Best Sci-Fi Movies on Max to Watch Right Now

In the streaming wars, it’s hard to find a service that’s still reliable in regard to genre films. Excessive original content and franchises have rendered the biggest names generic when viewers try to find something of value, and some of them aren’t that extensive in content. However, after HBO Max evolved to Max, what we discovered was a plethora of incredible films from across the world in a plethora of genres, including science fiction.

That’s why we went through the Max catalog and picked some of the best science fiction movies you can stream today. It’s one of the most popular genres out there but, ironically, the catalogs are constantly fed with fantasy and horror as cousins of science fiction. Even so, we were able to find great sci-fi gems for you to watch.

26 Reminiscence (2021)

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One of 2021’s unfortunately underrated films, Reminiscence hit HBO Max (now Max) and theaters to some pretty disappointing numbers. And, given the methodical pacing, the relative dearth of action, and the upwards of $68 million budget, its failure wasn’t so surprising. Directed and written by Lisa Joy and starring Hugh Jackman, Reminiscence sees a man given access to a futuristic machine that can view people’s memories. Desperate to reconnect with a missing woman, he utilizes the machine to stitch together her potential fate.

Underappreciated During Its Release

Thankfully, Reminiscence became a cult film over time, and while it may not fully please science fiction aficionados, they’ll get much out of its attention to detail. Not to mention, for the romantics out there, it’s a stone-cold winner (if not also a heartbreaking one). Having previously co-created the incredible HBO series Westworld, Joy’s style can be found throughout Reminiscence‘s brisk pacing and impressive performances, with Jackman standing out against co-stars like Rebecca Ferguson and Cliff Curtis.

25 Ghidorah, The Three-Headed Monster (1964)

The Godzilla franchise is storied, legendary, and unfairly called cheesy. Are there elements of cheese? Certainly, whether it’s in the plot lines, the dialogue, or the oft-criticized poor dubbing. But, to call them cheesy is to, one, miss the appeal and, two, not give them enough credit. For instance, the fifth film, Ghidorah, The Three-Headed Monster, has a fair claim to being the best sequel to Gojira save for Mothra vs. Godzilla. In this film, a woman from Venus descends to Earth to warn of the pending arrival of Ghidorah, the eponymous three-headed dragon monster, to Earth. Godzilla, along with the ginormous Rodan and Mothra, are the only things preventing the total destruction of Earth.

One of the Best Kaiju Fights in Godzilla’s History

Is the plot about a memory-wiped woman thinking she’s a princess from another planet? Yes. But is it really about betrayal, true altruism, greed, and a cover-up? Also yes. Not to mention, the third act has one of the best kaiju fights in the history of the franchise (and Ghidorah’s mountain-set introduction scene is terrific). Despite a rushed production schedule, the lofty battles on display here as well as the iconic arrival of Ghidorah to the Godzilla canon make for one of the most beloved Godzilla films yet.

24 Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)

The franchise has been around for decades but Dawn of the Planet of the Apes continued ushering in the modern take on the classic story. Now with some amazing effects and a fresh cast driving it, the film followed up the first film from the new era of the beloved universe. This one takes place 10 years after the apes’ rise. The world has been left devastated after a pandemic known as the Simian Flu wiped out most humanity. The apes, led by Caesar, have now established a colony in the Muir Woods of San Francisco. Their existence and that of the remaining humans are left in a tentative balance where any spark could start a war between the two species at any time.

An Impressive Sequel

Along with featuring a returning Andy Serkis, who originally stole the show with his performance as Caesar in Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes expands the lofty premise established by the end of the first film while amplifying its technical prowess and impressive effects. It remains the highest-grossing entry in its surrounding franchise, and it would even secure an Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects.

23 Spaceballs (1987)

Those who love science fiction films owe it to themselves to see Spaceballs. Originally released in 1987, this classic Mel Brooks comedy primarily parodies the first trilogy of Star Wars films, though it incorporates references to just about every other big science fiction franchise under the sun. The film sees Lone Starr (Bill Pullman) and his sidekick, Barf (John Candy), tasked with rescuing Princess Vespa (Daphne Zuniga) from the nefarious Spaceballs.

A Perfect Parody

Not a big Star Wars fan? No problem! Spaceballs, like all great parody films, works just as well in a vacuum. The film is home to some of Mel Brooks’ most popular jokes, and there’s a general sense of absurdity throughout that you can’t help but enjoy. With characters like “Pizza the Hutt” and “Dark Helmet,” you’re bound to have a fantastic time. It’s also worth pointing out that Lucas’ Industrial Light & Magic even handled the post-production for the film, for that extra authentic touch.

