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Science fiction works frequently draw inspiration from the unique futuristic visions of authors, filmmakers, and comic book artists. These narratives offer exciting journeys into worlds featuring advanced societies, technology that appears almost magical, and epic adventures spanning the galaxies. Interestingly, many of the captivating sci-fi concepts from the past are gradually becoming part of our everyday reality. These imaginative ideas not only serve as an avenue for present-day escapism but also significantly influence the direction of the future for upcoming generations.
For those who are passionate about science fiction or simply in search of an exciting movie that challenges their perspective, Netflix offers a diverse range of sci-fi options. You can embark on journeys to captivating worlds and get a glimpse of various futuristic visions crafted by talented filmmakers. This renowned online streaming platform boasts a collection of its own original titles as well as licensed classics, ensuring you have an enjoyable evening filled with futuristic films brimming with thought-provoking concepts, suspense, and thrilling action. Let’s delve into the top sci-fi movies on Netflix, presented without any specific ranking.
Updated as of September 12th, 2023, by Neville Naidoo: To keep the conversation up-to-date and engaging, we have expanded this article with additional content, offering even more insights and introducing new entries.
25 Best Sci-Fi Movies on Netflix to Watch Right Now
Outside the Wire (2021)
In the 2021 science fiction action film “Outside the Wire,” the rising star Damson Idris, known for his role in “Snowfall,” portrayed Thomas Harp, a drone pilot set in the near future. The movie’s plot revolves around an advanced Peacekeeping machine operated by a team of marines. During a confrontation, Thomas disobeys an order to carry out a drone attack, which ultimately saves numerous lives but tragically results in the deaths of two marines.
As a consequence, he is reassigned under the command of Capt. Leo, portrayed by Anthony Mackie. Capt. Leo is a cutting-edge android super soldier who masquerades as a human officer. Only Thomas and one other person are aware of his true identity. Together, they are sent on a mission to thwart a terrorist threat, encountering various dangers along the way. The film, rich in action and featuring an innovative concept, showcases the impressive chemistry between the two young actors, highlighting the reasons behind their recent career successes.
Dredd (2012)
In the reboot of the 1995 film “Judge Dredd,” Karl Urban takes on the titular role in the movie “Dredd,” which is based on the famous comic strip. Set in a bleak future, the story unfolds in Mega-City One, an excessively overcrowded and crime-ridden metropolis. The city’s last line of defense is the Judges, a specialized police force that serves as judge, jury, and executioner.
Judge Dredd and his partner become embroiled in a violent conflict as they investigate the murder of rival drug dealers, leading them to confront a sadistic drug lord and a group of corrupt Judges. “Dredd” earned critical acclaim for its gritty and thought-provoking portrayal of a dystopian sci-fi world, subtly raising questions about the ethical implications of granting law enforcement such extensive power.
The One (2001)
Well before the multiverse concept gained widespread popularity in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, iconic action star and genuine martial arts expert Jet Li headlined an engaging movie that delved into this idea. In “The One,” Li portrays various iterations of himself as an interdimensional traveler on a mission to locate his alternate selves and eliminate them to absorb their life force, thereby enhancing his own power.
In contrast, the antagonist Gabriel Yulaw has already accomplished this numerous times, amassing considerable power that is evident in his lightning-quick reflexes, exceptional combat abilities, and nearly superhuman strength. However, when he targets the last remaining version of himself, a police officer named Gabe Law, he encounters an individual who has been growing equally formidable, although without a clear explanation. With epic fight sequences and the remarkable skills for which Jet Li is renowned, the film offers a captivating sci-fi experience with a unique twist.
65 (2023)
Adam Driver has established himself as a highly respected actor, particularly known for his collaborations with visionary directors. He has delivered outstanding performances that earned him multiple award nominations, including two Academy Awards, one for Best Actor. His reputation in the world of science fiction is well-established, making his recent appearance in a sci-fi film, “65,” all the more exciting.
In “65,” the storyline revolves around a pilot named Mills, hailing from the distant planet of Somaris. Mills faces a dire situation with his young daughter Nevine, who is suffering from a serious illness. In order to secure funds for Nevine’s treatment, Mills persuades her and her mother to support his decision to embark on a two-year space expedition. Unfortunately, during his journey, his spaceship is struck by asteroids, leading to a crash landing on an unfamiliar planet. What makes this situation unique is that the planet turns out to be Earth, but not as we know it. Mills finds himself on Earth 65 million years ago, a time when dinosaurs and other ancient creatures roamed freely.
During his time on this prehistoric Earth, Mills encounters a young human child named Koa, and together they navigate the harsh environment and confront deadly creatures to survive.
