Best sci-fi Movies on Netflix to watch right now!

Table of Contents

The enormous flexibility and breadth of the science fiction genre free actors, writers, and directors to express their imaginations without being constrained by the conventions of other genres. Action, drama, romance, adventure, and mystery elements can all be found in sci-fi movies without straying into other subgenres; however, this is not always true when it comes to the other way around. Science fiction is a genre that essentially has something to offer everyone. We have noted the list of best sci-fi movies according to what you’re looking for, whether you want to watch something kid-friendly with the kids, one that is action-packed to watch with friends, or something strange that you’ve never even heard of.

1. The Adam Project (2022)

Shawn Levy’s sci-fi movie The Adam Project, a Netflix original, is the perfect choice if you want to enjoy a lighthearted homage to the Amblin adventure movies of the 1980s. A little boy (breakout actor Walker Scobell) learns that his future self (Ryan Reynolds) is an astronaut who has crash-landed on Earth in the movie’s main plot. You might be shocked to learn that Scobell receives most of the movie’s best one-liners if you were anticipating Reynolds to deliver her usual quick-witted performance. The movie does a fantastic job of striking a balance between humor and emotion, and Reynolds gives a more toughened, mature performance. Watch for Mark Ruffalo and Jennifer Garner’s poignant performances as Adam’s parents, but hang around for Catherine Keener’s scenery-chewing villain.

Genre: science fiction, drama
Director: Shawn Levy
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Mark Ruffalo, Catherine Keener, Jennifer Garner, Zoe Saldana, Walker Scobell

2. Tau (2018)

Tau is a stylish film directed by Federico D’Alessandro (Spider-Man: No Way Home) that explores a fascinatingly disturbing idea. After working in the art department of some of Hollywood’s biggest films, the filmmaker developed a distinctive style that is masterfully realized in Tau. Tau also features Ed Skrein (Deadpool) as Julia’s kidnapper, continuing his remarkably convincing villain streak. Maika Monroe plays Julia, a woman who finds herself being held captive by a vicious artificial intelligence voiced sternly by Gary Oldman. Tau, a science-fiction television series written by seasoned author Noga Landau (See), plays with formulaic sci-fi themes and aspects of terror, but the excellent acting sets it apart and makes for an enjoyable journey.

Genre: science fiction thriller.
Director: Federico D’Alessandro
IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
Cast: Maika Monroe, Ed Skrein, Gary Oldman

3. Sorry to Bother You (2018)

Thanks to the innovative direction of Boots Riley, the film Sorry to Bother You combines surrealism, science fiction, fantasy, and dark humor. To make ends meet, young, struggling artist Cash (LaKeith Stanfield) takes a job in telemarketing in the movie. After assuming a “white voice” over the phone, he begins to succeed at the job; nevertheless, he quickly discovers the firm has darker intentions than he first believed and is conflicted between his principles and greed. The fascinating storyline of Sorry to Bother You is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. It is audacious and bitingly satirical.

Genre: comedy, dark comedy, fantasy
Director: Boots Riley
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
Cast: LaKeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, Jermaine Fowler, Omari Hardwick

4. I Am Mother (2019)

In the interesting science fiction movie, I Am Mother, played by Danish actress Clara Rugaard, a lonely girl is raised by an android she calls Mother. Mother, played by the multidimensional Rose Byrne (Physical), has persuaded her charges that they are the only people still alive after a terrible disease. All of Mother’s claims are challenged when a stranger, played by Oscar winner Hilary Swank, shows up there. The screenplay for I Is Mother, written by Michael Lloyd Green and based on the novel by Grant Sputore, explores challenging philosophical ideas in startlingly sterile settings, allowing these gifted actors to debate and kick ass at the same time.

Genre: horror, thriller, mystery
Director: Grant Sputore
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
Cast: Hilary Swank, Rose Byrne, Clara Rugaard

5. The Mist (2006)

The Mist, a sci-fi/horror movie based on a Stephen King novel, is among the most terrifying film ever created. The story centers on a group of humans who are confined at a store while attempting to avoid the savage monsters that are waiting outside. Although the beasts are frightening, what frightens us are the people and what they do when faced with extreme pressure. The movie nearly has the feel of a tight, gloomy social experiment. Mrs. Carmody, played by Marcia Gay Harden, is a religious zealot who puts on a particularly remarkable performance.