22 The Blob (1958)

Are you wondering what The Blob is about? The title is a subtle hint. Released in 1958 and starring Steve McQueen in his first leading film role, The Blob is a surprisingly inventive science fiction film from the late 1950s. McQueen, along with Aneta Corsaut (Matlock), plays a pair of teenagers living the dream in a picturesque Pennsylvania town. However, when a monstrous blob-like alien crash lands on Earth, their lives quickly turn into a nightmare as the creature wreaks havoc, growing in size with each and everything it consumes.

A Cheesy B-Movie Classic

While the 1988 remake of The Blob would really ratchet up the grotesqueness of our gelatinous villain, the original is no slouch in comparison. Its inventive practical effects to showcase the growing scale of the blob, particularly with the use of miniatures, are surprisingly effective for the time. The film’s success and popularity would even lead to the creation of “Blobfest,” which is held annually in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. The Blob‘s influence can even be felt in a number of horror films that were released after it originally debuted, especially in the beloved horror-comedy Killer Klowns from Outer Space.

21 Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)

While Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind isn’t technically a Studio Ghibli film, it may as well be. Nausicaä, based on director Hayao Miyazaki’s own manga series of the same name, was originally released in 1984. Set in a future post-apocalypse, the film sees our titular teenage girl caught in the middle of a power struggle, with the Valley of the Wind kingdom now surrounded by a vast jungle littered with monstrous insects. To preserve the lives of those in the Valley, and of nature itself, Nausicaä will have to rise to the challenge to prevent another disastrous cataclysm.

An Anti-War Story by Hayao Miyazaki

An anti-war story at its core, Nausicaä is also one of the few times Miyazaki would venture into science fiction territory instead of traditional fantasy. Combine that with psychedelic artwork and a focus on environmentalism, and you have a terrific animated masterpiece that will lay the foundation for more to come. Interestingly enough, it even shares some similarities to Frank Herbert’s Dune, making it a perfect film to watch after you check out Dune: Part Two.

20 Frequently Asked Questions About Time Travel (2009)

An HBO and BBC co-production released in 2009, Frequently Asked Questions About Time Travel is an underrated sci-fi gem in Max’s streaming library. Chris O’Dowd (The IT Crowd) and Dean Lennox Kelly (Shameless) star alongside Marc Wootton in a unique take on time travel. When our trio spends a regular evening in a typical British pub, someone arrives from the future to fix a “time leak.” What follows is a mess of crossed timelines and jumbled realities as the three just try to set things straight.

An Underrated Time Travel Film

Time travel is always a tricky thing to get right. Thankfully, Frequently Asked Questions About Time Travelkeeps its internal logic consistent. It’s a film that really uses its premise to its fullest potential, all while injecting a familar sense of snappy pacing and memorable quotes. Being a comedy film as well, you can also expect oodles of jokes in between the jumps in time.

19 A Trip to the Moon (1902)

A Trip to the Moon is arguably one of the earliest examples of science fiction films. Released more than 120 years ago, this brilliant short film directed by Georges Méliès follows a group of astronomers who undergo a dangerous journey. Their curiosity takes them to the moon, where they’ll undergo a brief adventure filled with strange creatures, fantastical set designs, and early examples of cinematic trickery.

A Must-See Science Fiction Classic

A Trip to the Moon is a landmark entry in film’s brief history. Aside from being an early example of fantastical science fiction, its usage of theatrical set designs, paintings, and lavish costumes racked up an incredible production budget for the time. It’s a fantastic encapsulation of Méliès’ innovative editing and cinematography techniques as well. If you’re at all interested in the history of film, A Trip to the Moon is an essential pick in Max’s science fiction library.

18 Godzilla (1954)

The one and only Godzilla is a prime example of the kaiju genre. Originally released in 1954, this science fiction classic starts with an investigation into a set of ships missing at sea, with large military vessels meeting a similar fate. Obviously, we all know who’s really behind it all. Sooner or later, our titular radioactive monster rises from the depths, towering above the islands of Japan. If the beast isn’t stopped soon enough, it may just set its sights on the rest of the world.

One of the Most Iconic Giant Movie Monsters

Directed by Ishirõ Honda, Godzilla is the center of a monstrous media franchise encompassing dozens of films and multimedia projects. However, this beast’s first outing is no slouch in the entertainment department. Chalk it up to the beast’s novelty for the time, or the limitations of filmmaking in 1954, but this monstrous film depicts Godzilla as a horrifying, unrelenting threat. A technical marvel during its original release, Godzilla is still an exciting time for science fiction fans everywhere.

17 Under the Skin (2014)

Leaning more towards experimental horror than high-concept sci-fi, Under the Skin stars Scarlett Johansson in a significant departure from her typical work. Prowling the streets of Scotland, a woman walks alone in search of isolated targets. Underneath the guise of human flesh, however, is a being not of this Earth. Under the Skin is a brilliant film that’s open to interpretation, with abstract sequences, minimal dialogue, and a lack of exposition forcing you to fill in the gaps yourself.

