7 Great Sci-Fi Movies Hidden On Prime

Prime Video is known for having a wide variety of movies, especially in popular genres like horror and science fiction. While sci-fi fans have plenty to choose from – including classics like the 1980s film War Games and the anime hit Ghost in the Shell – the service is also filled with many low-quality, imitation movies. Titles like Planet Dune, Alien Rubicon, and Triassic World clutter the platform, making it difficult to find the truly good sci-fi films.

Prime Video has some excellent sci-fi movies, but they aren’t always easy to find. Sometimes the previews and descriptions are misleading, and you end up watching something different than you expected. However, these seven sci-fi films are definitely worth checking out – they prove Prime Video has some hidden gems!

7) Beyond Skyline

Despite being released seven years after the largely forgotten sci-fi film Skyline, Beyond Skyline is a significant improvement. It successfully steers the franchise towards the action-packed direction it always had potential for. Liam O’Donnell, who wrote the original, returned for the sequel and transformed it from a typical disaster movie into a thrilling sci-fi action film, featuring talented actors known in the genre.

Frank Grillo (known from Superman) and Iko Uwais (The Raid) deliver impressive action performances in this movie. Unlike the first film, which had a broad, sweeping story, Beyond Skyline focuses on a more personal plot with well-executed action sequences. The film also heightens the emotional stakes and makes the alien invaders more compelling. It’s classic, fun sci-fi—and you can find it streaming on Prime Video.

6) Coherence

While Beyond Skyline is a grand science fiction adventure, Coherence is its complete opposite. This film, set during a comet sighting, follows a dinner party that unexpectedly becomes a gateway to other realities. It’s not a visually spectacular movie; instead, writer/director James Ward Byrkit tells the story through clever, concise imagery. Coherence requires patience and attention – it unfolds gradually and demands that viewers actively piece things together. Don’t anticipate a lot of action or special effects, but be prepared for a surprisingly mind-bending and impactful ending.

5) Dark Star

While John Carpenter is famous for sci-fi films like The Thing, They Live, and Escape From New York, his career began with a student film he expanded into the 1974 feature Dark Star. The movie is set on a spaceship on a long journey and playfully critiques the monotony of work. Unlike 2001, it suggests that space travel might not bring enlightenment, and could even highlight the worst in people. For sci-fi fans who appreciate a classic, low-budget feel, Dark Star is a must-see, even with its rough edges. And it’s unique – you won’t find many other movies with a talking bomb!

4) From Beyond

Stuart Gordon’s 1986 film, based on a story by H.P. Lovecraft, is likely the most disturbing movie on this list – it’s not for the faint of heart. The movie centers around a scientist trying to activate a part of the brain called the pineal gland. Instead of enlightenment, this process lets the user see horrifying creatures from another dimension, creatures that seem to have their own agenda.

Featuring horror icons Jeffrey Combs, Barbara Crampton, and Ken Foree, From Beyond is a strange, provocative, and occasionally unsettling film. Though it blends science fiction and horror elements, it’s a classic in both genres, raising thought-provoking questions about humanity and our place in the universe, all while delivering impressively disturbing special effects.

3) Lifeforce

Directed by Tobe Hooper – the filmmaker behind The Texas Chain Saw Massacre – Lifeforce is a high-budget sci-fi horror film with a simple, attention-grabbing premise: space vampires attack Earth. While initially appearing as typical alien beings, these creatures are actually massive, bat-like entities, brought to life with stunning visual effects by Academy Award winner John Dykstra, famed for his work on Star Wars.

Hooper’s ambitious scope and creativity truly stand out in this film, showcasing imaginative visuals and a wildly inventive story on a grand scale. And for fans of science fiction, the movie also features a performance by the iconic Patrick Stewart. Even if the special effects and unusual plot don’t immediately grab you, his presence alone makes it worth a look.

2) Strawberry Mansion

Okay, so I just finished watching Strawberry Mansion, and it’s really stuck with me. It’s from Albert Birney and Kentucker Audley, and it’s one of those low-budget films that somehow nails the sci-fi vibe – honestly, you won’t find anything else like it on streaming, especially not on Prime. The premise is wild: the government basically taxes your dreams! That allows for some seriously cool, surreal visuals, all done with a really unique, low-fi style. It’s also surprisingly satirical and clever. Look, if you need huge special effects and a polished look, this isn’t for you. But if you’re open to something different and a little weird, you’re in for a real treat. It’s a movie that really gets under your skin.

1) The Vast of Night

Set in 1950s New Mexico, the science fiction film The Vast of Night tells a big, intergalactic story in a surprisingly small and personal way. It follows a DJ and a switchboard operator as they investigate a strange radio signal that could have huge implications for the world.

While fans of UFOs will enjoy the mystery at the heart of The Vast of Night, the film truly shines thanks to director Andrew Patterson’s skillful filmmaking. He uses long, unbroken shots to create a visually stunning experience, and the movie’s fast-paced dialogue and dynamic sound design keep you hooked from beginning to end. It’s a science fiction film that’s consistently exciting and engaging.

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2025-11-22 21:14