If you’re a fan of science fiction movies, Max (formerly known as HBO Max) has an impressive collection of some of the best sci-fi films ever made. From classic masterpieces to modern blockbusters, Max offers a wide range of captivating stories that transport viewers to far-off worlds, alternate realities, and futures both wondrous and terrifying. In this post, we’ll count down the 25 best sci-fi movies currently available to stream on Max.
25. Inception (2010)
Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending thriller follows a skilled thief who steals corporate secrets by infiltrating the subconscious minds of his targets. Inception boasts an all-star cast, stunning visual effects, and a complex plot that rewards multiple viewings. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of dreams, reality, and the power of ideas.
24. The Matrix (1999)
The Matrix revolutionized the sci-fi genre with its groundbreaking special effects, stylish action sequences, and philosophical themes. Keanu Reeves stars as Neo, a computer hacker who discovers the world is a simulated reality created by machines to enslave humanity. The Matrix spawned two sequels and remains a cultural touchstone over two decades later.
23. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
A worthy sequel to Ridley Scott’s 1982 classic, Blade Runner 2049 follows a replicant blade runner who uncovers a long-buried secret with far-reaching implications. Director Denis Villeneuve crafts a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that expands upon the original’s themes of identity, memory, and what it means to be human.
22. Minority Report (2002)
Based on a story by Philip K. Dick, Steven Spielberg’s Minority Report is set in a near-future where police use psychics to arrest criminals before they commit their crimes. When a top officer is himself accused of a future murder, he goes on the run to prove his innocence. Minority Report is a smart, suspenseful thriller that raises thought-provoking questions about free will and the ethics of predictive policing.
21. The Terminator (1984)
James Cameron’s low-budget sci-fi action film launched a massive franchise and made Arnold Schwarzenegger a superstar. In The Terminator, a cyborg assassin is sent back in time to kill the mother of the future leader of the human resistance. With groundbreaking effects and relentless pacing, The Terminator set a new standard for sci-fi action movies.
20. Jurassic Park (1993)
Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park brought dinosaurs to life like never before, thanks to groundbreaking computer-generated effects. Based on Michael Crichton’s bestselling novel, the film follows a group of scientists and visitors to a theme park populated by cloned dinosaurs. When the park’s security systems fail, the humans find themselves fighting for survival against the deadly prehistoric predators. Jurassic Park is a thrilling adventure that still holds up nearly 30 years later.
19. The Fifth Element (1997)
Luc Besson’s colorful space opera follows a 23rd-century cab driver who becomes embroiled in a quest to save the universe from an ancient evil. Bruce Willis and Milla Jovovich star in this visually inventive and wildly entertaining film that blends action, comedy, and romance. The Fifth Element is a unique and unforgettable sci-fi romp.
18. Interstellar (2014)
Christopher Nolan’s epic space adventure follows a group of astronauts who travel through a wormhole in search of a new home for humanity. With stunning visuals, emotional depth, and mind-bending concepts, Interstellar is a grand and thought-provoking film that explores the bonds of love, the nature of time, and the human drive to survive.
17. Gattaca (1997)
In a future where genetic engineering determines one’s social status, a “genetically inferior” man assumes the identity of a superior one in order to pursue his dream of space travel. Gattaca is a smart and stylish sci-fi thriller that explores themes of discrimination, identity, and the human spirit. Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, and Jude Law star in this underrated gem.
16. The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
A classic of the genre, The Day the Earth Stood Still follows an alien visitor and his giant robot who land on Earth with a warning for humanity: live in peace or face destruction. With its iconic score and thought-provoking message, the film remains a timeless and influential work of science fiction.
15. Gravity (2013)
Alfonso Cuarón’s intense survival thriller follows two astronauts stranded in space after their shuttle is destroyed. Sandra Bullock delivers a powerhouse performance as a rookie astronaut fighting to stay alive in the unforgiving void. With its groundbreaking visual effects and heart-pounding suspense, Gravity is a gripping and immersive cinematic experience.
14. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
Steven Spielberg’s classic UFO film follows a group of people whose lives are changed after encountering alien spacecraft. With its sense of wonder, iconic imagery, and soaring score, Close Encounters is a masterful blend of science fiction and human drama. The film’s groundbreaking special effects still dazzle over four decades later.
13. Arrival (2016)
When mysterious spacecraft appear around the world, a linguist is recruited to communicate with the alien visitors. Arrival is a thoughtful and emotionally resonant film that explores the nature of language, time, and human connection. Amy Adams delivers a stunning performance in this cerebral and deeply moving sci-fi drama.
