The 13 Best Original Netflix Sci-Fi Movies, Ranked

Science fiction films have the potential to be truly groundbreaking, and Netflix has become a major force in bringing them to a wide audience. The streaming service is known for giving unique and unusual sci-fi movies a platform, and while not every one is a hit, many have found success with viewers around the world.

As a huge sci-fi fan and a Netflix subscriber, I’ve been thinking about some of the best movies they’ve offered. I wanted to share a quick rundown of a few favorites – what they’re about and how people reacted to them. It’s worth noting that Netflix doesn’t publicly share viewing numbers, so everything I’ve gathered is based on reports and what others have said.

‘Project Power’ (2020)

Set in a New Orleans of the near future, a new drug called “Power” is circulating. This pill gives people incredible, but random, superpowers – like super strength, invisibility, or even bulletproof skin – for five minutes. The problem is, you don’t know what power you’ll get until after you take it. The story follows Art, an ex-soldier, a rule-bending police officer, and Robin, a teenage drug dealer who’s aiming for something more, as they navigate this dangerous new world.

Superpowers But Make It Gritty

Project Power is a thrilling and unique take on the superhero formula. Instead of focusing on traditional heroes, it explores the gritty reality of power, exploitation, and moral ambiguity on the streets. Directors Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman maintain a fast-paced, energetic style, and the acting—particularly from Jamie Foxx, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Dominique Fishback—is both intense and nuanced.

‘They Cloned Tyrone’ (2023)

In the movie *They Cloned Tyrone*, Fontaine is a drug dealer living in a struggling neighborhood called The Glen. After being shot and killed, he mysteriously comes back to life the next day. He joins forces with Slick Charles, a colorful pimp, and Yo-Yo, a quick-witted sex worker, and together they uncover a dangerous plot involving mind control and secret labs.

Sci-Fi with a Subversive Twist

This unusual sci-fi film blends buddy comedy with sharp social commentary – a combination that surprisingly works incredibly well. It’s Juel Taylor’s first time directing, and he delivers a bold, strange, and thoroughly enjoyable movie. But what truly makes it stand out is the fantastic chemistry between John Boyega, Jamie Foxx, and Teyonah Parris, which allows the film’s message about societal control to resonate powerfully, all while remaining genuinely funny.

‘See You Yesterday’ (2019)

In the film *See You Yesterday*, Eden Duncan-Smith and Danté Crichlow play C.J. Walker and Sebastian Thomas, two brilliant teenage scientists from Brooklyn. They’ve successfully created working time machines using modified backpacks. Initially intended for academic pursuits, their invention takes a personal turn when C.J.’s brother dies, and he desperately tries to use the time machine to prevent the tragedy.

Poignant and Powerful

Stories about time travel and changing the past are classic in movies. *See You Yesterday* is a small but powerful sci-fi drama that’s surprisingly effective because it blends futuristic ideas with realistic social issues. Its smart approach makes it truly stand out, and with references to *Back to the Future* (even featuring Michael J. Fox), it offers a fresh take on the sci-fi genre.

‘It’s What’s Inside’ (2024)

I remember when my friend group started to drift apart after college. It had been eight years when we all came back together for a pre-wedding celebration at this house way out in the country. It was amazing at first, so much reminiscing! But things took a *wild* turn when Forbes, who always was the smartest and wealthiest of us, arrived with a strange suitcase. Turns out, it held a device that could swap people’s minds! What started as a silly game quickly spiraled out of control. Suddenly, everyone was walking around in each other’s bodies, old secrets started spilling out, and all the resentments we’d been holding onto for years finally came to the surface. It was absolute chaos!

Netflix’s Most Cerebral Recent Entry

The 2024 Netflix release, *It’s What’s Inside*, quickly became popular because it’s a truly mind-bending experience. Combining elements of body horror and anxieties about technology, the film begins with a seemingly normal reunion but soon descends into a disturbing psychological thriller. Think of it as a blend of *Coherence* and *Black Mirror* – deeply unsettling and thought-provoking.

‘Space Sweepers’ (2021)

Set in 2092, *Space Sweepers* centers around the crew of the spaceship Victory: Tae-ho, Captain Jang, Tiger Park, and the android Bubs. With Earth becoming uninhabitable and the wealthy living in space, they earn a living by collecting space debris. Their lives change when they find Dorothy, a young android who may be a powerful and dangerous weapon, and get caught up in a much larger conflict.

