Looking for your next mind-bending watch? Netflix’s sci-fi catalog in 2025 is packed with thrilling, thought-provoking, and visually stunning titles that are perfect for a weekend binge or a late-night solo session.
From futuristic dystopias to alien invasions and everything in between, this list rounds up the 10 best sci-fi movies on Netflix right now that are absolutely worth your screen time.
Whether you’re a die-hard genre fan or just exploring, you’ll find something that fits your vibe here.
Why Sci-Fi Movies Are Perfect for Netflix Binge-Watching
Sci-fi movies have a unique way of mixing imagination, technology, and emotion, making them ideal for long binge sessions. Whether it’s space travel, time loops, or AI gone rogue, there’s always something exciting around the corner.
Netflix is a top pick for sci-fi lovers because it offers a wide range of titles, from cult classics to fresh originals. With Netflix offering over 3,600 movies and 1,800 TV shows covering a wide range of genres, it’s the perfect platform to explore the sci-fi genre anytime you want.
10 Best Sci-Fi Movies to Watch on Netflix
Netflix’s sci-fi lineup in 2025 is a thrilling mix of blockbusters, hidden gems, and thought-provoking adventures. Whether you’re into time loops, space operas, or AI dilemmas, there’s something here for every sci-fi enthusiast.
Here’s a list of the top 10 sci-fi movies on Netflix that you shouldn’t miss.
| Rank | Movie Title | Year | Director | Why It’s a Must-Watch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dune: Part Two | 2024 | Denis Villeneuve | Epic visuals and storytelling in a masterful adaptation of the sci-fi classic. |
| 2 | The Electric State | 2025 | Joe & Anthony Russo | A heartfelt journey through a post-apocalyptic America with stunning visuals. |
| 3 | Frankenstein | 2025 | Guillermo del Toro | A faithful and emotional retelling of the classic tale with a star-studded cast. |
| 4 | The Wild Robot | 2024 | Chris Sanders | An animated adventure that explores the bond between nature and technology. |
| 5 | The Wandering Earth | 2019 | Frant Gwo | China’s ambitious space epic with high-stakes planetary drama. |
| 6 | The Adam Project | 2022 | Shawn Levy | A time-travel adventure blending action, humor, and heart. |
| 7 | Nimona | 2023 | Nick Bruno & Troy Quane | A rebellious shapeshifter’s tale that’s both fun and thought-provoking. |
| 8 | They Cloned Tyrone | 2023 | Juel Taylor | A satirical sci-fi mystery with sharp commentary and style. |
| 9 | ARQ | 2016 | Tony Elliott | A gripping time-loop thriller set in a dystopian future. |
| 10 | Spaceman | 2024 | Johan Renck | A contemplative journey through space and self-discovery. |
Note: This list was created based on a mix of personal opinion and additional factors like audience ratings, critical reviews, and current popularity on Netflix.
Now, let’s take a look at what makes these sci-fi movies a must-watch!
1. Dune: Part Two (2024) – Denis Villeneuve
Continuing the epic saga, Dune: Part Two follows Paul Atreides as he unites with the Fremen to challenge the oppressive forces controlling the desert planet Arrakis.
Denis Villeneuve’s masterful direction blends stunning visuals and intense storytelling, delivering a richly detailed universe with deep political intrigue and complex characters. Its immersive world-building and emotional depth make it a must-watch for sci-fi fans on Netflix.
2. The Electric State (2025) – Joe & Anthony Russo
Set in a dystopian 1990s America, The Electric State follows teenager Michelle as she travels across a post-robot uprising to find her missing brother.
Accompanied by a smuggler and a mysterious toy robot, the film blends emotional depth with striking visuals. Its unique mix of sci-fi adventure and poignant reflections on technology’s impact makes it a standout Netflix release.
3. Frankenstein (2025) – Guillermo del Toro
Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein reimagines the classic horror story with emotional depth and stunning visuals. Oscar Isaac stars as Victor Frankenstein, who creates a living being played by Jacob Elordi.
The film explores themes of identity, creation, and humanity, focusing on the complex relationship between creator and creature. Its artistic style and philosophical approach set it apart from typical adaptations.
4. The Wild Robot (2024) – Chris Sanders
In this heartfelt animated film, Roz (voiced by Lupita Nyong’o), a service robot, is shipwrecked on a remote island. She forms an unlikely bond with an orphaned gosling, Brightbill, learning about motherhood and survival in the wild.
The film explores themes of compassion, adaptation, and identity, set against a lush, watercolor-inspired backdrop. Its emotional depth and stunning animation make it a standout in family cinema. Also, if you love watching other genres as well, here’s a list of 100+ Best Disney Movies you might find interesting for more family-friendly entertainment.