Bird Box Barcelona (2023)
In the realm of recent cinematic releases, “Bird Box Barcelona” stands out as an exciting addition. It serves as a spin-off from the original Netflix hit, “Bird Box,” which starred Sandra Bullock and was a post-apocalyptic science-fiction horror film based on a novel. However, this new installment takes a different approach, offering a Spanish perspective while expanding upon the existing narrative.
The world in “Bird Box Barcelona” remains haunted by enigmatic creatures with alien-like qualities, known for exploiting people’s negative thoughts. Some individuals, referred to as “seers,” develop unique abilities when exposed to these creatures. Unfortunately, the majority of encounters result in victims succumbing to suicide. As we witnessed in the first film, the key to survival involves wearing blindfolds to shield one’s eyes from these malevolent beings.
The film’s central focus revolves around the daunting journey of a survivor named Sebastian, who endeavors to guide fellow survivors through the now desolate streets of Barcelona. This time, the narrative delves even deeper into unraveling the identity and nature of these mysterious entities.
The Titan (2018)
After his breakthrough role in the first Avatar film, Sam Worthington became a widely recognized star in the entertainment industry. He reprised his character, Jack Sully, in Avatar: The Way of Water and committed to three more upcoming sequels. In the interim between his two Avatar appearances, he also took on a significant role in a noteworthy science fiction film in 2018. This film, titled “The Titan,” explored the backdrop of an overpopulated Earth in the year 2048, prompting scientists to seek an alternative habitat for humanity.
The prime candidate for relocation is Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, but determining if human bodies can adapt to its harsh conditions requires experimental testing. Rick Janssen, a US Air Force Pilot, bravely volunteers as one of the test subjects. Accompanied by his family at the research facility, initial tests show promising results, enhancing Rick’s strength, speed, and even enabling him to breathe underwater. However, as the experiments progress, they begin to transform him into something entirely different, triggering a frantic struggle as the government seeks to eliminate him before he becomes too powerful.
In the Shadow of the Moon (2019)
Over the years, Netflix has earned a stellar reputation for producing outstanding original films, spanning a wide range of genres and attracting some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. In 2019, one of their standout sci-fi originals was “In the Shadow of the Moon.” This film was notable for its unique storyline, compelling performances by Boyd Holbrook and Cleopatra Coleman, and its creative narrative.
The movie follows the tumultuous journey of Thomas Lockhart, a Philadelphia police officer, as he grapples with a perplexing case involving a series of seemingly spontaneous and massive hemorrhages leading to simultaneous deaths. This investigation consumes Lockhart, eventually defining and consuming his entire life, as he becomes fixated on his theory that the culprit is a time-traveler targeting the victims. However, the actual truth behind the events is far more disturbing and carries poignant themes that reflect the divisions and challenges faced by society today.
Annihilation (2018)
In 2018, Natalie Portman took on a relatively low-profile role in the sci-fi movie “Annihilation,” which unfortunately didn’t receive the recognition it deserved, possibly due to insufficient promotion or other factors. Nonetheless, for those who had the chance to watch it, the film proved to be exceptional. The story revolved around Portman’s character, Lena, who possessed a background in cellular biology and military service. Lena becomes involved in investigating a mysterious event that has given rise to an alternate reality known as the Shimmer.
Lena’s husband and a group of individuals ventured into the Shimmer but never returned, compelling her to join an all-female team determined to enter this enigmatic area and unravel the mystery surrounding their disappearance. The film showcased stunning, imaginative, and eerie elements, as the Shimmer revealed itself to possess horrifying and mind-bending qualities, providing the movie with numerous thrilling and distinctive perspectives.
Anon (2018)
Anon, a remarkable British-American science fiction movie, defied expectations by uniting Clive Owen and Amanda Seyfried in a dystopian future. In this world, people are implanted with a special ocular device that meticulously documents their every action. This implant offers a heads-up display featuring an augmented reality interface, furnishing information about every individual and object encountered in the environment.
Owen portrays a detective who crosses paths with Seyfried’s enigmatic character, known as “Anon.” Astonishingly, she possesses the ability to disrupt the system, rendering her identity invisible on his display. Furthermore, she possesses the capability to erase any trace of herself from his implant when he attempts to access his daily recordings. This sets the stage for a gripping narrative, teeming with intrigue, heated encounters between the characters, and an intricate and twisting plot that unravels throughout the film.
The Call (2020)
The acclaimed Korean movie, “The Call,” has garnered numerous awards in Asia and boasts a perfect 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The story revolves around a mysterious phone call that links two women across different time periods. As they utilize this connection to uncover shared events from their pasts in an effort to alter their impact, the film gradually becomes a captivating and immersive experience.
This cleverly crafted film captivates the audience with its skillful building of tension, gradually seeping into their psyche. Combining elements of science-fiction and horror, it effectively envelops viewers in its eerie atmosphere while unraveling the mysteries of its intriguing premise. “The Call” stands as an exceptional genre film that should not be overlooked, making it an ideal choice for a thrilling movie night. Once again, it underscores the global appeal of Korean cinema.
