The 30 Best Sci-Fi Movies on Every Streaming Service

The ever-spinning wheel of the Star Wars saga, together with the works of directors like Denis Villeneuve and Christopher Nolan, have made science fiction a captivating force in cinema for quite some time now. Whether it’s about high-octane action set in the future or exploring the dangers of advanced technology, this genre is red-hot, offering room for both massive blockbusters and thoughtful indie films to flourish. Given its popularity, you can find plenty of outstanding sci-fi movies on streaming platforms. Let us show you the way towards your next favorite science fiction film or help you revisit some timeless classics as we venture into tomorrow.

Netflix

Dune: Part Two

Year: 2024
Runtime: 2h 45m
Director: Denis Villeneuve

Currently, you can stream only the second Dune movie on Netflix, but chances are, the first one will be back soon. The second part of Villeneuve’s saga delivers on the initial film’s promise, transforming the 2021 movie’s setup into a thrilling action epic about a new messiah. Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya headline an impressive ensemble cast in a film that expertly balances grandeur with character development. While it might not be as impactful at home as it was in theaters, it still packs a punch.

Starship Troopers

Year: 1997
Runtime: 2h 9m
Director: Paul Verhoeven

This film is extraordinary! Only the director of “RoboCop” could have crafted such an indelible blend of sci-fi and action, centered around colossal extraterrestrial insects. At first glance, it’s a thrilling action movie focusing on young soldiers battling an extraordinary threat. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll discover layers of sharp satire commenting on military institutions and authoritarian rule.

They Cloned Tyrone

Year: 2023
Runtime: 1h 59m
Director: Juel Taylor

Among Netflix’s original films, this one is exceptional yet largely unknown. Starring John Boyega, Teyonah Parris, and particularly Jamie Foxx, it offers a unique blend of genres and stands out as something distinct on the streaming platform. The story follows an ordinary man (Boyega), who is shot in his neighborhood and mysteriously wakes up the next day, surprising a pimp (Foxx) and a prostitute (Parris) who witnessed the shooting. As they investigate this strange occurrence, they uncover a sci-fi concept that’s both intelligent and slightly unsettling.

Upgrade

Year: 2018
Runtime: 1h 39m
Director: Leigh Whannell

It seems that the fanbase of this movie should be expanding at this point. Help make it happen! Leigh Whannell penned and directed an engaging sci-fi/action film centered around a man receiving a body implant, which significantly alters him. Logan Marshall-Green delivers an enjoyable performance in the lead role, but it’s Whannell who truly shines as director, showcasing his flair for playful action sequences.

Prime Video

Donnie Darko

Year: 2001
Runtime: 1h 53m
Director: Richard Kelly

As a passionate cinephile, I’ve found myself captivated by Richard Kelly’s groundbreaking sci-fi masterpiece, “Donnie Darko.” This mind-bending film features an exceptional ensemble cast that includes Jake Gyllenhaal, Drew Barrymore, Patrick Swayze, and Jena Malone. Despite earning little at the box office, it has garnered a dedicated fanbase and is now regarded as one of the most acclaimed sci-fi films of the 2000s. Engage in discussions about this intriguing film and let’s hope that Kelly will be inspired to create another masterpiece soon, as he hasn’t directed a film in over a decade.

Gattaca

Year: 1997
Runtime: 1h 42m
Director: Andrew Niccol

Andrew Niccol’s 1997 sci-fi film was remarkably forward-thinking for its era. Exploring the concept of eugenics that would become increasingly relevant with advancements in medicine and technology over the past 25 years, this thought-provoking movie depicts a future where genetics play a decisive role. Starring standout performances by Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, and Jude Law, it’s a film that remains as compelling today as it was when first released, making it well worth another watch.

Her

Year: 2014
Runtime: 2h
Director: Spike Jonze

In 2013, Spike Jonze was awarded the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for a film where a person develops feelings for an artificial intelligence named Samantha. Joaquin Phoenix delivers a heartfelt portrayal as Theodore, who forms a deep bond with Samantha, voiced exceptionally by Scarlett Johansson. Jonze’s movie offers a thought-provoking exploration of humanity’s connection to technology and the constant yearning for companionship.

A Quiet Place: Day One

Year: 2024
Runtime: 1h 39m
Director: Michael Sarnoski

One might not have expected such an outcome, but John Krasinski entrusted his franchise to the director of the film “Pig” and the illustrious Lupita Nyong’o, who together crafted a prequel tale about the day when lethal aliens first appeared. This is a well-crafted genre movie that benefits significantly from Nyong’o’s consistently stellar performance.

Hulu

The Abyss

Year: 1989
Runtime: 2h 20m
Director: James Cameron

The groundbreaking 1989 sci-fi film by James Cameron has long been absent from Blu-ray shelves in the U.S., but that drought ended in March with its 4K release, making it more accessible not just on physical discs, but also on streaming platforms. Fervent fans of this movie have waited patiently for this moment, and it’s heartening to see their patience rewarded after such a long wait.

