One of the 21st Century’s Best Sci-Fi Movies Is a Streaming Hit, and It’s a Must-Watch Before Two 2026 Films

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Science fiction movies have thrived in the 21st century, and some recent streaming films really stand out. Over the last twenty-five years, we’ve seen a lot of imaginative approaches to the genre, both within established franchises and in original stories. These films have transported us across the universe and through time, with highlights like Children of Men, Arrival, Interstellar, Dune: Part Two, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind being particularly memorable examples.

One of the best sci-fi films of the 2010s, The Martian, is currently available on Paramount+. The movie, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Matt Damon, tells the story of an astronaut, Dr. Mark Watney, who gets stranded on Mars and fights to survive. It’s based on the novel by Andy Weir and follows both his struggles on the planet and the efforts back on Earth to bring him home. It quickly climbed to the top 10 on Paramount+’s streaming charts, according to FlixPatrol, which is no surprise given its popularity.

The Martian Is A Great Watch Heading Into A Big Year For Sci-Fi Movies

Released in 2015, The Martian was a major success, earning over $630 million and receiving critical acclaim, including an Oscar nomination for Best Picture. Even today, it remains a highly entertaining and worthwhile film, especially with new science fiction releases planned for 2026. It’s a clever and funny thriller that still holds up remarkably well, making it a perfect time to rewatch.

Next, we have Project Hail Mary. Like Andy Weir’s The Martian, this film features a script by Drew Goddard and shares a similar premise: Ryan Gosling plays a science teacher sent into space to prevent a global catastrophe. Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, it promises to be a funny, intelligent, and thrilling movie, and is highly anticipated as one of the year’s biggest sci-fi releases.

Ridley Scott is returning to science fiction with a new film called The Dog Stars. It’s his first sci-fi movie since Alien: Covenant (2017) and his first original sci-fi story since The Martian. Given his iconic work on films like Alien and Blade Runner, his return to the genre is always noteworthy. The movie takes place in a world devastated by a virus, and follows Jacob Elordi as a survivor who makes a significant discovery. Though set on Earth instead of Mars, it’s expected to share similar themes of hope and resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity. If you’re looking forward to The Dog Stars, revisiting The Martian would be a great way to build anticipation.

You can watch The Martian on Paramount+ in the United States. Project Hail Mary will be in theaters on March 20, 2026, and The Dog Stars will follow on August 28th.

Have you seen The Martian? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion happening now in the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-01-06 21:10