The Adam Project (2022)
Ryan Reynolds has a strong partnership with Netflix, and one of his recent projects is “The Adam Project.” Directed by Shawn Levy and written by Jonathan Tropper, the film features Reynolds in the lead role alongside Zoe Saldana and Mark Ruffalo.
This visually captivating sci-fi adventure revolves around Adam, who journeys back in time to enlist the aid of his younger self in an attempt to rescue his father from the past. It’s a refreshing time travel narrative that avoids the typical complications of alternate realities. Instead, it offers plenty of humor and compelling family dynamics.
The Platform (2019)
Spanish cinema has delivered some of the most thought-provoking science fiction films in history, and “The Platform” is a captivating addition to this genre. Directed by Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia, written by David Desola, and featuring renowned Spanish actors like Ivan Massagué, Zorion Eguileor, and Antonia San Juan, this film takes place in a dystopian future within a peculiar prison.
Without giving away too much of the storyline, it’s safe to say that this science fiction drama delves deep into the darker aspects of human nature through various metaphors. Inmates within this enigmatic prison must struggle for survival while dealing with the scarcity of resources provided by a mysterious platform that descends daily, offering sustenance to those at the top.
Level 16 (2018)
Numerous science fiction films tackle the theme of how society’s elites and powerful individuals mistreat those they consider social outcasts, and many of these movies depict a grim picture of this mistreatment. “Level 16,” a film written and directed by Danishka Esterhazy, features a young, all-female cast including Katie Douglas, Celina Martin, and Sara Canning.
Set in a dystopian world, this thriller unfolds within an exclusive all-girls boarding school. Here, the students are rigorously trained to uphold cleanliness and obedience while suppressing negative emotions like anger and curiosity. However, the plot revolves around two close friends who become increasingly curious about the true purpose behind their existence. The film takes viewers on a suspenseful journey as it delves into themes of control, conformity, and the spirit of rebellion.
Bird Box (2018)
Sandra Bullock staged an impressive resurgence in her career through her involvement in the sci-fi horror film “Bird Box.” In this movie, Bullock publicly expressed her gratitude to Netflix for giving her a second opportunity, especially in an industry that increasingly favors younger talents. “Bird Box,” a gripping and atmospheric film directed by Susanne Bier, and written by Eric Heisserer, features Trevante Rhodes and John Malkovich alongside Bullock. The story unfolds in a post-apocalyptic world where mysterious entities, which remain unseen, compel those who lay eyes on them to take their own lives. To survive, a woman and her two children must undertake a perilous journey while blindfolded.
The Giver (2014)
In the world envisioned by Lois Lowry in her novel “The Giver,” emotions are intentionally kept in check to maintain a well-ordered society. This theme is explored in the film adaptation of the same name, written by Michael Mitnick and directed by Phillip Noyce. The movie boasts an impressive cast, featuring experienced actors like Jeff Bridges and Meryl Streep, as well as up-and-coming talents like Brenton Thwaites and Odeya Rush.
The story unfolds in a seemingly ideal society where emotions and memories have been suppressed following the collapse of humanity. It centers on a young man chosen to be the Receiver of Memory, whose role is to uncover the hidden and unsettling truths that underlie this outwardly perfect facade.
Oxygen (2021)
Imagine stepping into a cryogenic chamber for an extended slumber, only to awaken abruptly with no recollection of your past, gasping for air, and discovering that your chamber was damaged many years ago. This anxiety-inducing science fiction thriller, titled “Oxygen,” is crafted by the talented writer Christie LeBlanc and brought to life with striking direction by Alexandre Aja, with Mélanie Laurent in the role of Liz.
Struggling with complete amnesia, Liz grapples with the looming threat of her oxygen supply depleting rapidly. As the seconds tick away, she is forced to employ every means at her disposal to uncover the enigma surrounding her true identity and desperately seek an escape route before it becomes an irreversible tragedy.
Mute (2018)
Despite facing unjustified criticism from some critics, we encourage audiences to form their own opinions about this film. “Mute,” set in a futuristic neo-noir society and written and directed by Duncan Jones (known for his acclaimed sci-fi film “Moon”), boasts a talented ensemble including Alexander Skarsgård, Paul Rudd, and Justin Theroux.
The story follows Leo, a mute bartender, on a quest to find his missing girlfriend, leading him through the city’s criminal underworld. As he becomes increasingly embroiled in a web of crime and corruption, “Mute” combines the elements of a classic detective pulp novel with a futuristic backdrop, evoking a blend of “Blade Runner” and “Brick.” With its strong cast and captivating visuals, it stands as a compelling addition to the film landscape.
