10 Shows and Movies Similar to Babylon 5 (1994)

Description: Like Babylon 5, Deep Space Nine is a space station-based series that explores complex political and social themes. Both shows feature long-term story arcs, intricate character development, and a mix of episodic and serialized storytelling. The series also delves into themes of war, diplomacy, and the struggle for survival, much like Babylon 5.

Fact: Deep Space Nine was the first Star Trek series to feature a stationary setting rather than a traveling starship. The show introduced the first African American captain in the Star Trek franchise, Benjamin Sisko. The series is known for its darker tone compared to other Star Trek series, which was influenced by the success of Babylon

Description: Lexx, like Babylon 5, is a space opera that blends science fiction with dark humor and surreal storytelling. Both shows feature a ragtag crew on a mission to survive in a dangerous universe, and both explore themes of power, corruption, and the nature of evil. Lexx also shares Babylon 5's willingness to take creative risks and push the boundaries of the genre.

Fact: The series was a Canadian-German co-production. Lexx was originally a series of TV movies before becoming a regular series. The show is known for its bizarre and often controversial content, including sexual and violent themes.

Description: Stargate SG-1, like Babylon 5, combines science fiction with military and political drama. Both shows feature a team of characters who must navigate complex interstellar politics and alliances. Stargate SG-1 also shares Babylon 5's mix of episodic and serialized storytelling, with long-term story arcs that develop over multiple seasons.

Fact: The series is a spin-off of the 1994 film Stargate, directed by Roland Emmerich. Stargate SG-1 is one of the longest-running North American science fiction series, with 10 seasons. The show introduced the character of Teal'c, a Jaffa warrior who becomes a key member of the team.

Description: Farscape shares Babylon 5's blend of science fiction and fantasy, with a focus on character-driven storytelling and complex relationships. Both shows feature a diverse cast of alien characters and explore themes of identity, loyalty, and survival. Farscape also shares Babylon 5's sense of humor and willingness to take risks with its storytelling.

Fact: The series was created by Rockne S. O'Bannon, who also created Alien Nation. The show was produced by Jim Henson's Creature Shop, which created the elaborate alien puppets. Farscape was canceled after four seasons but was later revived with a miniseries, The Peacekeeper Wars, due to fan demand.

Description: Andromeda, created by Gene Roddenberry, shares Babylon 5's focus on a post-war universe and the struggle to rebuild civilization. Both shows feature a charismatic captain leading a diverse crew, and both explore themes of hope, redemption, and the fight against tyranny. Andromeda also shares Babylon 5's blend of action and philosophical storytelling.

Fact: The series was based on unused concepts by Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek. Andromeda was originally intended to be a Star Trek series but was developed as a separate property. The show starred Kevin Sorbo, best known for his role in Hercules: The Legendary Journeys.

Description: Firefly, like Babylon 5, is a space western that blends science fiction with elements of classic Westerns. Both shows feature a ragtag crew trying to survive in a lawless universe, and both explore themes of freedom, loyalty, and the struggle against authoritarian forces. Firefly also shares Babylon 5's witty dialogue and strong ensemble cast.

Fact: The series was created by Joss Whedon, best known for Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The Avengers. Firefly was canceled after only one season but gained a cult following and was later continued with the film Serenity. The show is known for its unique blend of genres, combining elements of sci-fi, Westerns, and Chinese culture.

Description: Battlestar Galactica shares Babylon 5's focus on political intrigue, military strategy, and the survival of humanity. Both series feature a ragtag fleet of ships led by a strong military leader, and both explore themes of religion, identity, and the nature of humanity. The shows also share a similar visual aesthetic, with a focus on practical effects and realistic space battles.

Fact: The series was a reimagining of the 1978 Battlestar Galactica series. The show was praised for its realistic portrayal of military life and its use of handheld camera techniques. The series won a Peabody Award for its post-9/11 commentary on war and terrorism.

Description: Defiance, like Babylon 5, is set in a future where multiple alien races coexist with humans, often uneasily. Both shows explore themes of racial tension, political intrigue, and the struggle for survival in a post-war universe. Defiance also shares Babylon 5's focus on character development and long-term storytelling.

Fact: The series was accompanied by a massively multiplayer online game set in the same universe. Defiance was one of the first TV shows to be developed concurrently with a video game. The show starred Grant Bowler as the human protagonist, Nolan, and Stephanie Leonidas as the alien Irisa.

Description: The Expanse, like Babylon 5, is a hard sci-fi series that explores political and social issues in a future where humanity has colonized the solar system. Both shows feature a diverse cast of characters from different factions, and both deal with themes of war, diplomacy, and the struggle for power. The Expanse also shares Babylon 5's commitment to scientific accuracy and realistic space travel.

Fact: The series is based on a series of novels by James S.A. Corey. The show was initially canceled by Syfy but was revived by Amazon due to fan demand. The Expanse is known for its realistic portrayal of physics in space, including the effects of zero gravity.

Description: Killjoys, like Babylon 5, is a space adventure series that combines action, humor, and political intrigue. Both shows feature a team of characters who must navigate a complex and often dangerous universe, and both explore themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the fight against oppression. Killjoys also shares Babylon 5's fast-paced storytelling and strong character dynamics.

Fact: The series was created by Michelle Lovretta, who also created Lost Girl. Killjoys was filmed in Toronto, Canada, and used many of the same sets and locations as other sci-fi series. The show was praised for its strong female characters and diverse cast.