20 Best Sci-Fi Movies on Netflix 2026
Find tense thrillers, smart mysteries, and creature features in this guide to sci-fi picks on Netflix, including Alien, Nope, Upgrade, and more.
If you’re looking for the best sci-fi movies on Netflix, this list gives you a mix of space missions, body horror, time travel, and mind-bending mysteries. You’ll find modern picks like Godzilla Minus One, Nope, Upgrade, and A Quiet Place: Day One alongside classics such as Alien, Aliens, and The Prestige. There’s also room for stranger choices like Under the Skin, The Platform, and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, so you can match your mood instead of settling for one kind of story. Whether you want a tense thriller, a smart drama, or something more unsettling, these titles cover the range well.
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01
Under the Skin
2 BAFTA Film Award nominations
drama · horror · mystery · sci-fi · thriller
A seductive stranger prowls the streets of Glasgow in search of prey: unsuspecting men who fall under her spell.
Why watch: If you like unnerving mysteries with a sci-fi edge, this is a strong pick. Its drama, horror, and thriller mix points to something more atmospheric than straightforward.
Directed by Jonathan GlazerCast Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy McWilliams, Lynsey Taylor Mackay, Dougie McConnell, Kevin McAlindenNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
02
Godzilla Minus One
Won 1 Oscar
action · adventure · drama · horror · sci-fi
In postwar Japan, Godzilla brings new devastation to an already scorched landscape. With no military intervention or government help in sight, the survivors must join together in the face of despair and fight back against an unrelenting horror.
Why watch: If you want a large-scale monster story with high stakes, this one fits well. The action, drama, horror, and sci-fi blend makes it a good choice for viewers who like intense survival tension.
Directed by Takashi YamazakiCast Minami Hamabe, Ryûnosuke Kamiki, Munetaka Aoki, Sakura Andō, Yuki YamadaNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
03
The Prestige
2 Oscar nominations Best Cinematography (2007)
drama · mystery · sci-fi · thriller
A mysterious story of two magicians whose intense rivalry leads them on a life-long battle for supremacy -- full of obsession, deceit and jealousy with dangerous and deadly consequences.
Why watch: If you enjoy science fiction folded into a layered drama, mystery, and thriller, this is a great fit. It should appeal to anyone who likes stories built around rivalry and obsession.
Directed by Christopher NolanCast Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Piper Perabo, Rebecca HallNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
04
Alien
Won 1 Oscar 2 nominations
horror · sci-fi
During its return to the earth, commercial spaceship Nostromo intercepts a distress signal from a distant planet. When a three-member team of the crew discovers a chamber containing thousands of eggs on the planet, a creature inside one of the eggs attacks an explorer. The entire crew is unaware of the impending nightmare set to descend upon them when the alien parasite planted inside its unfortunate host is birthed.
Why watch: If you’re in the mood for a classic space-set horror story, this is an easy recommendation. The sci-fi and horror pairing suggests a tight, suspenseful watch.
Directed by Ridley ScottCast Tom Skerritt, Sigourney Weaver, Veronica Cartwright, Harry Dean Stanton, John HurtNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
05
Aliens
Won 2 Oscars Best Actress (1987) · 7 nominations
action · adventure · horror · sci-fi · thriller
Ripley, the sole survivor of the Nostromo's deadly encounter with the monstrous Alien, returns to Earth after drifting through space in hypersleep for 57 years. Although her story is initially met with skepticism, she agrees to accompany a team of Colonial Marines back to LV-426.
Why watch: If you want a more action-driven follow-up to a classic sci-fi horror setup, this should be on your list. Its adventure and thriller elements make it a strong match for viewers who like momentum and danger.
Directed by James CameronCast Sigourney Weaver, Carrie Henn, Michael Biehn, Paul Reiser, Lance HenriksenNetflixMore details on IMDb →
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06
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
horror · sci-fi · thriller
Dr. Kelson finds himself in a shocking new relationship - with consequences that could change the world as they know it - and Spike's encounter with Jimmy Crystal becomes a nightmare he can't escape.
Why watch: If you follow horror-heavy sci-fi and want something that leans into tension, this may be worth a look. The thriller angle suggests a story built for uneasy, high-pressure viewing.
Directed by Nia DaCostaCast Jack O'Connell, Alfie Williams, Connor Newall, Erin Kellyman, Maura BirdNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
07
Bugonia
4 Oscar nominations Best Picture (2026)
comedy · crime · sci-fi
Two conspiracy obsessed young men kidnap the high-powered CEO of a major company, convinced that she is an alien intent on destroying planet Earth.
Why watch: If you like sci-fi with a strange comic twist, this one stands out. The crime element and conspiracy premise make it a fit for viewers who enjoy offbeat ideas.
