20 Best Sci-Fi Movies on Max 2026
Find the best sci-fi movies on Max, from Dune: Part Two and 2001: A Space Odyssey to Companion, Ready Player One, and more fan favorites.
If you’re looking for the best sci-fi movies on Max, this list gives you a mix of big-idea classics, tense thrillers, and newer releases with plenty of range. You can jump from the cosmic scale of Dune: Part One and Dune: Part Two to the mind-bending mystery of 2001: A Space Odyssey or the multiverse energy of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. There’s also genre-crossing picks like Companion, The Lobster, and The Bride! for viewers who want science fiction with drama, romance, or horror in the mix. Whether you want a smart rewatch or something newer to try, these titles make it easy to find your next watch.
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01
Backrooms
horror · mystery & thriller · science-fiction
A strange doorway appears in the basement of a furniture showroom.
Why watch: If you enjoy eerie sci-fi with a mystery edge, Backrooms fits that mood well. Its horror and thriller labels suggest a tense setup built around an unusual discovery.
Directed by Kane ParsonsCast Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Reinsve, Mark Duplass, Finn Bennett, Lukita MaxwellMaxMore details on IMDb → -
02
The Bride!
drama · horror · romance · sci-fi
A lonely Frankenstein travels to 1930s Chicago to ask groundbreaking scientist Dr. Euphronious to create a companion for him. The two revive a murdered young woman and The Bride is born. But what ensues is beyond what either of them imagined.
Why watch: If you like science fiction mixed with drama, horror, and romance, The Bride! may be a good fit. It leans into a classic monster story setup with a stranger, more emotional twist.
Directed by Maggie GyllenhaalCast Jessie Buckley, Christian Bale, Annette Bening, Penélope Cruz, Peter SarsgaardAmazon Prime VideoMaxMore details on IMDb → -
03
Supergirl
action & adventure · drama · fantasy · science-fiction
When an unexpected and ruthless adversary strikes too close to home, Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl, reluctantly joins forces with an unlikely companion on an epic, interstellar journey of vengeance and justice.
Why watch: If you want an action-forward sci-fi story with fantasy elements, Supergirl is worth a look. Its interstellar journey and revenge-driven premise should appeal to viewers who like hero-led adventures.
Directed by Craig GillespieCast Milly Alcock, David Corenswet, Eve Ridley, Matthias Schoenaerts, Diarmaid MurtaghMaxMore details on IMDb → -
04
Companion
sci-fi · thriller
During a weekend getaway at a secluded lakeside estate, a group of friends finds themselves entangled in a web of secrets, deception, and advanced technology. As tensions rise and loyalties are tested, they uncover unsettling truths about themselves and the world around them.
Why watch: If you prefer sci-fi thrillers centered on secrets and advanced technology, Companion is a strong pick. The secluded setting and tense group dynamic suggest a good fit for suspense fans.
Directed by Drew HancockCast Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, Lukas Gage, Megan Suri, Harvey GuillénHuluMaxMore details on IMDb → -
05
Dune: Part One
Won 6 Oscars 10 nominations
action · adventure · drama · sci-fi
Paul Atreides, a brilliant and gifted young man born into a great destiny beyond his understanding, must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people. As malevolent forces explode into conflict over the planet's exclusive supply of the most precious resource in existence-a commodity capable of unlocking humanity's greatest potential-only those who can conquer their fear will survive.
Why watch: If you want a big, serious sci-fi epic, Dune: Part One is an easy recommendation. It blends action, adventure, and drama with a high-stakes story about destiny and survival.
Directed by Denis VilleneuveCast Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Jason Momoa, Stellan SkarsgårdMaxMore details on IMDb →
Not quite it? Ask WattaWatch for sci-fi on Max →
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06
Undertone
horror · sci-fi · thriller
The host of a popular paranormal podcast becomes haunted by terrifying recordings mysteriously sent her way.
Why watch: If you like horror with a sci-fi thriller angle, Undertone may be the right pick. The haunted podcast premise gives it a modern, unsettling hook.
Directed by Ian TuasonCast Nina Kiri, Adam DiMarco, Michèle Duquet, Keana Lyn Bastidas, Jeff YungMaxMore details on IMDb → -
07
2001: A Space Odyssey
Won 1 Oscar Best Director (1969) · 4 nominations
adventure · sci-fi
Humanity finds a mysterious object buried beneath the lunar surface and sets off to find its origins with the help of HAL 9000, the world's most advanced super computer.
