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Do you love science fiction movies but still need one or the other recommendation for a rainy weekend or a cozy evening in front of the TV at home? Then you’ve come to the right place because we’ve compiled the 40 best science fiction films currently available on the streaming provider Netflix for you.
1. Alien (1979)
What is it about?
The crew of the space freighter Nostromo, which includes third officer Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), is in a deep artificial sleep when they are notified by the ship’s computer that the ship has received an auxiliary signal.
After landing on an alien planet and discovering the wreckage of an alien spaceship here, a shocking attack by an alien on a crew member occurs. A short time later, a brutal fight for life and death breaks out, in which the alien opponent seems to be clearly at an advantage.
Why is the film worthwhile?
“Alien” is an absolute cult film of the genre, which knows how to convince with a gripping production and a first-class cast.
2. The Fifth Element (1997)
What it’s about?
In the year 2214, life in New York City changed seriously: There are immensely tall skyscrapers and flying cars that allow people to get to their destinations even faster than ever before. Former elite fighter Korben Dallas (Bruce Willis) also lives in New York and makes his living as a cab driver.
He is quickly surprised when he accidentally meets the almost perfect-looking Leeloo (Milla Jovovich). But it soon turns out Leeloo is a highly intelligent being from space, sent to Earth to protect humans from evil.
Why is the film worthwhile?
The story is gripping, the pace is fast, and the doses of action and humor are perfectly balanced – and then there’s a Bruce Willis, once again in top form.
3. Ready Player One (2017)
What is it about?
In 2045, most of the now decrepit world takes place only in the so-called OASIS – a virtual world with a more pleasant environment than real life. Before his death, the programmer of this illusory world left some tasks in it. The player who can solve all the tasks will gain not only immense wealth but also complete control over the OASIS – which of course, also motivates criminal players.
Why is the film worth seeing?
Despite minimal flaws, Steven Spielberg delivers an impressive science fiction film that turns out to be bombastic popcorn cinema.
4. The Martian (2015)
What is it about?
The space mission “Ares III” crew is supposed to explore Mars but has to abort their mission prematurely due to a sandstorm. On the way to the return module Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is injured and remains motionless from the rest of the crew.
When his comrades notice his absence, they assume that Watney did not survive the accident due to the unsent bio-signals of his space suit. A fatal misconception because the latter is only slightly injured and is now all alone on the alien planet after the departure of his colleagues.
Why is the film worth it?
Director Ridley Scott (“Alien”) has succeeded with “The Martian,” an impressively gripping science fiction film, but despite a serious plot, it also brings light-hearted moments. Worth watching for the impressive scenery alone.
5. Gravity (2013)
What is it about?
The bio-medic Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) and astronaut Matt Kowalski (George Clooney) embark on a mission into space. But when their shuttle is destroyed during a routine trip outside the space capsule, they both suddenly find themselves unprotected in open space – without contact with Earth and with rapidly dwindling oxygen reserves.
Why is the film worthwhile?
“Gravity” is by far convincing not only for its visual effects but above all for its gripping and harrowing story. The film was honored at the 2014 Academy Awards with seven Oscars – u.a. For Best Director and just for Best Visual Effects.
6. Interstellar (2014)
What is it about?
When humanity is on the brink of extinction due to a global food shortage, hopes are pinned on the success of a secret U.S. government project. This plans to start an expedition into a strange star system in order to explore in the context of the mission planets, on which one supposes important raw materials for the further supply of mankind.
Chosen for this dangerous journey are the former NASA pilot Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) and the daughter of the famous scientist Professor Brand (Michael Caine), who also leads the project.
Why is the film worthwhile?
Director Christopher Nolan (“The Dark Knight”) proves quite impressively with “Interstellar” that he could not only give Batman a new lease on life but also impressively capture the infinite vastness of our universe and the dangers lurking here on the big screen.
7. I, Robot (2004)
What it’s about?
In the year 2035, an intelligent robot can be found in almost every household, helping its human owners in their daily lives. So far, there has never been an incident in which humans have been injured by their artificial co-inhabitants. But when one day, Dr. When Alfred Lanning (James Cromwell), the person who created the fundamental laws of robotics, dies, robot-hating detective Del Spooner (Will Smith) is put on the case quickly becomes a deadly game of cat-and-mouse.
Why is the film worthwhile?
“I, Robot” convinces not only with an intelligent story with depth but also with plenty of action and suspense.
8. Predator (1987)
What is it about?
