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Prime Video has the sci-fi movies you're looking for. Whether you're in the mood for a high-concept drama or a nutty joyride into the apocalypse, these sci-fi entries will scratch that genre itch.
Science fiction movies are more than just a trip to outer space. This genre is full of promise, with many styles and flavors that are sure to please any discerning fan. If you're looking for escapism, Prime Video's got it -- from quirky sci-fi adventures to thought-provoking space dramas.
The list below merely cracks the surface of what you can find on the streamer. These titles are solid, from an iconic Man of Steel and time-traveling astronauts to a future world where a lethal reality competition series is all the rage. You've beamed down to the right place. Scroll on and find out for yourself.
Read more: 17 Epic Sci-Fi TV Shows You Need to Watch on Netflix Right Now
10 Cloverfield Lane
10 Cloverfield Lane is a riveting psychological thriller that unfolds into something unexpectedly supernatural. Technically a sequel to Cloverfield -- which means it's absolutely a sci-fi movie -- this entry explores the monstrous nature of reality and the metaphorical monsters it can create. The tight-knit cast delivers, but John Goodman's Howard is a force to reckon with.
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
This sci-fi classic, directed by Steven Spielberg, follows an average man named Roy Neary (Richard Dreyfuss) who, after experiencing an alien encounter, becomes obsessed with the existence of UFOs. Close Encounters shines a light (or two) on humanity's enduring curiosity about what exists beyond our world. Deeper still, it's a poignant exploration of mental health.
The Tomorrow War
It's hard to leave The Tomorrow War off this list, because it's Prime Video's big sci-fi actioner starring Chris Pratt. It follows a schoolteacher who's drafted into a war with aliens, in the future. An easily digestible flick that you can watch while looking at your phone.
The Running Man
It's 2019 and America has become a totalitarian state. The most popular television series in the nation is The Running Man -- a reality program that follows prisoners who attempt an escape to freedom while being hunted. Adapted from the story by Stephen King, this movie is the epitome of late '80s sci-fi entertainment. Arnold Schwarzenegger carries the film with ease. And as corny as things get here, it's terrifying how plausible it all really is.
Interstellar
Christopher Nolan's Interstellar takes the filmmaker's cerebral narrative talents to outer space. Matthew McConaughey is Cooper, a NASA astronaut tasked with finding a planet that can sustain life, in order to ensure humanity's future. Loss, trauma and grief play big parts in the storytelling here. Nolan's got a knack for stitching together an engaging yarn, which he does in this flick. In short, Interstellar doesn't disappoint.
Superman: The Movie
Superman: The Movie is an example of a comic book movie done right. Richard Donner's superhero epic set the standard for how modern day films of this ilk can operate. Gene Hackman's Lex Luthor is a legendary portrayal of the DC Comics villain. Through an effortless balance of heroism, physical power, humor and heart, Christopher Reeve's portrayal of Kal-El remains as iconic as ever.
Darkman
After carving his niche in the horror genre with the first two Evil Dead movies, Sam Raimi marked his big budget feature debut with Darkman -- a disruptive superhero film that's tough to pin down. Is it sci-fi? Yes. But the movie, which stars Liam Neeson and Frances McDormand, mishmashes horror, action, comedy and romance together into a fun and entertaining cult classic.
The Dead Zone
Stephen King delved into sci-fi territory with The Dead Zone, a story that follows a teacher named Johnny Smith (played by Christopher Walken) who, after waking up from a coma, discovers he has psychic abilities. Being able to see the future leads Johnny on a mission to try and save it -- putting him face-to-face with Greg Stillson (Martin Sheen), a presidential candidate who, according to his visions, will start a nuclear war if he gets elected.
Looper
Rian Johnson's sci-fi thriller explores a future where time travel exists. Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Joe, a hitman who waits in the past for the mob to send him targets to eliminate. Things get complicated when his future self, played by Bruce Willis, is sent back in time for him to kill. Twisty smart writing, solid performances and savvy filmmaking make this movie a thoroughly entertaining ride.
Asteroid City
Wes Anderson takes on the sci-fi genre with Asteroid City and, as you'd suspect, he flips the script on things and delivers a movie that is quintessentially him. Whimsy, nostalgia and drama mix effortlessly as this UFO-themed story takes audiences back to a fictional version of 1950s America. The ensemble is a who's who of Anderson faves, featuring wonderful performances from Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson, Maya Hawke, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston and more.
Face/Off
Face/Off follows a rather simple, and silly, premise: FBI agent Sean Archer (Nicolas Cage) goes under the knife for a controversial face transplant procedure in order to discover the location of a bomb planted by comatose terrorist Castor Troy (John Travolta). Things get crazy when Troy wakes up and undergoes the same surgery. It all sounds ridiculous and it very much is, but thanks to the all-in performances by the two leads, and the guidance of legendary director John Woo, the whole thing works. And delightfully so.
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension
This movie doesn't really make sense, but it sure is fun to watch. Packed with noteworthy talent, including Peter Weller, Jeff Goldblum, Clancy Brown, Ellen Barkin, John Lithgow and Christopher Lloyd, the '80s cult classic follows Dr. Buckaroo Banzai (Weller) as he fights a group of alien enemies in order to save the world. It's thematically reminiscent of Doctor Who and features a delightfully unhinged performance by Lithgow.