When I saw “Dune: Part Two” in 2024, I left the theater completely thrilled. I truly believed it was the best space story I’d seen in a long time. But the next day, I kept thinking about it. I noticed things that were missing. Paul Atreides becomes a powerful leader in just an hour and a half. In just a few short scenes, the Fremen evolve from people who barely know him into an army willing to die for him. Don’t get me wrong. This isn’t the director’s fault. Denis Villeneuve actually did a great job adapting a massive book into two movies. He’s even making a third installment.
I’ve been writing here at TopCinemaHub for four years. Science fiction is basically my life. I’ve watched modern series like Silo and Foundation, and I also love older classics like Battlestar Galactica. Lately, everyone loves to compare everything to Dune, but I’ve only selected series that truly deserve to be mentioned in this discussion.
8 -“ANDOR” (2022–2025)
THE STAR WARS SERIES THAT TURNED INTO A GREAT SPY THRILLER
You might think that Dune fans wouldn’t like a Star Wars series on Disney+. But Andor is really good. If you take away the lightsabers, it’s basically a gripping political thriller. It’s about rebellion and people making difficult, dangerous decisions.
The creator, Tony Gilroy, gives the series a very serious, realistic atmosphere. What makes Andor better than Dune for me is how much time is spent showing the world. The first season introduces you to new parts of the galaxy. The second season covers four years in the life of Cassian Andor. If, after watching Dune, you’re in the mood for more political science fiction, you should check this out.
You might want to skip this one if you’re really after those massive, spectacular scenes that Dune: Part Two offers. Andor does have cool action, but it focuses more on ordinary people.
7 - “FIREFLY” (2002–2003)
THE SPACE WESTERN I’LL KEEP RECOMMENDING OVER AND OVER AGAIN
Joss Whedon’s series is different. There are no opulent royal courts. It’s simply about a crew of smugglers fighting to survive on the fringes of a solar system. They’re being watched by a distant government. Since there were only 14 episodes, it wasn’t possible to build up a vast galaxy like in Dune.
But that wasn’t necessary anyway. Every planet the crew visits shows how the little guy gets left behind. It’s heartwarming and authentic. The fact that the series was canceled so quickly is still a real bummer.
Give it a pass if you absolutely need that grandiose, highly dramatic political vibe. “Firefly” is a smaller, more personal story.
6 - “DARK MATTER” (2015–2017)
THE UNDERRATED SPACE THRILLER THAT DESERVED MORE TIME
Do you enjoy watching a crew figure out who they really are? This series is a lot of fun. The characters wake up on a spaceship with no memories at all. As they travel through a dangerous galaxy, they must unravel their past. I don’t want to spoil the fun for you.
The mystery evolves into a grand space saga. Genuine relationships develop between the characters, and the universe keeps getting bigger. Syfy canceled the series after three seasons, which I still consider a huge mistake.
Give it a pass if you’re looking for the absolute best and most spectacular special effects. The budget wasn’t as high as that of the Dune movies, so the series looks a bit dated today.
5 - “SLIDERS” (1995–2000)
THIS SCI-FI ADVENTURE MADE PARALLEL WORLDS SEEM ENDLESS
Before every movie started exploring the multiverse, “Sliders” was the first to do so. The premise is simple: a group of people jumps back and forth between different versions of Earth. Each world has its own set of rules. Sometimes the differences are huge; sometimes they’re tiny. I loved the feeling that the next jump could take you anywhere. While it doesn’t have the scope of Dune, it’s perfect for creating cool worlds.
You’re better off looking elsewhere if you want to venture into deep space. Sliders never actually leaves Earth. Plus, some of the special effects look pretty dated today. Just watch the first few seasons and enjoy the show for what it is.
4 - “THE ORVILLE” (2017–2022)
FILLED WITH OPTIMISM AND A LOT MORE HEART
I’ll be honest: This series had to win me over at first. Since it’s from Seth MacFarlane, I thought it would just be a comedy. But it turned out to contain some very serious science fiction ideas. Of course, there are jokes.
But it’s also about war, religion, and how people with different beliefs work together. While Dune is all about power, The Orville is much more hopeful. The series explores what happens when people try to build something good together.
You might want to skip this if you’re expecting every episode to be a massive blockbuster event. The series constantly shifts back and forth between funny and sad. That might seem strange if you’re not used to it.
3 - “BATTLESTAR GALACTICA” (2004–2009)
THE OPPOSITE OF “DUNE”—AND JUST AS DEVASTATING
While “Dune” is about a fate Paul cannot escape, “Battlestar Galactica” is about a people who have no fate at all. The series is about the last remaining humans trying to escape genocide. It tackles difficult topics like religious fanaticism and torture. It truly challenges the very idea of fate.
Dune handles these themes a bit more gently. Battlestar Galactica really goes all out with them. You have to watch the second season to understand that.
Give it a pass if you’re looking for a fast-paced, entertaining space adventure. This series is hard to stomach. It requires a significant time investment across four seasons.
2 - Foundation
ASIMOV’S ANSWER TO “DUNE,” FINALLY ON SCREEN
If the best thing about Dune is its world-building, then check out Foundation. Apple TV has poured a lot of money into the production. It looks fantastic. I’ve seen great sci-fi series before, but this one is massive.
An empire with millions of worlds? A prophecy that takes centuries to unravel? Dune follows the struggle of a single person. Foundation looks at the big picture and how the story works. Season 3 is coming soon, and a fourth season is expected in 2027.
Give it a pass if you’re looking for a simple story. There are so many names, planets, and time jumps. You’ll need a lot of patience.
1 - “THE EXPANSE” (2015–2022)
THE SPACE OPERA THAT MAKES EVERYTHING ELSE PALE IN COMPARISON
I could talk endlessly about this series. I consider it the best modern science fiction out there. In the world of “Dune”, it’s all about magical space spice and royal blood. In “The Expanse”, it’s all about water rights and people just trying to survive in space.
The series is based on real physics. Over six seasons, it shows how people from Earth, Mars, and the asteroid belt fight for their survival. It’s head and shoulders above almost everything else and makes Dune seem a little small by comparison.
Forget it if you absolutely need giant sandworms or magical powers. This series stays very realistic. It might be boring if you want space fantasy, but give it a few episodes. You’ll see why it’s so good.
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