Last Updated: February 2026
Are you looking for the best science-fiction movies currently streaming on Netflix?
From artificial intelligence thrillers and dystopian futures to time-bending mysteries and epic space adventures, Netflix continues to offer a diverse collection of sci-fi films. To make this list more useful and transparent, we’ve ranked movies based on a combination of:
- IMDb ratings
- Rotten Tomatoes critic scores
- Audience reception
- Cultural impact
- Streaming popularity
- Overall sci-fi quality and originality
Important Note: Netflix availability varies by country. Availability was checked against major Netflix regions where possible in February 2026, but titles may differ in the US, UK, India, Australia, and other markets.
Editor’s Choice Awards
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best Overall Sci-Fi Movie | The Creator |
| Best AI Movie | I Am Mother |
| Best Time-Travel Movie | ARQ |
| Best Space Adventure | The Wandering Earth |
| Most Underrated | Oxygen |
| Best Sci-Fi Comedy | Don’t Look Up |
| Best Action Sci-Fi | Atlas |
Quick Comparison Table
| Movie | Year | Runtime | IMDb | RT Critics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Creator | 2023 | 133 min | 6.7 | 68% |
| I Am Mother | 2019 | 115 min | 6.7 | 89% |
| Oxygen | 2021 | 100 min | 6.5 | 90% |
| They Cloned Tyrone | 2023 | 122 min | 6.6 | 95% |
| The Adam Project | 2022 | 106 min | 6.7 | 67% |
| Atlas | 2024 | 120 min | 5.6 | 19% |
| ARQ | 2016 | 88 min | 6.3 | 57% |
| The Platform | 2019 | 94 min | 7.0 | 80% |
| The Wandering Earth | 2019 | 125 min | 6.0 | 75% |
| Don’t Look Up | 2021 | 138 min | 7.2 | 55% |
Why These Movies Made the List
To qualify for this guide, a movie needed to meet several criteria:
- Strong science-fiction concepts
- Positive critical or audience reception
- Rewatch value
- Availability on Netflix in major regions during February 2026
- Relevance within modern sci-fi discussions
The films below are listed in approximate order of overall recommendation.
1. The Creator (2023)
One of the most visually impressive sci-fi films of recent years, The Creator explores a future war between humanity and advanced artificial intelligence.
IMDb: 6.7
Rotten Tomatoes: 68%
Runtime: 133 minutes
Why Watch?
- Stunning visual effects
- Emotional AI storyline
- Large-scale world building
Best For
Fans of Blade Runner-style futuristic science fiction.
2. I Am Mother (2019)
A gripping post-apocalyptic story in which a robot raises the last human child inside an underground facility after humanity’s extinction.
IMDb: 6.7
Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
Runtime: 115 minutes
Why Watch?
- Intelligent AI themes
- Excellent tension
- Thought-provoking ethical questions
Best For
Viewers who enjoy cerebral sci-fi.
3. Oxygen (2021)
A woman awakens inside a cryogenic chamber with no memory and limited oxygen. The race to uncover her identity becomes increasingly intense.
IMDb: 6.5
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
Runtime: 100 minutes
Why Watch?
- Claustrophobic suspense
- Strong emotional payoff
- Excellent use of a minimalist setting
Best For
Character-driven science-fiction fans.
4. They Cloned Tyrone (2023)
This stylish sci-fi mystery follows three unlikely heroes who uncover a bizarre government conspiracy hiding beneath their neighborhood.
IMDb: 6.6
Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
Runtime: 122 minutes
Why Watch?
- Fresh concept
- Social commentary
- Excellent performances
Best For
Fans of sci-fi mixed with satire and mystery.
5. The Adam Project (2022)
A time-traveling pilot crashes into the past and teams up with his younger self to save the future.
IMDb: 6.7
Rotten Tomatoes: 67%
Runtime: 106 minutes
Why Watch?
