List of 30+ Best Sci-fi Movies & Series on Netflix of all time | GodofSmallThing [2024]

Science fiction or Sci-fi, it’s scary because with technology and artificial intelligence growing every day, it doesn’t seem impossible! It’s one of the most creative genres at the moment. It’s all speculation and guesses, but is it something to look forward to or is it something to fear? Netflix gives you a huge collection of movies for you to choose from. If you are looking for the best science fiction movies or the best sci-fi movies on Netflix, you are in the right place. Let’s narrow down that list of the best sci-fi series on Netflix!

The Best Sci-fi Movies on Netflix right now

1. Spiderhead (2022)

IMDb Ratings: 5.4/10

Director: Joseph Kosinski
Cast: Miles Teller, Chris Hemsworth, Jurnee Smollett, Mark Paguio and Tess Haubrich .

Directed and produced by Joseph Kosinski, ‘Spiderhead’ is a Science-Fiction and Thriller film. It was adapted from the short story “Escape from Spiderhead”.

Paste’s Steven Petite known as George Saunders “ a master of creating worlds that are close enough to mirror our own to be supposed realistic while not familiar enough to entirely act the world we live in and perchance the topmost living English language short story author, whose humour is both dark and stimulating”. Spiderhead, Directed by Tron Legacy’s Joseph Kosinski, adapted from the short story” Escape from Spiderhead” in 2010. The story is darker and funny too, but it’s refreshing to watch Chris Hemsworth in a fierce genius role who’s running an unorthodox prison where the convicts have to volunteer as lab rats in exchange for good meals and particular( personal) space.

2. Okja (2017)-Science fiction movies on Netflix

IMDb Ratings: 7.3/10

Director:  Bong Joon-ho
Cast: Ahn Seo-hyun, Choi Woo-shik, Yoon Je-moon, Lily Collins and Jake Gyllenhaal.

The next masterpiece follows a little girl who sets on an adventure. She ventures into the city to rescue her friend, who is a genetically engineered pig named Okja. Okja and Mija grew up together and Okja is extremely loyal to her.

The movie debuted at the Cannes Film festival. The critics say it whips between “lovable, scary, silly, morbidly depressing, back to silly”.

3. Space Sweepers (2021)-best science fiction movies on Netflix

IMDb Ratings: 6.5/10

Director: Jo Sung-hee
Cast: Song Joong-ki, Kim Tae-ri, Jin Seon-kyu, Yoo Hae-jin.

Directed and written by Jo Sung- hee Space Sweepers marked the director’s English-language debut. The movie’s major part takes place in Space.

It’s a powerful entry for Korea’s first sci-fi blockbuster introduced to the audience by Netflix. It is a Southeast Asian big-budget sci- fi with the Chinese film The Wandering Earth, a multitude of a story that was still beautiful to look at. Space Sweepers, by Korean filmmaker Jo Sung-hee, is much more cohesive and coherent immolation with just as important a flash. The dystopian setting sees the top of a giant tech company creating an Eden on Mars, basically consigning the utmost of humanity to poverty and pollution. A ragtag squad of space- junk collectors are each looking after their own self-interest when they find a mysterious youthful girl who entangles them in much larger worries. With compelling characters, thrilling action sequences and a fascinating plot.

This dystopian, sci-fi thriller is everything you ever want in a film and more.

4. The Platform (2020)

IMDb Ratings: 7/10

Director: Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia
Cast: Iván Massagué, Zorion Eguileor, Antonia San Juan, Emilio Buale Coka, Alexandra Masangkay

Netflix’s The Platform is a sci-fi and horror, a high-conception premise and all the redundant information that’s withheld from the watcher. It doesn’t mean that we don’t know why exactly people are placed into this devilish, captivity structure, in which the only nourishment arrives one time a day in the form of a steadily descending, little by-little gross gravestone stick piled high with perishables. Nor do we really need to know how this apparent social test operates, although the repeated glances we get at chefs slaving over perfect dishes to be transferred down to the doomed Prisoner are no doubt designed to needle at our curiosity. What matters is that we observe the differences in mortal response to this plight. The fact that the position of the Convicts is constantly in flux is vital it gives them both a touchable reason to be the change they want to see in their world, and a nearly insolvable temptation to do the exact contrary out of mistrust of their neighbours. One expects a nihilistic streak then, and you won’t be disappointed but there’s a many traces of possibility shining through the cracks as well. Just enough, perchance, to twist the blade that much deeper.

