Science fiction shows are always full of science (go figure) and often a lot of action, too. They are following the adventures of worlds where theories become reality. No wonder it's a very popular genre with so many fans loving every step of the way.
Even though sci-fi focuses on those futuristic, other-worldly ideas, though, that doesn't stop the characters from finding some romance. After all, that happens when bonding with people on wild journeys, right?
These kinds of romances don't always end well (science fiction is a sucker for doomed romances) but they are something that helps drives the heart of a show.
Lexa and Clarke Griffin (The 100)
The 100 couple has its problems (namely the "bury your gays controversy"), but Clarke and Lexa had one of the best romances in the entire show. For all its betrayal and bleakness, The 100 gave an uplifting (however short) connection between these two. Lexa was a light at the end of a dark tunnel when the Sky People thought they might never find peace with the Grounders.
Clarke and Lexa were a bridge between two cultures, two worlds, and when they had each other, they were amazing leaders. If only they had the chance to make their world better before it plunged into Allie brainwashing and Praimfaya.
Peter Bishop and Olivia Dunham (Fringe)
This mind-bender of a show followed the Fringe Division of the FBI, looking into parallel worlds and other phenomenons. Olivia Dunham was just a normal FBI agent but then her assignment to this group changed her entire life. In a world of serious threats and mad scientists, Peter and Olivia's close relationship (that evolves into romance) helped bring humanity and compassion into the show. It helps compel Peter and Olivia to fight even harder for their universe.
Not that Fringe needed romance to be any more fascinating, but hey, it worked.
Delenn and Sheridan (Babylon 5)
In any space show, there almost has to be an alien-human romance. It's part of the rules. But Babylon 5 takes the next step with Delenn and Sheridan. Delenn literally turns herself into a half-human hybrid to try to unite the races a little better, to connect her people with humanity.
Though it only leads to more chaos, the romance blossoms between her and Sheridan and becomes a cornerstone of the show. They are just two representatives of their people trying to find common ground and save the galaxy.
John Crichton and Aeryn Sun (Farscape)
In Farscape's high-adventure run away from the rule of the peacekeepers, the chemistry and romance between John and Aeryn is greatly important. It helps humanize the ex-Peacekeeper and reminds John of the kind of connection and love he can find even in the strangest parts of the galaxy.
They bring out the best in one another and they made their show all the better, despite all the drama and heartache they went through. Fans loved this couple, a scientist and an officer, who helped stop Peacekeeper oppression before finding their own way home.
Nomi and Amanita (Sense8)
Sense8 was an LGBTQ+ science fiction darling, cut down despite the fandom that loved it. Whether it got confusing or put the characters in peril, the heart of the show were the two best understanding girlfriends, Nomi and Amanita. These two were always understanding and there for each other, no matter what was going on with the Sensate adventures.
It was a very natural and fitting end to have the show end on Nomi and Amanita's wedding, where everyone was able to get together and enjoy each other's company one last time on screen.
Kara Thrace and Lee Adama (Battlestar)
Sure, Kara "Starbuck' Thrace and Lee "Apollo" Adama have a turbulent relationship that ruins the lives of other people. But sometimes, when a chaotic relationship is good, a fan can't help but love it. Starbuck and Apollo aren't always great for each other, but they are endlessly drawn to one another. Whether its marriages, wars, Cylons... Nothing can stand in between them.
That force can be empowering and the fact it's a romance between two unstoppable heroes who've saved so many people only makes it more impressive. They may be their least heroic together, but that doesn't make fans love their self-destructive romance any less.
Zoe and Wash (Firefly)
Firefly had a lot of characters with chemistry, and other who pined after each other, but no romance was as adorable, powerful, and loved as Zoe and Wash. Sure, Mal and Inara were spicy and Simon and Kaley were cute, but this married couple worked together to keep the ship in one piece, always respected one another, and generally were such couple goals.
They deserved so much better than that tragic fate in Serenity. No spoilers but uh, they do not get the happy ending they should.
Fox Mulder and Dana Scully (X-Files)
Between clever flirting and supernatural/science fiction crime-solving, Mulder and Scully have always been a fan favorite pairing that only made people love their show more and more. They had fantastic chemistry as partners and beyond. It took them seven seasons of the X-Files to kiss, darn it, and it's still frustrating that all that long-con slow-burn was destroyed by an off-screen breakup.
But that doesn't destroy all the goodness of the seasons before it, and the absolute Scullder mania. If this couple wasn't on this list, it'd be a crime.
Amy Pond and Rory Williams (Doctor Who)
In the beginning, the Amy/Rory situation was a little... weird. Amy had her weird Doctor obsession, she ditched their wedding to go traveling with him, and then she even made out with the Doctor.
However, when Rory and Amy did get more screen-time together, their relationship became possibly the best one in Whovian history. They love each other as they are and are willing to go to extreme lengths to be together. Considering they let a Weeping Angel touch them so they could be together, they are devoted like no other. In the face of all time, Rory and Amy still always pick each other.
Will Riker and Deanna Troi (Star Trek)
The epitome of a will they-won't-they couple, the appeal of Riker and Troi is their immense respect and admiration for each other. Even when they weren't dating, they always supported each other and wanted to make each other happy. If they didn't end up with other people, of course, they'd be with each other. They were the closest of best friends who wanted to be in each other's lives, even if that didn't mean they were romantic.
That Riker-Troi wedding was meant to be, and their older life with their daughter Kestra is exactly what they deserve. Sci-fi fans can only dream to end up as good together as these two.