Like any "greatest ever" list, it's just someone's opinion. Take it or leave it. I've had over forty years of science fiction intros entering my skull. Before I could even walk, I was watching Doctor Who with my dad. Naturally, my choices are affected by nostalgia and sentimentality, and not a purely objective look at the pieces themselves. It's unavoidable.
Before I ramble on even further, here's my choices for the greatest science fiction television show intros and theme songs. The best part is, I've included audio clips so you can listen to each one!
1. Star Trek
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How can the Star Trek intro not be at the top of the list. No matter what you think of the show, you'll have to agree this intro captures the thrill of exploration about as good as can be done. We may be office workers or school children, but when this intro plays, the dashing and adventurous Magellan lurking deep inside all of us gets conjured up.
2. Doctor Who
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Ominous and futuristic, this theme song has been going strong for decades, and it's been imitated countless times. Nostalgia aside, for my money, the sound of this track captures the "sci-fi feel" better than any other. Only Star Trek trumps it due to Kirk's brilliant prose.
3. UFO
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Takes a few seconds to kick in; but once it does, this theme music is about as groovy as it gets. You can just picture the Moon Maidens in go-go boots rockin' to the groove.
4. The Twilight Zone
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Is there an intro to any show, science fiction or otherwise, more iconic than this? The "doo dee doo doo, doo dee doo doo" notes have become a part of our lexicon.
5. The Tomorrow People
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Like Doctor Who, the theme for this one has that kinda creepy vibe, with nice science fiction sound to it. While not as recognizable as many other on this list, it's no less amazing.
6. The Six Million Dollar Man
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“We can rebuild him. We have the technology. We can make him better than he was. Better...stronger...faster.”.... Yes! Gives me goosebumps to this day.
7. The Outer Limits
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"There is nothing wrong with your television set. Do not attempt to adjust the picture."
8. The Jetsons
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Like The Brady Bunch theme and The Flintstones, you've got to give it props for being so damn catchy. People will probably be reciting the lyrics till the day we actually are flying around in space cars.
9. Lost in Space
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10. The Bionic Woman
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11. Thunderbirds
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12. Time Tunnel
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13. Max Headroom
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14. Fireball XL-5
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15. My Favorite Martian
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16. V: The Series
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17. Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea
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