The Very Best British Sci Fi Shows, Ranked
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- 1Jodie Whittaker, Mandip Gill, John Bishop
Doctor Who, a true titan in the realm of British sci-fi, has captured the hearts and minds of viewers since its inception in 1963. With a revolving door of stellar actors, like Tom Baker and David Tennant, taking on the iconic role of the Doctor, this time-travelling escapade has become a staple of British television. Boasting a colourful cast of companions, and a rogues' gallery of villains, such as the Daleks and the Cybermen, Doctor Who has made an indelible impact on popular culture and continues to be a must-watch for sci-fi enthusiasts.
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- 2Peter Jones, Simon Jones, David Dixon
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, based on the brilliant work of Douglas Adams, took viewers on a wild ride through the cosmos with the hapless Arthur Dent and his alien friend Ford Prefect. With its quirky characters, razor-sharp wit, and iconic catchphrase "Don't Panic!", this cult classic remains a firm favourite amongst science fiction buffs and comedy connoisseurs alike.
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- 3Craig Charles, Danny John-Jules, Chris Barrie
Red Dwarf, a delightful concoction of science fiction and comedy, has been tickling the funny bones of its audience since 1988. Chronicling the misadventures of Dave Lister, the last human alive, his holographic bunkmate Rimmer, the humanoid Cat, and the service mechanoid Kryten, this show's unique blend of humour and space exploration has earned it a dedicated fanbase and a special place in British television history.
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- 4Glynis Barber, Jacqueline Pearce, David Jackson
Blake's 7, an underrated gem from the late '70s, pitted a ragtag group of rebels against the oppressive Terran Federation. Led by the enigmatic Roj Blake, the crew of the Liberator fought for freedom in a dystopian universe. With its dark themes and complex characters, this show stood out amongst its contemporaries and carved a niche for itself within the pantheon of British sci-fi.
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- 5Patrick Macnee, Diana Rigg, Honor Blackman
The Avengers, a stylish and sophisticated romp through the world of espionage and the paranormal, kept viewers on the edge of their seats throughout the '60s and '70s. Featuring the suave John Steed and an array of strong, intelligent female characters, like Emma Peel and Cathy Gale, this show pushed the boundaries of the sci-fi genre and paved the way for future television innovations.
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- 6John Mills, Simon MacCorkindale, Margaret Tyzack
Quatermass, a pioneering sci-fi series from the 1950s, introduced viewers to the brilliant and determined Professor Bernard Quatermass, played by Reginald Tate and later by André Morell. Tackling alien invasions, supernatural forces, and the limits of scientific experimentation, this groundbreaking show set the stage for many of the genre's most enduring themes and tropes.
- 7John Barrowman, Eve Myles, Burn Gorman
Torchwood, a darker, grittier spinoff of Doctor Who, introduced viewers to the enigmatic Captain Jack Harkness as he led a team of alien hunters in the shadows of Cardiff. With its complex characters, mature themes, and the inimitable charm of John Barrowman, Torchwood earned its place among the most beloved British sci-fi series.
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- 8Ed Bishop, Dolores Mantez, Michael Billington
UFO, a visually striking and often eerie series from the early 1970s, followed the top-secret organization SHADO as they defended Earth from alien invaders. With its sleek design, strong ensemble cast, and innovative storytelling, UFO remains a beloved classic for fans of vintage science fiction.
- 9Martin Landau, Barbara Bain, Nick Tate
Space: 1999, a visually stunning and thought-provoking show from the '70s, catapulted viewers to the far reaches of space alongside the inhabitants of Moonbase Alpha. Led by the charismatic duo of Martin Landau and Barbara Bain, the series explored the nature of humanity, the unknown, and the consequences of our actions - making it a must-watch for fans of cerebral science fiction.
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- 10David McCallum, Joanna Lumley
Sapphire & Steel, a surreal and atmospheric series from the 1980s, starred the enigmatic David McCallum and Joanna Lumley as time-travelling agents tasked with preserving the integrity of history. With its haunting visuals, intriguing mysteries, and captivating performances, Sapphire & Steel remains a uniquely compelling entry in the annals of British sci-fi.
- 11Daniel Kaluuya, Toby Kebbell, Rory Kinnear
Black Mirror, a modern masterpiece of speculative fiction, holds a dark mirror up to society, reflecting the perils and pitfalls of our relationship with technology. With its anthology format and gripping, standalone episodes, this show has become a cultural phenomenon, leaving viewers simultaneously captivated and unsettled. From the twisted minds of Charlie Brooker and Annabel Jones, Black Mirror has cemented its status as a vital voice in contemporary science fiction.
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- 12Peter Dyneley, David Graham
Thunderbirds, a beloved children's classic from the 1960s, used innovative puppetry and model work to bring the futuristic exploits of International Rescue to life. With its colourful characters, exciting adventures, and enduring catchphrase "Thunderbirds are go!", this show holds a special place in the hearts of fans young and old.
- 13Elisabeth Sladen, Tommy Knight, Daniel Anthony
The Sarah Jane Adventures, a family-friendly spinoff of Doctor Who, followed the adventures of journalist and former companion Sarah Jane Smith, played by the late, great Elisabeth Sladen. With the help of her young protégés and the occasional appearance from the Doctor himself, Sarah Jane battled extraterrestrial threats and saved the world time and time again. This show struck a chord with fans young and old, showcasing the enduring appeal of the Doctor Who universe.
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- 14
Primeval
Hannah Spearritt, Andrew Lee Potts, Ben MansfieldPrimeval, a thrilling romp through time, saw a team of scientists and adventurers battling prehistoric creatures and other temporal anomalies. With its innovative use of CGI and a strong ensemble cast, Primeval kept viewers on the edge of their seats and sparked the imagination of a new generation of sci-fi fans.
