9 Unforgettable Sci-Fi TV Shows With Incredible Ensemble Casts

9. Red Dwarf

Rob Grant and Doug Naylor's eccentric hit was defined by the strength of its four central characters. Lister, Rimmer, Cat, and Kryten propelled the show forward with their hilarious and complicated interpersonal dynamic, with each character bringing something unique to the table. Without an ensemble able to make each character stand out and the group as a whole sympathetic, Red Dwarf simply would not have worked. While the show may lack the big names of some other sci-fi series, the quartet's unique charm has secured their legendary status.

red dwarf poster with Cat, Rimmer, Lister, and Kryten

8. Futurama

Matt Groening's futuristic follow-up to The Simpsons took many lessons from the earlier cartoon's success – including the importance of a strong central cast. Characters like Bender, Fry, Zoidberg, and Leela were all given a vitality and charm thanks to the exceptional voicework of its ensemble. While it may be less traditional than other examples, given that some actors played multiple characters, Futurama's main roles are so iconic that the show definitely deserves recognition.

Futurama Planet Express Crew looking up at the sky

7. Silo

One of the most original sci-fi series of the 2020s, Silo's all-star cast is packed with talent. Although heavyweights like Rebecca Ferguson, David Oyelowo, and Tim Robbins lend some serious acting pedigree, the show is in many ways stolen by an excellent supporting cast of lesser-known performers, including Chinaza Uche and Chipo Chung. This combination not only enhances Silo's complex story, but makes the series engaging from start to finish.

Rebecca Ferguson in Silo

6. Lost

J.J. Abrams' series was undoubtedly one of the major television events of the early 2000s. While its central intriguing plot was certainly a draw, an equally important factor was the show's incredibly extensive and expertly picked cast. With literally dozens of main cast members comprising one of the most extensive ensembles in TV history, ensuring that every character was given adequate backstory and screen time was a major mission in and of itself. The fact that so many were able to establish themselves as audience favorites is not only a testament to the show, but to the cast members as well.

The cast of Lost standing in front of trees on the show's island

5. The Expanse

One of the most acclaimed series in recent sci-fi history, The Expanse thrives on the strength of its impressive ensemble. Set in a future where humanity has successfully colonized the stars, the show's cast puts big names like Thomas Jane shoulder to shoulder with comparative up-and-comers like Steven Strait. The result is an eclectic and colorful mix that helps infuse the show's story of interplanetary politics and conspiracy with genuine heart and emotion. Receiving critical praise throughout its run on both Syfy and Amazon Prime, The Expanse would not be the success it is without the incredible performances of its cast.

Holden and Naomi holding each other

4. Westworld

The 2016 Westworld TV show is in a different league when it comes to stacked casts. The line-up includes Academy Award winners, movie stars from some of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters, and industry royalty, all playing off each other to tell a gripping sci-fi story. The array of talent on display makes it unsurprising that the series has consistently been praised for its performances – even as the central narrative has caused some frustration. Whatever the show's flaws, the strengths of Westworld's huge ensemble cast still help it to shine.

The cast of Westworld in a promotional picture for Season 2

3. Stranger Things

Since its debut in 2016, Stranger Things has redefined sci-fi horror with its intoxicating blend of nostalgia and scares. However, while its distinctive tone and aesthetic are certainly enjoyable, the show's true strength comes from its ensemble. With supporting roles from the likes of Winona Ryder and David Harbour, Stranger Things' real stars are the young protagonists who drive the plot forward. While many are now successful in their own right, it was their chemistry and performances on Stranger Things that propelled the likes of Millie Bobby Brown and Finn Wolfhard to the next level.

Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard and Noah Schnapp in Stranger Things season 4 finale

2. Firefly

Perhaps the most beloved cult sci-fi series of all time, Jos Whedon's sadly-canceled Firefly is another example of how a fun space Western can achieve legendary status with the right cast. The ship's crew of Nathan Fillion, Alan Tudyk, Gina Torres et al. brought Whedon's signature sparky dialogue to life, making Firefly a joy from beginning to end. While the show's premise certainly helped it gain popularity, it certainly wouldn't be remembered as fondly as it is if not for the chemistry of the extensive main ensemble, who made the Serenity feel like a genuine family.

Firefly cast on board the Serenity

1. Battlestar Galactica

Perhaps the most successful TV remake of all-time, Battlestar Galactica turned a somewhat campy original concept into an epic philosophical odyssey, exploring the concept of creation and delving into the essence of humanity itself. Making such heady themes compelling week-to-week simply wouldn't have been possible without a great ensemble. Performances by the likes of Edward James Olmos and Katee Sackhoff are now seen as touchstones by many sci-fi fans, while the likes of Tricia Helfer infused potentially one-dimensional parts with genuine nuance. The result is a show that largely matches its extensive ambition – a feat that just wouldn't have been possible without truly stellar performances.

This image shows the Battlestar Galactica cast with a red overlay.