The CIA sends major Dutch Schaefer (Arnold Schwarzenegger) into the jungles of South America, where he and an experienced elite unit are to extract several hostages from the area. After the squad comes across three corpses that have been skinned in a bestial manner, they quickly conclude that they are not alone in the jungle. But the fact that an extremely brutal alien being is hiding in the dense forests, which is invisible, to top it all off, presents the team with a dangerous challenge.
Why is the film worthwhile?
“Predator” impressively proves that beings from another galaxy don’t necessarily have to be peacefully minded. Quite the opposite: the alien appearing here is ruthless and bloodthirsty. Popcorn cinema at its best, even though (or perhaps because) the plot isn’t always logical.
9. 12 Monkeys (1995)
What it’s about?
The year is 2035: after the Earth’s surface has been contaminated by a virus, people are forced to live out their days underground. But there is hope for salvation: convict James Cole (Bruce Willis) will be sent back to 1996 when the so-called “12 Monkeys released the virus”. But the project fails at first because Cole found himself not in 1996 but in 1990 – here, the breathtaking story he has to tell falls on deaf ears.
Why is the film worthwhile?
“12 Monkeys” is a genre milestone from Terry Gilliams that features a thoughtful and twist-filled story and an outstanding Bruce Willis in the lead role.
10. Jurassic Park (1993)
What is it about?
The rather eccentric billionaire John Hammond (Richard Attenborough) has had a vision of his own amusement park for many years, where visitors can admire real dinosaurs. With the help of DNA experiments, he and his scientists one day actually succeeded in cloning dinosaurs. Hammond sees himself as the goal of his dreams, but first, the park must be approved by independent paleontologists.
For this task, he has the researchers Dr. Grant (Sam Neill) and Dr. Sattler (Laura Dern), and the mathematician Dr. Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) invited to the island of Isla Nublar, where the park is located. But when flesh-eating dinos break out at the dress rehearsal, the invited guests suddenly run for their lives.
Why is the film worthwhile?
The first installment of the “Jurassic Park” series, which went on to spawn four sequels, is a visually stunning spectacle never before seen on the big screen in this form. Director Steven Spielberg’s film won an Oscar for the best visual effects, and numerous other prizes have also been awarded.
11. Total Recall (1990)
What is it about?
Douglas Quaid (Arnold Schwarzenegger) dreams of taking a trip to Mars one day – but his wife Lori (Sharon Stone) thinks it’s a totally bad idea. When Douglas sees a commercial on TV for a company called Recall, which promises its customers a vacation to any place they can imagine with the help of an implant implanted in their brains, without them actually having to be there, he immediately says yes.
But the operation goes wrong, and Douglas is henceforth of the opinion to be a spy on a secret mission. When several people try to murder him, the question quickly arises whether Douglas is acting in a dream after all or is actually a secret agent.
Why is the film worthwhile?
In contrast to the frighteningly weak remake from 2012, the original from 1990 is a brilliant masterpiece, which combines the genres of science fiction, thriller, action, satire, and comedy in one film – and Arnold Schwarzenegger is the best possible cast for this crazy scenario.
12. Iron Man (2008)
What is it about?
Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) has long since become a multimillionaire by selling dangerous weapons to all parts of the world. However, when he is kidnapped by unknown men during a test run of a powerful new weapon and forced by his captors to develop that weapon for them as well, Stark tinkers with an imposing battle suit to free him from captivity.
In fact, his plan works – but when, after his liberation, he wants to finish with the weapons business completely and perfect his built suit on the side, his business partner Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridges) already has completely different plans.
Why is the film worthwhile?
Even if the film’s actual synopsis sounds unspectacular, this action-packed sci-fi adventure is not to be missed. Just the unspeakably cool performance of Robert Downey Jr. and the impressive performance of Jeff Bridges justify tuning in.
13. Iron Man 3
What is it about?
In the 3. In the second part of the “Iron Man” series, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) deals with the head of a terrorist organization, which goes by the name of Mandarin (Ben Kingsley). The latter carries out one shocking terrorist attack after another and announces his bizarre messages via hijacked TV channels. Stark nevertheless underestimates the influence of his opponent and lets himself be carried away in front of the assembled press to a falling-off statement. An action he almost pays for with his life.
Why is the film worthwhile?
After a rather disappointing 2, in the second part, the finale of the trilogy is back to its best. First-class action is guaranteed.
14. Spider-Man (2002)
What is it about?
Teenager Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire), who grows up with his aunt and uncle after the death of his parents, is not particularly popular at his school and is considered a real loser. However, when he is bitten by a genetically engineered spider one day and develops impressive superpowers, his self-confidence grows greatly. Peter quickly realizes that he wants to use his newfound strength to fight evil.
