10 Underrated Sci-Fi Series on Hulu You Should Add to Your Watch List

1. Falling Water (2016-2018)

If you're a fan of Inception, you'll appreciate Falling Water, a series that explores the interconnectedness of dreams. The story weaves together three seemingly unrelated people who realize they can affect each other's dreams, and there's a larger conspiracy at play. Despite the ambitious premise and gorgeous visuals, Falling Water remains largely unnoticed.

2. 12 Monkeys (2015-2018)

Based on the 1995 film by Terry Gilliam, 12 Monkeys follows the time-traveling exploits of James Cole as he tries to prevent a virus from wiping out most of humanity. As with the film, Brad Pitt does not make an appearance, but Aaron Stanford does a fine job in the lead role, so don't fret. Despite its complex storyline and ambitious narrative, the series often falls under the radar, but it boasts an impressive 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, so maybe it's high time we started appreciating this apocalyptic thrill ride.

3. The Orville (2017-present)

Ever thought Star Trek could use more humor? Seth MacFarlane did, and thus The Orvill was born. This sci-fi series takes place on the titular starship and follows its crew as they navigate interstellar challenges and interpersonal relationships. While some critics were initially put off by the show's blend of comedy and drama, it's this exact mix that's earned it a dedicated fanbase. The Orville's ship design was inspired by various famous spaceships from the Star Trek universe, which isn't surprising given MacFarlane's love for the franchise.

4. Humans (2015-2018)

If you're into humanoid robots and existential crises, Humans should be on your watch list. The series is set in a world where "synths," highly advanced robotic servants, are a common household fixture. But what happens when some of these synths start to gain consciousness? Cue a lot of dramatic tension and thought-provoking questions about what it means to be human. While it might not have been a ratings powerhouse, Humans has an 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and deserves a second look.

5. Future Man (2017-2020)

Future Man is the brainchild of Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, and let me tell you, it's as absurd and hilarious as you'd expect from this particular duo. The series follows Josh Futturman, a janitor and world-ranked gamer, who is recruited by mysterious visitors to travel through time and save humanity. Although Future Man didn't garner much attention during its run, it holds an 82% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is definitely worth a binge-watch.

6. Dimension 404 (2017)

Described as the Twilight Zone for the digital age, Dimension 404 is an anthology series that explores the weird side of the internet and technology. Each episode presents a standalone story, ranging from time-traveling energy drinks to a matchmaking service that guarantees true love. Although it only lasted for one season, "Dimension 404 delivers a healthy dose of sci-fi weirdness that's sure to entertain. And here's a fun fact: the name "Dimension 404" is a nod to the error message you get when a webpage can't be found.

7. Devs (2020)

Alex Garland, of Ex Machina and Annihilation fame, graces us with this miniseries that delves into the world of quantum computing with a hefty side of existential dread. The story revolves around a computer engineer, Lily Chan, investigating a secretive development division in her company, which she believes is behind her boyfriend's disappearance.

Devs presents a haunting view of technology's potential, grounded by Sonoya Mizuno's riveting lead performance. With a solid 82% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this one is well worth a ponder... or ten.

8. The First (2018)

Space, the final frontier. And, in The First, the backdrop for a deep human drama. This series, starring Sean Penn, chronicles the trials and tribulations of the first human mission to Mars. The show delves more into the personal lives and sacrifices of the astronauts rather than the sci-fi aspects, but that's not a minus. Although it was canceled after one season, The First delivers a grounded, emotional journey that explores the human spirit's capacity for exploration and resilience, with Sean Penn doing a quite marvelous job.

9. Spides (2020)

You've heard of alien invasions, but what about extraterrestrial drug epidemics? Spides is a German sci-fi series that mixes conspiracy, extraterrestrial organisms, and synthetic drugs to create a unique blend of high-stakes drama. When a young woman wakes up from a coma after taking a mysterious drug, she starts uncovering a conspiracy of epic proportions. Spides might not have made a huge splash, but its intriguing premise and thrilling narrative make it a must-watch for sci-fi fans.

10. Tales from the Loop (2020-present)

Based on the art of Swedish artist Simon Stålenhag, Tales from the Loop is not your typical sci-fi series. It revolves around the inhabitants of a town who live above "The Loop", a machine built to unlock the universe's mysteries. Each episode focuses on a different townsperson, often exploring philosophical and emotional themes.

With an 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the show is a poignant, beautifully-shot anthology series that tugs at the heartstrings as much as it engages the mind. And the real kicker? The entire town essentially lives above a giant, possibly reality-altering IKEA...well, not really, but close enough!