Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
WeirdThe 17 Best Sci-Fi Movies On Netflix
By Jade Budowski
@jadebudowski
Published
May 21, 2018, 9:00 p.m. ET
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Ranked by their Rotten Tomatoes Critic Scores!
Photos: Everett Collection ; Illustration: Dillen Phelps
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Ghostbusters
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
Who ya gonna call? Featuring your faves Bill Murray, Dan Akyroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, and more, this classic supernatural action comedy sees an unlikely crew of professors set up a ghost removal service. Full of iconic one-liners and thrilling sequences, it's no secret why Ghostbusters is so beloved.
[Stream Ghostbusters]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
Who ya gonna call? Featuring your faves Bill Murray, Dan Akyroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, and more, this classic supernatural action comedy sees an unlikely crew of professors set up a ghost removal service. Full of iconic one-liners and thrilling sequences, it's no secret why Ghostbusters is so beloved.
[Stream Ghostbusters]
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The Survivalist
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
Set in a dystopia where oil production has ceased and the economy has collapsed (along with society and a large part of the population), this British sci-fi flick follows the eponymous Survivalist, a man who lives off the wilderness and finds his solitary existence disrupted by two women. While they initially are able to coexist, the desire for survival soon drives them apart and may very well lead to the end of them.
[Stream The Survivalist ]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
Set in a dystopia where oil production has ceased and the economy has collapsed (along with society and a large part of the population), this British sci-fi flick follows the eponymous Survivalist, a man who lives off the wilderness and finds his solitary existence disrupted by two women. While they initially are able to coexist, the desire for survival soon drives them apart and may very well lead to the end of them.
[Stream The Survivalist ]
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The Iron Giant
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
This animated Cold War-set adventure follows a young boy who strikes up a friendship with a massive, kind-hearted robot from outer space. Unfortunately, the incredibly paranoid government is determined to destroy him - so the two band together to evade the destruction of this friendly giant. This heart-wrenching, thrilling film will move you in unexpected ways.
[Stream The Iron Giant]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
This animated Cold War-set adventure follows a young boy who strikes up a friendship with a massive, kind-hearted robot from outer space. Unfortunately, the incredibly paranoid government is determined to destroy him - so the two band together to evade the destruction of this friendly giant. This heart-wrenching, thrilling film will move you in unexpected ways.
[Stream The Iron Giant]
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Men in Black
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
This hilarious modern classic brings unlikely duo Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones together for an intergalactic kegger of an adventure, one that sees them protect the world as we know it from extraterrestrial forces at work. Filled with iconic one-liners and lovable characters, this sci-fi comedy is out of this world.
[Stream Men in Black]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
This hilarious modern classic brings unlikely duo Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones together for an intergalactic kegger of an adventure, one that sees them protect the world as we know it from extraterrestrial forces at work. Filled with iconic one-liners and lovable characters, this sci-fi comedy is out of this world.
[Stream Men in Black]
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Captain America: Civil War
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
While most of the Marvel movies embrace the value of camaraderie, this installment chronicles the dissolution of the relationship between Captain America and Iron Man due to political differences (and feelings about one Bucky Barnes) and evidently leads to a divide in The Avengers. Action-packed and emotionally driven, this slick sequel will have you holding your breath and crossing your fingers for a resolution.
[Where to Stream Captain America: Civil War]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
While most of the Marvel movies embrace the value of camaraderie, this installment chronicles the dissolution of the relationship between Captain America and Iron Man due to political differences (and feelings about one Bucky Barnes) and evidently leads to a divide in The Avengers. Action-packed and emotionally driven, this slick sequel will have you holding your breath and crossing your fingers for a resolution.
[Where to Stream Captain America: Civil War]
Photo: Marvel
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Doctor Strange
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%
Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Dr. Stephen Strange in this gorgeous adaptation of the beloved comic. After a car accident, Strange is forced to set aside his ego and dive into a world of alternate dimensions and mystic arts. To protect New York City and the rest of the worlds from threats across dimensions, he must utilize his newfound abilities and learn lessons about his power along the way. This gorgeous, thrilling flick is bound to appeal to comic lovers and the general public alike.
