Importance Score: 12 / 100 🟠
Prime Video: Your Destination for Must-Watch Sci-Fi Movies
Are you a fan of science fiction? Then you’re in for a treat! Prime Video boasts an impressive collection of sci-fi movies, offering a diverse range from quirky niche B-movies to top-tier genre productions. The Amazon-owned streaming service is replete with captivating science fiction content.
The science fiction genre encompasses numerous subcategories. Sci-fi can be lighthearted and comedic, or sleek and sophisticated. It can delve into terrifying themes, or offer inspiring and uplifting narratives. Regardless of your preference, Prime Video likely has a film to captivate you. To simplify your search through the extensive catalog, this article highlights some standout science fiction movies available on the platform.
The following science fiction films represent just a starting point for exploring the streamer’s vast library, serving as an excellent introduction to its offerings. From a contemporary reimagining of a classic Universal monster to a Stephen King-inspired alien invasion narrative and a thrilling dinosaur action adventure, these selections promise to be spectacular. If you’re seeking quality sci-fi entertainment, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to discover more.
The Invisible Man (2020)
Leigh Whannell, known for Upgrade and Wolf Man, both wrote and directed this Blumhouse production. Based on H.G. Wells’ original narrative, the 2020 rendition of The Invisible Man provides a fresh perspective on the iconic Universal monster movie. The film, starring Elisabeth Moss, skillfully integrates themes of abuse, privilege, and gaslighting into a tense and frightening experience. A strong performance by the cast, especially Moss, makes this a highly recommended watch.
Super 8 (2011)
J.J. Abrams directed Super 8, channeling significant Steven Spielberg-esque nostalgia, with Spielberg himself serving as a producer. Set in 1979, the film centers on a group of friends in Ohio who are filming a zombie movie using a Super 8 camera. After witnessing a train derailment, they begin to observe a series of strange events. The children soon come to suspect that their filming may have captured the key to the supernatural enigma developing in their town.
Life (2017)
Life follows a close-knit team of astronauts, portrayed by Ryan Reynolds, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Rebecca Ferguson, who make a startling discovery of a life form beyond Earth. In typical sci-fi fashion, they proceed to investigate it closely, leading to an attack. The outcome is a suspenseful space thriller reminiscent of Ridley Scott’s Alien. While it may not break new ground in the genre, it remains a compelling film.
Trollhunter (2011)
Trollhunter adopts a mockumentary style akin to The Blair Witch Project; however, audiences were aware of its fictional nature upon its 2011 release. The premise is straightforward: A group of Norwegian film students investigates suspected illegal poaching activities. They soon uncover a reality far more perilous than anticipated: colossal, grotesque, and ferocious trolls.
The Chronicles of Riddick (2004)
Vin Diesel revisits his role as the eponymous space criminal in this second movie of the Riddick series. While evading capture, Riddick becomes entangled in a conflict to overthrow the Necromongers, a formidable warrior army. The result is an engaging narrative with echoes of Dune, which is certainly a positive attribute.
Cloud Atlas (2012)
Adapted from David Mitchell’s novel, Cloud Atlas is a sweeping science fiction epic that spans across numerous eras, exploring the intricate connections between human lives. Directed by The Wachowskis in collaboration with Tom Tykwer, their Sense8 co-director, the film features a star-studded cast including Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugh Grant, and Hugo Weaving.
The Mist (2007)
Frank Darabont undertook a significant gamble in adapting Stephen King’s novella, The Mist, into a cinematic experience. Featuring a stellar cast led by Thomas Jane, the premise is relatively simple: A group of residents in a small town find themselves confined within a store as a strange mist descends, unleashing indescribable horrors from beyond. As fear escalates among the survivors, factions begin to form, and chaos ensues as they grapple with the unseen external menace and internal conflicts. Darabont’s conclusion presents a poignant divergence from King’s original story, ultimately enhancing the movie’s impact.
Jurassic World (2015)
Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard headline this 2015 sequel to Jurassic Park, which initiated a successful dinosaur-centric franchise that has thrived over the last decade. The movie portrays the inevitable chaos when a genetically engineered hybrid dinosaur, known as Indominus Rex, escapes its enclosure and unleashes destruction throughout a modernized and immersive dinosaur theme park.
Rampage (2018)
For moments when you crave unadulterated entertainment, Rampage delivers precisely that. Inspired by the 1986 video game featuring colossal mutated creatures destroying cities, the movie, starring Dwayne Johnson, mirrors this premise. It’s an adventure centered around mutated giant beasts causing urban destruction. Prepare some popcorn, switch off your critical thinking, and enjoy.
A Quiet Place: Day One (2024)
A Quiet Place: Day One revisits the onset of the alien invasion. While perhaps not an essential addition to the franchise – unlike 10 Cloverfield Lane, also featured in this list – the film centers on the human experience amid a global catastrophic event of otherworldly origin. Engage for the disaster, and stay for the endearing feline.
Escape from New York (1981)
In John Carpenter’s dystopian cult classic, set in 1997, New York City lies in ruins after extensive warfare. Manhattan is transformed into a massive walled prison. Following the President’s abduction, former Special Forces operative Snake Plissken (Kurt Russell), now an inmate, is enlisted to rescue him in exchange for his freedom.
Donnie Darko (2001)
This thought-provoking cult classic features Jake Gyllenhaal as a perplexed high school student who, after miraculously surviving a traumatic incident, begins experiencing time travel. In his journey, he uncovers the beauty of life and love. Donnie Darko delves into themes of depression, repression, and alternate realities, creating a uniquely quirky film experience. It also notably includes Frank, a giant demonic rabbit.
Dark City (1998)
Thematically similar to the classic silent film Metropolis, Dark City follows a protagonist who is a fugitive accused of murder, yet he has no memory of committing the crime. Is he culpable, or has he descended into insanity? The shadowy subculture he encounters, populated by mysterious beings known as The Strangers, keeps both him and the audience in suspense throughout the film. The movie’s visual style and special effects alone make it worth watching, proving it was remarkably innovative for its time.
10 Cloverfield Lane (2016)
10 Cloverfield Lane stands as a compelling psychological thriller that unexpectedly transitions into supernatural elements. While technically a sequel to Cloverfield, making it definitively a science fiction film, this installment delves into the unsettling facets of reality and the symbolic terrors they can generate. A talented ensemble cast delivers strong performances, with John Goodman’s portrayal of Howard being particularly impactful.