The following piece has been reformulated for easier reading:
Science fiction, as Ursula K. Le Guin suggested, is more descriptive than predictive. Many sci-fi films endeavor to project the current sentiments and speculations onto a future landscape, though they often fall short. These narratives instead reflect the hopes and fears of the era they were created in.
In essence, science fiction, or speculative fiction, is a realm of endless possibilities and deep reflection. Through its cinematic journey, it has produced numerous iconic pieces with profound themes and stunning visuals, captivating audiences across generations. From Fritz Lang’s "Metropolis" and Andrei Tarkovsky’s "Solaris" to Andrew Niccol’s "Gattaca," the legacy of sci-fi films is about imaginative pasts shaping our present views while entertaining diverse audiences.
We’ve curated a collection of our favorite sci-fi films available on streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Max, which continue to inspire visions of futuristic worlds grounded in real-life context. These are some of the top sci-fi movies you can stream today. Our latest update features "Steamboy" as the editor’s pick.
Editor’s Pick: Steamboy
Director: Katsuhiro Otomo
Cast: Anne Suzuki, Katsuo Nakamura
Where to watch: Prime Video
Nearly five years after announcing "Orbital Era," a new sci-fi anime detailing the lives of boys aboard a developing space colony, Katsuhiro Otomo remains a pivotal figure in sci-fi anime. It took him 16 years to produce "Steamboy" following his acclaimed 1988 film, "Akira."
"Steamboy" transports viewers to an alternate 19th-century Europe transformed by steam-powered technology. The tale follows teenage inventor James Ray Steam as he embarks on a mission to protect a mysterious device from his grandfather, encountering numerous perils along the way. Although not as impactful as "Akira," "Steamboy" delivers a thrilling animated adventure that satisfies sci-fi enthusiasts and animation aficionados alike.
Akira
Director: Katsuhiro Otomo
Cast: Mitsuo Iwata, Nozomu Sasaki, Mami Koyama
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Despite evolving styles and technology, Katsuhiro Otomo’s groundbreaking anime "Akira" remains visually stunning, even decades after its 1988 release. The intricate plot captures human evolution’s complexities, centered around a Neo-Tokyo bike gang’s encounter with a government-abducted gang member. Through gritty storytelling and hallucinogenic visuals, "Akira" depicts secret human experiments against a backdrop of societal unrest.
Alien
Director: Ridley Scott
Cast: Sigourney Weaver, Ian Holm, John Hurt
Where to watch: Hulu
Ridley Scott’s 1979 masterpiece "Alien" reshaped sci-fi cinema, establishing itself as a staple of the genre with sequels and imitators trailing in its wake. Featuring Sigourney Weaver in a star-making role, the film’s enthralling narrative, combined with impeccable world-building and creature design, leaves an indelible mark on viewers.
The Beast
Director: Bertrand Bonello
Cast: Léa Seydoux, George MacKay, Guslagie Malanda
Where to watch: Criterion Channel
While technically a romance, Bertrand Bonello’s "The Beast" is a standout sci-fi entry. Léa Seydoux stars as Gabrielle, navigating a futuristic society where emotions are subdued by AI for job compatibility. Her unexpected encounter with Louis raises doubts about life’s preordained paths. "The Beast" explores identity and societal demands through a time-spanning, artistically idiosyncratic narrative.
The Day the Earth Caught Fire
Director: Val Guest
Cast: Janet Munro, Leo McKern, Edward Judd
Where to watch: Kanopy
This thought-provoking 1961 British film imagines Earth’s destabilization following nuclear tests by the US and the Soviet Union. As temperatures soar and societal structures falter, "The Day the Earth Caught Fire" captures the ominous silence of global warming. Its narrative of journalistic inquiry and stoic resilience resonates even more today.
Dune: Part One & Part Two
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya
Where to watch: Max
Under Denis Villeneuve’s visionary direction, "Dune" rekindles Frank Herbert’s elusive sci-fi epic into a cultural phenomenon. The two-part story traces Paul Atreides’ journey in a galaxy on the brink of war, balancing political intricacies, world-building, and personal redemption. Anticipation builds for "Dune: Messiah," the expected third installment.
These films, paired with imaginative settings and poignant narratives, redefine our views on the possibilities of speculative fiction and continue to enrapture audiences globally.
