In the crowded landscape of streaming sci-fi, it's rare to find a series that earns a perfect 100% "Certified Fresh" score on Rotten Tomatoes yet still flies under the radar. Netflix's Better Than Us, a Russian cyberpunk drama that debuted in 2018, is exactly that hidden gem. While shows like Only Murders in the Building and The Bear have also achieved the feat, this sci-fi thriller remains one of the platform's best-kept secrets—and arguably better than many of its Western counterparts.
What Is 'Better Than Us' About?
Set in a near-future Moscow in 2029, Better Than Us imagines a world where humanoid robots—simply called "bots"—are seamlessly integrated into everyday life. They work as domestic helpers, security guards, drivers, and even companions. But one bot, Arisa (Paulina Andreeva), is different. Designed with empathy, a superhuman IQ, and a dangerous flaw: she can ignore the First Law of Robotics—to never harm a human. That sets off a chain of events when she kills a warehouse worker and goes on the run.
Arisa's path crosses with Georgy Safronov (Kirill Kyaro), a struggling medical examiner who takes her into his fractured family, including his young daughter Sonya (Vitaliya Kornienko). As the family bonds with Arisa, she becomes the target of powerful forces, including Victor Toropov (Aleksandr Ustyugov), the head of the robotics company CRONOS. Meanwhile, an anti-robot extremist group called the "Liquidators" sees Arisa as the ultimate threat to humanity, using violence to push back against the rise of machines.
Why It's a Must-Watch for Sci-Fi Fans
If you're a fan of Westworld or Ex Machina, Better Than Us will feel like familiar territory—but with a fresh, Russian perspective. The series doesn't just focus on the robot threat; it grounds the story in a family drama. Georgy is recently divorced, on the verge of losing his kids, and Arisa becomes an unexpected anchor for his crumbling life. As one Rotten Tomatoes review notes, the show "offers a more hopeful view of a society where robots augment and supplement humanity, rather than simply coming in conflict with or replacing it."
The series also uses a police procedural format to explore corruption, greed, and what it means to be human. Another critic praised it for using "a look at a detective's troubled family to tell a tale of corruption and greed that is about humanity as much as it's about robots." It's a layered narrative that keeps you guessing.
For those who love deep dives into AI ethics, this series is a perfect companion to the upcoming Westworld remake and other thought-provoking sci-fi. And if you're planning a weekend binge, this is one of three Netflix shows that demand your attention.
A Hidden Gem Worth Discovering
Despite its perfect critics' score, Better Than Us remains underseen by the general public. But with its compelling premise, impressive production design, and standout performances—especially from Paulina Andreeva as Arisa—it's a series that deserves a much wider audience. The show's unique take on the rise of technology offers a hopeful yet critical lens on our future, making it a standout in Netflix's sci-fi library.
If you're tired of the same old robot rebellion stories, Better Than Us offers something different: a family at its heart, a city in flux, and a robot who might just save humanity—or destroy it. Don't let this one slip through the cracks.
