Best Sci-Fi Movies on Hulu to Watch Right Now

Despite ever-advancing technology, humans continue to have a habit of thinking far into the future, much as the creators of Dune, Star Wars, and Star Trek did decades ago. That’s how we got some truly fantastic science fiction films that delved tens or even hundreds of years into the future — by retaining an imagination that can look at how society and technology progress, positively or negatively.

Several sci-fi films have been released over the years, impressing viewers with outstanding visuals, social commentary, and intriguing futuristic settings. We can now see most of these movies from the comfort of our own homes, thanks to the rise of streaming services in recent years. If you use Hulu as your main streaming provider and want to catch up on a couple of sci-fi movies, we’ve got you covered with a few of the best sci-fi films on the platform.

Updated on June 19th, 2024 by Rachel Johnson: This article has been updated with additional content to keep the discussion fresh and relevant with even more information and new entries.

15 Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

A reboot of the original spellbinding ’60s sci-fi series, Rise of the Planetof the Apes features a dynamic cast led by James Franco, Frida Pinto, Andy Serkis, and John Lithgow, and centers on the genetically enhanced chimpanzee Caesar as he leads his fellow kind in a fierce and deadly rebellion against all of humanity. After being raised by the determined chemist Dr. William “Will” Rodman in an effort to find treatment for his father’s Alzheimer’s, Caesar’s brilliance begins to pose a threat and he is taken from the only family and love he’s ever known, prompting the great ape to devise an uprising.

Certified Blockbuster Triumph

Lauded for its dazzling visual effects, thrilling screenplay, and unparalleled performance by the great Andy Serkis, the reboot was a knockout with both critics and audiences alike, earning an impressive A- CinemaScore and being deemed a certified summer blockbuster. Nominated for multiple accolades like an Oscar, BAFTA, and five Saturn Awards (winning three including Best Science Fiction Film), Rise of the Planet of the Apes breathed new life into the groundbreaking franchise and was a welcome entry in the series, leading the way for three successful sequels.

14 The Fifth Element (1997)

Set primarily in the 23rd century, The Fifth Element begins with an alien race known as Mondoshawans waging a war upon Earth. New York City cab driver Korben Dallas happens to be battling the evil creatures. After a young woman crashes into his cab, Dallas joins forces with her, and together they embark on an epic adventure to save Earth while also recovering the mystical stones, a weapon that can destroy the Mondoshawans.

Filled with Campy Fun and Sci-Fi Splendor

A pulpy and wildly entertaining sci-fi gem directed by Luc Besson, The Fifth Element was a strong box-office success and the recipient of several notable awards. The movie blasted big screens with a style and spirit of its own. With brilliant characters, zany set pieces, and eye-popping production design (one that was way ahead of its time), it instantly earned the status of a cult classic. Performances from Bruce Willis, Milla Jovovich, Gary Oldman, and Chris Tucker are worth praising.

13 Predator (1987)

Legendary superstar Arnold Schwarzenegger was in peak action form when he headlined the exhilarating ’80s classic Predator, appearing as United States Army special forces operator Dutch Schaefer, a Vietnam War vet who is tasked with leading an elite military team into a South American rainforest to rescue hostages being held captive. Their seemingly straightforward mission takes a horrific turn when they encounter the centuries-old, highly advanced extraterrestrial Predator, who begins to brutally hunt them down one by one.

Schwarzenegger in All His Action Glory

Heavily regarded as a certified action and sci-fi classic and one of the greatest releases of the 1980s, Predator launched a lucrative and enduring franchise and went on to spawn multiple sequels and a prequel. The adrenaline-pumping series also had a massively popular crossover with fellow trailblazing franchise Alien, yet the 1987 original remains a must-see for fans of both Schwarzenegger and sci-fi genre. Predator helped further establish the action icon as one of Hollywood’s most bankable and sought-after leading men.

12 A Quiet Place Part II (2021)

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Following the events of the first film, John Krasinski’s directorial debut which ended with Evelyn and Regan discovering that the alien predators can be defeated using high-frequency audio, A Quiet Place Part II sees the Abbott family venturing into the outside world with a newborn in their hands. As they continue to fight for survival in silence, they stumble upon Emmett, an old friend. Emmett, who refuses to help them, eventually gives in and accompanies Regan on her mission to find other survivors.

A Nerve-Wrecking and Scary Sequel

A Quiet Place Part II expands the terrifying world of the franchise by first offering us a glimpse into the past before the world was hit by an apocalypse. Once again, Krasinski’s brilliant nerve-wrecking direction taps into our fears and raises the emotional stakes tenfold. While Emily Blunt showcases ferocity and proves just why she’s a bona fide action star, newcomers Cillian Murphy and Djimon Hounsou add gravitas. Still scarce on dialogue, the movie thrives on a phenomenal sound design that commands your attention.