Why watch: If you want a classic science-fiction film with a thoughtful mystery at its core, 2001: A Space Odyssey is essential viewing. Its adventure-sci-fi blend and iconic setup make it a strong choice for fans of ambitious ideas.
Directed by Stanley KubrickCast Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, William Sylvester, Daniel Richter, Leonard RossiterMaxMore details on IMDb → -
08
Dune: Part Two
Won 2 Oscars 5 nominations
action · adventure · drama · sci-fi
Follow the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a path of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, Paul endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.
Why watch: If you want a sweeping sci-fi sequel with action and drama, Dune: Part Two stands out. It should suit viewers drawn to large-scale stories about revenge, fate, and difficult choices.
Directed by Denis VilleneuveCast Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Josh BrolinMaxMore details on IMDb → -
09
Despicable Me
1 BAFTA Film Award nomination
animation · adventure · comedy · crime · family · sci-fi
Villainous Gru lives up to his reputation as a despicable, deplorable and downright unlikable guy when he hatches a plan to steal the moon from the sky. But he has a tough time staying on task after three orphans land in his care.
Why watch: If you like family-friendly sci-fi with comedy and animation, Despicable Me is a natural pick. Its blend of adventure and sci-fi makes it easy to enjoy if you want something lighter.
Directed by Pierre Coffin, Chris RenaudCast Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Julie Andrews, Will ArnettMaxMore details on IMDb → -
10
Mortal Kombat II
action · adventure · fantasy · sci-fi
The fan favorite champions—now joined by Johnny Cage himself—are pitted against one another in the ultimate, no-holds barred, gory battle to defeat the dark rule of Shao Kahn that threatens the very existence of the Earthrealm and its defenders.
Why watch: If you enjoy sci-fi action with fantasy and high-stakes battles, Mortal Kombat II should fit your taste. The team-up setup and championship conflict point to a loud, energetic watch.
Directed by Simon McQuoidCast Adeline Rudolph, Karl Urban, Martyn Ford, Tati Gabrielle, Jessica McNameeMaxMore details on IMDb → -
11
Mickey 17
adventure · comedy · fantasy · sci-fi
Unlikely hero Mickey Barnes finds himself in the extraordinary circumstance of working for an employer who demands the ultimate commitment to the job… to die, for a living.
Why watch: If you like offbeat sci-fi with comedy and fantasy, Mickey 17 is a good match. Its unusual work premise suggests something quirky for viewers who want a fresh angle.
Directed by Bong Joon HoCast Robert Pattinson, Steven Yeun, Michael Monroe, Patsy Ferran, Cameron BrittonMaxMore details on IMDb → -
12
Ready Player One
1 Oscar nomination
action & adventure · science-fiction
When the creator of a popular video game system dies, a virtual contest is created to compete for his fortune.
Why watch: If you enjoy sci-fi built around virtual worlds and competition, Ready Player One is an easy pick. Its action-adventure focus makes it appealing if you want a fast-moving adventure.
Directed by Steven SpielbergCast Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Ben Mendelsohn, Lena Waithe, T.J. MillerMaxMore details on IMDb → -
13
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
1 Oscar nomination
animation · action · adventure · family · fantasy · sci-fi
After reuniting with Gwen Stacy, Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters the Spider Society, a team of Spider-People charged with protecting the Multiverse’s very existence. But when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders and must set out on his own to save those he loves most.
Why watch: If you like animated sci-fi with action, family, and multiverse stakes, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a top choice. It’s especially good if you want a bright, energetic story with a wide cast.
Directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. ThompsonCast Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Brian Tyree Henry, Luna Lauren Velez, Jake JohnsonDisney PlusMaxMore details on IMDb → -
14
Superman
action · adventure · sci-fi
Superman, a journalist in Metropolis, embarks on a journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent.
Why watch: If you want a straightforward superhero sci-fi movie, Superman is the obvious pick here. Its focus on Clark Kent and Kryptonian heritage should work well for fans of character-driven hero stories.
Directed by James GunnCast David Corenswet, Alan Tudyk, Grace Chan, Bradley Cooper, Angela SarafyanAmazon Prime VideoMaxMore details on IMDb → -
15
War of the Worlds
3 Oscar nominations
action · adventure · sci-fi
Ray Ferrier is a divorced dockworker and less-than-perfect father. Soon after his ex-wife and her new husband drop off his teenage son and young daughter for a rare weekend visit, a strange and powerful lightning storm touches down.