5. The Wandering Earth (2019) – Frant Gwo
In a desperate bid to save Earth from an expanding sun, humanity builds massive engines to move the planet out of the solar system. The story follows Liu Qi and his family as they face deadly challenges to prevent catastrophe.
Its grand scale, impressive visuals, and unique premise make it a standout sci-fi film on Netflix, showcasing China’s rise in the genre.
6. The Adam Project (2022) – Shawn Levy
Time-traveling pilot Adam Reed teams up with his younger self to stop a villain threatening the future. Blending action, humor, and heartfelt moments, the film explores the bonds of family and self-acceptance.
Ryan Reynolds and Walker Scobell’s chemistry adds charm, while the creative time-travel plot keeps things engaging. Its mix of laughs and emotion makes it a fun, standout sci-fi film on Netflix.
7. Nimona (2023) – Nick Bruno & Troy Quane
Nimona follows a rebellious shapeshifter who teams up with a framed knight to take down a corrupt institute in a futuristic medieval world. The film stands out with its vibrant animation, sharp humor, and heartfelt themes of identity and acceptance.
Its blend of fantasy and sci-fi, alongside a punk-inspired soundtrack, makes it a fresh, energetic addition to Netflix’s animated lineup.
8. They Cloned Tyrone (2023) – Juel Taylor
In this genre-blending sci-fi comedy, Fontaine (John Boyega), a drug dealer, is mysteriously revived after being killed, prompting him, along with Slick Charles (Jamie Foxx) and Yo-Yo (Teyonah Parris), to uncover a covert government cloning operation targeting their Black community.
The film cleverly satirizes systemic control and exploitation, infusing humor and Blaxploitation aesthetics into its narrative. Its sharp social commentary and dynamic performances make it a standout on Netflix.
9. ARQ (2016) – Tony Elliott
ARQ follows Renton and Hannah, trapped in a time loop inside a futuristic home powered by a revolutionary energy device. As masked intruders repeatedly attack, they struggle to protect the ARQ and break the cycle.
The film’s tense, confined setting combined with clever twists and a focus on trust and survival makes it a gripping and fresh take on time-loop sci-fi.
10. Spaceman (2024) – Johan Renck
Spaceman follows astronaut Jakub Procházka on a solitary mission near Jupiter, grappling with isolation and personal loss. When he encounters a mysterious telepathic creature, their connection forces him to confront his emotional struggles.
The film stands out for its deep emotional storytelling, surreal sci-fi elements, and Adam Sandler’s surprising dramatic performance, making it a unique addition to Netflix’s sci-fi lineup.
Hidden Sci-Fi Gems on Netflix
Looking to go beyond the mainstream hits? Netflix is home to some underrated sci-fi gems that may have flown under the radar but are definitely worth your time. Here’s a list of lesser-known sci-fi movies that bring fresh ideas, emotional depth, and clever twists.
1. I Am Mother (2019)
A gripping post-apocalyptic thriller where a teenage girl is raised by a robot in an underground bunker. Things take a sharp turn when a stranger arrives. Smart, suspenseful, and loaded with moral complexity, it explores themes of trust, AI, and humanity’s future.
2. Time Trap (2017)
A group of students discovers a cave where time moves differently, leading to mind-bending consequences. With its creative premise and fast pacing, this film delivers big sci-fi ideas on a small budget. Perfect for fans of time distortion and adventure.
3. Advantageous (2015)
Set in a future where job security is tied to youth and appearance, this slow-burn sci-fi drama explores a mother’s decision to undergo a body transfer to support her daughter. Emotionally rich and quietly powerful, it offers a unique perspective on identity and sacrifice.
4. Oxygen (2021)
A woman wakes up in a cryogenic pod with no memory and limited oxygen. As she tries to piece together her past, the truth unravels. Claustrophobic and intense, this French-language thriller is a psychological sci-fi ride with high stakes and a brilliant twist.
5. Tau (2018)
A young woman is trapped in a smart home controlled by an experimental AI. As she fights for her freedom, she forms a strange bond with the artificial intelligence. Slick and stylish, Tau explores the evolving relationship between humans and machines.
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Best Sci-Fi Movies on Netflix Based on Real Science
If you love your sci-fi grounded in real scientific ideas, this section is for you. These movies blend fiction with plausible tech, AI ethics, and future possibilities, making them perfect for both science lovers and thrill-seekers.
1. Ex Machina (2014)
A young programmer is invited to test an advanced humanoid AI in a remote lab. With its focus on consciousness, machine learning, and Turing tests, this thriller is as much a philosophical debate as it is a cautionary tale about playing god with code.
