Sci-fi movies are like cosmic ships that transport audiences to unexplored galaxies and futures filled with mystifying technology. What makes sci-fi so special is how it uses the extraordinary and unfamiliar to dive deep into the human experience. Sci-fi doesn’t just show us new worlds – it invites us to question our reality and see life itself as a blank canvas for imagination. At its core, sci-fi uses the thrill of the beyond to illuminate the depths of the human spirit. Within the broad range of movie types, science fiction films have gained a cherished spot among viewers across the globe. However, with the vast number of best sci-fi movies on Netflix, browsing the universe of choices on streaming services such as Netflix can be an intimidating job.
There’s no need to worry because we’ve put together a guide to the best sci-fi movies on Netflix, giving a celestial map for your next out-of-this-world movie night.
What will you see here?
The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021)
The animated science fiction movie "The Mitchells vs. the Machines" (2021), available on Netflix, follows the eccentric Mitchell family as they set out on a road trip across the country. However, their journey takes an unexpected turn when a robot uprising threatens humanity. The story centers on Katie Mitchell, an aspiring filmmaker, and her quirky family - father Rick, mother Linda, brother Aaron, and their pet pug Monchi. Together, they must utilize their odd yet charming abilities to save the world from a robot apocalypse caused by a rogue artificial intelligence named PAL. The movie seamlessly combines heartwarming family relationships with state-of-the-art animation and science-fiction elements, making it a must-watch for both kids and adults.
- Laugh-out-loud humor
- Power of connection
- Great visuals
- The motivations of PAL are not clear.
They Cloned Tyrone- Blaxploitation Mystery
They Cloned Tyrone emerges as an engrossing science fiction gem on Netflix, seamlessly blending elements of mystery, comedy, and futuristic intrigue. Unfolding in a quiet small town, the film begins with the revelation of a mysterious accident, setting into motion a series of events that uncover a government web of conspiracy centered around cloning. Guided by the charismatic trio of Owen Wilson, Michael B. Jordan, and Tessa Thompson, the story takes adventurous leaps through a landscape full of covert experiments, duplications, and the ominous presence of a secretive government agency. As the trio unravels the truth behind Tyrone's cloning, the movie captivates audiences with its suspenseful plot and cleverly written dialogue.
- Genre mashup magic
- Dynamic trio
- Smart assessment of society
- Fast-paced plot
The Platform- A Slip Towards Tragedy
The Netflix sci-fi thriller The Platform is a gripping and thought-provoking film. It occurs in a dystopian future within a vertical prison called "The Hole." The prisoners live on different levels of this towering structure and are fed using a platform that descends through the levels, initially carrying a lavish banquet. However, as the platform goes down, the amount of food decreases significantly, leaving those on the lower levels with meager leftovers or nothing. The movie follows the main character, Goreng, as he attempts to survive in this dire environment and grapples with the moral questions raised by the inequalities of the system and the oppressive conditions governing the inmates of The Hole.
- Layered performances
- Tense Atmosphere
- Thought-provoking concept
- Open-ended conclusion
The Midnight Sky- Arctic Loneliness
Augustine Lofthouse, a scientist close to death, decides to isolate himself in a remote Arctic research station as the world is beset by an unknown disaster. When he finds out that some returning astronauts, including a friend of his estranged daughter's, are unaware of the devastation on Earth, he embarks on a dangerous journey to warn them. Accompanied by a young girl named Iris, their trek across the frozen landscape becomes a poignant reflection on death, regret, and the longing for connection. Adapted from Lily Brooks-Dalton's novel Good Morning, Midnight, The Midnight Sky interweaves epic science fiction visuals with intimate character drama, exploring the endurance of the human spirit even in the face of total oblivion.
- Emotional Resonance
- Features a gripping storyline
- Slow-paced
Oxygen- Claustrophobic Thriller
The Netflix science fiction movie "Oxygen" establishes itself as one of the streaming service's best with its suspenseful and restrictive narrative. The film centers on Liz, portrayed by Mélanie Laurent, who awakens inside an advanced cryogenic pod without any recollection of her identity or how she ended up there. As alarm sets in, Liz finds she has scarce oxygen and must decipher the pod's futurist interface to uncover the enigma of her past and the events that resulted in her confinement. Anxiety mounts as time runs short, and Liz confronts a battle against the clock to unlock the mysteries of her history and guarantee her endurance.
- Futuristic visual design
- Taut and Suspenseful
- Ingenious puzzle box
- Minimal action
The Old Guard-
Immortal Warriors
The Old Guard establishes itself as one of Netflix's premiere science fiction films through its compelling narrative about a band of ageless mercenaries headed by Andy, played by Charlize Theron. The group comes across a new undying warrior, Nile, depicted by KiKi Layne, and must contend with the trials of their extraordinary gifts while confronting a pharmaceutical corporation intent on exploiting their abilities for monetary gain. As the team fights foes across the centuries, the movie weaves in themes of loyalty, ethics, and the repercussions of immortality. With kinetic action scenes and a fusion of ancient times and modern backdrops, The Old Guard puts a novel spin on the superhero genre, blending science fiction with facets of mythology and moral intricacy.
