“Get ready to blast off into a cosmos of suspense and intrigue as we take you on a journey through the 5 best sci-fi thriller movies that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end! As the boundaries between reality and fiction continue to blur, these mind-bending masterpieces will transport you to a world of alternate dimensions, sinister alien invasions, and mind-controlling governments. From the eerie soundscapes of Arrival to the gripping space battles of Guardians of the Galaxy, these sci-fi thrillers will challenge your perceptions, ignite your imagination, and leave you questioning the very fabric of existence.
Why You Need to Stream Them Now
The Sci-Fi Thriller Genre: A Comforting Escape
Keith Garlington from Morningpicker summed it up best: the sci-fi genre has always been my go-to when I’m looking for comfort in a movie. Maybe because it feels so fantastical that I can easily immerse myself in what’s happening on the screen (and it doesn’t always have to be about aliens either).
If you’re a fan of thrilling sci-fi that’s as gripping as it is entertaining, then you’re in the right place. Here are five must-see sci-fi thrillers that you can stream right now on streaming services like Netflix, Peacock and more.
5 Must-See Sci-Fi Thrillers You Can Stream Right Now
From a mind-bending thriller starring Leonardo DiCaprio to one of my all-time favorites featuring one of the creepiest scenes in the genre, plus a sci-fi thriller with a deeply emotional core, there’s something for everyone.
‘Inception’
One of the most iconic sci-fi movies out there has to be “Inception,” and it feels only right to kick off this list with it. Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending thriller is one I’ve watched several times, not just for its well-known cast, but for a plot that’s refreshingly original.
The visuals and intense action sequences make this movie an absolute blast, and now, anyone with a Netflix subscription can stream it at their leisure. “Inception” delves into the concept of dreams within dreams. The story follows Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio), a skilled thief who steals valuable secrets from people’s subconscious minds while they dream.
Cobb is offered a seemingly impossible task: inception — the act of planting an idea in someone’s mind without them realizing it. If successful, Cobb can have his criminal record cleared and return home to his children. To accomplish this, he assembles a team of specialists to infiltrate the dreams of Robert Fischer (Cillian Murphy), the heir to a powerful business empire, and implant the idea of dissolving his father’s company.
Stream it on Netflix
‘Source Code’
If you want a sci-fi thriller that will make you think, “Source Code” is a great option. By the time the final scene hits, every loose end is tied up perfectly and all the clues along the way click into place.
The plot is also clever without being overcomplicated, and the runtime flies by without feeling too heavy, making for a perfect evening watch. “Source Code” focuses on Captain Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal), a soldier who wakes up in the body of another man aboard a commuter train.
He learns that he is part of a government program that allows him to repeatedly relive the last eight minutes of someone’s life in an alternate reality. His mission is to find the person responsible for a bombing that occurred on the train, and each time he enters the “Source Code,” he must gather new clues to prevent a future attack.
Watch it on Peacock
‘Freaks’
Sometimes even the best sci-fi thrillers lack emotional depth. That’s what makes “Freaks” such an engaging but absorbing watch, as it offers an emotional story with unexpected twists, keeping you questioning what’s real until the very end.
It’s a smaller, indie-style movie that still packs a big punch with its intense performances. While some might find its slower pace early on a challenge, the payoff is worth it. “Freaks” centers on a young girl named Chloe (Lexy Kolker) who has been kept locked inside her house by her overprotective father (Emile Hirsch).
He warns her about the dangers of the outside world, claiming it’s too dangerous for her. As Chloe grows more curious and rebellious, she begins to uncover shocking truths about herself, her family, and the world outside.
Watch it on Netflix
‘The Platform 2’
Not every movie needs a sequel. Much as I loved “The Platform” when it landed on Netflix in early 2020, the sci-fi thriller felt like the quintessential “one and done” movie. When a sequel was subsequently announced, I had mixed emotions.
Fast forward to now and “The Platform 2” has arrived on Netflix, and having taken a trip back to the Pit myself (Side note: I decided to watch while eating my breakfast. Do not recommend.) it brings me great pleasure to say that “The Platform 2” serves up exactly what I wanted from a sequel by smartly building on its predecessor.
I’m particularly delighted that my fellow Netflix subscribers are also interested in this long-awaited sequel. After just a few days, “The Platform 2” has rocketed straight to the No. 1 spot in the service’s most-watched list.
’65’
“65” is not a bad movie. There, I said it. Controversial? Maybe. But I stand by it. And since it’s leaving Netflix on January 7, 2025, I feel compelled to shed some light on this underrated sci-fi thriller (even though my opinion might be unpopular).
Now, I understand where most of the criticism comes from. “65” isn’t some grand sci-fi epic that will leave you speechless, nor does it really stand out in the genre. In fact, it’s only got 36% on Rotten Tomatoes (the audience score is slightly kinder at 64%).
But I watched it for the first time on Netflix the other day out of curiosity and actually had a good time. I went in blind, which meant avoiding the reviews and the trailer so there were no preconceived notions at play.
Again, this is just my opinion. When “65” dropped in March 2023, it was branded as “wasted potential” and a “no-thrills dud.” But I’m here to push back against the hate by saying “65” is a lean, entertaining sci-fi thriller with some pretty impressive visuals and a refreshingly simple concept.
If you need something easy to watch one evening that still packs plenty of thrills, “65” is worth streaming on Netflix.
Conclusion
As we’ve explored the top 5 sci-fi thriller movies that are a must-watch, it’s clear that the genre is more than just a fleeting fad. These films have captured our imagination, pushed the boundaries of storytelling, and left us questioning the very fabric of reality. From the eerie atmosphere of “Arrival” to the mind-bending twists of “Ex Machina”, each of these movies has something unique to offer, whether it’s a thought-provoking exploration of time and space or a chilling examination of humanity’s darker impulses.
The significance of these films lies not only in their entertainment value but also in their ability to spark meaningful conversations and debates. They challenge our assumptions, force us to confront our fears, and inspire us to think critically about the world around us. As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern life, it’s more important than ever to engage with stories that challenge our perspectives and encourage us to think differently.