5. Geostorm (2017)

IMDb Ratings: 5.3/10

Director: Dean Devlin
Cast:  Gerard Butler, Jim Sturgess, Ed Harris, Abbie Cornish, Richard Schiff, Alexandra Maria Lara, Robert Sheehan, Daniel Wu, Eugenio Derbez, and Andy García.

A Sci-fi disaster film, directed by Dean Devlin as his directorial debut. In 2019, after repeated catastrophic natural disasters, a system of climate-controlling satellites was constructed. The satellite system named “Dutch Boy” neutralizes a massive typhoon in Shanghai. Three years later, a UN team comes across a frozen village in the Registan Desert. After another few such strange incidents, Jake Lawson (chief architect) is called to rescue. Someone sabotages them and everything goes haywire. Tornadoes in Mumbai, heatwaves in Moscow and megatsunamis in Dubai, it was all happening. Climate change is real! You best believe it. This movie is a shot at Global Warming mixed with a little bit of politics.

6. Apollo 10½: A Space Age Adventure (2022)

In the summer of ’69, Netflix brings you a captivating sci-fi tale, skilfully woven from two perspectives. Experience the triumph of the first moon landing through the eyes of astronauts and mission control, but also through the lens of an excited kid living near NASA. This unique film, directed by Richard Linklater of ‘A Scanner Darkly’ fame, is like a rotoscoped home movie, blending historical accuracy with a kid’s fantasy. It’s not just about reaching the moon; it’s a nostalgic journey through growing up during a pivotal moment in history. Jack Black’s ‘Wonder Years’-style narration adds an extra layer of charm. While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, those who appreciate a blend of exacting re-creation and imaginative storytelling will find this sci-fi gem a delightful escape into the space race era. Buckle up for a nostalgic ride that’s part history, part fantasy – a Netflix original that takes you beyond the stars and into the heart of the ’60s space race.

7. Don’t Look Up (2021)

In this sci-fi gem on Netflix, Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo DiCaprio star as an astronomy duo discovering a colossal comet headed straight for Earth. The catch? No one seems to care about this impending disaster. With a stellar cast including Meryl Streep and Cate Blanchett, the movie, crafted by Adam McKay of “The Big Short” and “Vice” fame, promises a mix of sharp wit and dark humour. It cleverly weaves a tale of a planet-killer comet, the size of Mount Everest, dismissed by those unwilling to face the inconvenient truth. Marked by McKay’s signature style, it’s a well-written, funny, and thought-provoking dark comedy that satirizes climate change sceptics. A cinematic experience that not only entertains but also delivers a powerful message, this film is a must-watch for those who appreciate a blend of comedy and social commentary. Get ready for a deeply disturbing yet beautifully observed journey into the realms of science fiction.

8. The Platform (2019)

The Platform thrives on its straightforward, intriguing idea. We’re left in the dark about why people end up in a vertical prison with a descending food platform, and that mystery adds to the experience. We don’t know how the social experiment works, but the glimpses of cooks preparing food spark our curiosity. What makes the movie gripping is watching how different people respond to this tough situation—some unite, some get predatory, and others become selfless. The constant change in prisoners’ positions pushes them to either make positive changes or succumb to distrust. Expect some nihilism, but there are glimmers of hope too, just enough to make the emotional impact stronger. It’s a sci-fi gem on Netflix, playing with human reactions in a diabolical setting, leaving you with both despair and flickers of optimism.

