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Netflix is an ever-rotating wheel of movies and TV shows, quickly swapping out content faster than people seem to notice. One genre, in particular, has been especially popular lately – science fiction. It’s not hard to see why. When the world seems to be facing crisis after crisis, escapism is a great tool for mentally coping. It also helps when that content focuses on telling stories of science and alternate versions of Earth that always seem within the realm of possibility.
For those that haven’t delved into some good science-fiction lately, here are eight fantastic sci-fi movies available to stream on Netflix.
Bird Box (United States & Canada)
Bird Box, directed by Susanne Bier, is a post-apocalyptic horror film released back in 2018. Starring Sandra Bullock, the movie takes place on a version of Earth that’s been overrun by mysterious entities that cause people to commit suicide when they are looked upon. Malorie, the protagonist, is tasked with protecting her friend’s children after her death as they try to navigate the new, dangerous world completely without sight. If they can’t see the monsters, they are safe.
Bird Box is an ingenious take on this type of sci-fi story. The post-apocalyptic sub-genre has been used often throughout the last few decades, but this film gives it an original spin.
Snowpiercer (United States)
Available on U.S. Netflix, Snowpiercer gives the post-apocalyptic genre its own new twist – the entirety of humanity exists solely on a single train that travels around the wasted world. It deals with themes of environmentalism, castes, politics and oppression, all in a tight little sci-fi bundle. Released in 2013 and directed by Bong Joon-ho, Snowpiercer combines the best of the sci-fi genre with original twists and turns, plus outstanding performances by Go Ah-sung, Chris Evans and Tilda Swinton. It’s a film full of depth and quality, both in content and production design, and it’s absolutely worth a watch.
Black Mirror: Bandersnatch (United States & Canada)
Black Mirror: Bandersnatch is an interactive sci-fi movie from the makers of the popular Netflix TV series. Released in 2018, it allows the watcher to make choices in the world of the movie by interacting with their remote control. Because of these choices, the story has multiple, and very different, endings. In 1984 England, a young programmer named Stefan decides to adapt a “choose your own adventure” story into an adventure game. If the viewer immediately accepts his company’s help, the movie will eventually reset to a beginning scene and make the viewer try again.
It has that classic Black Mirror intensity, only now with audience participation. It’s extremely meta: a “choose your own adventure” movie about a “choose your own adventure” game that is definitely worth checking out.
The Fifth Element (Canada)
Another classic science-fiction movie that is still available on Canadian Netflix is The Fifth Element, from 1997. For those that haven’t seen this iconic Bruce Willis flick, it takes place in the year 2263 as the safety of the world is threatened by the great evil – a giant, somehow living, fireball. In order to defeat it, one taxicab driver and former major in Earth’s special forces needs to team up with the one thing that can save the world: the fifth element. In order to destroy the great evil, all four elements, plus the fifth, must be combined.
The Fifth Element combines elements of romance, history and great science fiction to make an iconic and unforgettable alien movie. While its visual and special effects may not have aged well, there’s a reason it’s still available on Netflix.
Brightburn (Canada)
With a unique twist on the superhero genre, Brightburn is a sci-fi horror film from 2019 that is available on Canadian Netflix. It takes the classic Superman story and poses a serious question – what if Superman used his powers for evil instead of good? Brandon, a young boy of extraterrestrial origin, grows up to learn that he has superpowers. Initially fueled by taunting at school, Brandon starts to use his incredible strength to take out his anger. This escalates beyond his mother’s control and turns into a blood fest that is not for the faint of heart.
While it’s definitely a scary sci-fi movie, Brightburn provides a really interesting and plausible take on the superhero story. It uses the genre of science fiction to draw out premises in all directions, letting questions like “what if” take a classic story in another direction.
Blade Runner: The Final Cut (Canada)
Blade Runner is one of those movies that is a testament to its genre. It’s been referenced in many other sci-fi movies and is a staple film to watch within the genre. Right now, Canadian Netflix is streaming The Final Cut, which is the only version that Ridley Scott had complete artistic control over. Similar to a Turing Test, Blade Runner is all about whether artificial intelligence can process human emotion, and whether their lives are worth saving.
Combining excellent visual style, a memorable score and a film noir inspiration, Blade Runner garnered a cult following so big that it necessitated a sequel over 30 years later, Blade Runner 2049. For those interested in sci-fi movies, this is the place to start.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (United States)
An absolute fan-favorite, Terminator 2: Judgment Day is a classic sci-fi movie that’s available on American Netflix. Even though it’s a sequel, it’s one of the few sequels that are arguably better than the original. It follows the story of John Connor, a kid who is targeted by a Terminator from the future. Lucky for him, his future self sends a different Terminator, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, to protect him. Terminator 2‘s special effects may have not aged as gracefully, considering it was released in 1991, but the story more than makes up for it. It combines the best sci-fi elements with a heartwarming story and is a stand out among the Terminator series.
Midnight Special (United States)
Released in 2016 and available on American Netflix, Midnight Special is one of the most visually striking sci-fi movies. Directed by Jeff Nichols, it uses its excellent production design and special effects to help tell the story visually, and it really works. It’s about a young boy who is extremely photosensitive and causes strange things to happen when his startlingly blue eyes are exposed to sunlight. While the plot’s premise is about getting the boy to safety in the Florida panhandle, it’s ultimately a movie about faith, family and acceptance. The movie is incredibly unique and nods at classic Hollywood thrillers from the 1970s. Most importantly, it really does the story justice and leaves the viewer with unforgettable imagery.
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