Uplifting sci-fi that isn't Star Trek

[Phil123]

I've been trying to find more sci-fi movies (or shows) to watch that aren't depressing and/or dystopian. Like Start Trek!

It's depressingly difficult. When I Googled "sci fi movies that aren't depressing" I got nothing other than "The Future Sucks: 15 of the most depressing dystopian sci-fi ..." and "10 Utterly Bleak Science Fiction Movies To Ruin Your Day" and similar.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Don't mind if they are older or newer movies. I've seen Forbidden Planet, and liked it a lot. Could be cerebral in tone (TMP style) or lighter (TVH), I don't mind.

Thanks.

 

[Owain Taggart]

I've found the new Lost in Space on Netflix to be pretty uplifting.

 

[Grendelsbayne]

I've been trying to find more sci-fi movies (or shows) to watch that aren't depressing and/or dystopian. Like Start Trek!

It's depressingly difficult. When I Googled "sci fi movies that aren't depressing" I got nothing other than "The Future Sucks: 15 of the most depressing dystopian sci-fi ..." and "10 Utterly Bleak Science Fiction Movies To Ruin Your Day" and similar.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Don't mind if they are older or newer movies. I've seen Forbidden Planet, and liked it a lot. Could be cerebral in tone (TMP style) or lighter (TVH), I don't mind.

Thanks.

Off the top of my head, I'd point to the modern Lost in Space.

And also, you may get better google returns searching for 'upbeat' or 'family-friendly' rather than 'not dystopian'.

 

[matthunter]

Transformers Prime.

Doctor Who, naturally.

Firefly was pretty heartwarming in its message.

 

[captainkirk]

I'll add another vote for the new Lost in Space.

Another of my favorite's, although it's not a space show, is Primeval. If you like fun adventure with time-travel, I highly recommend it.

I haven't watched that many episodes, but you might also want to try Farscape. It's weird, but it's not grim and depressing, at least not in the ones I watched.

 

[RandyS]

I'll also add a vote for Lost in Space.

 

[JD]

If you're not limiting yourself to space sci-fi Eureka is pretty upbeat, and a lot of fun.

 

[captainkirk]

If you're not limiting yourself to space sci-fi Eureka is pretty upbeat, and a lot of fun.

I'm not sure how I forgot that one. And although it's more fantasy than sci-fi, there's also Warehouse 13 which is in the same universe.

 

[Velocity]

I'll add another vote for Primeval because DINOSAURS!

 

[cylkoth]

Dark Matters and Killjoys. While both take place in not so shiny futures (for the main characters at least), I wouldn't refer to them as dystopian.

If there's no space opera limitation, then...
Netflix mini series... Osmosis (matchmaking thru implants!) While labeled dystopian in it's description, it isn't Blade Runner bleak. ''If I Hadn't Met You'' (kerflufflin' with time travel), ''Transfers'' (minds be swappin) , ''Innocents'' (YA luv 'n heartbreak with powers), ''The Society '' (teens trapped without adults), fantasy ''The Order'' (teen seeks revenge against an Order...that's secret) , Anime...''Cannon Busters'', ''7 Seeds'', ''Ingress The Animation'', and Ultraman.
Movies on Netflix...''Shanghai Fortress'', ''See You Yesterday'', animated ''Next Gen'', ''Spectral'', ''iBoy'', ''ARQ'', anime Expelled From Paradise''.

 

[The Nth Doctor]

Another vote for Eureka and, of course, Doctor Who.

 

[Flying Spaghetti Monster]

Though sad, it's not dystopian: Bicentennial Man

 

[Captain pl1ngpl0ng]

absolutely Lost in Space like ppl are saying!
It's not for everyone but The Orville is at least not bleak...
and..if you want a quick movie, then Galaxy Quest is worth a look.

Warehouse 13

I really enjoyed that serie when i randomly watched it on the telly.

 

[Owain Taggart]

If you're not limiting yourself to space sci-fi Eureka is pretty upbeat, and a lot of fun.

Good call on Eureka. My first thought when I started watching it was that it felt a lot like Trek in its writing and pacing. Just plain good ol' fun!

 

[EmoBorg]

Sanctuary was a good show.

 

[thribs]

The Orville? That’s pretty uplifting. Red Dwarf as well

 

[theenglish]

I will add my vote for Lost in Space on Netflix, Farscape, Doctor Who and add the first two Stargate series.

 

[thribs]

Stargate is a good one. I would go with Classic Who than the new one. It isn’t very good.

 

[theenglish]

Current Doctor Who is a different species than the classic, but it does have some excellent stories in any given season.

 

[Leroy]

The Orville? That’s pretty uplifting. Red Dwarf as well

Red Dwarf is an interesting show to consider given the dire predicament the crew faces it's still funny and manages to cheer me up every time.

Babylon 5 uplifts me despite the dystopian elements that exist in the series the whole concept behind the Babylon project and

Spoiler: B5 spoilers

the creation of the interstellar alliance

are very Roddenberry like in terms of vision and goals to have.

Doctor Who has this

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies