10 Shows & Movies Like Firefly (2002)

Description: Stargate SG-1 shares Firefly's mix of action, humor, and character-driven storytelling. Both shows feature a team of characters who rely on each other to survive in a dangerous universe. Stargate SG-1 also explores themes of colonialism and cultural conflict, much like Firefly's focus on the tensions between the Alliance and the outer planets.

Fact: Stargate SG-1 is one of the longest-running North American science fiction series, with 10 seasons and two direct-to-DVD movies. The show was a spin-off of the 1994 film Stargate, directed by Roland Emmerich. Richard Dean Anderson, who played MacGyver, starred as Colonel Jack O'Neill.

Description: Farscape shares Firefly's sense of adventure and its focus on a diverse crew of characters who become a family. Both shows blend science fiction with elements of other genres, including comedy, drama, and romance. Farscape's use of practical effects and puppetry gives it a unique visual style that, like Firefly, feels grounded and tactile.

Fact: Farscape was a collaboration between the Jim Henson Company and an Australian network. The character of Rygel was a puppet operated by multiple puppeteers, including one who controlled his facial expressions via remote control. The show was canceled after four seasons but was later revived for a miniseries, The Peacekeeper Wars, due to fan demand.

Description: Andromeda shares Firefly's focus on a lone ship and its crew trying to make their way in a chaotic universe. Both shows blend science fiction with elements of westerns and adventure serials. Andromeda's tone is more optimistic than Firefly's, but it still explores themes of loyalty, honor, and the struggle to maintain one's ideals in a corrupt world.

Fact: Andromeda was created by Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, based on notes he left behind. The show starred Kevin Sorbo, best known for playing Hercules in the 1990s series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. Andromeda was originally intended to be a more serious, philosophical show, but it became more action-oriented after Sorbo took on a larger role in production.

Description: Cowboy Bebop is often compared to Firefly for its blend of science fiction and western elements, as well as its focus on a group of misfit bounty hunters. Both shows have a distinctive visual style and a jazz-influenced soundtrack that sets them apart from other sci-fi series. The tone of Cowboy Bebop, which mixes humor, action, and melancholy, is also similar to Firefly's.

Fact: Cowboy Bebop was originally intended to be a children's show, but the creators quickly realized it would be better suited for an older audience. The show was heavily influenced by American cinema, particularly film noir and westerns. Despite its popularity, Cowboy Bebop only ran for one season in Japan.

Description: Serenity is the cinematic continuation of Firefly, so it shares all of the show's themes, characters, and visual style. The film delves deeper into the backstory of the Reavers and the Alliance's sinister experiments, providing closure for many of the series' unresolved plotlines. Serenity also amplifies the action and emotional stakes, while maintaining the wit and camaraderie that made Firefly so beloved.

Fact: Serenity was funded largely by fan donations and support, demonstrating the dedication of Firefly's fanbase. The film was directed by Joss Whedon, who also created Firefly. Despite its critical acclaim, Serenity was a box office disappointment, but it has since become a cult classic.

Description: Battlestar Galactica shares Firefly's focus on a tight-knit crew surviving in a hostile universe, with a mix of action, drama, and humor. Both shows explore themes of identity, loyalty, and what it means to be human. The visual style of Battlestar Galactica, with its handheld camera work and naturalistic lighting, also echoes Firefly's gritty, realistic approach to space travel.

Fact: Battlestar Galactica was a reimagining of the 1978 series of the same name. The show was critically acclaimed for its complex characters and political allegories, particularly in the wake of 9/1The phrase 'So say we all' became a cultural touchstone among fans.

Description: Defiance shares Firefly's blend of science fiction and western elements, with a focus on a diverse group of characters trying to survive on the fringes of society. Both shows explore themes of cultural conflict and the struggle to build a community in a hostile environment. Defiance's setting, a post-apocalyptic Earth transformed by alien terraforming, is as unique and richly detailed as Firefly's universe.

Fact: Defiance was a unique transmedia project, with a companion MMORPG that shared the same setting and characters. The show was filmed in Toronto, Canada, and used many of the same sets and locations as other Canadian sci-fi series. The character of Irisa was originally intended to be male, but the role was changed to female after Stephanie Leonidas auditioned.

Description: Like Firefly, The Expanse is a space western that blends science fiction with elements of noir and political intrigue. Both shows feature a ragtag crew navigating a morally complex universe, with a strong emphasis on character development and interpersonal relationships. The Expanse also shares Firefly's gritty, lived-in aesthetic and its focus on the struggles of the working class in a futuristic setting.

Fact: The Expanse was originally canceled by Syfy after three seasons but was revived by Amazon due to fan demand. The show is based on a series of novels by James S.A. Corey, a pen name for authors Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck. The physics in The Expanse are notably realistic, with attention to details like zero-gravity movement and the effects of acceleration on the human body.

Description: Killjoys shares Firefly's blend of action, humor, and heart, with a focus on a small crew of bounty hunters operating on the fringes of society. Both shows feature strong, independent female characters and a mix of episodic and serialized storytelling. The tone of Killjoys is similarly irreverent and fun, with a touch of darkness beneath the surface.

Fact: Killjoys was created by Michelle Lovretta, who also created Lost Girl. The show was filmed in Toronto, Canada, and used many of the same sets and locations as other Canadian sci-fi series. The character of Dutch was originally written as male, but the role was changed to female after Hannah John-Kamen auditioned.

Description: The Orville shares Firefly's blend of science fiction and humor, with a focus on the relationships between crew members. Both shows balance episodic storytelling with longer character arcs, and both have a nostalgic, retro-futuristic aesthetic. The Orville's tone is more overtly comedic than Firefly's, but it still explores serious themes and moral dilemmas.

Fact: The Orville was created by Seth MacFarlane, who also stars as the ship's captain. The show was initially marketed as a comedy, but it has evolved into a more dramatic series with comedic elements. The Orville has been praised for its practical effects and its homage to classic Star Trek.