[Stream Doctor Strange]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%
Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Dr. Stephen Strange in this gorgeous adaptation of the beloved comic. After a car accident, Strange is forced to set aside his ego and dive into a world of alternate dimensions and mystic arts. To protect New York City and the rest of the worlds from threats across dimensions, he must utilize his newfound abilities and learn lessons about his power along the way. This gorgeous, thrilling flick is bound to appeal to comic lovers and the general public alike.
[Stream Doctor Strange]
Photo: Marvel
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Moon
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%
After the release of platform original Mute earlier this year, it seems like Netflix wants to get closer to Duncan Jones, so it's only right that they make his gorgeous film Moon available for our streaming pleasure. Academy Award-nominee Sam Rockwell stars as astronaut Sam Bell, who has spent nearly 3 years harvesting clean fuel to send back to Earth. With just a few weeks left of his contract, something goes terribly wrong. A stunning exploration of the nature of loneliness and the expansiveness of the universe, Moon is a must-see.
[Stream Moon]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%
After the release of platform original Mute earlier this year, it seems like Netflix wants to get closer to Duncan Jones, so it's only right that they make his gorgeous film Moon available for our streaming pleasure. Academy Award-nominee Sam Rockwell stars as astronaut Sam Bell, who has spent nearly 3 years harvesting clean fuel to send back to Earth. With just a few weeks left of his contract, something goes terribly wrong. A stunning exploration of the nature of loneliness and the expansiveness of the universe, Moon is a must-see.
[Stream Moon]
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Turbo Kid
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%
Don't let the goofy title fool you - this is quite the flick. Set in a 1997 post-apocalyptic wasteland, the film follows a young, comic book-loving scavenger who becomes a reluctant hero to save his friend and beat the bad guy. Lovers of B-movies and cheesy 80 action flicks need look no further than this funny, exciting film.
[Stream Turbo Kid]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%
Don't let the goofy title fool you - this is quite the flick. Set in a 1997 post-apocalyptic wasteland, the film follows a young, comic book-loving scavenger who becomes a reluctant hero to save his friend and beat the bad guy. Lovers of B-movies and cheesy 80 action flicks need look no further than this funny, exciting film.
[Stream Turbo Kid]
Everett Collection
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Donnie Darko
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%
Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, and more, this sci-fi thriller takes place over the course of 28 days and follows a troubled teenager who, after a bizarre (near-fatal) accident, begins to have visions of a man in a giant rabbit suit who urges him to commit a slew of crimes. Strangely funny, scary, and totally compelling, this cult classic is necessary viewing.
[Stream Donnie Darko]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%
Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, and more, this sci-fi thriller takes place over the course of 28 days and follows a troubled teenager who, after a bizarre (near-fatal) accident, begins to have visions of a man in a giant rabbit suit who urges him to commit a slew of crimes. Strangely funny, scary, and totally compelling, this cult classic is necessary viewing.
[Stream Donnie Darko]
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Psychokinesis
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%
From the same brilliant filmmaker behind Train to Busan comes Psychokinesis, a mind-bending superhero film of sorts. When a father finds himself suddenly in possession of supernatural powers after drinking water from a mountain spring, he embarks on a journey to save his estranged daughter from an evil construction company.
[Stream Psychokinesis]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%
From the same brilliant filmmaker behind Train to Busan comes Psychokinesis, a mind-bending superhero film of sorts. When a father finds himself suddenly in possession of supernatural powers after drinking water from a mountain spring, he embarks on a journey to save his estranged daughter from an evil construction company.
[Stream Psychokinesis]
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Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%
This Star Wars spin-off takes the franchise in an uncharted, darker direction, and it does it in an extraordinary manner. Starring Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Riz Ahmed, Ben Mendelsohn, and an all-star ensemble cast, the film acts as a prequel to Star Wars: A New Hope and follows the team of rebels who embark on a mission to steal the plans for the Death Star and save the universe as they know it. Well-acted, stunningly shot, and frankly thrilling, this flick will please Star Wars fans and new audiences alike.
[Stream Rogue One: A Star Wars Story]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%
This Star Wars spin-off takes the franchise in an uncharted, darker direction, and it does it in an extraordinary manner. Starring Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Riz Ahmed, Ben Mendelsohn, and an all-star ensemble cast, the film acts as a prequel to Star Wars: A New Hope and follows the team of rebels who embark on a mission to steal the plans for the Death Star and save the universe as they know it. Well-acted, stunningly shot, and frankly thrilling, this flick will please Star Wars fans and new audiences alike.
