Forgotten Sci-Fi Western 'Young Ones' Streams for Free

Elle Fanning's gritty 2014 film with Nicholas Hoult and Michael Shannon deserves a second look.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:03am

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An extreme close-up of a weathered, cracked leather surface in shades of brown and tan, conceptually representing the harsh, arid environment of the 'Young Ones' sci-fi Western.The gritty textures and muted tones of the 'Young Ones' sci-fi Western reflect the harsh realities of survival in a drought-ravaged future.Los Angeles Today

Long before Elle Fanning became an Oscar nominee or a badass in 'Predator: Badlands', she starred in 'Young Ones' - a strange, striking sci-fi Western that slipped through the cracks on release in 2014 but deserves a second look. The future blockbuster star was only in her teens when she appeared, but displayed the kind of maturity that saw her keep up with esteemed co-stars. Now streaming for free on Tubi, it's the perfect moment to rediscover this dusty little gem.

Why it matters

Directed by Jake Paltrow, this dystopian sci-fi Western is set in a future where the land has been ravaged by extreme drought, and water is more valuable than gold. The film takes a novel approach in order to paint a picture of a life where land, love, and survival all must be defended with a gun, blending elements of classic Western lore with quirks of fantasy.

The details

Told in three chapters focusing on different characters, 'Young Ones' boasts a 10/10 cast. Elle Fanning was just 16 when she appeared in the film, but had already been acting for over a decade. She's joined by established stars like Michael Shannon, who delivers a quiet but fiery performance as a farmer struggling to survive, and Nicholas Hoult, who opts for something edgier than his more affable roles.

  • Young Ones was released in 2014.

The players

Elle Fanning

A teenage actress who went on to become an Oscar nominee and star in 'Predator: Badlands'.

Michael Shannon

An acclaimed actor known for roles in films like 'Man of Steel' and TV shows like 'Boardwalk Empire'.

Nicholas Hoult

An actor who has played edgier characters in films like 'Mad Max: Fury Road' after earlier roles in more affable parts.

Kodi Smit-McPhee

An actor with roles in films like 'Slow West' and 'The Power of the Dog'.

Jake Paltrow

The director of 'Young Ones' who previously worked on the HBO series 'Boardwalk Empire'.

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What’s next

The film is now streaming for free on Tubi, giving viewers a chance to rediscover this overlooked sci-fi Western gem.

The takeaway

With its blend of intimate drama and stark futurism, 'Young Ones' lingers long after it ends, inviting viewers to consider how scarcity reshapes the very core of who we are. The film rewards patience and close attention, offering something set far away that also feels close to home.