As a sci-fi enthusiast who’s had my fair share of interstellar voyages (well, virtual ones at least), I find this collection of films and shows absolutely captivating! From the post-apocalyptic wastelands of Turbo Kid to the cosmic love story of Upside Down, these stories transport us to far-off worlds that challenge our understanding of reality.
Stories serve as a means for us to discuss topics that are often difficult to express directly: love, death, fear, hope, and so on. We create characters that surpass ourselves in attractiveness, courage, or intelligence, and we place them in situations we can merely imagine, enabling us to delve into the reality we know or aspire for. Science fiction, among all genres, seems to excel at this distinctive form of cultural introspection, extending our exploration to potential futures.
By exploring science fiction, we gain a glimpse into possible future worlds. This allows us to experiment with ideas and errors in a fictional setting, hoping not to repeat them when they become real-life possibilities. Since we can only create what we first envision, it’s beneficial for us to delve into the various potential futures presented in our stories as a means of preparation.
If you’re seeking inspiration or just want a thrilling experience, Peacock offers an array of science fiction films and series that could kickstart your journey. While not all sci-fi stories depict ideal futures, they often act more as cautionary tales than blueprints. Regardless, you’re bound to enjoy the ride. There are numerous movies and countless episodes of science fiction available, here are just a few recommendations from our favorites.
As a die-hard sci-fi enthusiast, here are some intriguing sci-fi TV shows you should check out on Peacock: Twisted Metal, Three-Body Problem, Resident Alien, and many more. If you’re still wondering about the most emotional film Christopher Nolan ever made, it’s been a decade, but his sci-fi epic is still at the top. And if you’re curious about the Face/Off sequel, here’s what we know so far, and where you can stream the original movie.
What are the best sci-fi movies now streaming on Peacock?
Back to the Future (Trilogy)
In the world of gaming, I’ve stumbled upon a unique adventure where I embody a gamer, time-traveling through a kaleidoscope of bizarre events. There’s this zany scientist, paradoxes that would make your head spin, a car so cool yet poorly designed it’s a miracle I can navigate it. Lightning bolts of temporal energy, made-up lingo that sounds like a foreign language, friendships spanning generations, Libyan terrorists lurking in the shadows, and a loyal canine companion are all part of the mix. The story unfolds in 1985, a time when the past meets the future, ripe with possibilities for adventure and intrigue.
Through the span of 116 minutes in the movie “Back to the Future”, we come to understand that the future is shaped by the decisions made in the past. Altering something from the past could potentially lead to catastrophic consequences, even possibly eliminating the very world and your own existence before it had a chance to unfold.
In a narrative that seems reminiscent of being penned during a spell with cough syrup (no disrespect intended towards Zemeckis or Gale), the character Marty McFly, portrayed by Michael J. Fox, unintentionally travels back in time to 1955 and finds himself without sufficient energy for a return journey. To get back home, Marty must tap into the power of lightning, but he must first fend off his mother’s affectionate advances and convince her to fall for his future father. Additionally, he plays a significant role in inspiring Chuck Berry’s music.
Watch it now on Peacock!
King Kong (2005)
After achieving a groundbreaking triumph with the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Peter Jackson revisited an idea he’d been mulling for quite some time: a modern adaptation of King Kong. This film was released in 2005 and revolves around the characters of struggling director Carl Denham (portrayed by Jack Black), aspiring actress Ann Darrow (played by Naomi Watts), and celebrated writer Jack Driscoll (Adrian Brody).
The group of three embarks on a voyage with several other crew members, initially bound for Singapore. However, their captain, Denham, deviates course towards the fabled Skull Island instead. There, they first capture on film and later in reality, an enormous, gigantic ape. Andy Serkis delivers an exceptional portrayal as the central character King Kong, bringing to life what was once just a rubber suit.
Watch it now on Peacock!
Jurassic Park/World (Collection)
The classic film, “Jurassic Park,” might just be the most captivating movie to revisit multiple times. Originally penned by Michael Crichton under the same title, this cinematic masterpiece transports audiences into the Jurassic Park setting, joining a select group of scientists and an unlucky lawyer on their journey.
The park serves as a testament to human ability, encompassing both awe and overconfidence. At first, everything seems wonderfully serene. The expressions on doctors Sattler (Laura Dern) and Grant (Sam Neill) are so moving that you might think dinosaurs truly roam the world once more. Yet, in true Crichton fashion, things take a turn for the worse. The narrative unfolds further within the Jurassic Park/Jurassic World series.
Watch it now on Peacock!
The Day After Tomorrow
From disaster expert Roland Emmerich comes The Day After Tomorrow, starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Dennis Quaid as a father-son duo just trying to survive the end of the world. Jack Hall (Quaid), is a paleoclimatologist working for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, when a massive chunk of the ice shelf he’s studying breaks away. His research, looking at the way climate has changed throughout the distant past, leads him to believe that human-caused climate change might result in an ice age freezing over the northern hemisphere in the very near future.