Directed by Yorgos LanthimosCast Jesse Plemons, Aidan Delbis, Emma Stone, J. Carmen Galindez Barrera, Marc T. LewisNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
08
28 Years Later
1 BAFTA Film Award nomination
horror · sci-fi · thriller
Twenty-eight years since the rage virus escaped a biological weapons laboratory, now, still in a ruthlessly enforced quarantine, some have found ways to exist amidst the infected. One such group lives on a small island connected to the mainland by a single, heavily-defended causeway. When one member departs on a mission into the dark heart of the mainland, he discovers secrets, wonders, and horrors that have mutated not only the infected but other survivors as well.
Why watch: If you prefer post-apocalyptic sci-fi with horror tension, this is a clear match. The thriller side should appeal to viewers who like survival stories and a darker mood.
Directed by Danny BoyleCast Rocco Haynes, Haley Flaherty, Harriet Taylor, Hannah Allan-Robertson, Annabelle GrahamNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
09
Nope
horror · mystery · sci-fi · thriller
Residents in a lonely gulch of inland California bear witness to an uncanny, chilling discovery.
Why watch: If you enjoy eerie sci-fi with mystery and thriller elements, this is likely to fit your taste. It’s a good pick for people who want unsettling discoveries more than big spectacle.
Directed by Jordan PeeleCast Daniel Kaluuya, Keke Palmer, Brandon Perea, Michael Wincott, Steven YeunNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
10
Frankenstein
Won 3 Oscars Best Cinematography (2026) · 9 nominations
drama · fantasy · horror · sci-fi
Dr. Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but egotistical scientist, brings a creature to life in a monstrous experiment that ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his tragic creation.
Why watch: If you like gothic-leaning science fiction, this is a strong option. The drama, fantasy, and horror mix suggests a story that may feel tragic as much as it feels eerie.
Directed by Guillermo del ToroCast Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Christoph Waltz, Mia Goth, Felix KammererNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
11
Ad Astra
1 Oscar nomination
adventure · drama · mystery · sci-fi · thriller
The near future, a time when both hope and hardships drive humanity to look to the stars and beyond. While a mysterious phenomenon menaces to destroy life on planet Earth, astronaut Roy McBride undertakes a mission across the immensity of space and its many perils to uncover the truth about a lost expedition that decades before boldly faced emptiness and silence in search of the unknown.
Why watch: If you’re drawn to space travel stories with mystery and thriller elements, this is a good one to try. It looks best for viewers who want a thoughtful, far-reaching sci-fi journey.
Directed by James GrayCast Brad Pitt, Tommy Lee Jones, Ruth Negga, Donald Sutherland, Kimberly EliseNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
12
About Time
comedy · drama · fantasy · romance · sci-fi
The night after another unsatisfactory New Year's party, Tim's father reveals to him that the men in their family have the ability to travel through time. They can't change history, but they can change what happens and has happened in their own lives. Thus begins the start of a lesson in learning to appreciate life itself as it is, as it comes, and most importantly, the people living alongside us.
Why watch: If you want sci-fi that leans lighter and more emotional, this is a natural choice. The comedy, drama, fantasy, and romance blend makes it appealing for viewers who like time-travel ideas with heart.
Directed by Richard CurtisCast Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy, Lydia Wilson, Lindsay DuncanNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
13
The Last House
action & adventure · horror · mystery & thriller · science-fiction
A family suddenly sealed inside their home must work together to survive against dwindling resources and the ominous threat keeping them trapped.
Why watch: If you enjoy claustrophobic home-invasion style tension, this one may suit you. The horror and mystery elements suggest a contained setup with plenty of suspense.
Directed by Louis LeterrierCast Greta Lee, Wagner Moura, Riley Chung, Noah Alexander Sosnowski, Emma HoNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
14
Jurassic World: Rebirth
1 Oscar nomination
action · adventure · sci-fi · thriller
Five years after the events of Jurassic World Dominion, covert operations expert Zora Bennett is contracted to lead a skilled team on a top-secret mission to secure genetic material from the world's three most massive dinosaurs. When Zora's operation intersects with a civilian family whose boating expedition was capsized, they all find themselves stranded on an island where they come face-to-face with a sinister, shocking discovery that's been hidden from the world for decades.
Why watch: If you like adventure sci-fi with dinosaurs and a mission-driven setup, this is an easy pick. Its thriller edge should appeal to viewers who want danger mixed with action.
