the trial progresses, Annie and Owen’s experiences take them into a series of increasingly surreal and unpredictable simulations tied to their own psyches.
Episodes: 10
Rotten Tomatoes score: 84%
Watch "Maniac" on Netflix now
‘Cassandra’ (2025)
In February 2025, Netflix released several new shows in the same week, the biggest of which was “Apple Cider Vinegar.” Unfortunately, that meant the German sci-fi series “Cassandra” was somewhat overshadowed due to the former’s success, which is why it deserves a spot on this list. Fans of “Black Mirror” are likely to find it compelling, as it takes the familiar idea of an AI assistant meant to simplify life and twists it into something chilling. It’s the perfect binge-watch with enough twists to keep you invested.
“Cassandra” follows the Prill family after they move into a long‑vacant smart home that hasn’t been lived in for over 50 years. When their curious son reactivates the house’s dormant artificial intelligence, the electronic assistant known as Cassandra (Lavinia Wilson) powers back on and begins interacting with its new residents. Originally built in the 1970s to help run the household, Cassandra quickly becomes more involved than anyone expected, using the home’s systems to influence the family’s daily life.
Episodes: 6
Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%
Watch "Cassandra" on Netflix now
‘11.22.63’ (2016)
As a longtime Stephen King fan, I have to say “11.22.63” ranks among the strongest adaptations of his work. It first aired as a Hulu original back in 2016 before landing on Netflix recently, giving more viewers a chance to experience it. Across eight episodes, this gripping sci-fi thriller follows a man attempting to change the past, all while delivering a clear and emotionally satisfying conclusion. It’s great to see it finally getting the recognition it deserves, now that it’s high in Netflix’s top 10.
“11.22.63” follows Jake Epping (James Franco), a divorced high school English teacher whose friend reveals a mysterious time portal hidden in the back of a diner. Stepping through sends Jake to October 1960, and he’s given one mission: prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. Assuming a new identity, Jake begins tracking key figures linked to the event, navigating life in early‑’60s America while working to alter history.
Episodes: 8
Rotten Tomatoes score: 83%
Watch "11.22.63" on Netflix now
Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds.
More from Tom's Guide
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
