Since the earliest days of cinema, Sci Fi movies have captivated filmmakers and audiences alike. From the innovative works of Georges Méliès and Fritz Lang to the modern masterpieces of Robert Wise and Ridley Scott, the genre has explored humanity’s fascination with the unknown and the possibilities of the future.
You’re in luck if you’re a sci-fi fan and a Prime Video subscriber. The streaming service offers a range of sci-fi options to satisfy every taste, be it sci-fi horror, action, comedy, or post-apocalyptic/dystopian tales.
We’ve compiled a list of films that every Sci Fi Movies on Amazon Prime Video should consider adding to their watchlist.
Best Sci Fi Movies on Amazon Prime Video Right Now
The Tomorrow War
Directed by Chris McKay, The Tomorrow War (2022) follows Dan Forester, a biology teacher and former Green Beret, who finds himself caught up in a global conflict against alien invaders known as the Whitespikes. As humanity faces extinction, soldiers from the year 2051 arrive, warning of the impending doom. Dan is drafted into the future, where he joins a team on a mission to rescue scientists and develop a toxin to fight the aliens. Along the way, Dan discovers personal revelations about his past and must make difficult choices to save the future.
The Age of Adaline (2015)
The Age of Adaline is a romantic sci-fi fantasy drama that may or may not work for you, depending on your willingness to accept its fantastical plot. The movie features Blake Lively as Adaline Bowman, a woman who died in the 1930s but was revived by a lightning strike that prevented her from ageing.
Adaline remains stuck at 29 for decades while her daughter ages naturally. The film draws on melancholic vibes similar to another moral fantasy, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008), but it is surprisingly moving. The sensitive performances by Lively and Harrison Ford, who plays a past lover of Adaline who recognises her decades later, add to the film’s emotional depth.
Interstellar
Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar is a remarkable addition to his filmography, mainly known for his work on Inception. With its compelling score, imaginative visuals, and incorporation of modern astronomical research, the movie emerges as a true sci-fi masterpiece.
The story revolves around a group of astronauts, led by Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway, who are on a dangerous mission to find a new habitable planet for humanity as Earth faces a dire future due to climate change and resource scarcity. Their expedition, however, takes them through unexpected hardships and emotional trials that push the boundaries of their persistence.
M3GAN
It is a modern horror film directed by Gerard Johnstone, known for its delightful campiness. James Wan (Aquaman) and Akela Cooper created the story and wrote the screenplay.
The plot follows Cady, an eight-year-old girl who moves in with her aunt Gemma (played by Allison Williams) after her parents die in a car accident. Gemma introduces Cady to an artificially intelligent life-sized doll named M3GAN to help her cope with the trauma. However, things turn for the worse when the doll becomes sentient, and lives are put in danger.
Despite the film’s use of AI, it cleverly plays with horror tropes in a unique, entertaining, and distressing way.
Asteroid City (2023)
Wes Anderson’s latest film showcases his signature style, deception, and metatextual layers, making it entertaining and profound. The plot revolves around a play that follows a group of young stargazers and their parents who gather at a convention in Asteroid City, a desert town.
The film also depicts the writing process of a renowned playwright’s play. In the play, a UFO appears, causing fascination and panic among the junior stargazers and the community. Although science fiction is not the film’s main focus, Anderson’s thematic ambitions with Asteroid City relate well to storytelling within the genre.
Cloverfield (2008)
Like The Blair Witch Project, Cloverfield used a clever marketing campaign to cover it in mystery and conspiracy. Thankfully, the film lived up to the hype by employing a found-footage style to depict a terrifying monster attack in the heart of New York City. The story revolves around a group of friends gathered for a party, only to have their evening disrupted by an earthquake and a sudden loss of power. Chaos ensues as a colossal creature emerges, plunging the city into panic and devastation.