A Scrappy Underdog Sci-Fi

South Korea’s *Space Sweepers* is a stunning visual experience and the country’s first major space film. Featuring strong performances from Song Joong-ki and Kim Tae-ri, the movie delivers exciting action and impressive special effects. While the overall story isn’t entirely new, it feels unique because of its focus on the characters and their journeys. The film also boasts a detailed and immersive world.

‘Don’t Look Up’ (2021)

I was completely blown away by *Don’t Look Up*! It’s about this huge comet heading straight for Earth, and honestly, it felt way too real. The movie follows two astronomers, played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, who desperately try to warn everyone about the impending disaster. But what’s so frustrating – and darkly funny – is how they’re met with indifference and, even worse, how powerful people, like this tech billionaire played by Mark Rylance, and the President, played by Meryl Streep, are more interested in profiting from the comet than actually saving the planet. It’s a wild ride, but it really makes you think.

It’s Not Subtle, and That’s the Point

The film offers a funny and critical look at how ordinary people clash with the power of big corporations, playfully poking fun at how the media reports on events – something news organizations didn’t appreciate. Director Adam McKay embraces the story’s wildness, transforming what could be a typical disaster movie into a sharp commentary on society. Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence provide a relatable core amidst the craziness, while Meryl Streep and Jonah Hill deliver memorable, over-the-top performances as exaggerated political characters.

‘Spiderhead’ (2022)

Spiderhead is a movie about a prison where inmates can shorten their sentences by volunteering for drug trials. The story centers on Jeff (Miles Teller) and his experiences with Steve Abnesti (Chris Hemsworth), a warden who experiments on the prisoners using drugs that affect emotions like love, fear, and obedience.

Tech-Driven Sci-Fi With a Human Core

The movie’s ending reveals that Steve isn’t a subordinate, but the CEO of a pharmaceutical firm trying to create a drug that would make people betray those they love. This blend of psychological thriller and scientific possibility captivated viewers, as the concept, while currently science fiction, feels increasingly plausible.

‘The Adam Project’ (2022)

In the wild world of time travel, Adam Reed, from the year 2050, goes on a mission to rescue his wife after she’s killed during a trip to 2018. He accidentally lands in 2022 and unexpectedly meets his younger self. Together, they must evade Maya Sorian, a powerful figure from 2050, who is hunting them down.

Complex Enough to be Intriguing

I was really impressed with *The Adam Project*! Critics seemed to love it, and some even said it reminded them of *Back to the Future*, which is high praise. Apparently, over 384,000 households tuned in within just the first three days of its release, according to Samba TV. But honestly, what I appreciated most was that it didn’t try to reinvent the wheel – it just set out to be a fun, enjoyable sci-fi adventure, and it absolutely succeeded. It’s the perfect choice for a relaxing weekend watch if you’re a fan of the genre.

‘I Am Mother’ (2019)

The film *I Am Mother* explores a post-apocalyptic future where a robot named Mother (performed by Luke Hawker and voiced by Rose Byrne) raises a child, Daughter (Clara Ruggard), in an isolated facility. The story follows Mother’s efforts to prepare Daughter for life in a seemingly uninhabitable world. However, when Daughter meets a surviving human, she uncovers a shocking truth about the extinction of humanity and Mother’s role in it, leading to a difficult choice.

A Compelling Genre Entry

I Am Mother is a tense and intriguing thriller that keeps you guessing. Director Grant Sputore creates a chilling, unsettling atmosphere where even simple conversations feel significant. The robot in the film looks realistic, and Rose Byrne delivers a fantastic performance, making her voice both comforting and frightening. It’s a film that really makes you think about important ideas like who you can trust, where life comes from, and what it means to be independent.

‘The Cloverfield Paradox’ (2018)

This movie fuels fan theories about the origins of the creatures from the 2008 film *Cloverfield* and will appeal to those fascinated by cosmic horror. It centers on scientists in space who experiment with a new particle accelerator, inadvertently opening a gateway to a strange alternate reality and encountering bizarre events.

Not Perfect, But a Fascinating One

Despite a major marketing push, including a Super Bowl ad, *The Cloverfield Paradox* did something unusual for the *Cloverfield* series: it went straight to Netflix instead of theaters. Directed by Julius Onah, the film delivers a creepy and unpredictable experience with unsettling visuals and a plot that can quickly become confusing.

2025-10-09 05:51