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- 15
Survivors
Ian McCulloch, Lucy Fleming, Carolyn SeymourSurvivors, a chilling vision of a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a deadly virus, followed a group of disparate survivors as they navigated the challenges of rebuilding society. With its strong character development, gripping narrative, and eerie realism, Survivors remains a powerful and resonant entry in the realm of British sci-fi.
- 16William Hurt, Will Tudor, Katherine Parkinson
Humans, a gripping exploration of artificial intelligence and the nature of humanity, followed the intertwining lives of humans and androids, known as Synths, in a near-future world. With its strong performances, thought-provoking storylines, and timely themes, Humans captivated audiences and sparked important conversations about the role of technology in our lives.
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- 17Karla Crome, Joseph Gilgun, Natasha O'Keeffe
Misfits, a darkly comedic and refreshingly original series, followed a group of young offenders who gained supernatural abilities during a freak electrical storm. With its sharp wit, engaging characters, and daring storytelling, Misfits quickly became a cult favourite among sci-fi fans and remains a standout example of British genre television.
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- 18John Woodvine, Charlotte Long, Cindy Shelley
The Tripods, a compelling adaptation of John Christopher's novels, chronicled the resistance against alien overlords in a dystopian future Earth. With its strong performances, enthralling storylines, and chilling atmosphere, The Tripods remains a standout example of British science fiction television.
- 19Ed Bishop, Donald Gray, Francis Matthews
Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons, another brainchild of Thunderbirds creator Gerry Anderson, immersed viewers in a world of espionage, intrigue, and Martian menace. With its unforgettable characters, innovative puppetry, and thrilling action, Captain Scarlet remains a beloved classic for fans of vintage British sci-fi.
- 20Ray Barrett, Robert Easton, David Graham
Stingray, yet another gem from the creative mind of Gerry Anderson, took viewers beneath the waves to explore the adventures of the World Aquanaut Security Patrol. Combining innovative puppetry with thrilling underwater action, Stingray offered a unique and captivating take on the sci-fi genre.
- 21Frazer Hines, Anneke Wills, Michael Craze
Doctor Who: The Faceless Ones, a recently animated reconstruction of a lost classic from the Second Doctor's era, sees Patrick Troughton's Doctor facing off against shape-shifting aliens at Gatwick Airport. With its engaging story, memorable villains, and restored visuals, The Faceless Ones offers fans a fascinating glimpse into the early days of Doctor Who and reminds us of the show's timeless appeal.
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- 22Elisabeth Sladen, John Leeson, Bill Fraser
K-9 and Company, a short-lived but fondly remembered spinoff of Doctor Who, paired the Doctor's trusty robotic canine companion, K-9, with the resourceful journalist Sarah Jane Smith. Although the series never took off as planned, it remains a beloved footnote in the history of British sci-fi television and a testament to the enduring appeal of Doctor Who's extended universe.
- 23Edward Woodward, Tony Doyle, Robert Lang
1990, a chilling and prescient dystopian series from the late '70s, explored the dangers of a totalitarian Britain under the grip of oppressive bureaucracy. With its thought-provoking themes, strong performances, and eerily plausible premise, 1990 remains a powerful and timely entry in the world of British sci-fi television.
- 24Stephen Mangan, Darren Boyd, Jason Watkins
Dirk Gently, a brilliantly offbeat adaptation of Douglas Adams' beloved novels, introduced viewers to the quirky and eccentric detective Dirk Gently and his reluctant sidekick, Todd Brotzman. With its unique blend of supernatural elements, time travel, and off-the-wall humour, this series showcased the razor-sharp wit and imaginative storytelling that made Adams a literary legend. With its engaging characters, captivating mysteries, and whimsical style, Dirk Gently remains a delightful and memorable entry in the world of British sci-fi television.
- 25Patrick Troughton, Frazer Hines, Victor MaddernSomething bad is in a refinery's pipes.
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- 26Len Jones, Keith Alexander, Sylvia Anderson
Joe 90, a charming and inventive series from the ever-creative Gerry Anderson, followed the adventures of a nine-year-old boy with the ability to acquire expert knowledge and skills via advanced technology. With its unique premise, engaging storytelling, and trademark Supermarionation puppetry, Joe 90 earned a special place in the hearts of sci-fi fans and remains a fondly remembered classic.
- 27Julie Graham, Max Beesley, Paterson Joseph
Survivors, a gripping 2008 remake of the 1970s classic series, explored the challenges faced by a group of disparate individuals in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a deadly virus. With its strong ensemble cast, including Julie Graham and Max Beesley, the series delved into themes of survival, community, and the rebuilding of society. Combining thrilling action, compelling character development, and a chillingly realistic premise, the 2008 version of Survivors brought the original story to a new generation of viewers while retaining the essence that made the original series a standout in the world of British sci-fi television.
- 28Matt Frewer, Jeffrey Tambor, Amanda Pays
Max Headroom, a groundbreaking and satirical series, introduced viewers to a computer-generated talk show host and a dystopian future dominated by television networks. With its cutting-edge visuals, biting wit, and unforgettable titular character, Max Headroom left an indelible mark on the sci-fi genre and continues to influence popular culture to this day.
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- 29Cheryl Burfield, Spencer Banks, Denis Quilley
Timeslip, a captivating and innovative series from the early '70s, followed two teenagers as they travelled through time, encountering alternate histories and potential futures. With its intelligent storytelling, engaging characters, and thought-provoking themes, Timeslip remains a standout example of British science fiction television.
- 30Patrick Troughton, Frazer Hines, Marius GoringJamie and the Doctor are kidnapped as part of a plot to create a race of Super-Daleks.