The Invisible Man
Directed by Leigh Whannell, The Invisible Man is a thrilling sci-fi horror film that follows the story of Cecilia Kass, played by Elizabeth Moss. After escaping from her abusive partner, Cecilia learns that he has seemingly committed suicide. However, she soon begins to experience a series of disturbing events that lead her to believe that her ex-partner may not be dead after all. As she solves the mystery, Cecilia is hunted by an invisible entity, forcing her to fight for her sanity and life.
Also Read: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind: A Sci-Fi Warning About Modern Love and Relationships
Terminator Genisys (2015)
Terminator Genisys, a continuation of the Arnold Schwarzenegger franchise, introduced Emilia Clarke as the new Sarah Connor, while Jason Clarke portrayed her son, John. The film takes us on a thrilling ride as John sends Kyle Reese back in time to protect his mother in 1984. However, the timeline gets twisted, leading to unexpected turns.
Emilia Clarke’s portrayal of Sarah Connor brings a fresh and formidable energy to the character, complemented by mind-bending effects and intense action sequences. The movie also delves into a complex romantic connection between Sarah and Kyle, adding depth to the story. Despite mixed reviews, Terminator Genisys achieved commercial success and received award nominations.
Memories (1995)
Memories, an extraordinary anime anthology series, showcases three captivating stories. In “Magnetic Rose,” a rescue crew stumbles upon a haunted ship into the lingering echoes of the past. “Stink Bomb” takes a comedic turn as a worker’s flu leads to a hilarious yet tricky situation when he unwittingly unleashes a potent ‘stink bomb’ with catastrophic consequences.
Lastly, “Cannon Fodder” presents a thought-provoking dystopian narrative, exploring a war-torn world on the brink of collapse. With its remarkable blend of analogue sci-fi and European-inspired settings, Memories is an actual anime and science-fiction masterpiece. The anthology’s grand finale leaves a lasting impression, boasting an unforgettable and exquisite set piece.
Rabid
David Cronenberg’s body horror films brilliantly blend science fiction and horror. In his 1977 underrated gem, Rabid, a woman receives genetically altered skin grafts after a motorcycle accident, awakening with a vampiric thirst. Cronenberg’s unique vision unleashes a sexually transmitted zombie plague through a stinger hidden in her armpit, showcasing his strange and captivating storytelling. The fusion of mind, flesh, sex, and metal embodies Cronenberg’s unparalleled exploration of the human future.
Gravity (2013)
Gravity was released in 2013 with a 100 million USD budget to get a positive response with the best CGI effects. Under the direction of Alfonso Cuarón and a superb cast, it won seven Oscar awards and the best directorial award included, too. Furthermore, Gravity won 39 other awards in multiple categories, including visual and sound effects, which is dominant. The story’s impact is potent to the audience, even if they feel sad for them. This is the story of Dr Ryan Stone, an engineer, and Matt Kowalski, an astronaut; on his final expedition, they lost their space shuttle with no link with Earth. They move in space like a rock with feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Nope (2022)
With his highly anticipated third film, Nope, Jordan Peele reaffirms his position as a captivating and innovative filmmaker. Blending elements of sci-fi with his signature horror style, Nope follows adult siblings, portrayed by Daniel Kaluuya and Kek Palmer, as they stumble upon a UFO near their family ranch and decide to document their encounter. As Peele’s most ambitious project yet, the film showcases his mastery on a grand scale. Combining humour and high stakes, Nope offers a multi-layered narrative that invites repeated viewings, unveiling deeper meanings with each watch.
Ghost In The Shell (1995)
Ghost in the Shell, an influential anime film based on the manga of the same name, has significantly impacted the sci-fi genre. Set in futuristic Japan, it follows a government-employed cyborg’s pursuit of a formidable hacker. The movie combines captivating visuals, thought-provoking themes, and imaginative sci-fi concepts. Renowned filmmakers like the Wachowskis and James Cameron have praised Ghost in the Shell, paying homage to its enduring legacy. With a passionate fan base, it is regarded as one of the finest adult animated films ever made.