It didn’t take long for his predictions to be validated, as a powerful tropical storm swiftly formed across the planet’s northern half. Remarkably, this storm divided into three massive entities, one heading towards Canada, another towards Scotland, and the third towards Siberia. These storms drew super chilled air from the upper atmosphere, sending it cascading to the ground, instantly freezing anything in their path.
In that situation, Jack faces a challenging predicament as his son (Gyllenhaal) encounters one of the tempests, forcing Jack into a desperate struggle against both the clock and the raw power of nature, in an attempt to rescue his loved ones.
Watch it now on Peacock!
The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)
As we stepped into the new millennium, humankind teetered on the edge of a significant turning point. With our technology rapidly evolving, we’ve gained an increasing capacity to reshape our world – for good or ill. To address this development, a group of intelligent extraterrestrial beings dispatched an envoy to Earth, marking what became known as “The Day the Earth Stood Still.
In 2008, a film directed by Scott Derrickson and featuring Keanu Reeves, was a modern retelling of a 1951 science fiction masterpiece. As Earth faced the brink of ecological disaster, an alien spacecraft descended, bearing its passenger, Klaatu (Reeves), and his colossal robotic companion GORT, an abbreviation for Genetically Organized Robotic Technology.
Klaatu intends to ensure the survival of Earth, no matter what; the issue at hand is if humankind will persist to witness a bold, innovative future.
Watch it now on Peacock!
Face/Off
1997 saw the release of a gripping crime thriller, penned by Mike Werb and Michael Colleary, titled “Face/Off,” under John Woo’s direction (known for “The Killer”). This captivating film delves into the aftermath of a complex case of identity theft. John Travolta and Nicolas Cage portray characters that could be either FBI agent Sean Archer or wanted terrorist Castor Troy, leaving viewers to wonder who’s who.
In a tragic turn of events, when Troy attempts to murder Archer but ends up killing his son instead, they find themselves embroiled in a heated conflict that escalates into a situation resembling a medical twist on the story “Freaky Friday.” Eager to gather intelligence about an impending assault, Archer decides to undergo a risky experimental treatment to assume Troy’s appearance and voice. However, complications arise as Troy manages to swap identities with Archer too, potentially seizing control of his life permanently.
Watch it now on Peacock!
Interstellar
Christopher Nolan’s 2014 sci-fi masterpiece portrays a future where humanity stands on the brink of disaster, resorting to an audacious space journey as our last hope for survival. The years roll by and the environmental crisis has worsened significantly. The earth is so devastated that we risk total extinction unless we locate another planet to inhabit.
Joseph Cooper, previously a NASA test pilot, consents to journey through the cosmos on a clandestine expedition in search of a new habitable planet. Spanning 2 hours and 49 minutes, Interstellar offers spectators a wormhole near Saturn, a colossal black hole, temporal distortion, four-dimensional time diagrams, intelligent automatons, gigantic tidal waves, antigravity, deception, and much more!
Watch it now on Peacock!
Push
Without a doubt, Chris Evans is best known for his portrayal of Steve Rogers/Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, this isn’t his only superhero role; he also brought Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, to life in the films Fantastic Four (2005) and its sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007).
In the 2009 movie “Push,” Evans played a character struggling financially, depicting a supernatural being. For many years, it’s been discovered that people possess extraordinary psychic abilities, such as Movers who manipulate objects mentally, Watchers who foresee events before they happen, and those capable of wielding energy for offensive or healing purposes. These individuals are recognized by government organizations, who subject them to potentially lethal tests in an attempt to enhance their powers.
In this setting, individuals gifted with extraordinary talents are exploited, mistreated, and ultimately eliminated. It falls upon Nick (Evans) and Cassie (Dakota Fanning) to restore balance and justice.
Watch it now on Peacock!
Knowing
Throwing a dart at Nicolas Cage’s filmography gives no clue as to whether you’ll land on a heartfelt, serious movie or an extraordinary, eccentric cinematic journey. However, one thing is certain – you’re in for an enjoyable ride. The film “Knowing” finds itself nestled somewhere along the Nic Cage acting spectrum, with him portraying a mathematician who stumbles upon a series of numbers that forecast future disasters accurately.
After banging his head against this apocalyptic sudoku puzzle he realizes the numbers identify the date, planetary coordinates, and body count of every major disaster going back centuries. There are only a few dates left before the end of the sequence, and with it, the end of the world.
Watch it now on Peacock!
Aliens Abducted My Parents and Now I Feel Kind of Left Out
In a small town, Calvin (Jacob Buster), a long-time resident who’s somewhat shunned, and Itsy (Emma Tremblay), a recent arrival from the bustling city with her family, form an unlikely friendship as they grow up together.
