Top 19 Sci-Fi Web Series of 2013 Part One
Sci-Fi Web Series Are The Future
A few decades ago, science fiction (sci-fi) was a genre treated like a bastard stepchild by almost every studio and network in Hollywood.
For example, the original Star Trek series was always on the verge of cancellation, but Gene Roddenberry's force-of-personality kept the series on air for three ground-breaking seasons before finally being cancelled by NBC.
It wasn't until years later in syndication did the show reach iconic status, spawning hit spinoff series and blockbuster motion pictures.
The fact of the matter is, Hollywood suits still don't quite get sci-fi - or how the genre can powerfully connect to fans in a visceral way few others can match.
The Web To The Rescue!
Thank god for the web.
Many talented filmmakers fed up with the traditional network and studio system are using the web as a viable alternative to bring their unique visions to life.
With recent technological advances, many of these independently financed and produced projects feature production values that rival content produced by Hollywood.
These sci-fi projects also feature original concepts and themes - unlike Tinseltown, which is obsessed with spewing out a continuous river of uninspired sequels, reboots, and remakes.
All in an effort to strangle every ounce of profit out of once compelling stories.
The web truly is the new frontier for exciting, innovative and fresh science fiction.
For that very reason, I am very pleased to present The 7th Matrix list of the top 20 sci-fi web series of 2013.
Please note, many of these projects were produced in previous years, but all were discovered and featured on the site in 2013.
These web series feature a special blend of compelling premise, exceptional production value, style, and vision that sets them apart from the rest.
So strap yourself in, and prepare to enter worlds fantastic with part one of our top 20 sci-fi web series listing!
19. Guides The Web Series
Imagine if the greatest, most enlightened humans to ever walk the earth weren't human at all?
Instead, what if they were highly evolved, benevolent aliens vainly trying to get backwater Earth to catch up with the rest of the galaxy?
This is the premise behind one of the most funny, witty science fiction comedies of the year.
What struck me most about Guides is while it tickles your funny bone, it also sucker punches you with cutting insights about the human condition.
18. Dark Pool
When Dark Pool opens, you are introduced to up-and-coming executive Jim Krall.
Jim seems to have it all: a lucrative career, gorgeous wife, and adorable young daughter.
However, his world descends into a parent's worst nightmare when his daughter is abducted right before his eyes.
As Jim goes on a desperate search for his missing daughter, we soon discover all in his life is not what it seems.
In fact, he and his daughter are at the center of a power struggle between shadowy entities that can literally bend time and space to their will.
Dark Pool is a compelling mystery that slowly unfolds to reveal at its heart a grand, sci-fi adventure.
17. Voyage Trekkers
Voyage Trekkers is an unabashed satire of a certain iconic science fiction franchise - and it's laugh-out-loud funny.
Set in the distant future, the series chronicles the adventures of the worst starship in the Galactic Union the GSV Remarkable.
Watch as the dashing, yet moronic, Captain Sunstrike and his long-suffering crew head warp-speed into new heights of incompetency as they traverse the galaxy.
If you enjoyed the cult classic 1999 comedy film Galaxy Quest, you most definitely will find much to enjoy in Voyage Trekkers.
16. The Silent City
The Silent City is a captivating post-apocalyptic tale filmed in real abandoned spaces in New York City.
Series creator Rubidium Wu was inspired to create the project after witnessing an eerily empty New York City after it had been evacuated during Hurricane Irene in 2011.
The Silent City follows the journey of a mysterious man known only as Nameless, portrayed with magnetic appeal by Eric Stafford.
As Nameless wanders the blasted cityscape, he stumbles upon another survivor as well as a terrifying, relentless danger.
This project deserves far more attention and acclaim than it has received mainly due to its stellar production value, gripping narrative, and outstanding cast performances.
15. Abigail Original Series
What would you do if one day you discovered your entire life is a lie?
This is exactly what happens to the titular Abigail - a young woman whose entire life is thrown into chaos when she is held hostage by a mysterious man with deadly secrets.
What makes Abigail extraordinary is the both the performance of lead actress Meghan Moonan, as well the highly stylized look of the series.
Abigail is asci-fi, action-adventure mystery that will keep you riveted.
14. Aidan 5
Aidan 5 is an intriguing mix of film noir and hard sci-fi.
The premise is extremely compelling: a man must solve the murder of his own clones.
However, what truly makes this projectstand out is its visual style.
Filmed entirely in black and white, almost all of the sets are highly detailed illustrations seamlessly integrated with live actors.
Together, these elements form an aesthetic truly unique in the digital space. It's as if a graphic novel has suddenly come to life.
13. Journey Quest
Journey Quest earns a place on this list of 2013's best not only because it revels in being a good, old-fashioned, quest-based fantasy adventure, but also because of the innovative way it's produced.
Produced by Zombie Orpheus Entertainment (ZOE), Journey Quest relies on its fans for support, instead of network or studio backing.
The reason for this is stated explicitly in ZOE's mission statement: No Studio, No Network, No Cancellation.
Being solely dependent on fan support for financial as well as creative feedback, Journey Quest producers strive to deliver exactly the kind of entertainment their target audience wants - which is imperative if the series is to continue.
12. BAMF Girls Club
What would happen if the most badass heroines from pop culture were domiciled in one house similar to a Big Brother style reality show?
That ingenious premise is behind the smart and funny web series BAMF Girls Club.
Created by the comedy masterminds of Comediva, BAMF Girls Club imagines Buffy Summers, Hermione Granger, Katniss Everdeen, Lisbeth Salander, Michonne - and oh yeah, Bella Swann - as reality show participants who must try to peacefully co-exist under one roof.
Hint: It doesn't go well - with hilarious results!
11. Dr0ne
In the near future, highly advanced humanoid drones will fight our wars for us.
But what happens when one goes AWOL?
This is the story of Dr0ne, a high-octane, sci-fi action series starring respected character actor Lance Reddick - best known for his role on Fringe as Agent Phillip Broyles.
While Dr0ne doesn't disappoint in the action department, the plot is just as compelling. The series raises timely questions about the morality of using drone technology in modern warfare.
10. Neibauer
This sci-fi detective story earns its place on our list primarily due to its premise: In the near future, technology has been developed that allows homicides to be solved by "rebooting" murder victims.
Complete with a hard-boiled detective, and a murder mystery with twists a-plenty, Neibauer pays homage to film noir classics such as The Maltese Falcon.
So there you have it, part one of our top 19 list. Please find out more about each of these extraordinary series - and support the projects you enjoy.
Your valuable feedback is the only way these pioneering filmmakers will be able to continue to produce more exciting work.
And that is a win-win situation for all of us.
The rest of our top 19 listing will be published next week!
Click here for Part Two of our list of sensational series.
Help Keep The 7th Matrix Independent and Ad-Free!