Why is the film worthwhile?
Many film fans believe that the current Spider-Man series with Tom Holland is better than the series with Tobey Maguire. However, we feel that the new films fail to capture the unique charm of the original – moreover, character actor Willem Dafoe in particular, knows how to impress this first-timer.
15. The Iron Giant (1999)
What it’s about?
9-year-old Hogarth Hughes has a very special friend: an oversized robot from outer space. The government, however, sees him as a potential threat and does everything in its power to eliminate the mighty colossus from the world. Of course, Hogarth can’t let that happen under any circumstances.
Why is the film worthwhile?
“The giant from outer space” is a beautifully staged animated film with a touching message. Not only for small spectators absolutely worth seeing.
16. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
What it’s about?
In search of a cure for dementia, scientist Will Rodman (James Franco) experiments on chimpanzees. When a monkey named Caesar (Andy Serkis) shows strange side effects to the tests and develops a high level of intelligence, Will takes the animal home to raise it as his own child. But when the scientist dies, one day, Caesar ends up in a collection center for apes, and he incites a rebellion against the humans who cage animals like him.
Why is the movie worth watching?
With “Planet of the Apes: Revolution,” director Christoph Petersen has created a masterpiece that is impressive in every respect and sets standards, especially regarding its visual effects.
17. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
What is it about?
Ten years ago, an insidious virus was unleashed on Earth, wiping out nearly all of humanity. During an expedition into the woods, a group of humans led by Malcolm (Jason Clarke) meets Caesar (Andy Serkis), who, in turn, is the ape race’s leader. The negotiated peace agreement between the two parties is short-lived; however, human leader Dreyfus (Gary Oldman) places the main blame for humanity’s demise on the apes. A bitter war between humans and apes takes its course…
Why is the film worth watching?
“Planet of the Apes: Revolution” further proves that the second part of a movie doesn’t necessarily have to be worse than the original – because the exact opposite is true. Trick-wise, some impressive fireworks are going off here that shouldn’t be missed.
18. Men in Black (1997)
What it’s about?
The MIB is a secret organization whose mission is to put harmless alien visitors under surveillance without humanity knowing of their existence. As MIB agent D (Richard Hamilton) wants to retire, his partner Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones) is already looking around for a new colleague – which, unfortunately, is not that easy.
Fittingly, however, at the same moment, police officer James Edwards (Will Smith) is chasing a man through Manhattan who is, in truth, also an alien. When K learns of his assignment, he suggests the cop as a potential replacement for his partner. And lo and behold: Soon, the two unequal partners are fighting against an oversized cockroach.
Why is the film worthwhile?
If you love crazy movies with aliens, you should not miss this crazy fun.
19. Godzilla (1998)
What is it about?
Using atomic radiation, a simple lizard has managed to expand its body size many times over. The result is a gigantic prehistoric monster that now blithely stomps around, burying everything in its path. Both the secret service and the military go in search of “Godzilla” – and he’s not too long in coming, either.
Why is the movie worth watching?
There have already been plenty of film adaptations of “Godzilla” – some of them are lousy, while others are quite acceptable. This 1998 film, with Roland Emmerich himself in the director’s chair, is one of the better adaptations and promises plenty of good cheer for lovers of imposing monsters.
20. The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)
What it’s about?
After the events of “Jurassic Park,” Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) once again ran away from dinosaurs. He is hired by billionaire John Hammond (Richard Attenborough) to join an expedition group on an unexplored island. Malcolm declines with thanks, as he has no desire to end up as potential dino food again – but then he learns that his girlfriend is part of said group and already on the island. It comes as it must: soon, a bloody fight for survival begins.
Why is the film worthwhile?
“Forgotten World – Jurassic Park” is not quite as strong as its predecessor. Still, since the prehistoric giants have considerably more screentime in the second part, dino lovers will get their money’s worth here.
21. Snowpiercer (2013)
22. Okja (2017)
23. The Discovery (2017)
24. Spectral (2016)
25. V for Vendetta (2005)
26. Limitless (2011)
27. Equilibrium (2002)
28. Jupiter Ascending (2015)
29. Lockout (2012)
30. Dredd (2012)
31. Mute (2018)
32. Extinction (2018)
33. Annihilation (2018)
34. Riddick (2013)
35. Back to the Future III (1990)
Well, is there a suitable flick among our top 41 best science fiction movies on Netflix? Then we wish you a lot of fun watching already now.
