Best Sci-Fi Movies on Netflix to Stream Right Now (2025)
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 (2025 List)
Here’s some of our current sci-fi faves that are not only entertaining, but might also just make you think.
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.
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
- Year: 2024
- Subgenre: Artificial intelligence, thriller
- Why it’s a must-watch: Megan Fox was born to play an android. We mean that in a good way!
When an overwhelmed father purchases an advanced android named Alice, things seem amazing in the beginning. She helps him around the house and with the kids as his wife heals from surgery. Everything is great, that is until Alice begins acting a little too human…
Outside the Wire
- Year: 2021
- Subgenre: Androids, futuristic war
- Why it’s a must-watch: A futuristic war drama packed with action and androids.
When drone pilot Lt. Harp disobeys orders during a futuristic war set in Ukraine, part of his penance is being paired with an android officer who is searching for a terrorist determined to release nuclear missiles in the United States.
Best International Sci-Fi Movies on Netflix
These foreign-films may need subtitles or dubs, but they don’t lack in amazing storytelling. Here are our favorite international Netflix sci-fi movies currently available.
Paradise
- Year: 2023
- Subgenre: Cyberthriller, action, dystopian
- Why it’s a must-watch: This German cyberthriller is a futuristic reflection on the exploitation of the poor, the love of a husband for his wife, and the fight for societal justice.
Set in a future where the young can give years of their life to the elderly, a young woman is forced to give up 38 years of her life due to an insurance debt. Desperate to reverse the theft of so much of her life, her husband searches for a way to save her.
The Platform
- Year: 2019
- Subgenre: Dystopian sci-fi, horror
- Why it’s a must-watch: This Spanish film has very Snowpiercer vibes, though perhaps in an even more disturbing way.
In a dystopian future with far too few resources, citizens can voluntarily go to a prison called “The Hole,” where they can earn a higher social status. On every level of the Hole there are prisoners, with a platform of food being lowered from floor to floor. By the time it gets to lower levels, there isn’t any food left, forcing them to turn to cannibalism and violence. But the prisoners are ready for a change…
Reversi
- Year: 2024
- Subgenre: Time travel
- Why it’s a must-watch: This Malaysian film truly shines as high-stakes emotions intersect with time travel.
A desperate man who loves his family must go to the past to give them a better future. But, saving his family will come at a cost he wasn’t prepared for…
Recently Added Sci-Fi Movies on Netflix (Updated April 2025)
One thing Netflix excels at is frequently getting new content. Here are some newly added films to look out for.
Venom: The Last Dance (New on Netflix)
- Year: 2024
- Subgenre: Superhero, action
- Why it’s a must-watch: Marvel fans will enjoy this latest title from the Spiderman universe.
Picking up from the previous film, Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Eddie and the symbiote Venom are on the run after the murder of Detective Mulligan. Adding to the stress, the creator of the symbiotes, Knull, is after them too, and he wants to take out the universe while he’s at it.
Geostorm: (New on Netflix)
- Year: 2017
- Subgenre: Disaster, action
- Why it’s a must-watch: A simple popcorn flick with lots of high-stakes action.
Earth’s climate change crisis has been solved by a series of satellites that can control the weather and spare the world from climate-related disasters. It works, at first, until the satellites begin attacking earth, leaving it vulnerable to an extinction-level geostorm that could destroy all of humankind if it isn’t stopped.
The Electric State (New on Netflix)
- Year: 2025
- Subgenre: Dystopian, artificial intelligence
- Why it’s a must-watch: A-list cast and top tier special effects.
Based on the graphic novel, this film is set in an alternate version of 1997. In this dystopian world, humans fight against menacing drones through their virtual reality visors. In all of this chaos, a teen girl and a smuggler head to the west coast to try to find her brother.
Hidden Sci-Fi Gems – Underrated Movies Worth Watching
Here’s some less well-known films that you may not have heard of, but are well worth checking out.
Circle
- Year: 2015
- Subgenre: Aliens, horror, dystopian
- Why it’s a must-watch: It’s a gritty “what would you do?” situation that most of us don’t have to think about. Plus, the acting and story hold your interest even though most of the movie is set in a single room. Hard to do.
Unable to move, 50 strangers are held captive in a strange and deadly circle. Grimly, they realize they must vote on who dies and in which order, with only one possible survivor who will make it out alive.
Code 8
- Year: 2019
- Subgenre: Superhero, thriller
- Why it’s a must-watch: If you want an interesting take on people with super-abilities in a sci-fi setting, this could be up your alley
In a world where the government keeps controlling tabs on people with superpowers, Conner decides to go against the law and use his powers to help criminals so he can pay for his mother’s health treatment.
