Best Sci-Fi Movies on Netflix to Stream Right Now (2026)
If you’re a sci-fi fan, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to cover the best sci-fi movies on Netflix that you can watch right now. Science fiction is one of the most versatile and well-loved genres out there, with variations such as time-travel, post-apocalyptic chaos, interstellar settings, or even sci-fi horror. There’s a little something for everyone and Netflix sci-fi movies have lots of titles fans will love with more being added all the time.
This guide will cover science fiction movies streaming right now, with plenty of updates as Netflix adjusts their library. If this sounds like your cup of tea, you may want to bookmark this page so you can keep up with new options as we refresh this list. Meanwhile, we have brief rundowns of all the current movies that should scratch that sci-fi itch, including Netflix originals, cult favorites, emotional dramas, critically acclaimed hits and hidden gems you may not have heard of. Get out your popcorn and see what catches your eye!
Editor’s Picks – Top Sci-Fi Movies on Netflix (2026 List)
Here’s some of our current sci-fi faves that are not only entertaining, but might also just make you think. If you’re looking for even more options beyond Netflix, check out our new movie recommendations across all major streaming platforms.
The Midnight Sky
- Year: 2020
- Subgenre: Post-apocalyptic
- Why it’s a must-watch: Stunning visuals and the perfect blend of gritty post-apocalyptic turmoil mixed with emotional depth.
Set in the Arctic, isolated scientist, Augustine, must stop a team of astronauts from returning to earth after an unnamed global disaster makes the planet uninhabitable. Joined by a young girl who was left behind, Augustine must travel through the unforgiving Arctic landscape to find a signal strong enough to warn the astronauts before it’s too late.
I Am Mother
- Year: 2019
- Subgenre: Dystopian/Artificial intelligence
- Why it’s a must-watch: High-stakes and thought-provoking.
Set in the future after humanity has become nearly extinct, an Android called “Mother” raises one of the last remaining humans from an embryo in an effort to repopulate the planet. Isolated in a bunker, the infant grows into young adulthood, only to meet a mysterious stranger who reveals that not everything is what it seems.
Don’t Look Up
- Year: 2021
- Subgenre: Dark humor, satire, sci-fi
- Why it’s a must-watch: A biting commentary on societal apathy, set within an apocalyptic backdrop and sporting an A-list cast.
When an astronomy student and her professor realize a comet is on a collision course with earth, they try to sound the alarm to the world. Shockingly (or perhaps not shockingly) no one seems to take it seriously. Will they be able to get the world to care, before it’s too late?
Best Netflix Original Sci-Fi Movies
There are tons of great science fiction movies from decades-worth of Hollywood titles. That said, Netflix is no slouch when it comes to original films. Here are some of our favorite Netflix-produced sci-fi titles.
Spectral
- Year: 2016
- Subgenre: Alien invasion, dystopian sci-fi
- Why it’s a must-watch: High-stakes sci-fi action with a somewhat supernatural element sets this film apart.
When civil upheaval happens in Europe, U.S. troops are sent to try to settle things. Matters take an unexpected turn when ghost-like entities start killing the troops with alarming ease. Dr. Clyne, a scientist sent to get to the bottom of things, soon realizes that they have a much bigger problem on their hands, with the whole world potentially at stake.
The Adam Project
- Year: 2022
- Subgenre: Time-travel, action, comedy
- Why it’s a must-watch: Blends fast-paced action with comedy, but still throws in plenty of heart.
When 12 year old Adam, still grieving the loss of his father, meets his future self, things get a little crazy. Future Adam has returned to the past in order to save his future and the very world itself, grudgingly letting his past self-help. As they travel to the past to find their late father, who invented time travel, they must both face their anger, grief, and learn how to forgive.
Underrated Netflix Sci-Fi Originals
Some of the best sci-fi movies on Netflix are ones you’ve probably never heard of. We’re here to rectify that.
They Cloned Tyrone
- Year: 2023
- Subgenre: Dark comedy, sci-fi caper, thriller
- Why it’s a must-watch: A rare combination of mystery, sci-fi thriller, and satirical comedy. All the best things.
When a local drug dealer is killed and then wakes up very much alive the next morning, it’s understandable that he and his friends look into the matter. Come to find there is an underground government-run laboratory where the Black residents are being cloned and experimented on. Naturally this is unacceptable and the fight for the neighborhood begins.