Alien

Year: 1979
Runtime: 1h 57m
Director: Ridley Scott

Without a doubt, Alien wasn’t just a blockbuster or an originator of an unforgettable character like Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley. It fundamentally transformed the sci-fi/horror genre and left an indelible mark on it that remains to this day. What’s truly astounding is how relevant and impactful it continues to be, even after four decades. From start to finish, this film stands out as one of the rare movies that can legitimately be called flawless.

Arrival

Year: 2016
Runtime: 1h 56m
Director: Denis Villeneuve

In this intriguing science fiction movie titled “Arrival,” a French Canadian director skillfully directed Amy Adams to deliver an exceptional performance. This film, centered around an alien invasion, provides insightful commentary about Earth’s inhabitants rather than the extraterrestrial visitors themselves. Adapted from a short story called “Story of Your Life” by Ted Chiang, the movie delves into the complexities of communicating with alien life forms. Amy Adams portrays a linguist in the film tasked with deciphering their language. The movie’s intricate narrative structure and Villeneuve’s exceptional direction made “Arrival” an enormous success.

Interstellar

Year: 2014
Runtime: 2h 49m
Director: Christopher Nolan

Christopher Nolan stands alone in the realm of filmmaking, transforming his triumphant superhero ventures into colossal budgets that breathe life into his grandest imaginings. Who else could weave such an epic, emotionally resonant, and intricate tale about an astronaut (Matthew McConaughey) on a quest to find a new home for humanity? This film, despite being polarizing among some Nolan enthusiasts due to its deep emotions, is adored by those who appreciate it deeply. Join us in honoring its decade-long legacy.

Max

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Year: 2004
Runtime: 1h 47m
Director: Michel Gondry

Michel Gondry skillfully transformed Charlie Kaufman’s script into one of the most outstanding films of the 2000s, a tale that blends romance and remorse. Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet deliver captivating performances as former lovers who chose to delete their shared memories due to unbearable heartache. Have you ever contemplated eliminating a significant experience from your life because it caused intense pain? This movie is nothing short of a masterful piece.

Inception

Year: 2010
Runtime: 2h 28m
Director: Christopher Nolan

Following the sensational success of “The Dark Knight”, Christopher Nolan ventured to create one of the most daring blockbusters in history, further solidifying his status as a fascinating director within the Hollywood industry. Leonardo DiCaprio plays a character who guides a team into other people’s dreams for corporate espionage initially. However, he carries some personal issues along with him. This film serves as a testament to Nolan’s exceptional creative vision and masterful storytelling. It has aged exceptionally well. It’s regrettable that fewer big-budget directors are taking such risks.

The Martian

Year: 2015
Runtime: 2h 22m
Director: Ridley Scott

In one of the finest late-career works from a cinematic legend, the captivating sci-fi tale centers around Matt Damon as an astronaut who finds himself marooned on Mars. Using his resourcefulness, he strives to find a way back home. One of the many factors that make this film exceptional is its emphasis on intelligence and knowledge – traits that could greatly enrich many more blockbusters.

RoboCop

Year: 1987
Runtime: 1h 43m
Director: Paul Verhoeven

1987 saw the release of Paul Verhoeven’s seminal work, a film prophetically depicting how technology would reshape law enforcement, with its predictions proving true decades later. This action satire is a captivating tale about a Detroit police officer who gets killed and resurrected as the lead character – an extraordinary cyborg enforcer. The movie remains compelling and remarkably relevant even today, with both original sequels and the 2010s reboot available on Max.

Peacock

Coherence

Year: 2016
Runtime: 1h 20m
Director: James Ward Byrkit

8 companions gather for a dinner gathering in Northern California, where whispers of an approaching comet can be heard overhead. Initially, the scenario appears to follow a conventional character-driven drama, but everything takes an unexpected turn when the lights go off and logic seems to vanish. A brilliantly crafted script serves as the foundation for this exploration of parallel realities, which unfolds in a surprisingly relatable manner that leaves one feeling unsettled.

The Endless

Year: 2018
Runtime: 1h 51m
Directors: Justin Benson, Aaron Moorhead

In this gripping sci-fi mystery, the talented duo Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead take on both directing duties and acting roles. The story follows two brothers who revisit a cult they left behind many years ago. As they delve deeper, they uncover secrets about the group that surpass their memories and comprehension. This thought-provoking film explores themes of repetition and emotional scarring, all within an exhilarating narrative framework. Once you’ve seen it, don’t miss out on their other works like Spring, Synchronic, and their newest release, Something in the Dirt. You won’t regret it!

Monolith

Year: 2024
Runtime: 1h 34m
Director: Matt Vesely

In this little-known indie science fiction movie, Lily Sullivan delivers a captivating performance. The story revolves around a podcast host who becomes fixated on whispers of mysterious monoliths appearing mysteriously worldwide and their potential implications. This film is less about typical sci-fi action and more about the all-consuming nature of obsession, yet it remains classified as sci-fi due to its exploration of our fascination with outer space and the unknown.

Source Code

Year: 2011
Runtime: 1h 34m
Director: Duncan Jones

In a new sci-fi film directed by the same person behind “Moon”, we follow a man who finds himself repeating the same eight minutes to uncover who destroyed a train bound for Chicago. Jake Gyllenhaal delivers an outstanding performance in this role, with Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga, and Jeffrey Wright providing strong support. This film is truly remarkable.