Community Favorites – Top User-Recommended Sci-Fi Films
Other than knowing the best sci-fi movies on Netflix, it’s not a bad idea to know all the fan favorites of the genre, regardless of streaming status. Why? Because Netflix’s library is changing all of the time. If you already know what titles to look out for, you’ll be ready if they pop up in their Newly Added section.
Before we dive in, you should know that there are dozens and dozens of heavy hitting titles in the science fiction realm. If your faves aren’t on this list, we apologize. We specifically went for the best of the best, per thousands of IMDb user recommendations. No doubt some popular gems might get missed, so brace yourself. Without further ado, here are the most loved sci-fi movies per ratings and a minimum of 100,000 votes:
- Inception (Undoubtedly one of Christopher Nolan’s most loved movies)
- Interstellar (Most often described in reviews as a “masterpiece”)
- The Matrix (original, of course)
- Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (This wins for the most loved Star Wars)
- Terminator 2: Judgement Day (Fans love the first one too, but the sequel is iconic)
- Star Wars: A New Hope (One reviewer calls it “The film that changed the world”)
- The Prestige (Reviewers very much appreciate the twists)
- Back to the Future (One user aptly puts it, “How can anything be more fun than this?”)
- Alien (This is one of my personal favorites)
- Avengers: Endgame (Users love the satisfying end to so many Marvel stories at once)
- Wall-E (While it may be a kids movie, it’s beloved by all ages)
- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (Another personal favorite, this mixes sci-fi with romance)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about science fiction movies on Netflix.
What are the top 10 sci-fi movies on Netflix?
In no particular order, the top 10 sci-fi movies streaming on Netflix currently include:
- The Adam Project
- Lucy
- Europa Report
- The Platform
- Mirage
- Upgrade
- Melancholia
- Furiosa
- Don’t Look Up
- They Cloned Tyrone
What is considered the best sci-fi movie ever?
If you ask classic film enthusiasts and reviewers, the critical consensus would say 2001: A Space Odyssey, as it was a classic sci-fi title that helped define the genre and popularize it in the movie industry. If you ask the popular opinion for the best sci-fi, IMDb currently has it as Inception and Interstellar, as already mentioned. If you ask me, the best is Alien, Terminator 2, and The Thing. You’re welcome.
Unfortunately, as of this writing, none of these are currently available on Netflix. However, you can rent them easily online or see if another platform has them. In the past, Netflix has had these titles, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them pop up again in the future.
What is the most underrated science fiction movie on Netflix?
Currently, The Platform is a hidden gem that really stands out. It has great reviews, an interesting premise, and it sticks with you. That said, it’s a rather grisly subject matter, so you have been warned.
What are the top 5 movies on Netflix right now?
Amusingly, the current top 5 movies streaming on Netflix are a tad unexpected, with plenty of animated films. They include:
- Despicable Me 4
- Life or Something Like it
- The Croods
- The Life List
- Sing
Sadly, not a single sci-fi representative among them.
How to Find Great Sci-Fi Movies on Netflix
If you’re looking to find your next Netflix movie you can use the “Because you Watched” algorithm to find similar options to past titles you liked. Or, you can actually look up the movie genres from their menu as well. Pay attention to video labels like HD or 4K, if you want to watch movies that are especially high quality. Here’s Netflix’s best video quality guide, if you need it. Additionally, you can always check out JustWatch, a site that helps you browse the enormous category of movies and TV shows on Netflix.
Another way to find movies, if you’re not familiar, is genre codes. Netflix has several codes that correspond to specific genres and subgenres, which may allow you to see more options if you’re looking for sci-fi films. Here’s what you do:
- Open up a web browser
- Type in “netflix.com/browse/genre/”
- At the end of this text, you’ll add your code of choice. Here are some common sci-fi subgenre codes:
- Sci-Fi and Fantasy code: 1492
- Action sci-fi and fantasy: 1568
- Aliens: 3327
- Classic sci-fi and fantasy: 47147
- Foreign sci-fi and fantasy: 6485
- Sci-fi adventure: 6926
- Sci-fi dramas: 3916
- Sci-fi horror: 1694
- Sci-fi thrillers: 11014
Bookmark This Guide – Regularly Updated with New Sci-Fi Titles
Because Netflix is frequently rotating their movies and adding new original content, you may want to bookmark this guide and check back monthly for updates. Netflix-produced films will always be available, but other new movies come and go frequently, which keeps the catalogue fresh and gives you reasons to keep enjoying the streaming service. The best sci-fi movies on Netflix will undoubtedly be changing often. You don’t want to miss out!
