Since the heyday of television, sci-fi has been one of its most popular and influential genres.

Comparisons to the superior original are, of course, inevitable.

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9’Voyagers!'

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The dynamic between the heroes was always the show’s biggest strength.

Its technology and secrets lead the world into three destructive interplanetary wars.

Childhood nostalgia aside, it’s a genuinely flawless series in its own right.

Shelley Duvall as Margaret in The Twilight Zone

Image via CBS

Despite havinga finale that’s kind of divisive,pretty much everything else aboutQuantum Leapworks exquisitely well.

It could be both hilarious and dark, both uplifting and bittersweet, both feel-good and tragic.

At least in this genre, it rarely gets any better than that.

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The ups have been far more numerous, though.

Mystery Science Theateris also, in its own right, one ofthe best sci-fi comedy TV shows.

The characters are compelling, and their designs are the epitome of classic.

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The action is exhilarating.

The voice acting is iconic.

Each story is as fun as the last.

Jon-Erik Hexum and Meeno Peluce in ‘Voyagers!’ (1982)

Image via NBC

There truly is something here for everyone, a quality that’s sorely missed in modern animation for children.

Enterprise-D to go where no one has gone before.

NEXT:1980s Sci-Fi Movies That Weren’t Properly Appreciated Upon Release

Voltron in a poster for ‘Voltron Defender of the Universe’

Image via World Events Productions

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Scott Bakula and Dean Stockwell in Quantum Leap

Image via NBC

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Red Dwarf - 1988

Image via BBC2

mystery science theater 3000 watching mitchell

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Optimus talking to workers in ‘Transformers’ (1984)

Image via SyFy

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The heroes in ‘Dragon Ball Z’ (1989)

Image via Toei Animation

Dr. Crusher (Gates McFadden) and Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) look seriously at someone offscreen while in a cave in Star Trek: The Next Generation episode, High Ground

Image via NBC

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Star Trek: The Next Generation