The Top 7 Best Sci-Fi Movies in 2024 and Where to Watch Them
The best sci-fi movies make for some great futuristic-themed escapism without compromising on a thought-provoking storyline. If you're on the lookout for such gems, keep reading. This article includes some of the best sci-fi films worth checking right now.
We'll also go over where to watch them. So whether you're interested in the mysteries of space, feel drawn to artificial intelligence, or simply enjoy a good science-based film, this list has something for you.
In This Guide- The Top 7 Best Sci-Fi Movies to Watch in 2024
- Noteworthy Classic Sci-Fi Movies to Watch in 2024
- Where Can I Watch The Top Sci-Fi Movies for Free?
- What to Do if a Science Fiction Movie isn't Available in Your Region
- The Top VPNs for Streaming and Torrenting the Best Sci-Fi Movies
- Final Thoughts
- FAQS
- The Top 7 Best Sci-Fi Movies to Watch in 2024
- Noteworthy Classic Sci-Fi Movies to Watch in 2024
- Where Can I Watch The Top Sci-Fi Movies for Free?
- What to Do if a Science Fiction Movie isn't Available in Your Region
- The Top VPNs for Streaming and Torrenting the Best Sci-Fi Movies
- Final Thoughts
- FAQS The Top 7 Best Sci-Fi Movies to Watch in 2024
Different individuals have different tastes, and this makes it hard to decipher exactly which sci-fi film is the best. Below is a table filled with excellent films that are often considered to be among the best sci-fi films.
7. Ex MachinaNo. (Ranking) Film Movie Rating 7 Ex Machina IMDb - 7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes - 92%6 Arrival IMDb - 7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes - 94%5 Avatar IMDb - 7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes - 81%4 The Martian IMDb - 8/10
Rotten Tomatoes - 91%3 Dune Part 1 & Part 2 IMDb - 8/10 & 8.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes - 83% & 92%2 Interstellar IMDb - 8.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes - 73%1 Inception IMDb - 8.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes - 87%
Run Time - 1h 50m
IMDb Rating - 7.7/10
Director - Alex Garland
Where to Watch - Amazon Prime Video
PG - R (18+ years of age)
Synopsis - A programmer is selected to test Ava, an advanced artificial intelligence created by a lone wolf tech CEO. As the test progresses, the line between human and artificial intelligence blurs, turning into a tense psychological battle.Ex Machina is a tense psychological thriller that explores the ethical and philosophical implications of AI. The story does a great job at forcing you to ponder complex questions about AI and how to control it (if that's even possible).
The setting is very simple, as all the focus goes towards the small cast, with top performances by Oscar Isaac as Nathan, a reclusive tech CEO, and Domhnall Gleeson as Caleb, a young programmer selected to participate in the experiment.
Ex Machina is a visually stunning and deeply thought-provoking piece that challenges viewers to consider the true meaning of being alive. It's a gripping, unsettling experience that lingers long after the credits roll, making it a standout title in the sci-fi genre.
If this sounds like a must-watch for you, Amazon Prime is the go-to place to stream it. If you can't get access to this film due to geo-blocking, you can use a VPN service like Surfshark to unblock the title from anywhere.
Did You Know
The director describes the film as ten minutes from now,' hinting at how close the scenario is to our current reality and suggesting that if a company like Google were to introduce AI technology like Ava, we would be surprised but not entirely shocked.
6. Arrival Run Time - 1h 56m IMDb Rating - 7.9/10 Director - Denis Villeneuve Where to Watch - Amazon Prime Video, Paramount Plus PG - 13 Synopsis - A linguistic professor is asked to communicate with mysterious extraterrestrial beings that have landed on Earth.Arrival is a classic among first contact-themed sci-fi, and not just thanks to its masterful cinematography and stunning visuals.
The plot revolves around a linguistics professor tasked with deciphering the language of mysterious alien visitors.
This movie explores thought-provoking themes like time, communication, and human connection.
