Summary
- The best Netflix sci-fi movies showcase a range of stories, from post-apocalyptic tales to time travel adventures.
- Despite some lackluster movies in its catalog, Netflix proves its ability to create epic sci-fi adventures.
- Access to international sci-fi films is a bonus for audiences, expanding the selection of movies available on the platform.
Like horror, science fiction is a relatively underappreciated genre, but the best Netflix sci-fi movies have proven that the genre is well worth audiences' attention. As with all genres, science fiction movies feature a variety of steadfast tropes but ultimately seek to tell stories centered around science-based phenomena that enter the realm of the unknown. Not all sci-fi films feature interstellar space travel or giant robots, and the genre has been home to creature features and time travel movies as well.
There's no question that the Netflix catalog is vast, and with its near-constant stream of content has been guilty of creating a fair few lackluster movies. However, the best Neflix sci-fi movies prove that the streaming giant has its finger on the pulse and is capable of creating epic adventures. While there are a ton of incredible sci-fi shows on Netflix, the platform also offers a host of feature films that are sure to please any science fiction fan, with the added bonus that because there are no international constraints accessibility to flicks from other countries is within reach.
IO (2019)
Starring Margaret Qualley (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood), Anthony Mackie (The Hurt Locker), and Danny Huston (The Aviator), IO is one of the best Netflix sci-fi movies and features stunning visuals. In the distant future, Earth's atmosphere has become toxic and most humans have fled to inhabit a space station near Jupiter's moon Io. The film follows a remaining few who have decided to stay on Earth for a while, including Sam (Qualley) and Micah (Mackie). IO is beautiful in its minimalism and simplicity, seeing an intriguing ending to the unique post-apocalyptic tale.
How It Ends (2018)
How it Ends is a thrilling apocalyptic tale featuring the talents of Theo James (Divergent) and Forest Whitaker (The Last King of Scotland) that became one of the best Netflix sci-fi movies. In standard apocalypse-movie fashion, How it Ends sees Will (James) in Chicago while his pregnant wife Sam remains in Seattle. Unmitigated disaster strikes, and Sam must make it to Seattle to help his wife with the help of Sam's father Tom (Whitaker). How it Ends is gripping from start to finish and the cast truly flexes their talents on the small screen.
Outside The Wire (2021)
Outside the Wire stars Anthony Mackie once again in one of the best Netflix sci-fi movies as an android officer who pairs with a young drone pilot to stop the end of days. Following the standard plot beats of most sci-fi apocalyptic films, there's not much in the way of surprises throughout Outside the Wire, but critics acknowledged that it was a perfectly fine piece of diversionary entertainment nonetheless. Praise was also heaped on the shoulders of lead stars Mackie and Damson Idris, whose chemistry helps the movie click along at a digestible pace when the bullets aren't flying.
See You Yesterday (2019)
See You Yesterday is a Spike Lee-produced story following C.J. Walker (Eden Duncan-Smith) and Sebastian Thomas (Danté Crichlow), and is one of the best Netflix sci-fi movies. See You Yesterday sees two brilliant teens who alter their backpacks to allow for time travel. When C.J.'s brother is killed by a racist police officer, she and her friend strap on the packs to avert tragedy. The film received high marks from critics almost across the board. There was particular praise for its intelligent social relevance and the performance of Duncan-Smith.
Mute (2017)
Blade Runner proved that neo-noir and science fiction are a match made in heaven, and Mute is a prime example of deftly blending the two, becoming one of the best Netflix sci-fi movies. Mute sees a phenomenal cast with the likes of Paul Rudd, Alexander Skarsgård, and Justin Theroux. The story revolves around mute bartender Leo (Skarsgård), who is desperately searching for the love of his life in 2035 after she mysteriously disappears. Mute sees outright stunning visuals and powerhouse performances from the cast, with a gripping storyline and intriguing twists to boot.
Spiderhead (2022)
Spiderhead's twisty ending must be seen to be believed, and the gripping dystopian thriller is easily one of the best Netflix sci-fi movies. Spiderhead is a state-of-the-art prison that utilizes its inmates in experimentation, subjecting them to mind-altering drugs to research chemical effects. Program director Steve takes a special interest in inmate Jeff, and what ensues is a twisty and manipulative game as Jeff attempts to escape Spiderhead. With incredible performances from Chris Hemsworth and Miles Teller, Spiderhead will keep audiences talking because of its moral implications and is wholly unique.
iBoy (2017)
One of the best Netflix sci-fi movies, iBoy stars Bill Milner (Son of Rambow) as Tom Harvey, a London-based teenager who is put into a coma by a thug's bullet. When he awakens, Harvey is told that pieces of his new cell phone have been embedded in his skull. Soon, Harvey is able to visualize digital transmissions and hear phone calls taking place far away from him. With his new skills, Harvey goes on a mission of revenge against the gang who hurt him and his neighbor, Lucy (Maisie Williams). While the film's overall response was mixed, Williams shines in her role, and it's a solid entry to the genre.
Extinction (2018)
In Extinction, Michael Peña portrays Peter, a father suffering from vivid, recurring nightmares of a mysterious apocalypse in one of the best Netflix sci-fi movies. Soon, premonitions become reality and aliens descend upon the Earth. Now, Peter and his wife, Alice (Lizzy Caplan), must do everything they can to preserve the lives of their two daughters. Reviewers were quick to praise Extinction's concept and the work of Peña, Caplan, and the remainder of the leads. With its wholly unique premise, Extinction subverts disaster movie and overused sci-fi movie tropes.
Tau (2018)
Tau stars Maika Monroe of It Follows and The Guest as Julia, a young thief trapped inside the smart house of Alex (Ed Skrein), a brilliant sadist. While Julia is the film's titular character, an A.I. voiced by Gary Oldman steals the show and Tau ended up being one of the most interesting and best Netflix sci-fi movies. Initially seeming hostile, Tau is more misunderstood and limited by a cruel master. Now, Julia must escape captivity and leave with her life, perhaps taking out Alex and saving her new friend in the process. Tau received positive reviews and is one of the more underrated sci-fi movies on Netflix.
The Midnight Sky (2020)
While not quite one of George Clooney's best movies, it is an impressive entry in his directorial career, which has mostly been dominated by historically or politically inclined ventures. The Midnight Sky follows Augustine (Clooney) who may be Earth's only survivor after a near-extinction level event. Augustine devotes his life to making outside , and while he faces one misstep after another is determined in his mission. The Midnight Sky will have audiences in tears as this touching and sad sci-fi movie explores deep themes of isolation.