- Fun adventure
- Family-friendly storytelling
- Strong emotional core
Best For
Viewers seeking accessible sci-fi entertainment.
6. The Platform (2019)
A vertical prison becomes a powerful metaphor for inequality and resource distribution.
IMDb: 7.0
Rotten Tomatoes: 80%
Runtime: 94 minutes
Why Watch?
- Original concept
- Social commentary
- Memorable visuals
Best For
Fans of dystopian sci-fi.
7. ARQ (2016)
A low-budget but highly creative time-loop thriller that continually reinvents itself.
IMDb: 6.3
Rotten Tomatoes: 57%
Runtime: 88 minutes
Why Watch?
- Smart storytelling
- Fast pacing
- Inventive structure
Best For
Time-travel enthusiasts.
8. Atlas (2024)
Jennifer Lopez stars as a brilliant analyst forced to trust an AI system to stop a rogue machine threat.
IMDb: 5.6
Rotten Tomatoes: 19%
Runtime: 120 minutes
Why Watch?
- Big-budget action
- AI-focused story
- Spectacular visuals
Best For
Action-oriented sci-fi viewers.
9. The Wandering Earth (2019)
Humanity installs giant engines on Earth itself and attempts to move the planet away from a dying sun.
IMDb: 6.0
Rotten Tomatoes: 75%
Runtime: 125 minutes
Why Watch?
- Massive scale
- Impressive visual effects
- Unique premise
Best For
Fans of epic science-fiction spectacles.
10. Don’t Look Up (2021)
A darkly comedic sci-fi satire where scientists attempt to warn humanity about an extinction-level comet.
IMDb: 7.2
Rotten Tomatoes: 55%
Runtime: 138 minutes
Why Watch?
- Star-studded cast
- Sharp social commentary
- Blends comedy and science fiction
Best For
Viewers who enjoy satirical storytelling.
Quick Picks by Mood
Best AI Stories
- I Am Mother
- Atlas
- The Creator
Best Time Travel Movies
- ARQ
- The Adam Project
Best Dystopian Sci-Fi
- The Platform
- They Cloned Tyrone
Best Large-Scale Sci-Fi
- The Wandering Earth
- The Creator
Best Character-Focused Stories
- Oxygen
- I Am Mother
Why Sci-Fi Remains One of the Most Important Genres
Science fiction allows filmmakers to explore:
- Artificial intelligence
- Climate change
- Space exploration
- Government control
- Human identity
- The future of technology
The best sci-fi movies entertain while also asking difficult questions about where humanity is headed.
Final Thoughts
Netflix’s sci-fi library continues to offer something for every type of viewer. Whether you’re interested in philosophical AI dramas, action-packed futuristic warfare, dystopian societies, or epic space adventures, these films represent some of the strongest science-fiction experiences currently available on the platform.
If you’re only watching three movies from this list, start with:
- The Creator
- I Am Mother
- They Cloned Tyrone
Together, they showcase the breadth of modern science fiction and demonstrate why the genre remains as relevant as ever.
Sources & Methodology
Ratings sourced from:
- IMDb
- Rotten Tomatoes
- Netflix title pages
- Industry reviews and critic consensus
Availability checked and reviewed during February 2026. Regional availability may change without notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these movies available worldwide?
No. Netflix licensing varies by country. Availability can differ between the US, UK, India, Australia, Canada, and other regions.
How often is this list updated?
This guide is reviewed monthly and updated whenever significant sci-fi titles are added or removed from Netflix.
What qualifies as science fiction?
This list includes movies centered around speculative scientific concepts such as artificial intelligence, advanced technology, space exploration, alternate realities, dystopian societies, and time travel.
Which movie is best for beginners?
The Adam Project is generally the most accessible entry point for viewers new to science fiction.
Which movie has the strongest AI themes?
I Am Mother and The Creator offer some of the most compelling explorations of artificial intelligence currently available on Netflix.