Its unique approach challenges the more mainstream ideas about alien contact, putting forward a fresh and memorable twist on extraterrestrial encounters.
Furthermore, this sci-fi epic is backed up by excellent performances from Amy Adams, alongside big names like Jeremy Renner and Forest Whitaker.
Did You Know
The alien language being deciphered in Arrival is a fully functional artificial language created specifically for the film.
5. Avatar Run Time - 2h 45m IMDb Rating - 7.9/10 Director - James Cameron Where to Watch - Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video PG - 13 Synopsis - A paraplegic Marine, Jake Sully, takes on a critical mission on the beautiful moon of Pandora. His task? Pilot a Na'vi avatar to assist in human exploitation of the planet's resources.Avatar is an immersive sci-fi epic that transports you to the stunning alien world of Pandora. The film follows Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), a marine who joins the Avatar Program, and who is tasked to control a bio-engineered Na'vi body and blend in among the planet's inhabitants.
As Jake becomes deeply involved with the Na'vi, he develops mixed feelings about his mission. He must choose between his duty as a soldier and preserving the Na'vi's way of life.
With groundbreaking visual effects and a well-fleshed-out world, Avatar delivers a compelling and highly engaging story while also serving as cutting commentary on humanity's impact on nature and threatened Indigenous cultures.
This perfect combination of an impactful storyline, amazing visuals, and masterful worldbuilding makes Avatar one of the best sci-fi films ever made.
Did You Know
James Cameron (the director) has directed 3 of the highest-grossing films of all time. Titanic, Avatar, and Avatar: The Way of Water. Each film grossed well over $2 Billion, with Avatar grossing nearly $3 Billion.
4. The Martian Run Time - 2h 31m IMDb Rating - 8/10 Director - Ridley Scott Where to Watch - Amazon Prime Video PG - 13 Synopsis - Astronaut Mark Watney is stranded on Mars after his crew believes he has died in a storm. Alone on a hostile planet, he needs to use his ingenuity to survive and find a way to contact Earth.The Martian is a stirring survival drama that blends science with a splash of humor, all without losing the seriousness of surviving in a hostile alien world.
The film's smart script, coupled with a standout performance by Matt Damon, brings Mark Watney to life, making his struggle both relatable and compelling. The added emotional depth to the story really makes you engage with his plight.
The film celebrates endurance in the face of overwhelming odds. Driven by hope and determination, The Martian offers an inspiring and captivating experience for all space enthusiasts.
Did You Know
Neil deGrasse Tyson, an astrophysicist and director at the Hayden Planetarium, has said that The Martian is the most accurate film he has ever seen in regards to astrophysics and how humans would inhabit Mars.
3. Dune Part One and Part Two Run Time - 2h 35m & 2h 46m IMDb Rating - 8/10 & 8.5/10 Director - Denis Villeneuve Where to Watch - HBO Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video PG - 13 Synopsis - Dune follows Paul Atreides, heir to his house, as he learns to survive on the dangerous planet of Arrakis, a desert world filled with the most valuable resource in the galaxy, spice'. After a betrayal, Paul embraces his destiny as the leader of the indigenous people of Arrakis, fighting to control the planet while mastering the power of spice.These two movies faithfully adapt Frank Herbert's iconic novel, so it's no surprise that the cinematic Dune Universe delivers an epic sci-fi experience with stunning visuals and a multi-layered story.
The story is set on the desert planet of Arrakis, where power, survival, and destiny meet in a visually striking landscape.
The first instalment (Dune: Part One) sets the stage, with a lot of focus on Paul Atreides, played by Timothee Chalamet.
As House Atreides gains control of Arrakis, a dangerous plot begins to unfold, risking its very survival in its new political role.
Part two raises the stakes with some epic action sequences and a deeper look into Paul's transformation.
This time, the narrative dives into the struggle for control over Arrakis, blending intense battles with philosophical (and subtly religious) undertones. It's fitting, seeing as this is a film about a prophet.