2. The Midnight Sky (2020)
Set in a post-apocalyptic future, this film explores space travel and isolation with a grounded take on radiation exposure and communication delays. While emotional and artistic, it’s backed by real scientific themes like interplanetary missions and environmental collapse.
3. The Martian (2015)
A stranded astronaut uses science and ingenuity to survive on Mars. From growing potatoes in Martian soil to solving oxygen and water shortages, The Martian is praised for its accurate depiction of space science, earning approval from NASA scientists.
4. Proxima (2019)
Starring Eva Green, Proxima offers a grounded look at the psychological and physical demands of astronaut training. Rooted in real-life procedures and set in actual space facilities, it highlights the emotional toll of space exploration on both astronauts and their families.
5. Stowaway (2021)
A Mars-bound spaceship discovers an unplanned passenger, forcing impossible choices due to limited oxygen. The plot leans heavily on logistical realism in space travel, highlighting issues like life support systems and resource management in microgravity environments.
Best Sci-Fi Movies for Fans of Action and Adventure
If you’re all about explosions, chases, and sci-fi tech in overdrive, these Netflix titles are here to turn your movie night into a thrill ride. For even more action-packed entertainment, the upcoming Marvel movies in 2026 will also add some thrilling superhero content to your watchlist.
1. The Old Guard (2020)
A covert team of immortal mercenaries fights to stay hidden while battling powerful enemies. With gritty hand-to-hand combat and an emotional core, this action-sci-fi blend hits all the right adrenaline notes.
2. Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire (2023)
Zack Snyder’s galaxy-spanning war film follows a rebel warrior recruiting fighters to take on an empire. It’s Star Wars-style scale, but darker and more grounded. Expect space battles, slow-mo action, and rebellion.
3. Badland Hunters (2024)
In a ruined Seoul, a tough-as-nails hunter fights off mutants to rescue a girl. With post-apocalyptic vibes and brutal fight choreography, this is perfect for fans of dystopia-meets-martial arts mayhem.
4. Warriors of Future (2022)
A meteor crashes into Earth, unleashing alien flora. Soldiers in powered armor race to neutralize the threat. It’s slick, explosive, and packed with futuristic tech – a visual feast with nonstop action.
5. Black Crab (2022)
Set in a frozen, war-torn future, Noomi Rapace leads a group of soldiers on a deadly ice-skating mission across enemy lines. Tense, visually stunning, and brutally fast-paced – this one’s a hidden action gem.
Upcoming Sci-Fi Movies Coming to Netflix
Netflix has a stellar lineup of upcoming sci-fi movies in 2025, from robot road trips to gothic reimaginings. Here are the most exciting titles that should be on your radar.
1. KPop Demon Hunters
- Release Date: June 20, 2025
- Directors: Maggie Kang, Chris Appelhans
- Cast: Arden Cho, Ahn Hyo-seop, May Hong
- This animated musical adventure features a K-pop girl group doubling as demon hunters. Combining catchy tunes with action-packed sequences, it’s an entertaining ride for fans of music and fantasy.
2. 11817
- Release Date: TBA 2025
- Director: Louis Leterrier
- Cast: Greta Lee, Wagner Moura
- Details are scarce, but this sci-fi horror film is generating buzz for its mysterious plot and intriguing title. With a talented cast and director, it’s one to keep an eye on.
3. Troll 2
- Release Date: Late 2025
- Director: Roar Uthaug
- Cast: Ine Marie Wilmann, Kim S. Falck-Jørgensen
- The sequel to the Norwegian hit “Troll” continues the story of giant creatures wreaking havoc. Expect more thrilling encounters and breathtaking landscapes in this Nordic monster saga.
Conclusion: For Sci-fi lovers, Dune 2 Reigns Supreme
Netflix’s 2025 sci-fi lineup is packed with exciting variety, from epic sequels to fresh originals. Dune: Part Two tops the list with its grand scale and stunning visuals.
Don’t miss The Electric State for its retro-futuristic journey or Frankenstein for a dark, emotional reimagining.
Whether you prefer robot adventures like The Wild Robot or mind-bending thrillers like ARQ, there’s something to satisfy every sci-fi craving. Get ready for a year of unforgettable stories and imaginative worlds, all streaming at your fingertips.
FAQs
Dune: Part Two stands out with epic storytelling and breathtaking visuals – a must-watch for any sci-fi fan.
Titles like Frankenstein and The Electric State are highly anticipated releases arriving soon.
The Wild Robot, The Electric State, and Nimona explore robots and AI in unique and engaging ways.
ARQ and They Cloned Tyrone offer suspenseful, mind-bending plots perfect for thriller lovers.
The Wandering Earth and Spaceman deliver thrilling adventures alongside compelling character-driven narratives.
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