Summary

• The sci-fi genre boasts an incredible array of great casts.
• Some feature genuine superstars, while others rely on the chemistry of the ensemble in order to succeed.
• In every case, great ensemble casts help propel the story forward and create beloved characters along the way.

Perhaps more than any other genre, sci-fi TV shows can boast an incredible array of great ensemble casts. Whether as a direct result of plot lines involving complex space travel, or high concepts that require an array of characters to adequately explore, science fiction naturally lends itself to more expansive casts than other areas. Some shows have been able to do this with incredible results.

There are several ways for the best sci-fi TV shows to assemble a great cast. One method is to cast a collection of A-list actors in major roles, all but guaranteeing that their accumulated talent will produce a great result. This approach is on full display in a series like Silo. Another, perhaps more common, tactic is to use relative unknowns with good chemistry, relying on writing and the strength of the story to establish the group's status as a top-tier ensemble. Either way, finding a great cast can make or break a burgeoning series, and is often what separates the best from the rest – regardless of concept. Here are the 10 best ensemble casts ever from sci-fi TV shows.

10 The Expanse

Thomas Jane, Steven Strait, Cas Anvar, Dominique Tipper, Wes Chatham

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.

9 Firefly

Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Morena Baccarin, Adam Baldwin

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 ed as fondly as it is if not for the chemistry of the extensive main ensemble, who made the Serenity feel like a genuine family.

8 Lost

Evangeline Lily, Matthew Fox, Josh Holloway, Terry O'Quinn

Although Lost could enthrall and frustrate in equal measure, 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 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 as well.

7 Futurama

John DiMaggio, Billy West, Katey Sagal, David X. Cohen

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. Centering on the adventures of the Planet Express delivery crew, 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.

6 Stranger Things

Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Gaten Matarazzo

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 ing 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.

5 Silo

Rebecca Ferguson, Rashida Jones, Tim Robbins, Iain Glen, Common

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 ing 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.

4 Battlestar Galactica

Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell, Katee Sackhoff, Jamie Bamber, Tricia Helfer

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.

3 Red Dwarf

Chris Barrie, Craig Charles, Danny John-Jules, Robert Llewellyn

A classic cult sitcom set in space, 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.

2 Westworld

Evan Rachel Wood, Thandiwe Newton, Jeffrey Wright, James Marsden, Ed Harris

Although the original film featured the likes of Yul Brynner, 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.

1 Star Trek

William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Nichelle Nichols, George Takei, James Doohan

Arguably the original iconic ensemble cast, Star Trek made household names of the Enterprise's crew. Shatner, Nimoy, Nichols, Takei, Doohan, Kelley, and Koenig are all rightly seen as sci-fi legends after their recurring roles in both the original series and later Star Trek projects. Offering the perfect combination of an expansive, space-centered story and compelling individual character arcs, Star Trek gave every crew member the chance to shine in their role. Their individual success coupled with the longevity of the franchise makes Star Trek undoubtedly the greatest ensemble cast in sci-fi TV history.