Did You Know
Stellan Skarsgard had to spend seven hours a day applying makeup for his role as the Baron.
Hans Zimmer, who composed the film score, spent a week alone in the deserts of Utah to assimilate the landscape sounds into the score.
2. Interstellar Run Time - 2h 49m IMDb Rating - 8.7/10 Director - Christopher Nolan Where to Watch - Paramount+, SlingTV, Amazon Prime Video, Philo TV PG - 13 Synopsis - Interstellar follows a group of astronauts on a daring mission through a mysterious wormhole as they search for a new home for humanity.Interstellar is an emotional and visually striking sci-fi epic that excellently depicts the cold vastness of space and time.
The film takes you on a breathtaking journey through the cosmos, delivering a truly immersive experience you won't regret.
You'll also enjoy Matthew McConaughey's stellar performance as Cooper, which adds a human touch to the movie's fantastic story.
His portrayal of personal sacrifice and love grounds the vastness of space, making it more relatable than you'd expect. In fact, Interstellar is as much about humanity as it is about space exploration.
Other than that, the film explores complex concepts to get your sci-fi geek on-time dilation, black holes, and the unknown frontiers of space-all amplified by Hans Zimmer's award-winning score.
The score elevates the tension and wonder, adding to the film's impact and making it a truly unforgettable experience.
It's easy to see why Interstellar stands out as one of the best sci-fi films ever made and leaves a long-lasting impression.
Did You Know
The black hole depicted in the film was so scientifically accurate that it took around 100 hours to render each frame. This means that every second onscreen took around 100 days to render in the final copy.
1. Inception Run Time - 2h 28m IMDb Rating - 8.8/10 Director - Christopher Nolen Where to Watch - Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV PG - 13 Synopsis - Inception follows a skilled thief who extracts secrets from people's minds by entering their dreams. Given a chance at redemption, he's tasked with the impossible: planting an idea in someone's subconscious.Inception is a mind-bending sci-fi thriller directed by Christopher Nolan that questions the very boundaries of reality. The film follows a team of skilled thieves who specialize in entering people's dreams to steal their most guarded secrets.
However, their latest mission ups the stakes: instead of stealing an idea, they must plant one, a nearly impossible task known as inception.'
The intricate plot unfolds across layered dream worlds, each more visually striking than the last. With otherworldly visuals and carefully crafted scenes, Inception creates an immersive experience that keeps you questioning what's real.
Leonardo DiCaprio's faultless performance as the team leader seals the deal, adding direction to a pretty complex story with multiple themes, like memory, guilt, and the fine line between dreams and reality. It really is a great ride from start to finish.
Suspenseful, thought-provoking, and visually striking, Inception is a cinematic masterpiece that grips you from the very beginning.
Did You Know
Inception was the third most pirated film of 2010. It was downloaded 9.72 million times on a leading PirateBay alternative.
Noteworthy Classic Sci-Fi Movies to Watch in 2024If you're interested in the good old sci-fi hit pieces, here is a list of some of the best sci-fi classics for you to enjoy:
1. 2001: A Space Odyssey- Release Date: 1968
- Rating: IMDb - 8.3/10
- Where to Watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
- Synopsis: An excellent-looking sci-fi epic that explores humanity's evolution, artificial intelligence (AI), and the mysteries of the cosmos.
- Release Date: 1999
- Rating: IMDb - 8.7/10
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
- Synopsis: Follow a hacker who discovers that reality is an illusion controlled by machines.
- Release Date: 1979
- Rating: IMDb - 8.5/10
- Where to Watch: Hulu, Sling TV
- Synopsis: A crew on a deep-space mission must fight for survival when a deadly alien creature infiltrates their ship.
- Release Date: 1997
- Rating: IMDb - 7.5/10
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
- Synopsis: A scientist makes contact with an alien civilization, leading her on a journey that challenges her beliefs about science, faith, and the universe.