Dune (1984)
David Lynch was the first filmmaker to bring “Dune” to the big screen, adapting Frank Herbert’s supposedly unfilmable novel with co-writers Eric Bergren. Lynch also took on the role of director. The film features a diverse cast, including Kyle MacLachlan, Virginia Madsen, Patrick Stewart, and Sting.
Set in a distant future where interstellar travel and political intrigue are commonplace, the story follows the journey of young nobleman Paul Atreides as he witnesses his family’s downfall, navigates power struggles, and eventually becomes the leader of a new race. While the original “Dune” was initially considered a failure, it has undergone a critical reevaluation in recent years, partly due to its unconventional and eccentric nature. While it may not compare to the current remake, it still possesses a unique charm and can be appreciated for its novelty.
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Project Power (2020)
Project Power offers a captivating concept that diverges from the typical Marvel or DC superhero films. It poses an intriguing question: How would you utilize a pill that bestows superhuman powers for a brief five-minute window each dose?
The screenplay is crafted by Mattson Tomlin, and the film is skillfully helmed by directors Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman. The stellar cast features notable names such as Jamie Foxx, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Dominique Fishback. The narrative follows the journey of a former soldier, a police officer, and a drug dealer who are compelled to collaborate in their quest to dismantle the organization responsible for distributing this extraordinary drug.
Stowaway (2021)
In the movie “Stowaway,” written and directed by Joe Penna with assistance from Ryan Morrison, the plot revolves around a challenging situation faced by the crew members of an interstellar mission. Specifically, the crew discovers an unexpected passenger on board their spaceship. This stowaway jeopardizes the mission’s stability since all available supplies were meticulously calculated to sustain the essential needs of the crew. The film delves into themes of practicality, human nature, and ethical quandaries, featuring a remarkable cast that includes Anna Kendrick, Daniel Dae Kim, and Toni Collette.
The Wandering Earth (2019)
“The Wandering Earth” delves into the concept of humanity’s backup plan in the face of the sun’s eventual demise. Adapted from a novel by Liu Cixin, known for his popular work “The Three-Body Problem,” this film is directed by Frant Gwo and features a screenplay crafted by Gong Geer and Junce Ye.
The narrative follows a group of scientists on a mission to rescue humanity by relocating Earth out of the solar system and transforming it into a colossal spacecraft. The story’s audacity in its attempt to safeguard our species is undeniable. While this Chinese science fiction movie may not have achieved blockbuster status, its visuals are exceptionally creative and surreal.
What Happened to Monday (2017)
If you’ve ever been curious about Noomi Rapace’s acting abilities, look no further than “What Happened to Monday.” This intriguing film, penned by Max Botkin and Kerry Williamson and directed by Tommy Wirkola, showcases Rapace’s impressive range, alongside the talents of Willem Dafoe and Glenn Close.
Set in a dystopian future marked by stringent population control measures, the story revolves around seven identical sisters, all skillfully portrayed by Rapace. Each sister is assigned a day of the week and a unique personality, and they must live a singular life to conceal their existence. However, when Monday mysteriously disappears, the remaining sisters are forced to unveil the truth while navigating the relentless pursuit of government authorities.
Starship Troopers (1997)
Anything directed by Paul Verhoeven is always a safe bet, and one of his standout works is the satirical film “Starship Troopers.” This clever adaptation of Robert A. Heinlein’s novel delves into themes like colonialism, warfare, and fascism. Edward Neumeier’s exceptional screenplay is tailor-made for the talents of Casper Van Dien, Denise Richards, and Neil Patrick Harris.
Verhoeven’s satire is brilliantly executed, though it might go over the heads of some viewers. The movie follows the ongoing war between humanity and giant insectoid aliens, resulting in a complete societal overhaul where only those in the military are granted citizenship.
Circle (2015)
“Circle,” directed and written by Aaron Hann and Mario Miscione, takes inspiration from the premise of Saw but escalates the stakes significantly. The film boasts a talented ensemble cast including Allegra Masters, Michael Nardelli, and Julie Benz. The entire story unfolds within the confines of a single room, where a group of strangers wakes up to find themselves confined within marked circles.
At regular intervals, one person within the circle meets a grim fate, compelling the remaining survivors to grapple with agonizing decisions. The movie is a gripping experience characterized by its intense pacing, delving into the moral quandaries presented by the lifeboat thought experiment and challenging the collective responsibility for the deaths of others within the group.
Replicas (2018)
“Replicas” delivers a unique experience, highlighted by an often overlooked Keanu Reeves performance. The compelling script by Chad St. John and the direction of Jeffrey Nachmanoff thrust Keanu into the role of William Foster, a highly skilled neuroscientist who tragically loses his family in a car crash.
Consumed by grief and lacking clear judgment, Foster becomes fixated on resurrecting his loved ones using experimental cloning technology he has been working on professionally. As he pushes the boundaries of ethics and challenges the laws of nature, he delves deeper into the moral and scientific dilemmas posed by his actions.
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