A Quiet Place Part II (2021)
A Quiet Place Part II is the sequel to John Krasinski’s sci-fi horror hit that engages the audiences with its thrilling story. Building upon the first film’s events, the Abbott family lives in an expanded post-apocalyptic world, encountering new survivors and confronting the ever-present danger of the noise-sensitive aliens. The movie impresses with its stunning visuals, heart-pounding excitement, and exploration of familial themes. Millicent Simmonds and Cillian Murphy deliver standout performances. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, A Quiet Place Part II achieved a remarkable opening and earned nearly $300 million at the box office.
The Suicide Squad (2021)
James Gunn’s recent involvement in the DCU has begun with The Suicide Squad, a sequel/reboot to the 2016 Suicide Squad that was widely regarded as disappointing. The movie follows a team of supervillains compelled to undertake a dangerous government operation. Gunn has incorporated an atmosphere reminiscent of classic team-on-a-mission films like The Dirty Dozen while introducing a cast of fun and engaging characters.
The movie includes a secret laboratory plotline, particularly notable in Peter Capaldi’s portrayal of the villainous The Thinker. It makes it one of the best sci-fi movies on Amazon Prime Video.
Also Read: 12 Best Superhero Movie Actors
I Still See You
based on a novel by Daniel Waters and stars Bella Thorne, Richard Harmon, and Dermot Mulroney. The story occurs in a world where ghosts called Remnants walk among the living after a catastrophic event. Bella Thorne plays a teenager who is haunted by an evil spirit. Scott Speer beautifully blends romance and horror in spellbinding snapshots. It sounds like quite a unique and captivating film!
Samaritan
Sylvester Stallone stars in Samaritan, a surprisingly touching action film directed by Julius Avery. Written by Bragi F. Schut (Escape Room), Samaritan feels similar to Will Smith’s Hancock but thankfully avoids the convoluted and unfocused mythology of eternal beings. Instead, it tells the story of a grizzled and reclusive man who reluctantly becomes a superhero. Featuring impressive practical effects, Samaritan excels in action sequences and fight choreography. Stallone’s cantankerous energy perfectly embodies the character of an ageing vigilante who is persuaded by his young neighbour (Javon ‘Wanna’ Walton) to once again take on the role of ‘Samaritan’ and protect their city.
Also Read: Best Suspense Thriller Movies On Netflix Right Now
The Vast of Night
The Vast of Night is a captivating science fiction film set in 1950s New Mexico. Directed by Andrew Patterson, who co-wrote the teleplay with Craig W. Sanger, this mysterious and suspenseful story revolves around Fay Crocker (Sierra McCormick) and radio DJ Everett Sloan (Jake Horowitz). Their quest is to unravel the origin of an unexplained sound. The film cleverly employs familiar elements of the genre, leveraging the historical setting to build anticipation and unravel the story.
Black Box
From the acclaimed production company, Blumhouse comes the gripping thriller Black Box, offering a pulse-pounding experience with a captivating premise. Mamoudou Athie takes the lead as Nolan, a distraught father who has lost both his memory and his wife in a tragic accident. In his pursuit to regain his past, Nolan undergoes an experimental treatment that unravels a potentially horrifying truth he may not be prepared to confront. The film features the talented Phylicia Rashad as the compassionate doctor aiding Nolan, while Amanda Christine delivers a mesmerising performance as his daughter Ava.
Bliss
Bliss combines the elements of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and The Matrix to create a captivating science fiction romance that explores a distorted reality. While drawing comparisons to genre classics, filmmaker Mike Cahill brings a fresh and unique perspective to the material. Set in a not-so-distant future where corporations hold immense power, the film follows a solitary dreamer (Owen Wilson) on a quest to find a woman from his fantasies (Salma Hayek) who may exist. It’s a refreshing departure from Wilson and Hayek’s comedic roots to see them in more serious roles, adding depth to their performances.
