15 Best Sci-Fi Movies & TV Shows Of 2020 (So Far)

As we find ourselves approaching the second half of the year, it's time for us to look back on everything that 2020 has had to offer us thus far. It's certainly been an unorthodox (and unprecedented) year given all that's been happening in the world, but as always, many were able to find some comfort in the film and TV landscape.

Much of the world was brought to a standstill earlier this year because of everything going on, and the entertainment world was no different as virtually all film and TV show productions were halted, big-budget releases were postponed and TV seasons ended unexpectedly early. However, there were still some standouts that impressed audiences in spite of the odds that some of them faced.

Much like it always does, the science fiction genre particularly offered up some fresh new ideas on the big screen while some of its best offerings returned to the small screen. With that in mind, let's reflect on some of them.

Sure, this list may have looked a little different had the first half of the year panned out the way film and TV studios expected it to, but alas here we are. Not all of these were perfect, but they kept us entertained, all while providing us with innovative concepts, engaging narratives and some much-needed escapism.

Centering on an interplanetary cruise ship with an eight-week supply of essentials that gets knocked off course and can't return to Earth for three years, Armando Iannucci's Avenue 5 boasts a premise that any good sci-fi drama would kill for. The kicker, however, is that it's far from a drama.

The HBO comedy series that put Hugh Laurie in space was aiming high right out of the gate, and while it hasn't exactly backed up those high expectations at every opportunity it could have, it's a promising watch that reels you in with its potential.

Yes, it does struggle occasionally with repetitive plots, but as it's still figuring out what it wants to be, it's a forgivable mistake because maybe, just maybe, it has more to offer than the slapstick gags suggest. And as it heads into the second season, it's beginning to realise that.

Speaking of the gags, when the show isn't repeating itself the writing is very witty, ensuring that if Avenue 5 is anything, it's an inherently funny watch. Furthermore, it's worth it for Hugh Laurie alone because, yes, Hugh Laurie in space is every bit as bizarre, unusual and wonderful as it sounds.