By Anjali R | January 1, 2026
Happy New Year, Bingeplot family! 🎉
I don’t know about you, but I woke up this morning with a massive, Hawkins-sized hole in my heart. It’s officially 2026, which means we are living in a post-Stranger Things world. I’m still not okay. Seriously, I spent half the holidays re-reading my breakdown of the Stranger Things Season 5 ending explained and crying over the fate of our favorite nerds.
Remember the chaos of last year? The endless speculation? looking back at all the Stranger Things Season 5 release date theories we obsessed over, I kind of miss the anticipation. But now that the dust has settled, we need something new to fill the void.
If you’re scrambling to justify your Netflix Subscription or hunting for the Best Streaming Services to get your sci-fi fix, I’ve got you covered. I’ve compiled a list of Top Rated Sci-Fi Series that give me that same rush of nostalgia, mystery, and heart.
Grab your Eggos, here are 10 shows like Stranger Things you need to watch right now.
Table of Contents
1. Dark (Netflix)
If Stranger Things is 80s pop-rock, Dark is a haunting symphony. I literally got goosebumps watching the first season finale—it’s a German sci-fi thriller that deals with time travel in a way that makes your brain hurt (in the best way).
It features a missing child, a small town with secrets, and 80s timelines, but it’s grittier. When I first watched it, I was completely floored by the complexity. If you loved the intricate storytelling of The Rip, you’ll appreciate how this show handles its narrative threads—check out our deep dive on The Rip ending explained if you love those mind-bending plot twists.
2. Paper Girls (Prime Video)
This one hit me right in the feels. Based on the comic by Brian K. Vaughan, it follows four newspaper delivery girls in 1988 who get caught in a time war.
As a girl who grew up riding bikes with her friends, I really connected with the camaraderie here. It has that “kids vs. the world” vibe that makes Stranger Things so special. Plus, it deals heavily with time travel paradoxes that remind me of classic influences. Speaking of classics, if you’re into the darker side of 80s time travel, you have to read our piece on the Donnie Darko ending explained to see where a lot of these tropes originated.
3. Yellowjackets (Paramount+/Showtime)
Okay, this isn’t pure sci-fi, but the mystery? The 90s nostalgia? The absolute terror? It fits. A girls’ soccer team survives a plane crash in the wilderness, and things get… intense.
My heart was racing during every survival scene. It’s brutal and shocking. There is a specific twist in season 2 that made me scream at my TV—it reminded me of the shock I felt reading about the Land of Sin ending twist. If you crave that jaw-dropping “I can’t believe they did that” moment, this is your next binge.
4. The Umbrella Academy (Netflix)
Dysfunctional family with superpowers? Check. An impending apocalypse? Check. A killer soundtrack? Double check.
I laughed, I cried, and I danced around my living room. The relationship between the siblings is the core here. It’s messy and beautiful, reminding me that emotional payoffs are just as important as the action. It’s similar to the satisfaction I felt analyzing the People We Meet on Vacation ending—sometimes it’s just about the characters finding their way back to each other.
5. Severance (Apple TV+)
If you are looking for TV Show Recommendations that feel completely unique, Severance is a masterpiece. It’s about employees who surgically divide their memories between their work and personal lives.
It’s creepy, clinical, and utterly compelling. The season finale gave me anxiety I didn’t know I had! It’s one of those Top Rated Sci-Fi Series that critiques our reality while scaring the pants off us.
6. The OA (Netflix)
I’m still mad Netflix cancelled this, but it’s worth watching for the experience alone. It’s spiritual, strange, and deeply emotional. Brit Marling plays a blind woman who returns after seven years with her sight restored.
If you are looking for more genre-bending content, check out our list of the best Netflix sci-fi movies of 2025. The OA sits right at that intersection of sci-fi and fantasy that we all love.
7. Black Mirror (Netflix)
You’ve probably seen it, but have you re-watched it lately? It’s the ultimate anthology for tech-paranoia.
Some episodes are so visceral they feel like true crime. The tension in episodes like “Shut Up and Dance” rivals the intensity of real-life dramas—it actually reminded me of the grit we discussed in the Kidnapped Elizabeth Smart ending explained article. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s essential viewing.
8. Locke & Key (Netflix)
Three siblings move into their ancestral home after their father’s murder and discover magical keys. It’s got that “kids solving mysteries” energy but leans more into fantasy.
I found this one to be a bit lighter than Stranger Things but still full of heart. It’s often overlooked, which is why I’d classify it alongside our underrated Netflix gems of 2025. It’s perfect for a weekend binge when you just want to escape reality.
9. 3 Body Problem (Netflix)
From the creators of Game of Thrones, this is heavy, high-concept sci-fi. It involves alien contact, physics, and the fate of humanity.
I was glued to the screen. The visual effects were stunning. If you missed this or other hits from last year, make sure to catch up with our best Netflix movies 2025 top 10 list to see what else dominated the charts before 2026 rolled around.
10. Wednesday (Netflix)
I know, I know—it’s The Addams Family, not sci-fi. But hear me out. The spooky atmosphere, the monster hunting, and the outcast teen vibe? It’s totally Stranger Things adjacent.
Jenna Ortega is phenomenal. As a former “weird girl” in high school, I felt so seen by her deadpan delivery. It’s fun, mysteries abound, and it definitely scratches that supernatural itch.
What show are you watching to fill the void? Let me know in the comments below! And seriously, if you find something that makes you cry as much as that Season 5 finale, please tweet me. I need a new obsession.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the closest show to Stranger Things I can watch right now?
If you want that specific mix of 80s nostalgia, kids on bikes, and sci-fi mystery, Paper Girls on Prime Video is your best bet. However, if you are looking for the complex time-travel mystery aspect, Dark on Netflix is widely considered the “adult” version of Stranger Things.
Which streaming service has the best Sci-Fi series in 2026?
While a Netflix Subscription is essential for hits like 3 Body Problem and Dark, Apple TV+ has become a major competitor for high-concept sci-fi. Shows like Severance and Silo have made it one of the Best Streaming Services for fans of the genre who want high-quality production values.
Will there be a Stranger Things spinoff on Netflix?
As of January 2026, while the main saga has concluded, rumors of animated spinoffs and live-action side stories are still swirling. Netflix hasn’t released a concrete date yet, so for now, we have to settle for re-watching the Top Rated Sci-Fi Series listed above to keep the magic alive.
Is ‘Dark’ too scary for Stranger Things fans?
Dark is definitely more serious and grim. While Stranger Things balances horror with comedy and heart, Dark is a pure atmospheric thriller. It doesn’t have the same “fun” 80s pop vibe, but the mystery is even deeper. If you loved the scarier parts of the Vecna storyline, you will handle Dark just fine.
What are some good teen sci-fi shows like Stranger Things?
Aside from the obvious choices, Locke & Key (Netflix) and Yellowjackets (Paramount+) are fantastic. Locke & Key leans more into fantasy and magic keys, making it slightly more whimsical, while Yellowjackets focuses on survival and mystery with a heavy dose of 90s nostalgia.
Until next time, keep bingeing! – Anjali