A Divisive, but Impressive Film

Under the Skin isn’t for everyone: it may be a little too “out there” if you’re looking for a more straightforward film in general. However, there’s something incredibly captivating about Under the Skin’s candid cinematography, its bizarre effects, and otherwise surreal moments. Director Jonathan Glazer spent over a decade conceptualizing and developing the film, leading to a final product that’s sure to mystify. Of course, we’d be remiss to not mention Scarlett Johansson’s impressive performance here as well, one that still sticks out in her wider filmography.

16 Fantastic Planet (1973)

Originally released in 1973, Fantastic Planet is an experimental animated film directed by the late René Laloux, and it’s easily one of the most visually-striking films in Max’s vast catalog. Taking place in the distant future, humanity is nothing more than a set of playthings for the “Traags,” a race of gigantic, blue-tinted humanoids with vivid red eyes. It focuses on the relationship between an orphaned human, Terr, and their caretaker, Tiwa, as a newfound exchange of knowledge may lead to a cultural and technological revolution between the two groups.

An Experimental Allegory

Considered to be an allegorical story about the rights of human beings and animals, Fantastic Planet is absolutely gorgeous to look at. It’s a film that perfectly captures the eerily alien experience of being in an unfamiliar world, complete with its own series of gigantic, iconic blue creatures. Even if you’re not a huge science fiction or animation fan, it’s still worth watching just because of the beautiful animation on display.

15 Dune (2021)

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We have to mention one of the best sci-fi films in recent years, Dune. Don’t pay attention to its detractors. This is a science fiction movie that managed to capture the spirit that many deemed impossible to film. Denis Villeneuve’s epic is only the first chapter of a series of movies about a young warrior who must participate in the galaxy’s war for a precious substance, with Timothée Chalamet playing the role of Paul Atreides. Unfortunately, he and House Atreides are forced into a conflict on Arrakis for “spice,” one of the most valuable materials in the universe.

An Impressive Adaptation of a Sci-fi Epic

Do yourself a favor and see this one on the biggest screen you have, with the sound mashing down your brain. The sheer scope and scale of Dune was mindblowing during its original release, taking the time to present the original book’s many layered concepts in a way that both looked fantastic and respected the source material. Its story is the furthest thing from rushed, with Dune: Part Two directly picking up where this film leaves off. It would eventually win the awards for Best Cinematography, Best Visual Effects, and Best Sound at the Academy Awards.

14 Ex Machina (2015)

A great thriller that’s shrouded by a fantastic use of science fiction, Ex Machina by Alex Garland is a film that gets better and better every time you watch it. The story is about a programmer who is picked by a computer wiz to do a Turing test on a robot that resembles a human. However, things quickly become complicated when the test starts to spiral beyond what was originally intended. Domhall Gleeson, Alicia Vikander, and Oscar Isaac all co-star in this impressive psychological film, with its memorable cinematography being provided by Rob Hardy (Annihilation).

Alex Garland’s Debut Was Incredible

We still can’t believe this was Garland’s first feature as a director, though he had worked on other films in that capacity before. Ex Machina‘s visual effects were mesmerizing, as were the performances of its three main stars. Like other films targeting artificial intelligence, it’s one that feels eerily close to reality as AI starts to become incorporated into everyday life, even though it was originally released a decade ago. If you’ve never seen an Alex Garland film yet, Ex Machina is a terrific one to go with.

13 Greenland (2020)

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Greenland is a very underrated film released in 2020. This one’s more of a disaster film, but we like to think it’s got some sci-fi elements, as the threat is coming from the sky. The story focuses on a family of three who become separated just as they’re picked for emergency shelter, following the announcement of a dangerous comet barreling towards Earth. Now in a race against time, the family undergoes the best and worst humanity has to offer as they try to save their own lives.

A Thrilling Disaster Film

This is one of those films where characters are human above everything, and their actions are similar to what anyone would do when facing a crisis. Gerard Butler plays a terrific lead alongside Morena Baccarin and Scott Glenn, and the looming threat of the comet is given the realistic response one would expect from such a disaster. Trust us, you won’t regret choosing this one today.

12 Solaris (1972)

Time to get weird. Andrei Tarkovsky’s Solaris is a science fiction classic with a theme that will surely get under your skin. It tells the story of a psychologist who travels to a space station to investigate the emotional breakdowns of the scientists who live there. Soon, he begins experiencing the same phenomena that the other men witnessed. The appearance of his wife on the station, when her presence was an impossibility, caused the psychologist to start opening up to the possibility of phenomena in this thrilling space horror.