[Stream Rogue One: A Star Wars Story]
Photo: Lucasfilm
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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83%
Featuring a stellar soundtrack, crazy effects, and fast-paced storytelling style, this groovy superhero sequel is just as much fun as the first. Starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Kurt Russell, and a ton of other A-listers, the second installment of the Guardians franchise sees our pals put to the test as they discover the truth of Peter Quill's parentage and what it might mean for them (and the rest of the galaxy).
[Stream Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83%
Featuring a stellar soundtrack, crazy effects, and fast-paced storytelling style, this groovy superhero sequel is just as much fun as the first. Starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Kurt Russell, and a ton of other A-listers, the second installment of the Guardians franchise sees our pals put to the test as they discover the truth of Peter Quill's parentage and what it might mean for them (and the rest of the galaxy).
[Stream Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2]
Photo: Marvel
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Trollhunter
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 82%
Everything is not as it seems in this fast-paced, sci-fi/horror flick; a group of students initially sets out to investigate a series of strange bear killings, but soon encounter a mysterious hunter who tells them he spends his days tracking and hunting trolls. Full of fascinating folklore, comedy, thrills, and chills, this unique Norwegian film might just become your new fave.
[Stream Trollhunter]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 82%
Everything is not as it seems in this fast-paced, sci-fi/horror flick; a group of students initially sets out to investigate a series of strange bear killings, but soon encounter a mysterious hunter who tells them he spends his days tracking and hunting trolls. Full of fascinating folklore, comedy, thrills, and chills, this unique Norwegian film might just become your new fave.
[Stream Trollhunter]
Photo: Everett Collection
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Europa Report
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 81%
This breathtaking sci-fi thriller sees an international crew of astronauts set out on a privately funded mission in search of life on Jupiter's moon, Europa. A fascinating blend of documentary-style found footage and classic science fiction, this captivating film about an ill-fated crew may very well have you on the edge of your seat.
[Stream Europa Report]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 81%
This breathtaking sci-fi thriller sees an international crew of astronauts set out on a privately funded mission in search of life on Jupiter's moon, Europa. A fascinating blend of documentary-style found footage and classic science fiction, this captivating film about an ill-fated crew may very well have you on the edge of your seat.
[Stream Europa Report]
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Advantageous
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 80%
Set in the near future where older women are deemed more and more unnecessary, a mother realizes she may lose her job as a biomedical firm's spokesperson in favor of a younger candidate. Desperate to provide for her daughter, she agrees to undergo a procedure to transfer her consciousness to the body of a younger woman.
[Stream Advantageous]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 80%
Set in the near future where older women are deemed more and more unnecessary, a mother realizes she may lose her job as a biomedical firm's spokesperson in favor of a younger candidate. Desperate to provide for her daughter, she agrees to undergo a procedure to transfer her consciousness to the body of a younger woman.
[Stream Advantageous]
Everett Collection
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Spectral
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 80%
This Netflix Original follows an engineer as he teams up with an elite Special Ops force to stop a supernatural forces tearing through a war-ravaged European city. This high-stakes, action-driven flick evokes the feeling of genre classics and provides a series of new thrills for the streaming audience era.
[Stream Spectral]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 80%
This Netflix Original follows an engineer as he teams up with an elite Special Ops force to stop a supernatural forces tearing through a war-ravaged European city. This high-stakes, action-driven flick evokes the feeling of genre classics and provides a series of new thrills for the streaming audience era.
[Stream Spectral]
Photo: Everett Collection
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V for Vendetta
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 73%
This dystopian action thriller plunges us into a dictator-led Britain and the effects of the fascist regime on the country. V, an anarchist freedom fighter, refuses to accept this fate, however, and enlists the help of a young woman (Natalie Portman) to help him ignite a revolution. Rife with social commentary and nail-biting action sequences, this film is more relevant now than ever.
[Stream V for Vendetta]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 73%
This dystopian action thriller plunges us into a dictator-led Britain and the effects of the fascist regime on the country. V, an anarchist freedom fighter, refuses to accept this fate, however, and enlists the help of a young woman (Natalie Portman) to help him ignite a revolution. Rife with social commentary and nail-biting action sequences, this film is more relevant now than ever.
[Stream V for Vendetta]
Everett Collection