9. They Cloned Tyrone (2023)

They Cloned Tyrone strikes a unique balance between a modern setting and a retro look, blending contemporary vibes with a sci-fi twist. The film hints at cloning without revealing too much, keeping its sci-fi elements somewhat underground. While its sci-fi plot may not match up to some iconic influences, the movie excels scene by scene. Key performances, like John Boyega’s stoic drug dealer and Jamie Foxx’s oddly likeable pimp, add charm. Teyonah Parris shines as a spirited amateur detective. The film’s pop-culture references are just right – not too obscure, but refreshingly different. Despite potential sociological thriller comparisons, the movie stands out due to Juel Taylor’s clever storytelling and character style. In essence, “They Cloned Tyrone” crafts an entertaining sci-fi experience with a clever and stylish path for its endearing characters.

10. Troll (2022)

Netflix’s Troll released on December 1, 2022, has captivated audiences with its supernatural drama. Critics applaud its stellar performances, gripping score, stunning cinematography, and intense action sequences. The film centres around an ancient troll awakened by a mountain explosion in Norway. To thwart its destructive rampage, government officials enlist palaeontologist Nora, played by Ine Marie Wilmann. The movie’s visual effects add to its allure, creating a thrilling experience. While some critics note a somewhat familiar plot, the overall positive reception indicates its success. Viewers are eagerly anticipating a sequel currently in development. “Troll” stands out as a must-watch sci-fi film on Netflix, blending suspenseful storytelling with impressive visuals and a compelling performance by Ine Marie Wilmann, making it a hit in the streaming world.

Best Sci-fi series on Netflix Right now

1. Dark Matter (2015)

IMDb Ratings: 7.5/10

Director Joseph Mallozzi, Paul Mullie

Cast-Marc Bendavid, Melissa O’Neil, Anthony Lemke

It is a Canadian science fiction series aired on 5th September 2015 with 39 episodes in 3 seasons. This is based on a book produced by Prodigy production in an alliance of space channels. It is rated 89% on the tomato meter and 90% based on the audience score. A deselected spaceship’s six-person crew is awakening from stasis to the farthest reaches of the universe. Their memories have been wiped away clearly and they don’t remember who they are, why they are on board and from where they have come. A cargo bay full of weapons and a target is the only clue they have to their identity. They are making a dangerous decision without any idea of which hand they are on. It stars Marc Bendavid as One, Melissa O’Neil as Two and Anthony Lemke as Three

2. Star Trek: Discovery

IMDb Ratings: 7/10

Director: Bryan Fuller, Alex Kurtzman

Cast: Sonequa Martin-Green, Doug Jones, Anthony Rapp

It is one of the most amazing science fiction series worldwide created by Gene Roddenberry starring Leonard Nimoy, William Shatner, DeForest Kelley Nichelle Nichols, James Doohan, Walter Koenig, and George Takei.

On James T. Kirk’s birth, his father died in the last stand on his damaged starship against a Romulan mining vessel in search of Ambassador Spock, who has grown on Vulcan this time, despised by his neighbours and friends for his half-human heritage.

25 years later, James T. Kirk became a young rebelling troublemaker challenged to understand his ability in Starfleet by Captain Christopher Pike, he comes across to torment academy teachers like Commander Spock.

Then, there’s an emergency on Vulcan and, thanks to Leonard McCoy’s medical trickery, the newly commissioned USS Enterprise is crewed with talented cadets such as Nyota Uhura, Hikaru Sulu, Pavel Chekov and even Kirk himself.

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3. Stranger Things (2016)

IMDb Ratings: 8.7/10

Director: The Duffer Brothers

Cast: David Harbour, Winona Ryder, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Natalia Dyer, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Charlie Heaton, Cara Buono, and Matthew Modine.

Stranger Things is an American science fiction series on Netflix created by the Duffer brothers Starring, David Harbour, Winona Ryder, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Natalia Dyer, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Cara Buono, and Matthew Modine.