11 No One Will Save You (2023)

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An alien film at its heart, No One Will Save You perfectly blends genres with elements of horror that make it one heart-pounding watch. It features a woman named Brynn who deals with anxiety and lives like an exile in her town. Her quiet, lonely life is rudely interrupted when a frightening extraterrestrial finds its way into her home. The creature has some terrifying qualities and powers, initially stalking Brynn in her own home.

A Perfect Example of Show Don’t Tell

A masterclass in tension building and keeping viewers on the edge of their seats, the film’s been well received critically and was one of the standout films of 2023. With a great performance from Kaitlyn Dever (Booksmart) as Brynn, strap yourself in for some entertaining sci-fi fun with a surprisingly thought-provoking ending. After its first act, see if you can spot what makes it a unique movie. ​​

10 Infinity Pool (2023)

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Take a deep dive into a surreal world where nothing is as it seems. Infinity Pool follows a couple taking a vacation at a fictional beach resort. The tension between them is sometimes palpable as the film strikes a foreboding tone from the offset. When they’re involved in a car crash, breaking the resort’s weird rules soon sees them embroiled in its dark secrets.

A Wild and Strange Ride

As the story unravels, the dark and hedonistic world that the other strange guests inhabit is slowly unveiled. With its uncomfortably disturbing themes, the world that these people inhabit will soon have you questioning your notions of right and wrong, and how far you’d be willing to go to experience forever.

9 The Creator (2023)

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A film that’s highly topical given how much AI has begun exploding in recent months, The Creator takes a look at a horrifying scenario where the advancement of artificial intelligence leads to a devastating war. Taking place in 2070, it follows the aftermath of a nuclear explosion triggered by AI that led to a war between humans and AI. It stars John David Washington as Joshua, an ex-special forces agent who has to track down and eliminate the mysterious person who created the technology that humanity now fights against.

Visually Stunning with Impressive Performances

A great mixture of dystopian science-fiction based on some very real fears that exist in reality, the film is a scary reminder of the dangers of AI. However, despite the obvious technological angles, it also did a great job of weaving in intricate themes of humanity and brought it all together with some great special effects and cinematography that make it a visually pleasing film too. It also featured great all-round performances, especially by Madeline Yuna Voyles, who showed spectacular poise in the film given that she was only eight years old when she starred in it.

8 28 Weeks Later (2007)

Another great film that blends tropes of sci-fi and horror, 28 Weeks Later, sees the aftermath of a virus that creates a world of zombie-like creatures running rampant. Engaging, filled with tension, and packed with action, the film was a sequel to 28 Days Later and takes place six months after the virus first ravaged the world. After restoring order and repopulating previously quarantined zones, a new carrier sparks an all-new epidemic.

A Horrifying Pandemic Adventure

After the first film, another round of chaos ensues, this time with some great updates that add to the intensity of the film. The popularity of this franchise continues to endure, with a third film now planned too. Not for the squeamish, catch this one if you can and see why zombie flicks never lose their appeal.

7 Alien (1979)

A legendary film of the sci-fi world that birthed a franchise still going strong to this day, the original Alien was groundbreaking in many ways. The film follows the crew of the ill-fated Nostromo commercial spaceship as it returns to Earth. Detecting a strange transmission from a moon they pass, the crew decides to investigate, unwittingly becoming human incubators for a terrifying alien creature that’s later unleashed aboard their ship and wreaks havoc.

The Best Sci-Fi Has to Offer

It went on to become a huge commercial hit, featured some unforgettable scenes, and made a sci-fi icon of Sigourney Weaver, who played its lead. Between its realism, terrifying effects, and starring a female lead at a time when it was still considered risky, the film was vastly ahead of its time. An all-time classic these days, it’s spawned a huge franchise that’s alive and well today.

6 Linoleum (2023)

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Linoleum is a genuinely original science fiction story, something you don’t often get to see in modern-day American films, which are usually driven by CGI and mind-boggling plot twists. In the movie, Cameron Edwin, the host of a children’s science TV show called “Above and Beyond,” has always had aspirations to become an astronaut, but life hasn’t been kind to him. However, when a mysterious space satellite lands in his backyard, he turns his midlife crisis into an opportunity to make his dreams come true, all while dealing with new connections taking place within his life’s proximity.

Fascinating and Unique

The twisty film offers multiple character storylines and subtly intertwines them, making for a highly creative film. Between all that, it also unravels into an even more beautiful drama with stellar performances from Jim Gaffigan and Rhea Seehorn. Clever and well-made, it’s just a solid film all around with a moving story that has a sincere feel to it at all times.

