Sci-fi is a genre that covers a whole range of different movies. Dystopian worlds, to horrifying creatures, to heartfelt adventures, it is an all-encompassing space that houses some of the best films ever made, and what better way to enjoy the best of the best than to binge them over a weekend?
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Netflix is one of the best places to enjoy sci-fi movies, as the site has a huge catalog of great films spanning every decade of cinema. No matter if viewers are looking for a classic scary flick or a modern reimagining of an iconic story, there truly is something for everyone in the world of science fiction.
For the purposes of this list, only films that are currently available on the North American Netflix site, and those not leaving soon, will be mentioned.
Godzilla Minus One
The Titan Himself Returns
Details:
- Emotional take on an otherwise action-heavy franchise
- Spectacular shots interwoven with human drama
Godzilla Minus One reinvented the modern kaiju film by grounding the otherwise destructive action in a raw post-war exploration of trauma and survival. Rather than leaning into pure moments of spectacle, the film centers more on the people and their struggles, with the monster feeling more like a symbol than the primary threat.
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The result is a sci-fi disaster film that manages to cover both the exciting moments of action and the more emotional sides of reality as well. Its pacing keeps momentum high, its visual effects rival Hollywood blockbusters, and its emotional payoff lands with surprising intensity, with the result being a full-on epic that still feels deeply personal.
Okja
Combining Satire With Science
Details:
- Star-studded cast of A-listers
- Critique of the modern corporate world
Okja is a fascinating original story that dissects the world of megacorporations with shocking detail, using a giant super pig as a symbol for liberty. The movie manages to be equal parts funny and serious, weaving comedic sections that are largely carried by the stellar cast, with more intense ones that examine darker themes that exist in the world.
Despite being in the sci-fi space, the film never strays too far into the realm of absurdity. Everything about the movie feels grounded and genuinely compelling, mirroring reality in a new way that encourages viewers to open a dialogue surrounding the modern culture of animal agriculture and corporate greed.
Don’t Look Up
A Bit Too Close To Home
Details:
- A comedic look at a genuine issue for humanity
- Dissects media, politics, and the culture around denial
Don't Look Up is a hilarious look at what is currently a serious concern for many people on Earth. An apocalyptic asteroid is heading to Earth, and despite their expertise, two scientists struggle to convey the severity to the world, using anyone and anything they can to attempt to spread the word.
The film manages to portray this horrific real-world possibility as a laughable joke, constantly critiquing anyone from pop stars to politicians. It is a seriously fun watch for anyone who wants to have a nice, laid-back evening with some sci-fi that still feels pretty close to the modern day.
Frankenstein
The Del Toro Way
Details:
- Faithful recreation but with a few distinct twists
- Gritty visuals and a stylized version of many iconic moments
Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein is a gorgeous retelling of one of the most iconic stories in all of science fiction. The tale needs no introduction, but the presentation here focuses heavily on the viscerality with which the creation comes into existence and the impact such an act would have on everyone involved.
Visually, the film is a cut above every other production of the book, using real sets to create a sense of scale and realism in what is otherwise a fictional world. And the actors truly bring the characters to life with all their quirks and craziness, delivering a viewing experience that feels close to the book, yet distinct in its own beautiful way.
The Wild Robot
Finding The Warmth In Nature
Details:
- Exploration of AI and the natural world
- Family drama that can be enjoyed by all ages
The Wild Robot tells a quiet sci-fi story about an android stranded on a remote island, forced to learn the rhythms of the natural world in order to survive. What begins as a simple journey to survive slowly evolves into a tender reflection on belonging and the struggles that come with parenthood.
The core concept of an autonomous robot is about as far as sci-fi extends, with the rest of the movie focusing on emotions and relationships rather than mechanical armies. By contrasting the cold machinery with the warmth of organic life, the film manages to capture a unique sense of empathy that feels reminiscent of other animated greats like WALL-E and The Iron Giant.
Donnie Darko
Time Travel In The Form Of Teen Drama
Details:
- Cult classic mystery thriller
- Deep psychological themes related to the inner mind
Donnie Darko uses time loops, alternate timelines, and apocalyptic visions to explore serious and dark themes surrounding mental illness and alienation. The setting in a standard suburban town greatly contrasts the much grander visions of an unstable reality that constantly puts the viewer at unease.
The sci-fi elements are intentionally ambiguous, encouraging interpretation rather than providing clean answers or a direct resolution at the end. That ambiguity is precisely what gives the film its cult-classic staying power and why so many people continue to come back to it several decades later.
Upgrade
Cyberpunk-Fuelled Revenge
Details:
- Unique take on AI's integration with humanity
- Fast action mixed with complex questions
Upgrade follows a paralyzed man empowered by an experimental AI chip that allows him to move in ways that he could never even imagine. What starts as a revenge thriller steadily transforms into a chilling exploration of human autonomy versus machine logic, something which is becoming more and more topical nowadays.
The film’s standout feature is its combat choreography, with each camera movement perfectly following the mechanically price movements during the fights. Beneath the violence lies a sharp commentary on technological dependence and the loss of agency, letting the movie open the door for questions without needing to provide a clear opinion of its own.
28 Days Later
Return To The Classic Zombie Horror
Details:
- A close-up feel gives the movie far more tension
- Grounded sets add to the realism of the world
28 Days Later reshaped zombie horror by injecting speed, desperation, and societal collapse into a genre that was very quickly growing stale. Set in a hauntingly empty London, the film emphasizes the fragility of civilization just as much as the terror of infection, letting the infected be just one of the many challenges that the people face within the world.
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The true strength lies in the atmosphere and visual presentation of the environment. The guerrilla filming style makes every shot feel closer and more realistic, and despite being a fairly small production, its impact is far greater than virtually any other movie in the zombie genre.
Face/Off
Appearances Aren't Everything
Details:
- Absurd concept, yet compelling performances carry the idea
- Sci-fi turned action opera
Face/Off enters new ground for the idea of identity theft, following two interconnected characters and their absurd journey against one another. The duality of the characters makes every scene with them feel eerie and strange, and the performances make those two fictional individuals feel like real people.
What keeps the film endlessly rewatchable is its complete commitment to excess. The action sequences are absurd yet well-choreographed, and the acting intensity is dialed to the maximum with every line delivery, allowing the movie to toe the line of insanity, whilst remaining gripping right until the end.