It is one of the most fascinating shows on Netflix With plucky kids, scary monsters, pre-teen romance and awkwardness, goofy minor characters and lots of emotion. The show revolves around six kids who clash with monsters to save their city. Stranger Things’ first season was released in the year 2016. It is fictionally set up in Hawkins Indiana, Where the Hawkins National Laboratory ostensibly keeps on performing scientific research on the US Department of Energy, leading to the creation of anonymous and supernatural creatures that live in a clumsy upside-down world.

The Rotten Tomato has rated the first season as 8.1/10, the second season as 7.86/10 and the third season as 7.87/10. Well, now the world is eagerly waiting for the release of season 4 this year with more suspense, magic, emotions, creepiness, and clumsiness.

4. The OA (2016)

IMDb Ratings: 7.8/10

Director: Brit Marling, Zal Batmanglij
Cast: Brit Marling, Jason Isaacs, Emory Cohen

It is an American drama series based on science fiction, fantasy and supernatural elements. It featured on Netflix on December 16, 2016, created by Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij. These series have broadcasted to seasons with eight episodes each.

This is a story about an adopted young girl who resurfaces after seven years of being lost. She returns and calls herself the original angel, showing scars on her back and restoration of her eyesight as she was blind.

The angel refuses to tell the Bureau and her adoptive parents where she was and how her vision was restored, and instead quickly gathers a team of five locals to whom she discloses that detail while describing her life story. Now she aims at rescuing other people in trouble.

5. Altered Carbon (2018)

IMDb Ratings: 7.9/10

Director: Laeta Kalogridis
Cast: Anthony Mackie, Lela Loren, Simone Missick

It is an American web television series created by Laeta Kalogridis. This series is based on a novel authored by Richard K Morgan. It is Themed upon a former soldier who turned to be an investigator, solving murder cases. The first season has 10 episodes which aired on Netflix on 2nd February 2018. The next season is yet to come. The cast includes Joel Kinnaman in season one as Takeshi Kovacs, James Purefoy as Lauren’s Bancroft and Martha as Kristin Ortega. This series takes place 360 years in the future I.e. 2385 in a bay city. The average score given by the tomato meter is 68%.

6. Sense8 (2015)

IMDb Ratings: 8.2/10

Director: Lilly Wachowski, Lana Wachowski, J. Michael Straczynski
Cast: Tuppence Middleton, Brian J. Smith, Bae Doona

One of the most popular shows on Netflix, Sense8 is an American science fiction drama series created by Lana and Lilly Wachowski. It has two seasons with 24 episodes and became available on Netflix on 5 June 2015.

It represents the LGBT characters and themes along with thrilling science fiction movies on Netflix. The story includes the connection of eight strangers from different parts of the world, who are birthed by Angelica who killed herself to free herself from whispers.

The group of eight people are mentally and emotionally linked and can create a sense of communication with their knowledge, language, and vernacular skills. The first season focuses on making a connection with the eight people whereas the second season focuses on helping each other on a day-to-day basis.

Stars Ami Ameen as Capheus, doona bae as sun bak, Jamie Clayton as Noni Marks, max Riemelt as Wolfgang Bogdanov and Tina Desai as Kala Dandekar. Rotten Tomatoes have rated season one at 71% because of its diverse characters and modified connections. Apart from this 2nd, 3rd and 4th seasons are rated as 87%, 93%, and 93% respectively. It is a compact of ambition, friendship, science, identity, and faithfulness.

7. Lost in Space (2018)

IMDb Ratings: 7.3/10

Director: Irwin Allen

Cast: Molly Parker, Toby Stephens, Maxwell Jenkins

Lost in Space (LIS) is another science fiction television series based on our space colonists. It was released on Netflix in the year 2018. The show has two seasons with 20 episodes.

It is rated 68% on the tomato meter and is one of the most interesting and mind-grabbing shows. Lost in Space stars Toby Stephens as John Robinson, and Molly Parker as Maureen Robinson, who are parental leaders struggling with their estranged relationship in the midst of trying to keep their family safe. Taylor Russell is their kid who is strong-willed and confident, mina sundial as Judy is the fast-witted and conclusive middle child.