- Well-choreographed action sequences
- Great World-Building
- Engaging characters
- Pacing Issues
Dont Look Up
Two scientists make the alarming discovery of a comet on a collision course with Earth, predicted to cause catastrophic destruction in just six months. Kate Dibiasky, an anxious graduate student, and Dr. Randall Mindy, a disillusioned professor, launch a media blitz to alert the world to the impending doom. However, they are met with political indifference, mockery on social media, and corporate avarice, distorting and dismissing their message. Don't Look Up, Adam McKay's scathing science fiction satire, blends dark comedy with sobering realism, holding up a mirror to humanity's reaction to looming disaster. Inspired by real-world inaction on climate change, the film amplifies the absurdity of denial and inaction, raising timely and uncomfortable questions about our collective priorities.
- Biting satire
- Timely Themes
- Sharp writing
- Polarizing Humor
Okja- Sci-fi movie on Netflix
The Netflix sci-fi film "Okja" is a compelling movie directed by Bong Joon-ho that follows the story of Mija, a young South Korean girl, and her special friendship with Okja, a genetically engineered super pig raised by the powerful and shady Mirando Corporation. When Okja is going to be taken away by the corporation for profit, Mija goes on a worldwide journey to save her cherished pal. The movie skillfully examines themes of environmentalism, corporate avarice, and the ethical treatment of animals, integrating heartwarming scenes with satirical critiques of the results of unrestrained capitalism.
- Thought-provoking themes
- Heartfelt story
- Masterful Direction
- Emotional intensity
Blame
In the complicated cyberpunk world of an ever-growing Megastructure, humanity is on the brink of extinction. The few remaining human settlements are hunted by robotic Safeguards designed to eliminate them. A lone mysterious warrior named Killy appears, armed with a powerful weapon and a potential cure for the out-of-control technological forces dominating the world. Accompanied by Cibo, a young girl looking for knowledge, Killy navigates the dangerous corridors and massive scale of the Megastructure, facing mutated creatures, rogue artificial intelligence, and the remnants of human civilization transformed by technology. Based on Tsutomu Nihei's acclaimed manga, Blame! depicts a grim and violent sci-fi setting where isolation, dehumanization by technology, and the struggle to survive are key themes. Killy and Cibo's journey through this decaying technological dystopia echoes the structure and tone of the original manga.
- Action-packed sequences
- Unique and awe-inspiring sci-fi world
- Narrative can be complex
Black Mirror- Genre-Bending Anthology
Black Mirror is not one film, but a collection of stories that look at disturbing futures dominated by twisted technology. The show was made by Charlie Brooker, and each part puts viewers into unsettling worlds that could exist soon, where new technologies have changed human existence in horrible ways. This leads to psychological horror, dark satire, and commentary about uncomfortable social issues. From memory implants that erase past errors to social media ratings that control life decisions, Black Mirror reflects our fixation on technology in a warped way, revealing its potential for darkness with frightening precision.
- Genre-bending brilliance
- Innovative Concepts
- Influenced by technology
- Dark and Intense Themes
- Uneven quality
Bubble (2022)- Child Soldiers
In the vast video streaming, Netflix stands as a titan, constantly expanding its content universe. Among its exclusive treasures is "Bubble (バブル)," a recent addition to the fantasy drama genre that graced the platform in April 2022. The allure of this animated gem extends beyond the digital landscape, making its mark in theaters the following month. The masterminds behind this captivating creation are none other than Wit Studio, with the visionary Tetsuro Araki at the helm. Renowned for his directorial prowess in anime classics like Death Note and Attack on Titan, Araki weaves a spellbinding tale that transcends the ordinary.
Set against the backdrop of a fictional Tokyo, where gravity takes a whimsical turn after the descent of peculiar bubbles, Bubble unravels the narrative threads of Hibiki, a parkour virtuoso, and the enigmatic Uta. The storyline, brimming with fantasy and intrigue, invites viewers into a world where the laws of physics bend and twist, mirroring the creative prowess of its makers. As this animated spectacle unfolds exclusively on Netflix, it beckons audiences into an uncharted where gravity is but a playful puppeteer in the dance of storytelling.