A Classic Tarkovsky Film

Of Tarkovsky’s films, Solaris is one of the friendliest for general audiences. Whereas other science fiction films at the time of its release were devoted more to futuristic technology and the abilities it can offer, Solaris instead puts its focus on emotional depth and character interactions. The genre is more of a backdrop for an engaging story, one that saw similar acclaim to Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey. It would even secure a nomination for the Palme d’Or at the 1972 Cannes Film Festival.

11 Stalker (1979)

And you thought it couldn’t get weirder. Stalker is also by Andrei Tarkovsky, only this time he takes us to the Zone, where your darkest desires can come true. Based on the 1972 novel Roadside Picnic, this subdued science fiction film tells the story of two men — a writer and a professor — who are guided by an eponymous “Stalker” into the Zone in order to grant their deepest desires. However, the journey itself may not be as clear-cut as it seems.

One of the Greatest Films Ever Made

Stalker is considered to be one of the greatest science fiction films of all time, and for good reason. It’s a film that’s hard to nail down, as several different meanings and core themes can be found throughout its nebulous pacing and uncertain landscape. The Zone itself is less of a physical location, and more of a means to explore concepts of faith and idealism, with the journey chronicling several different perspectives on these ideas. Considering the lengthy bout of production hell Stalker endured, it truly is a miraculous piece of science fiction.

10 Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)

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James Cameron’s latest and the sequel to the 2009 film, Avatar: The Way of Water is a great cinematic experience. Its story may be divisive, but Cameron’s dedication to details is a gift we can’t help but surrender to. Sam Worthington returns to reprise the role of Jake Sully, now a proud member of the Na’vi, as the RDA arrive once more to claim the planet Pandora’s resources. Because of this, Jake and his newly-formed family are forced to migrate east to a separate tribe, one that borders Pandora’s seas.

A Visually-Impressive Sequel

Cameron raises the stakes as usual and achieves a beautiful film where physics is simply impossible. The film would go on to win Best Visual Effects at the Academy Awards, while also securing impressive nominations for Best Picture and Best Production Design. Suffice to say, the 13 years between this film and its predecessor can be seen on the big screen, as its incredible cinematography and effects blow 2009’s Avatar out of the water. Try to see this one on the biggest screen possible. You won’t regret it.

9 Strange Days (1995)

The Cyberpunk thriller Strange Days is an extremely underrated sci-fi film that has seen more positive reception over the years. Set in the last days of 1999, the film follows a black market sales person whose trade lies within dangerous technologies. Specifically, he markets a device that allows you to experience the memories of other people. However, the device soon ropes in several unaffiliated parties into a dangerous criminal conspiracy.

A Harrowing Depiction of Technology

Strange Days‘ depiction of a technology that allows you to feel memories, both emotionally and physically, is insanely disturbing. Kathryn Bigelow really doesn’t get enough love for film either, especially when you see the respective performances of Ralph Fiennes, Angela Bassett, and Juliette Lewis. We’re pretty sure you will have a blast with this one. The screenplay is by Jay Cocks and James Cameron, and this is one of the few films Cameron wrote and didn’t direct.

8 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Of course, we weren’t going to leave this one out. Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey philosophical adventure in space is a great exercise in science fiction that goes deep into themes like evolution and existentialism. The film primarily focuses on a group of spacefaring scientists —with a gargantuan supercomputer in tow — as they investigate a foreign object on Jupiter. However, what lies in wait may put the entire group’s lives at risk.

An Iconic Sci-fi Film

Like Stalker, 2001: A Space Odyssey is probably one of the greatest sci-fi films of all time. HAL 9000, the supercomputer traveling with the scientists, has since become an iconic piece of pop culture history, prompting numerous parodies and homages throughout the years due to its stiff speech and its involvement in the plot. Of course, the performances of Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwod carry this clinical science-fiction film across its slow-burn pacing as well, with an impressive score assembled by several different composers bringing the minimal action on screen to life.

7 Belle (2021)

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One of the highest-grossing Japanese movies of 2021, Belle is a contemporary science-fiction film that addresses relationships formed over the internet versus those outside of it. A high-school student, Suzu, finds herself stuck in a rut: left in the middle of a rural town after the death of her mother, she discovers the online world of “U,” a virtual-reality online world. When she enters this world with a new avatar, “Belle,” all eyes are on her and her amazing musical talents — that is, until a mysterious dragon avatar discovers her presence.

A Twist on a Classic Premise

A science-fiction anime that puts its own spin on Beauty and the Beast, this brilliantly animated film was directed by the talented Mamoru Hosoda, who previously directed Summer Wars, Mirai, Wolf Children, and The Girl Who Lept Through Time. Given that VR has exploded in popularity in recent years, it’s a film that still feels appropriate as a reflection of current technology.