Genre: horror, science fiction, thriller
Director: Frank Darabont
IMDb Rating: 5.4/10
Cast: Thomas Jane, Marcia Gay Harden, Laurie Holden

6. Spiderhead (2022)

As it is set in a horrifying near future when convicted offenders are given the chance to lessen their sentences by serving as human test subjects in experimental medical treatments, Spiderhead is a psychedelic mind-bending science fiction movie that raises morality, humanity, and freedom issues. This all-star cast, which includes Chris Hemsworth, Miles Teller, and Jurnee Smollett, enriches the intriguing plot from Deadpool and Zombieland writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, which is based on the short novel by George Saunders. Hemsworth’s portrayal stands out as a welcome change from his more well-known parts from more recent times, highlighting the positive aspects of this movie.

Genre: Thriller, sci-fiction, action.
Director: Joseph Kosinski
IMDb Rating: 5.4/10
Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Miles Teller, Jurnee Smollett

7. What Happened to Monday (2017)

Anytime a single actor can portray identical twins, it’s astounding, but what about seven different siblings? Seven sisters, each with a name corresponding to a different day of the week, are presented by Noomi Rapace in the What Happened to Monday sci-fi thriller on Netflix. Rapace gives each character a unique sense of identity. The storyline is set in a futuristic world where overpopulation is a problem. The government’s Child Allocation Bureau vigorously enforced the one-child rule. The six remaining sisters search for their missing sister after their sister Monday inexplicably disappears. Dead Snow director Tommy Wirkola offers the character-driven premise just the proper level of camp.

Genre: action, sci-fiction, thriller
Director: Tommy Wirkola
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
Cast: Noomi Rapace, Willem Dafoe, Cassie Clare, Glenn Close

8. The Midnight Sky (2020)

Although George Clooney’s previous directing efforts have been uneven, The Midnight Sky marks his first foray into the science fiction subgenre. One of his best movies to date, in my opinion. Clooney astonishes in his lead role as the scientist Augustine Lofthouse, who must remain on Earth while the rest of humanity explores the universe in quest of livable worlds.

The young girl Iris (Caoilinn Springall), whom Augustine nurtures as his daughter, is the only company he has. This heartfelt partnership is highlighted by Alexander Desplat’s lovely composition. The Midnight Sky received an Academy Award nomination for Best Graphic Effects thanks to its visual design.

Genre: Action, Drama, Mystery
Director: Tommy Wirkola
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
Cast: Noomi Rapace, Willem Dafoe, Cassie Clare, Glenn Close

9. Don’t Look Up (2021)

The audience’s reaction to Adam McKay’s darkly comedic satire of the climate change catastrophe was split down the middle; while some people considered McKay’s incendiary writing to be insightful, others thought it was vague and offensive. Don’t Look Up is an excellent movie solely to participate in the discussion regarding one of the most contentious Best Picture nominations ever. Additionally, the cast is tremendously gifted and has the opportunity to depart from their typical performances. When did Leonardo DiCaprio last portray a nerd? Meryl Streep, has she ever portrayed a ruler? Has Timothee Chalamet ever been portrayed as a cerebral stoner?

Director: Adam McKay
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Jonah Hill, Rob Morgan, Mark Rylance, Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchette, Timothee Chalamet, Tyler Perry

10. Space Sweepers (2021)

When it comes to science fiction adventures, it’s difficult to imagine a movie that would be more enjoyable than Space Sweepers. The story revolves around the crew of a starship, which quite literally sweeps up interstellar garbage, and how they wind up caught up in an interplanetary conflict, unlike anything they have ever seen.

The crew of Spaceship Victory discovers a 7-year-old girl inside a crashed space shuttle after grabbing it during the most recent trash hunt. They decide to demand a ransom in exchange for her after realizing she is the humanoid robot the UTS Space Guards are seeking. It is important to enter with as little information as possible because this story is best appreciated when seen for the first time. The cast and all of the characters consistently outperform themselves, injecting drama and humor into every situation.

It is one of the most exciting science fiction movies in recent memory because of the numerous epic space fights and a genuine sense of adrenaline that permeates every frame.