Paramount+

Annihilation

Year: 2018
Runtime: 1h 55m
Director: Alex Garland

Initially, Paramount Studios seemed unsure about how to handle Alex Garland’s movie and didn’t advertise it much in American cinemas. Instead, they released it on Netflix internationally, and now five years later, it’s back. Remarkably, it’s one of the best films from 2018. Starring Natalie Portman, this movie tells the story of a woman who investigates an alien event to discover what happened to her husband within it. However, this description barely touches upon the intricate layers and depth that have already made this film a favorite among audiences.

Minority Report

Year: 2002
Runtime: 2h 25m
Director: Steven Spielberg

Among Steven Spielberg’s most impressive contemporary films is an adaptation of a Philip K. Dick tale set in a future where crimes can be foreseen. In this portrayal, Tom Cruise plays a character who is wrongly accused of a crime he had no intention of committing. The film presents a chilling vision of a future where crime-prevention systems have been twisted. Given its themes, it remains strikingly relevant and likely will continue to be so.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day

Year: 1991
Runtime: 2h 17m
Director: James Cameron

Leaving out this film from any list of top sequels is undoubtedly an error. James Cameron skillfully developed the concepts from his 1984 sci-fi hit into this action blockbuster, which flipped roles and left a lasting impact on cinema history. Linda Hamilton reprises her role as Sarah Connor, the woman aware that her son holds the key to the future. Although Hamilton delivers an impressive performance, it’s Arnold Schwarzenegger (Ah-nuld) and Cameron who truly shine in this film. Cameron showcases his exceptional action directing abilities in a way that will never be forgotten.

War of the Worlds

Year: 2005
Runtime: 2h 31m
Director: Steven Spielberg

In a remarkable reunion, the lead actor and director from the movie “Minority Report” teamed up once more for this outstanding adaptation of H.G. Wells’ timeless tale predicting the apocalypse. Tom Cruise slips into the shoes of an everyday man battling to stay alive on the day extraterrestrial invaders descend, in this thrilling action blockbuster skillfully directed. While it serves as a captivating escape, it can also be interpreted as one of the early cinematic masterpieces reflecting the events of 9/11.

Disney+

Avatar

Year: 2009
Runtime: 2h 42m
Director: James Cameron

In 2023, the world felt like Pandora once more as “Avatar: The Way of Water” premiered in cinemas, raking in a massive sum. Excitingly, the third film is set to release towards the end of 2025! To fully immerse yourself in the new journey, it’s beneficial to refresh your memory on the storyline of Jake Sully and the Na’vi. Why not spend some time rewatching James Cameron’s breathtaking vision on Disney+ before heading out again?

Star Wars

Year: Various
Runtime: Various
Director: Various

Think of this as a reference for all the Star Wars films available on Disney+, the unique platform where you can stream them all along with their original TV series, if desired. (By the way, don’t forget to catch up on Andor.)

Shudder

birth/rebirth

Year: 2023
Runtime: 1h 38m
Director: Laura Moss

In 2023, this captivating twist on the classic tale “Frankenstein” ranks among the finest horror films. Actress Judy Reyes portrays a nurse whose young daughter tragically passes away at age 5, then miraculously comes back to life thanks to a morgue technician (Marin Ireland in an indelible performance) who has been pioneering a daring experimental procedure. Pondering the depths of one’s own moral boundaries, just how far would you go to resurrect your child? What ethical lines might you transgress? This movie leaves an enduring impact.

Color Out of Space

Year: 2020
Runtime: 1h 50m
Director: Richard Stanley

Richard Stanley, in his return to directing after the turbulent 1996 filming of “The Island of Dr. Moreau”, wrote and directed this film adaptation of an H.P. Lovecraft short story with the same title. This time, things went more smoothly. Nicholas Cage portrays the head of a family who relocate to a secluded farm, where a luminous meteor appears to have fallen in their front yard. From there, events take a strange turn, as only a Lovecraft film can manage.

Tremors

Year: 1990
Runtime: 1h 36m
Director: Ron Underwood

In a 1990 action film with a modest budget titled “Tremors“, Kevin Bacon takes the lead. This seemingly ordinary movie turned into a beloved cult classic, leading to an entire series (with its seventh installment now being made). The charm of “Tremors” lies in its simplicity: it’s about ordinary folks fighting for survival against creatures lurking beneath the sand. It’s a mix of humor, brisk pacing, and timeless appeal that makes it enjoyable even after 30 years or multiple viewings.

Apple TV+

The Gorge

Year: 2025
Runtime: 2h 7m
Director: Scott Derrickson

Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy deliver an enjoyable performance in this delightfully absurd sci-fi action movie, reminiscent of the quirky ’80s genre films. The talented duo portray snipers stationed on opposite sides of a chasm concealing something truly terrifying. It’s not often you encounter a romantic tale involving colossal monsters that seem to have risen from the depths of hell. This movie is quite unique!

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2025-05-05 21:57