12. Ex Machina (2014)
A programmer participates in a strange experiment involving a highly advanced AI housed in a humanoid robot body. Ex Machina is a tense and thought-provoking thriller that explores the ethics of artificial intelligence and the blurred lines between human and machine. Alicia Vikander delivers a breakout performance as the enigmatic android Ava.
11. Alien (1979)
Ridley Scott’s sci-fi horror classic follows the crew of a deep-space mining vessel who encounter a deadly alien creature. With its iconic creature design, slow-burn suspense, and unforgettable performances, Alien remains a masterpiece of the genre. Sigourney Weaver’s Ellen Ripley became one of the most iconic action heroines in cinema history.
10. The Thing (1982)
John Carpenter’s chilling remake follows a group of scientists in Antarctica who discover a shape-shifting alien that can imitate any living being. With its groundbreaking practical effects, paranoid atmosphere, and stellar cast, The Thing is a masterclass in sci-fi horror. The film’s bleak ending is one of the most memorable in the genre.
9. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
James Cameron’s blockbuster sequel raised the bar for action filmmaking with its groundbreaking visual effects and thrilling set pieces. Arnold Schwarzenegger returns as a reprogrammed Terminator sent back in time to protect the future leader of the human resistance. T2 is a rare sequel that surpasses the original in scope, spectacle, and emotional impact.
8. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
This classic paranoid thriller follows a doctor who discovers that people in his small town are being replaced by emotionless alien duplicates. Invasion of the Body Snatchers is a chilling allegory for the conformity and paranoia of the McCarthy era. The film’s iconic ending is one of the most shocking and unforgettable in sci-fi history.
7. The War of the Worlds (1953)
An adaptation of H.G. Wells’ classic novel, The War of the Worlds follows the invasion of Earth by technologically advanced Martians. With its groundbreaking special effects and apocalyptic imagery, the film set a new standard for sci-fi spectacle. The War of the Worlds remains a thrilling and influential classic of the genre.
6. Metropolis (1927)
Fritz Lang’s silent masterpiece is set in a futuristic city divided between the wealthy elite and the oppressed working class. With its stunning visuals, groundbreaking special effects, and powerful social commentary, Metropolis is a landmark of science fiction cinema. The film’s iconic imagery and themes continue to influence filmmakers to this day.
5. Blade Runner (1982)
Ridley Scott’s neo-noir masterpiece follows a “blade runner” tasked with hunting down rogue androids in a dystopian future Los Angeles. With its groundbreaking visual effects, philosophical themes, and haunting atmosphere, Blade Runner is a towering achievement of science fiction filmmaking. The film’s ambiguous ending has inspired decades of debate and analysis.
4. The Day the Earth Caught Fire (1961)
This British classic follows a journalist investigating the strange weather phenomena caused by nuclear testing. The Day the Earth Caught Fire is a gripping and prescient film that explores the dangers of nuclear weapons and the fragility of our planet. The film’s stark black-and-white cinematography and haunting ending make it a true masterpiece of the genre.
3. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Stanley Kubrick’s groundbreaking epic follows the evolution of human intelligence from prehistoric times to a future where astronauts encounter a mysterious monolith. With its stunning visuals, philosophical themes, and iconic imagery, 2001 remains a towering achievement of science fiction cinema. The film’s ambiguous ending has inspired decades of interpretation and debate.
2. Solaris (1972)
Andrei Tarkovsky’s haunting masterpiece follows a psychologist sent to investigate strange occurrences on a space station orbiting a mysterious planet. Solaris is a deeply philosophical and emotionally resonant film that explores the nature of memory, love, and the human condition. Tarkovsky’s poetic visuals and languid pacing create a hypnotic and unforgettable cinematic experience.
1. Stalker (1979)
Another Tarkovsky masterpiece, Stalker follows a guide leading two men through a mysterious and dangerous region known as the Zone. With its haunting visuals, philosophical themes, and enigmatic storytelling, Stalker is a profound meditation on faith, desire, and the human search for meaning. Tarkovsky’s final Soviet film is a challenging and rewarding work of art that rewards multiple viewings.
These 25 films represent some of the best and most influential works of science fiction cinema, and they’re all available to stream on Max. Whether you’re a die-hard sci-fi fan or a casual viewer looking for something thought-provoking and visually stunning, these movies offer a wide range of stories, styles, and themes to explore. So fire up Max, dim the lights, and prepare to be transported to other worlds and alternate realities. Happy watching!