Penny as Max Jenkins is interested to know the types of characters and lastly, the sensitive will Robinson who is the clan’s youngest and most susceptible forms an improbable and unexplainable bond with a sentient alien cyborg being.

Best Sci-fi Netflix Originals

1. Cloverfield Paradox (2018)

IMDb Ratings: 5.5/10

Director: Julius Onah
Cast: Daniel Brühl, Elizabeth Debicki, Aksel Hennie, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Chris O’Dowd, John Ortiz, David Oyelowo and Zhang Ziyi

Julius Onah directed this Sci-fi horror film, it is the third instalment in the Cloverfield franchise. Following a space group on a space station and their attempts to use a particle accelerator to solve the energy crisis on Earth. Conspiracy theorists fear that this will lead to the “Cloverfield Paradox”, this further leads to the creation of parallels universes, the unknown threatens Earth.

2. Black Mirror: Bandersnatch (2018)

IMDb Ratings: 7.1/10

Director: David Slade
Cast: Fionn Whitehead, Will Poulter, and Alice Lowe.

This is an interactive Sci-fi film in the Black Mirror series. You, The viewers make decisions for the protagonist, Stefan Butler, who is turning a novel into a videogame in 1984.

The film is based on an Imagine Software videogame which was unreleased after the production company goes bankrupt. There was a high difficulty in writing such a complex, decision-driven script. For that reason, this movie is a hit. The complex decisions, the creepy vibe, the plot twists and the unimaginable deaths. This might be the very best Sci-fi Movie on Netflix! (Interactive movie)

3. Annihilation (2018)

IMDb Ratings: 6.8/10

Director: Alex Garland
Cast: Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gina Rodriguez, Tessa Thompson, Tuva Novotny, and Oscar Isaac.

This is a psychological sci-fi horror film, directed by Alex Garland. A former U.S. Army soldier Lena is interrogated on her venture into “The Shimmer”, she was the only one to return and stay alive. “The Shimmer” emerged on Earth, two years prior, in a meteor landing and the area expands further.

Kena’s husband was one of the explorers who returned but his condition worsened exponentially. While her husband is in the ICU, she has to go into the Shimmer for a scientific expedition with a team of three women. This is the best Sci-fi Netflix Originals you’ll come across!

4. I am Mother (2019)

IMDb Ratings: 6.7/10

Director: Grant Sputore
Cast: Clara Rugaard, Luke Hawker, Rose Byrne, and Hilary Swank.

I am Mother is a sci-fi thriller film. A robot named Mother raises a girl child for years, in an automated bunker, after an extinction event. The movie shows several interactions between the human and her “Mother”.

It highlights the high intelligence and “empathy” of the robot but also shows how a robot is nothing but it’s programming. Consequently, Mother goes on a rampage killing the surface contamination, which makes contact with the outside, they might be potentially lethal. The film never ceases to be tense and it keeps you on your toes.

5. ARQ (2016)

IMDb Ratings: 6.3/10

Director: Tony Elliot
Cast:  Robbie Amell, Rachael Taylor, and Shaun Benson.

An American-Canadian Sci-fi film. While Renton tries to escape from his father and goons, he repeatedly dies and wakes up in his bed every time. Hannah joins him in the following time loop. They both have to find a way to escape this time loop. Supposedly, Renton’s father uses a ‘Perpetual motion machine’ to trap them in a neverending time loop to make them accept his offer.

6. Tau (2018)

IMDb Ratings: 5.8/10

Director: Federico D’Alessandro
Cast: Maika Monroe, Ed Skrein, and Gary Oldman.

Julia is a young woman who is a thief, she’s one day abducted from her house. She wakes up in jail with an implant on the back of her neck. Tau is a Sci-fi thriller directed by Federico D’Alessandro.

With two other subjects, she suffers from multiple psychological tortures. She manages to destroy the cell and escape, but her two inmates end up killed by a robot named Aries. Her torturer, Alex comes and ends up saving Julia from Aries and takes her away. She learns the reason behind her torture and finds ways to escape Alex.

