The 4 Best Sci-Fi Movies on Prime Video

From time travel to outer space, these sci-fi films on Prime Video are must-watches.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The world of sci-fi has given movie lovers a plethora of brilliant cinematic moments. We're highlighting the top 4 sci-fi films currently streaming on Prime Video, including modern classics, underrated gems, and a visually stunning romantic comedy.

Why it matters

Sci-fi films have the power to push our minds to see where storytelling can lead, especially with advancements in movie technology making the genre look sleeker than ever. These 4 Prime Video picks showcase the depth and diversity of the sci-fi genre, from exploring themes of mental illness and cosmic indifference to tackling identity, death, and survival.

The details

The 4 sci-fi films highlighted are: 'Melancholia' (2011), a pre-apocalyptic character study directed by Lars von Trier; 'Mickey 17' (2025), Bong Joon Ho's latest featuring Robert Pattinson as a cloned 'Expendable' worker; Steven Spielberg's nostalgia-filled 'Ready Player One' (2018) set in a dystopian 2045; and the historical sci-fi romantic comedy 'Timestalker' (2024) written, directed, and starring Alice Lowe.

  • Melancholia was released in 2011.
  • Mickey 17 is set to release in 2025.
  • Ready Player One was released in 2018.
  • Timestalker was released in 2024.

The players

Lars von Trier

The director of Melancholia, known for his 'Depression Trilogy' of films that explore themes of mental illness and emotional detachment.

Bong Joon Ho

The acclaimed director of Parasite, who helmed the sci-fi film Mickey 17 starring Robert Pattinson.

Steven Spielberg

One of the greatest filmmakers of all time, known for directing iconic sci-fi films like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and Jurassic Park, as well as the more recent Ready Player One.

Alice Lowe

The writer, director, and star of the historical sci-fi romantic comedy Timestalker.

Robert Pattinson

The actor known for his role as Edward Cullen in Twilight, who has since proven his acting range in films like The Batman and the upcoming Mickey 17.

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The takeaway

These 4 sci-fi films on Prime Video showcase the depth and diversity of the genre, from thought-provoking explorations of mental illness and the end of the world to high-stakes action, nostalgia-fueled virtual reality, and a unique historical romantic comedy. Whether you're a longtime sci-fi fan or new to the genre, these movies offer something for everyone to get lost in.