Science fiction has really developed perhaps more than any other genre on TV in the last decade. With better technology and many more concepts to explore, the cinematography of sci-fi shows is phenomenal.
There's some really gorgeous-looking series throughout the genre, with a variety of styles and design choices. Here are 10 of the best-looking ones that you can watch today.
Westworld
The original film obviously serves as inspiration for this fictional theme park land of hosts and cowboys. First set within Westworld itself and the surrounding parks such as Shogun World, the third season of the show has taken us into the real world.
The combination of western visuals alongside robotics and other sci-fi designs is really inspired. By entering the real world we also get a sleek yet gritty version of what the future could look like for Earth.
Black Mirror
One of the darkest shows on TV or streaming today, Black Mirror has a very distinctive look. It combines future technology with a griminess that brings out the darkest aspects of humanity.
There are plenty of awe-inspiring shots but these are only made more visually eccentric by the design choices for each episode. "Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too" and "Fifteen Million Merits" certainly stand out for their visual choices.
Doctor Who
One of the longest-running science fiction TV shows of all time has managed to create a distinctive look that no other show can replicate. Combining whimsy with high budget CGI and low budget practical effects, every character, creature and vehicle is unique to this world.
Doctor Who has a way of creating its inhabitants and locations that feels authentic to that version of the universe. Some of these choices are truly iconic, such as the costuming of the Doctor or the look of the TARDIS.
The Mandalorian
One of the newest shows on this list and the first ever live-action TV series set in a galaxy far far away, The Mandalorian takes the basic grungy look of the franchise and turns it up to eleven.
It manages to combine aspects from the prequels and the original trilogies as well as bringing in looks from Mandalorian lore. What's more, the cinematography is phenomenal, with the concept art and new technology fueling an incredible western vibe.
Star Trek
Another incredibly long-running series, it's difficult to choose which Star Trek time period to focus on, whether it's some of the newer Amazon and Netflix series or the originals that classic fans love.
The creation of the ships, the uniforms and the creatures are all truly memorable and despite the budget or era, there's a look that's become famous and is honored throughout the franchise.
Stranger Things
Combining science fiction and alien monsters from the Upside Down with retro themes of the '80s was a stroke of genius for showrunners the Duffer brothers. There are no other shows that can combine this nostalgia of the era and new world techniques.
The color grading in particular is always memorable, with the neon brightness of the era contrasting well with the overcasting reds and blacks of the evil forces that are working against these young teenagers.
Rick And Morty
The only animated show on this list, despite being a relatively recent project in comparison to other sci-fi shows, Rick and Morty has already defined a unique look in both its genre and its medium.
Design aspects such as the portal gun or the look of the characters themselves is what defines this show, but the bright colors and imagery taken from classic live-action films make this series fantastic to look at.
Legion
Combining the science fiction of other shows on this list and the superheroics of the Marvel Universe, this show based on the Legion character has taken the visual medium of the genre to a new level.
With unique design choices, incredibly cinematography and psychedelic visuals there's no other show out there that looks quite like Legion — although expect to see many other copycats very soon.
The Expanse
Based on the popular novels, The Expanse show has managed to take what has been the tradition in the genre and make it far more unique for the universe it's building. The sleek and shiny visuals of science fiction are totally twisted in this show.
From the ship to the suits of space gear they wear, each aspect of The Expanse is a spin on what's normally expected from the genre. It's quickly becoming a classic in its own right.
Altered Carbon
The visuals of the Blade Runner franchise have rarely been replicated elsewhere, making Altered Carbon feel like a spiritual successor to the original work of Ridley Scott.
Set in a future perhaps most like our own, the grimness of the city landscapes is highlighted with tacky neon and there's a distinct personality in the locations, weapons, clothing and vehicles that you don't get from slicker productions.