Why watch: If you like sci-fi disaster stories with action and adventure, War of the Worlds is a strong option. Its invasion setup and family-focused tension make it a solid pick for suspense fans.
Directed by Steven SpielbergCast Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Miranda Otto, Justin Chatwin, Tim RobbinsPeacock PremiumParamount PlusMaxMore details on IMDb → -
16
Greenland 2: Migration
action · adventure · sci-fi · thriller
The surviving Garrity family must leave the safety of the Greenland bunker and embark on a perilous journey across the decimated frozen wasteland of Europe to find a new home.
Why watch: If you enjoy survival-oriented sci-fi with thriller elements, Greenland 2: Migration may be for you. The frozen-wasteland journey suggests a tense, post-disaster watch.
Directed by Ric Roman WaughCast Gerard Butler, Morena Baccarin, Tommie Earl Jenkins, Trond Fausa, Amber Rose RevahMaxMore details on IMDb → -
17
The Brood
horror · sci-fi
A man tries to uncover an unconventional psychologist's therapy techniques on his institutionalized wife, while a series of brutal attacks committed by a brood of mutant children coincides with the husband's investigation.
Why watch: If you want older sci-fi horror with a disturbing premise, The Brood is worth considering. Its psychological setup and mutant-child angle make it a fit for fans of unsettling genre stories.
Directed by David CronenbergCast Oliver Reed, Samantha Eggar, Art Hindle, Henry Beckman, Nuala FitzgeraldTubiMaxMore details on IMDb → -
18
Fantastic Planet
animation · sci-fi
On the planet Ygam, the Draags, extremely technologically and spiritually advanced blue humanoids, consider the tiny Oms, human beings descendants of Terra's inhabitants, as ignorant animals. Those who live in slavery are treated as simple pets and used to entertain Draag children; those who live hidden in the hostile wilderness of the planet are periodically hunted and ruthlessly slaughtered as if they were vermin.
Why watch: If you like animated sci-fi that feels imaginative and unusual, Fantastic Planet is a standout choice. Its story of advanced beings and oppressed humans gives it a distinct, unusual world.
Directed by René LalouxCast Jennifer Drake, Eric Baugin, Jean Topart, Jean Valmont, Sylvie LenoirMaxMore details on IMDb → -
19
The Lobster
1 Oscar nomination Best Original Screenplay (2017)
drama · romance · sci-fi · thriller
In a dystopian near future, single people, according to the laws of The City, are taken to The Hotel, where they are obliged to find a romantic partner in forty-five days or are transformed into animals and sent off into The Woods.
Why watch: If you enjoy dystopian sci-fi with romance and dark humor, The Lobster is a great fit. Its premise is strange in a way that should appeal to viewers who like offbeat, thought-provoking stories.
Directed by Yorgos LanthimosCast Jacqueline Abrahams, Roger Ashton-Griffiths, Jessica Barden, Olivia Colman, Anthony DougallMaxMore details on IMDb → -
20
The Suicide Squad
action · adventure · comedy · sci-fi
Supervillains Harley Quinn, Bloodsport, Peacemaker and a collection of nutty cons at Belle Reve prison join the super-secret, super-shady Task Force X as they are dropped off at the remote, enemy-infused island of Corto Maltese.
Why watch: If you want sci-fi action with comedy and a rebellious team dynamic, The Suicide Squad is a lively pick. Its supervillain lineup and mission-based setup should suit fans of chaotic ensemble adventures.
Directed by James GunnCast Michael Rooker, Viola Davis, John Ostrander, Joel Kinnaman, Nathan FillionMaxMore details on IMDb →
Wrapping Up
This lineup works well because it balances acclaimed sci-fi favorites with genre-bending picks that add horror, thriller, drama, and romance to the mix. From Dune: Part Two and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse to cultier options like Fantastic Planet and The Lobster, there’s a little something for different moods and tastes. Bookmark this page and come back whenever you want a fresh place to start. It’s updated regularly so you can keep up with what belongs on your sci-fi watchlist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is this list updated?
We refresh this list regularly as titles are added or removed from streaming catalogs, so rankings and availability stay current.
Do I need a Max subscription to watch these?
Yes. Every title on this list is currently available on Max. 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.