In the vast expanse of Netflix’s sci-fi offerings, some gems shine brighter than the highly panned Rebel Moon. These sci-fi films stand out for their gripping narratives, stunning visuals, and thought-provoking themes while exploring dystopian futures, artificial intelligence, and the consequences of scientific advancements.
So, if you are done hate-watching Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire or do not wish to partake in this circus, we have curated a list of ten sci-fi films for you to watch instead. These films have better world-building, acting, and writing and will possibly not make you feel like you wasted three precious hours of your life that you will never get back.
Dune, the epic adaptation of Frank Herbert’s novel, takes centre stage in this lineup. Its sweeping desert landscapes and intricate political intrigues set the stage for a grand space opera. As the spice flows through the desert planet Arrakis, viewers are transported into a world where power, prophecy, and survival converge. The intricate storytelling and mesmerising visuals of Dune make it a must-watch for any sci-fi enthusiast, especially ahead of part two, which arrives this year.
Moving away from the grandeur of space opera, Nope explores the mysterious and the unknown. Directed by Jordan Peele, this film promises a unique blend of horror and science fiction. For those who prefer interactive storytelling, Black Mirror: Bandersnatch offers a groundbreaking narrative experience. This choose-your-own-adventure film from the mind of Charlie Brooker takes the audience on a twisted journey through the consequences of their decisions.
They Cloned Tyrone injects a dose of genre-bending mystery and comedy into the sci-fi genre. This film follows a trio of friends as they unravel a government conspiracy involving clones and adulterated food sources.
Don’t Look Up takes a satirical approach to the impending doom of a comet hurtling towards Earth. This dark comedy explores the absurdity of human reactions to a global crisis and features a star-studded cast. With its biting social commentary, it stands out as a relevant and impactful addition to the sci-fi genre.
In the realm of eco-conscious sci-fi, Okja presents a heartfelt story that blurs the lines between human and animal relationships. Directed by Bong Joon-ho, this film explores the consequences of genetic engineering and corporate greed while highlighting the bond between a young girl and her genetically modified super pig.
The exploration of artificial intelligence takes centre stage in Ex Machina. This film delves into the ethical implications of creating sentient beings. With its minimalist setting and intense performances, it challenges viewers to contemplate the nature of consciousness and morality. In Vitro offers a unique take on the consequences of technological advancements in the context of Israel’s occupation of Palestine. Directed by Soren Lind and Larissa Sansour, In Vitro is a post-apocalyptic short film that explores questions of history and memory through the lens of Arabfuturism.
Jurassic Park and Rise of the Planet of the Apes represent timeless classics in the sci-fi genre. While the former explores the resurrection of dinosaurs through genetic engineering, the latter delves into the unintended consequences of experimenting with intelligence-enhancing drugs on primates. Both films have left an indelible mark on the genre. These films surpass the hype surrounding Rebel Moon and stand tall as exceptional contributions to the sci-fi cinematic universe.
10 sci-fi films to stream instead of hate-watching Rebel Moon:
- Dune
- Nope
- Black Mirror: Bandersnatch
- They Cloned Tyrone
- Don’t Look Up
- Okja
- In Vitro
- Ex Machina
- Jurassic Park
- Rise of the Planet of the Apes