Directed by Gareth EdwardsCast Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend, Manuel Garcia-RulfoNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
15
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Won 1 Oscar Best Animated Feature (2019)
animation · action · adventure · family · fantasy · sci-fi
Struggling to find his place in the world while juggling school and family, Brooklyn teenager Miles Morales is unexpectedly bitten by a radioactive spider and develops unfathomable powers just like the one and only Spider-Man. While wrestling with the implications of his new abilities, Miles discovers a super collider created by the madman Wilson "Kingpin" Fisk, causing others from across the Spider-Verse to be inadvertently transported to his dimension.
Why watch: If you want an energetic sci-fi adventure with family appeal, this is a standout choice. The animation and superhero angle make it especially good for viewers who like multiverse-style ideas.
Directed by Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney RothmanCast Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld, Mahershala Ali, Brian Tyree HenryNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
16
War Machine
action · sci-fi · thriller
On one last grueling mission during Army Ranger training, a combat engineer must lead his unit in a fight against a giant otherworldly killing machine.
Why watch: If military sci-fi and a fight against a massive otherworldly threat sound appealing, this may be your pick. The action and thriller mix suggests a high-pressure, combat-focused story.
Directed by Patrick HughesCast Alan Ritchson, Stephan James, Blake Richardson, Dennis Quaid, Esai MoralesNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
17
Upgrade
action · sci-fi · thriller
A brutal mugging leaves Grey Trace paralyzed in the hospital and his beloved wife dead. A billionaire inventor soon offers Trace a cure — an artificial intelligence implant called STEM that will enhance his body. Now able to walk, Grey finds that he also has superhuman strength and agility — skills he uses to seek revenge against the thugs who destroyed his life.
Why watch: If you enjoy action-heavy sci-fi with an AI twist, this one is a strong fit. It should work well for viewers who like revenge stories and tech-driven tension.
Directed by Leigh WhannellCast Logan Marshall-Green, Melanie Vallejo, Steve Danielsen, Abby Craden, Harrison Sloan GilbertsonNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
18
Viral
drama · horror · sci-fi · thriller
Following the outbreak of a virus that wipes out the majority of the human population, a young woman documents her family's new life in quarantine and tries to protect her infected sister.
Why watch: If you like virus outbreak stories with a family focus, this is a solid choice. The drama, horror, and thriller mix makes it suitable for viewers who want a tense quarantine story.
Directed by Henry Joost, Ariel SchulmanCast Sofia Black-D'Elia, Lio Tipton, Travis Tope, Michael Kelly, Colson BakerNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
19
A Quiet Place: Day One
drama · horror · sci-fi · thriller
A young woman named Sam finds herself trapped in New York City during the early stages of an invasion by alien creatures with ultra-sensitive hearing.
Why watch: If you want an alien-invasion thriller with a survival setup, this is a good match. It’s best for viewers who like horror tension in an urban setting.
Directed by Michael SarnoskiCast Lupita Nyong'o, Joseph Quinn, Alex Wolff, Djimon Hounsou, Eliane UmuhireNetflixAmazon Prime VideoParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
20
The Platform
horror · mystery · sci-fi · thriller
A slab of food descends down a vertical facility. The residents above eat heartily, leaving those below starving and desperate. A rebellion is imminent.
Why watch: If you enjoy sci-fi that uses a harsh social setup to build suspense, this is a sharp pick. The horror, mystery, and thriller blend should work well for viewers who like discomfort and pressure.
Directed by Galder Gaztelu-UrrutiaCast Ivan Massagué, Zorion Eguileor, Antonia San Juan, Emilio Buale, Alexandra MasangkayNetflixMore details on IMDb →
Wrapping Up
This roundup is built to help you quickly find a sci-fi movie that fits the kind of night you want, from intense survival stories to clever genre blends. Titles like Alien, The Prestige, and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse give you proven crowd-pleasers, while newer picks such as Bugonia, Frankenstein, and 28 Years Later keep the list fresh. Bookmark this page and come back when you want another option, because it is updated regularly as the lineup changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top 10 science fiction movies on Netflix?
Our top 10 right now: Under the Skin (2013), Godzilla Minus One (2023), The Prestige (2006), Alien (1979), Aliens (1986), 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026), Bugonia (2025), 28 Years Later (2025), Nope (2022) and Frankenstein (2025), all streaming on Netflix.
What are some new shows coming to Netflix soon?
The newest picks on this list are 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026), The Last House (2026), War Machine (2026), Bugonia (2025), 28 Years Later (2025), Frankenstein (2025) and Jurassic World: Rebirth (2025), all streaming on Netflix.
Do I need a Netflix subscription to watch these?
Yes. Every title on this list is currently available on Netflix. Availability can change, so we recommend checking the streaming link on each title before you start watching.
How are these sci-fi movies ranked?
We rank by a combination of audience rating and current popularity, so you're seeing the sci-fi titles people are actually watching right now, not just an old fixed list.