Warriors of Future (2022)
In a post-apocalyptic Hong Kong overrun by alien plants and creatures, Commander Sing Lee leads an elite military unit against the invasion. When a meteor crash unleashes dangerous vines and insects, rookie soldier Tai Loi makes the ultimate sacrifice to buy time for the team's escape. Branded a traitor for disobeying orders, Tai Loi uncovers a conspiracy jeopardizing humanity's survival. Faced with obeying commands or forging his path to save the city, Tai Loi must confront the real enemy from within. Inspired by Hong Kong sci-fi films, Warriors of Future blends thrilling action with a bleak post-apocalyptic setting and themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and redemption.
- Fast-paced action
- Visually spectacular
- Excessively CGI-heavy
Space sweepers
The Netflix film "Space Sweepers," directed by Jo Sung-hee, presents itself as an enthralling science fiction adventure. Set in 2092, Earth is on the precipice of destruction, forcing humanity to seek sanctuary on an idealistic space station. The story follows the crew of the spaceship Victory, a ragtag group of outlaw misfits who work as space junk collectors. During their regular salvage missions, they come across a humanoid robot named Dorothy who has the potential to alter the destiny of the entire human race. The crew finds themselves embroiled in a critical mission as they navigate corporate avarice, political machinations, and the fight to survive in the vast expanse of space.
- Diverse Characters
- Engaging Plot
- Social Commentary
- Action-heavy focus
Spiderhead Sci-fi movie
In an advanced prison, inmates convicted of crimes agree to take part in experiments with mind-altering medications in exchange for reduced sentences. The charismatic and forward-thinking Steve Abnesti oversees the facility, administering these drugs through surgically implanted devices. He subjects the prisoners, including Jeff, a man wrestling with his past, to a series of twisted social experiments that explore emotions like love, fear, and aggression. As ethical boundaries blur and Jeff questions Abnesti's motives, he has to navigate a morally ambiguous situation, fighting to maintain his sense of self and uncover the truth behind Spiderhead's seemingly benevolent exterior. Based on a short story by George Saunders, the film examines the potential dangers of manipulating emotions and the fine line between rehabilitation and control.
- Heavy themes with sharp wit
- Characters adds depth to the story
- The movie's conclusion seemed a little too quick.
Outside the Wire
The story is set in war-torn Ukraine. A drone pilot named Harp defies orders and causes a friendly fire incident, saving most of his squad but resulting in two casualties. Branded a liability, Harp is reassigned to combat duty with a captain named Leo, who secretly is an experimental android soldier with unmatched strength and speed. Leo and Harp are assigned a covert mission to prevent a terrorist from getting nuclear codes. They go into enemy land, navigating moral dilemmas and personality clashes while facing brutal insurgents. Leo also struggles internally with his humanity. Inspired by graphic novels, the story blends gritty action with philosophical questions on AI warfare and the price of winning. It follows the pair's journey into hostile territory and their attempts to stop the nuclear threat while dealing with their clashing outlooks.
- Appealing concept
- Well-choreographed action sequences
- Impressive visual effects
- Transitions between fantasy action and realistic grit disturb the story flow.
Invader Zim: Enter the Florpus
The animated film "Invader Zim: Enter the Florpus" brings the popular TV show to the big screen with a science fiction adventure following the peculiar alien Zim. The story starts when Zim, who has been missing from his mission to take over Earth, suddenly reappears with a grand scheme. Thinking his long absence made the people of Earth forget him, Zim hatches a new plan to prove his worth to his leaders. At the same time, Dib, an Earth boy passionate about the paranormal, is determined to stop Zim's plans. Chaos ensues as the movie dives into absurd humor, innovative gadgets, and intergalactic hijinks that engage both fans of the original series and newcomers to the quirky world of Invader Zim.
- Nostalgia overload
- Humorous Sci-Fi Elements
- Maintain the TV series' unique appearance
- Maybe viewers unfamiliar with the original series won't find it relatable.
On which platforms we can watch sci-fi movies?
The genre of sci-fi films has become widely available to viewers through numerous streaming services, providing a wealth of choices for those looking to be transported into imaginative futuristic worlds and narratives. Major platforms like Netflix,
Conclusion
In the enormous world of cinema, science fiction films represent limitless creative potential, taking viewers on journeys outside the boundaries of reality into unmapped realms of fantasy. Characterized by speculative scientific ideas and innovative narratives, these movies offer audiences an exhilarating voyage through undiscovered galaxies, futuristic tech, and mind-bending universes. Our review of some of the best sci-fi movies on Netflix has traversed the cosmic landscape. It highlights the genre’s capacity to enthrall, push boundaries, and encourage contemplation.
Science fiction films spin their captivating stories of the fantastic, making it important to notice the odd flaws that may dull their radiance. Some explorers through these cosmic narratives may pick out familiar plot patterns. Still, within these small missteps, the genre’s bewitching power surfaces, eclipsing the defects and rather, thrusting storytelling to bold elevations, igniting our imaginations with boundless potential. Apart from this, Advantageous, Bird Box, and Spectral are also some of the best sci-fi movies.
