Sci-fi books serve a great many purposes, from offering readers distant galaxies to escape into to imagining what the future could look like — for better or for worse. Some of the best science-fiction novels examine the impact of technological and societal advancements on human beings. Of course, other additions to the category take readers to space, exploring other civilizations and even other species.

Despite settings that are quite different from our present-day backdrops, good sci-fi books raise conversations that feel relatable and relevant. They explore such topics in imaginative and sometimes outlandish ways, ideally leaving readers with a lot to think about once they’re finished.

And while many sci-fi masterpieces are standalones, some of the greatest additions to the genre have spun out into series. Having multiple books to explore a concept can be beneficial to sci-fi stories, though whether an extended narrative lands depends on how it’s handled.

There are quite a few sci-fi series that are masterpieces overall, maintaining a high quality across multiple books. Many of them have great reputations, and rightfully so. For readers just getting into the sci-fi genre, they’re obvious picks, as they showcase the heights it can reach.

8

Dune

By Frank Herbert

Frank Herbert’s Dune is a sci-fi classic, and the rest of the books in the Dune series are just as compelling, cementing its legacy as a masterpiece. There’s a reason Denis Villeneuve’s Dune movies have been such successes; they deliver on the epic scope and complex themes of Herbert’s sci-fi series.

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Denis Villeneuve’s Dune film series is based on Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel of the same name, but plenty of other books followed the first Dune.

And those elements of the books are precisely what ensures their staying power all these years later. The world Herbert builds in Dune and its sequels is truly impressive, helping the political drama land.

Following Paul Atreides on his journey to fulfill his destiny in the first three Dune books also makes for a fascinating character study, one that will upend expectations and force readers to think. And while the later books shift perspective, they’re still worth reading, as they’re just as complex and engaging.

7

The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy

By Douglas Adams

Although Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy can be read as a standalone, it’s worth diving into the rest of the series, as it’s a gem in its entirety. It’s no secret that The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is a sci-fi classic, with its blend of satirical humor and philosophical discussions still resonating decades later.

The other books in this series build on the first one’s strengths, continuing to unpack the human experience and meaning behind it in fun and lighthearted ways. Those looking for sci-fi that’s deep and thoughtful but never gets too dark will understand exactly why these are lauded as masterpieces in the genre. It’s not easy to pull off that balance, but Adams manages it impressively.

6

The Expanse

By James S.A. Corey

The Expanse is one of the biggest and most recognizable modern sci-fi series, and the success of its TV adaptation is a testament to how beloved it really is. Written by author duo James S.A. Corey, the nine-book series even won the Hugo Award for Best Series in 2020. That’s no small feat, and it speaks to the impact the books have had since the first was published in 2011.

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Whether you like the intrigue of ancient alien civilizations or battles over the fate of the human race, these books are all brilliant space operas.

Frequently referred to as “Game of Thrones in space,” The Expanse has many carefully crafted storylines and character arcs, all of which converge in an impressive manner. It’s set in a future where humans have conquered space and now live there, and the series explores the repercussions of that.

Although the first Expanse book, Leviathan Wakes, has the feel of a murder mystery, the series expands significantly over the course of its run — and delves much deeper into the politics of its futuristic world. Its exploration of colonialism and its impact is masterfully done, and its individual character journeys are just as compelling.

5

Earthseed Series

By Octavia E. Butler

Octavia E. Butler is a must-read sci-fi author, and although her Earthseed series is only two books long, it’s a harrowing masterpiece on par with The Handmaid’s Tale. Comprised of Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents, the Earthseed series is set in the United States in the not-so-distant future Butler has imagined — and it’s one that feels all too possible.

Parable of the Sower explores humanity’s response to societal collapse, unpacking how belief factors into it, as well as the consequences of leaning into religion at such times. Its commentary is thoughtful and relevant, even years after the book’s publication, and Parable of the Talents proves an impressive follow-up.

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While some speculative fiction goes off the rails & departs from any possible scientific realism, others stay true to fact & extrapolate from there.

There’s a reason Parable of the Sower was nominated for a Nebula Award and Parable of the Talents actually won one: because both novels are masterfully crafted. These books showcase Butler’s storytelling at its finest, and they’re necessary reads for sci-fi fans, especially those who enjoy a dystopian spin on the genre.

4

The Foundation Trilogy

By Isaac Asimov

The late Isaac Asimov is a legend in sci-fi spaces, and his Foundation series remains a masterpiece in the category. Spanning hundreds of years, the Foundation books open with the fall of one galactic empire and the beginning of another. The books have a huge scope, making them all the more impressive, and Asimov’s raises important discussions surrounding governing and power.

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How Many Foundation Books There Are & Which Ones Apple TV+’s Sci-Fi Show Covers

The Apple TV+ science fiction show Foundation is based on Isaac Asimov’s book series of the same name, adapting his story for the small screen.

Unsurprisingly, the Foundation books won several notable sci-fi awards, including a Hugo Award for All-Time Best Series in 1966. Apple TV+’s Foundation TV show also received high praise from sci-fi fans, with the story’s legacy spanning mediums. The books are considered classics for good reason, and they’re must-reads for anyone who loves the category.

3

Remembrance Of Earth’s Past

By Liu Cixin

Readers will recognize Liu Cixin’s Remembrance of Earth’s Past series by its first book, The Three-Body Problem, but the entire thing is well worth reading. The series explores the first meeting between humanity and extraterrestrials, presenting two vastly different responses. Humanity becomes divided by those who embrace the aliens’ arrival and those eager to get rid of them.

This division opens the door to explore all sorts of interesting themes, including the conflicts that arise when people are driven to different extremes. That makes The Three-Body Problem and its sequels feel all too relevant, and it’s clear they resonated with readers. These masterpieces are being adapted on Netflix, and The Three-Body Problem also won a Hugo Award.

2

Red Rising Saga

By Pierce Brown

You’d be hard-pressed to find a sci-fi reader who hasn’t heard of Pierce Brown’s Red Rising saga, which is still one book away from completion (but remains a masterpiece nonetheless). The initial Red Rising trilogy introduces a dystopian future where human beings have colonized Mars and established a color-coded caste system.

Darrow and his fellow Reds are under the impression their suffering will pave a better future for the next generation, but he soon discovers a more sinister conspiracy at play. This results in him infiltrating the upper classes, leading to a narrative about rebellion. Red Rising‘s explorations of power and oppression are incredibly resonant and well done, which is why the books are so beloved.

1

Binti

By Nnedi Okorafor

Nnedi Okorafor’s Binti series is another highly praised sci-fi masterpiece, comprised of three different sci-fi novellas. The first won a Hugo and Nebula Award, driving home its impact on the sci-fi category overall. Binti follows its title character on her pursuit for knowledge, a journey that takes her to Oomza University, which is in constant conflict with an alien race.

Binti’s narrative forces a deeper look at the two groups at odds with one another, examining how knowledge and connection can bridge such differences. Binti is truly a masterful addition to the sci-fi genre, and it’s one I wish more people would talk about. While it’s highly acclaimed, it deserves even more love from mainstream audiences.