Approximately ten years ago, Calvin’s parents vanished during the rare passage of the fictional comet Jesper. Convinced that extraterrestrial beings took his parents and he would reunite with them when the comet returned, Calvin dedicates his life to preparing for its impending reappearance.
This narrative, penned by Austin Osanai Everett and directed by Jake Van Wagoner, is a deeply emotional science fiction tale about growing up, blending elements of the cosmos with the familiarity of our own world.
Watch it now on Peacock!
Donnie Darko
Richard Kelly’s 2001 film, “Donnie Darko” – still a favorite among cult movie enthusiasts – keeps drawing repeat viewings and fuels midnight debates, even twenty years after its premiere. The story unfolds in the year 1988, with our protagonist, Donnie Darko (portrayed by Jake Gyllenhaal), waking up due to a mysterious phone call. Guided by this voice, he stumbles upon an ominous, anthropomorphic rabbit named Frank who warns him that the world will meet its end in exactly 28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes, and 12 seconds.
Remarkably, that odd encounter proved vital for Donnie’s survival when an airplane engine crashed into his bedroom – a near-fatal incident. From this point onwards, a series of extraordinary events unravels, encompassing alternate realities, relics from multiple dimensions, ghostly time travelers, and the intricate link between the fate of one boy and the destiny of the entire cosmos.
Watch it now on Peacock!
Apollo 18
NASA’s Apollo mission concluded in 1972 when Apollo 17 safely landed, bringing a premature end to the program. Three subsequent crewed missions, Apollo 18-20, were cancelled. However, filmmaker Gonzalo López-Gallego envisioned an alternate history in his 2011 found footage movie titled “Apollo 18“.
Following Apollo’s official conclusion, the 18th mission was revived in secret by the Department of Defense for a covert purpose: to transport a confidential payload to the Moon’s South Pole. The shocking events that unfold offer a compelling reason why footage from this mission was suppressed and its existence remained hidden. If you’re intrigued by the idea of the moon landings but enjoy a dash of conspiracy, this movie will satisfy your curiosity.
Watch it now on Peacock!
Turbo Kid
In essence, Turbo Kid isn’t technically a depiction of the future, but more like a fantastic exception. Set in an alternative 1997, this story unfolds in a world grappling with scarcity of water. The ruthless leader Zeus, skillfully portrayed by Michael Ironside, seizes people from the Wasteland to extract their water. It’s a challenging existence for a child who yearns for nothing more than to enjoy his bike rides and peruse comic books.
In an unprecedented tale, The Kid’s friendship with Apple, a robot modeled after a friendship, takes them on a journey unlike any other. This narrative blends elements of Napoleon Dynamite and Mad Max, featuring an unexpectedly humorous quantity of gore. It’s a post-apocalyptic fantasy as envisioned by an ’80s teen wearing a Power Glove, making it absolutely spot-on.
Watch it now on Peacock!
Mystery Science Theatre 3000
Each day holds its own surprises; some may lead you to encounter a band of eccentric scientists who whisk you away on a cosmic journey, making you endure subpar films until the fabric of your consciousness frays. In such an unusual predicament, having a few trusted allies could prove invaluable.
In an improbable yet amusing predicament, Joel Robinson was left friendless. To alleviate his solitude, he crafted companions from the ship’s spare parts, naming them Tom Servo, Crow T. Robot, and GPC. Together with a human test subject (initially Joel himself, later others), they would mock bad films to make them slightly more bearable. The charm of Mystery Science Theater 3000 lies in the fact that it’s not just one dreadful movie, but an abundance of them, so many that eventually even the worst ones start to seem watchable.
Watch it now on Peacock!
Upside Down
Juan Diego Solanas’ 2012 movie “Upside Down” merges science fiction and fantasy to weave a captivating tale of love set in the cosmos. Viewers are introduced to this universe through the perspective of Adam, played by Jim Sturgess, an ordinary individual living in extraordinary conditions on a two-sun system with unique gravitational properties.
In these realms referred to simply as Upper and Lower, they are bound together by a common gravitational force, enabling them to circle each other extremely closely. However, it doesn’t imply that inhabitants of both worlds can move freely between them. The matter on these planets follows some strict guidelines. Primarily, every piece of matter is magnetically drawn exclusively towards the gravity of its native world. Secondly, this matter can be counteracted by a sort of “opposite” matter from the opposing realm. Lastly, interaction with opposite matter is brief and leads to an explosion after several hours have passed.
Adam was content with living his life on a single planet, but upon meeting Eden, a woman from Above, they embarked on a journey to alter not only the rules of their society, but also the fundamental principles of physics.
Watch it now on Peacock!
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2024-11-08 21:32