The world of science fiction is a vast and ever-evolving sea of ideas. From stories about the future of humanity to alien invasions, science fiction movies can bring the imagination to life in vivid and memorable ways. Netflix has a wealth of sci-fi movies available for streaming, from classics like Blade Runner to modern spectacles like Bright. So, what are the best sci fi movies on Netflix?
One of the best sci-fi movies currently available on Netflix is Blade Runner (1982). Directed by Ridley Scott and starring Harrison Ford, Blade Runner was one of the first and most influential science fiction films ever made. The movie follows a cop (Ford) who is tasked with hunting down a group of illegal replicants. Blade Runner is a classic of the genre, and its stunning visuals and powerful themes have been inspiring filmmakers for decades.
Another classic science fiction film on Netflix is Aliens (1986). Directed by James Cameron, this thrilling sequel to the original Alien stars Sigourney Weaver and follows the story of her character, Ellen Ripley, as she attempts to save a group of colonists from a horde of bloodthirsty aliens. Aliens is a thrilling film, full of action and suspense, and it stands as one of the greatest sci-fi films ever made.
Bright (2017) is a unique science fiction film directed by David Ayer and starring Will Smith. Set in a near-future Los Angeles inhabited by magical creatures, Bright follows the story of a magical item and the two contrasting teams of beings that pursue it. Bright blends science fiction and fantasy together in a compelling and entertaining way, and it has become a hugely popular film on Netflix.
The Netflix original film Cargo (2017) is also worth checking out. Directed by Ben Howling and Rowan Woods, Cargo follows the story of a father (Martin Freeman) struggling to protect his daughter from a deadly virus outbreak. With its compelling characters, intense atmosphere and thrilling action sequences, Cargo is an exciting and imaginative sci-fi film.
Finally, Netflix also has an impressive library of classic science fiction films, including classics like The Matrix (1999), Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) and Brazil (1985). These classic science fiction films showcase some of the genre’s greatest works and remain highly relevant today.
Check Films by Genre
Netflix has an ever-expanding library of science fiction films from a variety of different genres. Many of these are lesser-known gems that can be hard to find elsewhere. By checking the category for “sci-fi and fantasy”, viewers can find a great selection of movies to watch, from retro action adventure movies like Dune (1984) to low-budget horror movies like Splinter (2008).
The “science fiction” category also has a range of foreign language films, such as Korean zombie movie Train to Busan (2016) and the Indonesian time-travel film The Passage (2015). By exploring these categories, sci-fi fans can discover some exciting new films in unexpected places.
For those who prefer more traditional science fiction, Netflix has a selection of classic movies too. Films like The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) and War of the Worlds (1953) are essential viewing for anyone interested in the history of science fiction. It’s also worth checking out the “classics” section for more of these timeless classic films.
Choose Films from Different Decades
The world of science fiction is constantly changing and evolving, with new ideas and themes appearing all the time. Because of this, it’s important to watch movies from a variety of different decades, to get a sense of the different ways that science fiction has been used over the years. Netflix has a great selection of science fiction films from different decades, ranging from the 1950s to the 2000s.
Viewers can watch older classics such as The Incredible Shrinking Man (1957), Forbidden Planet (1956) and Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956). They can also check out more recent classics such as Gattaca (1997) and the cult classic Donnie Darko (2001). By exploring the different eras of science fiction, viewers can get a real feel for how the genre has developed over time.
Focus on Storytelling and Character Development
Science fiction movies are often known for their special effects and grand narratives, but the best sci-fi stories also focus on character and emotion. Great sci-fi movies often explore the depths of human emotion, and use science fiction as a platform to explore themes such as love, loss and redemption. Netflix has a selection of movies that take this approach to science fiction.
Movies like E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982), Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) and Moon (2009) offer an emotional story at the heart of their science-fiction escapade. Viewers can also explore more recent films such as Midnight Special (2016) and the award-winning Apollo 11 (2019), which both offer stirring stories about reaching for the stars.
Experiment with Different Sub-Genres
Netflix also has a selection of movies from different sub-genres of science fiction, such as steampunk, cyberpunk and space opera. Steampunk movies such as The Prestige (2006) and The Three Musketeers (2011) offer a unique take on the genre, while cyberpunk classics like Blade Runner (1982) and The Matrix (1999) explore the dystopian potential of technological advancement.
Space opera has been gaining in popularity in recent years, and Netflix has a selection of some of the genre’s most acclaimed movies. Films like Serenity (2005), Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) and The Martian (2015) combine grand spectacle with thrilling drama to create unforgettable science fiction adventure tales.
Explore Sci-Fi Genre Boundaries
The world of science fiction movies is vast, and Netflix has a great selection of films that blur the line between science fiction and other genres. Films like Jupiter Ascending (2015) and Edge of Tomorrow (2013) take elements from science fiction and mix them with action, romance and comedy, creating thrilling and unique cinematic experiences.
Netflix also has a selection of sci-fi based horror films. Alien (1979), The Host (2006) and Event Horizon (1997) all use science fiction elements to create highly effective horror experiences. Sci-fi thrillers like The Naked Gun (1988) and Source Code (2011) deliver suspense and excitement, while movies like Inception (2010) and The Thirteenth Floor (1999) offer mind-bending psychological journeys.