5 Akira (1988)

Taking place in 2019, Akira begins in 1988, when Tokyo was devastated by a storm of destruction caused by a youngster with psychic abilities; the government quickly apprehended him, and no one has ever heard of him since. Now, some 30 years later, the capital city has devolved into Neo-Tokyo, with gangs running the streets and the government attempting to keep everything under their control. However, when a peculiar man named Tetsuo begins to develop similar abilities, Tokyo’s fate is once again threatened.

For Those Looking for their Sci-Fi in Animation

Although anime is now pretty well entrenched in popular Western culture, it wasn’t always the way. In 1988, Akira became arguably the first anime film to cross over, with a remarkable futuristic cyberpunk setting and fascinating animation that remains inspiring today. While the story appears complex at first, regardless of the adaptation’s meticulous removal of portions of Katsuhiro Otomo’s manga, it becomes easier to follow as time passes.

4 Prey (2022)

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The Predator franchise has long produced some great films, and Prey is an excellent addition to this alien science fiction film series. Prey, the fifth installment in the Predator franchise, is a prequel to all four films, taking place during 1719 in the Northern Great Plains. In the movie, Naru, a young Comanche healer, aspires to become a great hunter like her brother, Taabe. She’s ready to take on any forest beast, but the threat that has appeared in their midst is considerably more terrifying and clever. She becomes entangled in the pursuit of an alien predator armed with a variety of technological weapons. Can she kill the intelligent alien and protect her home despite knowing she could be killed if she makes a mistake?

A Showstopping Prequel

Amber Midthunder, who plays Naru, is nothing short of a revelation in the film. As the unlikely hero, her commanding presence builds intensity throughout. With an original time and setting for the franchise, it fits in well with the theme of other films, since Predators have a long-standing culture of hunting. The contrast between the Predator’s advanced technology, strength, and skill against Naru’s supposed weakness makes it a true David vs. Goliath story, and its conclusion all the more satisfying.

3 The Abyss (1989)

From the genius mind of Academy Award winner James Cameron comes the visually stunning and criminally underrated sci-fi spectacle The Abyss, which takes place in some of the planet’s deepest and darkest waters and focuses on a pair of petroleum engineers as they assist a determined Navy SEAL in a top-secret, dangerous recovery mission. As they descend deeper and deeper into the ocean, they discover a terrifying alien aquatic species lurking within its depths and engage in a chilling battle for survival.

A True Visual Feast for Audiences

As with most of Cameron’s cinematic spectacles, The Abyss was nominated for four Academy Awards and took home the prestigious accolade for Best Visual Effects. The revered filmmaker was just 17 years old when he came up with the idea for the engrossing picture, having listened to a lecture about deep sea diving and underwater experiments conducted at Duke University. Cameron would go on to write a short story which would subsequently become the basis for The Abyss‘ screenplay, and the picture further showcased the director’s keen attention to visual and technological detail.

2 Aporia (2023)

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A brilliantly reflective film, Aporia starred Judy Greer as Sophie Rice, a woman reeling from depression after her husband’s death. Adding to it all is the fact that she often has to put aside her own grief to help her devastated daughter deal with hers, despite their relationship growing evermore fractured by the day. That is until her husband’s friend tells her about a secret time-bending machine, and makes her an astounding offer.

Understated, Emotional Sci-Fi

Unlike so many sci-fi movies that seek to stand out by being over-the-top spectacles but end up just feeling like different versions of each other, Aporia tells a deep and moving story that centers more on human emotion than grandeur. Merging drama with suspense, its cast does a great job of emoting its more nuanced angles. An indie film that debuted at the Fantasia Film Festival, it was nominated for Best Independent Film at the 51st Saturn Awards.

1 Dual (2022)

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Dual certainly has a novel theme and is a film that punches above its weight. After learning that her terminal disease is incurable, Sarah (Karen Gillan) agrees to synthesize a clone who will eventually live with her mother and boyfriend as her replacement. However, after several months, she has gone into remission, and the clone appears to get along better with her mother and boyfriend than she ever did. As per the law, there can only be one person, and it’s now either Sarah or her double, and a duel to the death settles it. Sarah trains with a solemn martial arts instructor (a hilarious Aaron Paul) in preparation for fighting herself.

A Premise That Is Both Entertaining and Thought-Provoking

What would you do if you found out you had a terminal illness and were going to die? The concept is already intriguing enough with this part alone, but adding on the premise of a person having to fight themselves to the death makes it a properly novel film. Gillan was great in a dual role, while Aaron Paul often steals the show with his antics in it, like being a trainer who accepts dance lessons for his last payment.