Do you know: Emilia Clarke of Game of Thrones’s survived two brain aneurysms and her story is inspirational

7. How It Ends (2018)

IMDb Ratings: 5/10

Director: David M. Rosenthal 
Cast:  Theo James, Forest Whitaker, Grace Dove, Nicole Ari Parker, Kat Graham, and Mark O’Brien.

An action-packed sci-fi thriller brings us this epic disaster film. After an argument between their families, Samantha calls Will telling him that “something is wrong” and it gets disconnected.

Immediately, All the flights are cancelled dues to high seismic activities. All the communication lines are disrupted. Meanwhile, He sets out to find Samantha and goes through a lot of trials. Eventually, He finds out what happened to Samantha. Tune to see Will find Samantha when the Earth is literally breaking.

List of the best Sci-fi series on Netflix

1. The Rain (2018)

IMDb Ratings: 6.3/10

Director: Kenneth Kainz, Natasha Arthy

Cast: Alba August, Lucas Lynggaard Tønnesen, Mikkel Følsgaard, Lukas Løkken, Jessica Dinnage, Sonny Lindberg, Angela Bundalovic, Natalie Madueño, Clara Rosager, Evin Ahmad, Johannes Bah Kuhnke 

It is an American web series created by Jannik Tai Mosholt, Christian Potalivo and Esben Toft Jacobsen on the 4th of May 2018 on Netflix. The first season stars Alba August, Mikkel Følsgaard, Lucas Lynggaard Tønnesen, Jessica Dinnage, and Lukas Løkken.

It has 2 seasons with 14 episodes. It is based upon a rainfall-borne virus that wipes out nearly every human being in Scandinavia, Danish siblings Simone and Rasmus seek safety in a Bunker. After 6 years they come to search for their father who remains a scientist who left them in the bunker but never came back. They join a group of teenage victims along the way and travel together across Denmark and Sweden in search of a safe and secure place for their father’s siblings. Rotten Tomato has rated it 82% on the tomato meter. It is Netflix’s first Danish original series.

2. 3% (2016)

IMDb Ratings: 7.3/10

Director: César Charlone, Daina Giannecchini, Dani Libardi, Jotagá Crema

Cast: Bianca Comparato, João Miguel, Rodolfo Valente, Michel Gomes, and Rodolfo Valente.

It is one of the best science fiction series on Netflix created by Pedro Aguilera and stars Bianca Comparato, João Miguel, Rodolfo Valente, Michel Gomes, and Rodolfo Valente. It is an original Netflix series released on 25th November 2016.

The show has 3 seasons with 26 episodes. Season 1 is rated 85% on the tomato meter. 3% is the first original Brazilian Netflix production based on our dystopian future where only 3% of the population is given a chance to live in the utopian city whereas the others are strugglers of destitution. The story revolves around a 20-year-old candidate who wants to be chosen in the 3% of the population known as the cause. It is themed on scientific fiction, morality, thriller, psychology, and excitement. This show was first showcased in the Portuguese language on Netflix.

3. Passengers (2016)

IMDb Ratings: 7/10

Director: Morten Tyldum

Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Chris Pratt, Michael Sheen, Laurence Fishburne, Julee Cerda, Andy Garcia, and Aurora Perrineau.

Next up we have an incredible movie about space travel. This sci-fi movie on Netflix stars the famous actors Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt. Aboard on the spaceship Avalon, thousands of people are in a deep slumber. This ship is on its route on a 120-year journey to a distant colony plant the “Homestead Colony”.

But, a sleeping pod malfunction awakes 2 passengers prematurely. Still, 90 years away from their destination, these two passengers have no way of hibernating themselves again. However, The technology is supposed to be full-proof, it has never failed. So what really caused these two to wake up early? Now, they have no choice but to spend the rest of their lives in this spaceship knowing that they’ll die before reaching the planet.

This is our list of the Best Sci-fi Movies on Netflix, Tell us your favorites!