Atlas
- Year: 2024
- Subgenre: Action, artificial intelligence
- Why it’s a must-watch: It’s humanity against AI in a battle for survival. A bit relatable, these days.
A data analyst, named Atlas Shephard, joins a mission to stop AI from destroying humanity. Things take a turn, however, when she finds herself needing to trust an android, the very AI she detests, to help her save the world.
Classic & Iconic Sci-Fi Movies on Netflix
Besides original titles, there are plenty of classic Netflix sci-fi movies to peruse as well. Here’s some heavy hitters that have gained a lot of respect in the science fiction fan-base and still have cult-followings, even now.
Lucy
- Year: 2014
- Subgenre: Thriller, action, cyberpunk
- Why it’s a must-watch: An iconic revenge story, set in a sci-fi premise.
When Lucy unwillingly becomes a drug mule for a new and unexpected drug, things go even more haywire when it leaks inside her stomach. Unlocking complete use of her mind, she uses her unique powers to wreak havoc on her abusive captors.
Melancholia
- Year: 2011
- Subgenre: Psychological drama
- Why it’s a must-watch: Not your typical sci-fi/action fare. Rather, it is an emotional, dark experience. It’s also one of the highest rated of all our picks.
On Justine’s wedding day, she tries to scrape together some semblance of happiness. However, it is a challenge, to say the least, considering a planet is on a collision course with earth…
Sci-Fi Subgenres to Explore on Netflix
Science fiction has so many subgenres, making it the perfect backdrop for all kinds of movies. Here are some of our favorite Netflix sci-fi movies in some semi-specific subgenres.
Space Exploration & Alien Encounters
Here’s a couple faves for anyone into aliens and/or space exploration.
Europa Report
- Year: 2013
- Subgenre: Drama, thriller
- Why it’s a must-watch: It makes you fully appreciate just how much goes into space travel.
Europa is Jupiter’s moon, and is thought to be able to support life. A space crew is sent to find evidence of life on the moon, only it turns out to be a much more hazardous expedition than anyone bargained for.
Extinction
- Year: 2018
- Subgenre: Action/thriller
- Why it’s a must-watch: Sci-fi action with a twist…
Peter has recurring dreams that he’s going to lose his family. When the planet is violently invaded, it seems like his nightmares are really prophecies. That is until he discovers an ability he didn’t know he possessed…
Dystopian & Post-Apocalyptic Futures
Dark, gritty post-apocalyptic movies are standard fare for sci-fi lovers. Here are two worth noticing.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
- Year: 2024
- Subgenre: Dystopian action
- Why it’s a must-watch: Mad Max lovers will love this highly rated flick.
The prequel to Mad Max: Fury Road, this tells the story of a young Furiosa, who was kidnapped as a child and forced to serve the leader of the Biker Horde. As she grows up, she finally has a chance to exact her revenge, if she can survive the dangerous wasteland in the process. If action-heavy franchises are your thing, check the latest action franchise release date news for another blockbuster series.
Upgrade
- Year: 2018
- Subgenre: Cyberthriller, action
- Why it’s a must-watch: Lots of emotion mixed with action.
When Grey’s wife is killed in front of him by muggers, he not only loses the love of his life but he’s also rendered a quadriplegic. When an experimental computer chip implant gives him the chance for revenge, you can bet he takes it.
Time Travel & Alternate Realities
Alternate realities and time travel make up some of the best stories in the sci-fi realm. Here’s two faves currently available to stream on Netflix.
Mirage
- Year: 2018
- Subgenre: Parallel universe, time travel
- Why it’s a must-watch: Part sci-fi, part supernatural, this Spanish film is actually one of the highest rated science fiction films currently streaming.
When a supernatural electrical storm allows Vera to save a child’s life, she wakes up in a new reality with unexpected consequences. She only has 72 hours to put things back to how they’re supposed to be, or she’ll be stuck with the butterfly effects of her actions, forever.
Arq
- Year: 2016
- Subgenre: Time-travel, thriller
- Why it’s a must-watch: It’s like an intense, high-stakes version of Groundhog Day, only with a lot more dying.
Ex-lovers, Renton and Hannah, find themselves stuck in a time loop, tied together in a basement as invaders keep them hostage. Meanwhile, they must protect a powerful energy source from falling into the wrong hands.
AI, Robots & Technology Gone Wrong
AI and robots will always be a classic in science fiction, even as reality makes them alarmingly more commonplace. Here’s two films that we think you’ll enjoy.
Subservience