The best streaming services often offer free trials you can use to stream the top sci-fi movies free of charge.
If you hop from one service to another, you can easily watch hours of sci-fi content completely free. Just cancel your subscription once your trial ends if you don't want to pay.
Alternatively, you can use a torrenting website to download these films. Just keep in mind that this method comes with its risks. That's why it's recommended that you use the best VPN services if you decide to go down this route.
What to Do if a Science Fiction Movie isn't Available in Your RegionIf a sci-fi film is unavailable in your region, it's more than likely due to geo-blocking reasons. An easy way around this is to use a VPN service like Surfshark.
This will allow you to bypass these geo-blocks by connecting to a server in the region or country where the film is available.
The Top VPNs for Streaming and Torrenting the Best Sci-Fi MoviesBelow is a table with some of the best VPNs for streaming:
VPN Free Version Paid Plans Unblocks Servers Full Review Surfshark Free Trial (App Store and Google Play only) $2.69/month - 2 Year Plan Hulu, HBO Max, Prime Video, Netflix, Now TV and more 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries Surfshark Review NordVPN 30-day money-back guarantee $3.99/month - 2 Year Basic plan HBO Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime, F+, BBC iPlayer 6,000+ servers in 110+ countries NordVPN Review ExpressVPN 30-day money-back guarantee $8.32/month - 12 month plan Hulu, Paramount+, ITV, Netflix, HBO Max and more 3,000+ servers in 105 countries ExpressVPN Review 
Editor's Choice: SurfsharkSurfshark offers powerful security features with an easy-to-use interface, all at a more affordable price than much of the competition. With AES-256-GCM encryption and secure VPN protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard, Surfshark ensures your data is protected while web surfing anonymously.
Its MultiHop feature acts like a Double VPN, routing your traffic through two separate servers. Camouflage Mode hides your VPN usage from your ISP, ensuring even more privacy.
Other features include CleanWeb, which blocks ads, trackers, and even malware, improving both security and browsing speed.
A strict no-logs policy guarantees all your online activity remains private, even from Surfshark itself. With the ability to have unlimited simultaneous connections, you can ensure all your devices remain secure under a single subscription.
Final ThoughtsThese films offer more than simple entertainment. They immerse us in worlds that challenge our perceptions of reality, humanity, and the future. Whether it's navigating the depths of the subconscious in Inception, confronting alien life in Arrival, or exploring the far reaches of Space in Interstellar, each film on this list offers an extraordinary viewing experience.
However, if geo-blocking stands in your way, a VPN like Surfshark is the answer. It can help you bypass obstacles like geo-blocking and even give you access to more affordable streaming platforms by connecting you to servers in countries where these platforms are cheaper.
In other words, a VPN ensures you're never limited by location. Don't just take our word for it, though; try it today.
Try SurfsharkFAQS What is the best Sci-Fi movie of all time?The answer to this varies depending on personal tastes. Having said that, we've included many films that are often regarded as some of the best sci-fi films ever made. Examples are Interstellar, Inception, and a highly regarded film, 2001: A Space Odyssey.
What is the highest-grossing Sci-Fi movie?Avatar is the highest-grossing sci-fi film. It grossed close to $3 billion worldwide making it not only the highest-grossing sci-fi film ever but rather the highest-grossing film of any genre.
Where can I watch sci-fi movies?You can watch sci-fi moves on any of the streaming platforms mentioned in this article. Some of these are Amazon Prime Video, Sling TV, and Hulu, just to name a few.
Which sci-fi movie had the biggest budget?With an estimated budget of $425 million, Avatar went on to become the most expensive sci-fi film ever produced.
References- What is (AI) Artificial Intelligence? (meng.uic.edu)
- What is Time Dilation (study.com)
- Space Place in a Snap: What is a Black Hole? (jpl.nasa.gov)
- Understanding VPN Protocols: 6 Protocols Compared (privacyjournal.net)
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