Among all streaming giants, it’s Netflix that invests the most in itself. The company consistently allocates significant resources towards both licensed and original content, with the latter being a key focus. As per Yahoo Finance, the organization had an impressive budget of approximately $17 billion in 2024, mainly allocated for the creation of new movies and shows. What’s exciting for subscribers is the noticeable improvement in quality they’ve been experiencing recently. Reviews from aggregator platforms indicate that Netflix originals are receiving more positive feedback than ever before.
Netflix typically labels its original productions or revivals of canceled shows (from other networks) as “Netflix Originals,” and this tag also includes licensed or co-produced content from international channels. Over time, Netflix has made significant investments in the sci-fi genre, with many successful results. If you’re looking for top-notch sci-fi movies and TV shows, Netflix should definitely be on your watch list. Here are some recommendations to get you started.
10
‘See You Yesterday’ (2019)
In the film “See You Yesterday”, characters C.J. Walker (portrayed by Eden Duncan-Smith) and Sebastian (played by Dante Crichlow) are two intellectually gifted high school students with a passion for academic success. They invent backpacks that allow time travel, which initially seems promising. However, things take a tragic turn when C.J.’s older brother, Calvin (Astro), is fatally shot by the police. Stricken with sorrow, the duo contemplates using their time-travel technology to prevent Calvin’s death. Unfortunately, each attempt to travel back in time results in unintended consequences.
Righting a Failed Society’s Wrongs
According to director Stefon Bristol, who made a short film with the same title and was produced by Spike Lee, this lively and suspenseful sci-fi movie boasts an appealing soundtrack (including “Hey Up There” by Ty Dolla Sign) and a vibrant spectrum of sparkling colors. The director deserves credit for skillfully blending the essentials of the genre with significant social issues. Furthermore, the young actors in this film are truly commendable for their exceptional performances.
9
‘Dark’ (2017 – 2020)
In a small German town called Winden, we’re drawn into a tale where two children mysteriously vanish. Later, an enigmatic wormhole is found near a power plant. Could this unexplained phenomenon hold the key to solving the mystery? The series takes us on a journey through different timeframes before revealing the answer.
Something’s Not Right
Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese teamed up to create the captivating, intellectually stimulating, and visually breathtaking series called “Dark”. Similar to many of their masterpieces, it delves into themes of loss, self-discovery, and unity. No character is purely evil or good, and it maintains a balance that appeals to both adults and children. With numerous characters involved, close attention is essential.
8
‘Okja’ (2017)
14-year-old Mija (Ahn Seo-hyun), hailing from Okja, fosters an extraordinary connection with a colossal, genetically engineered super pig. However, this tranquility is shattered when a global corporation seizes Okja and transports the animal to New York for promotional purposes. Unable to bear separation from her cherished companion, Mija contrives a daring rescue mission.
The Big Ones Need Protection Too
In a unique way, filmmaker Bong Joon-ho skillfully portrays profound connections between individuals or different species, and “Okja” is one of his most outstanding creations. The character Mija embodies the uncomplicated pleasures of the working class, while Okja serves as an eloquent advocate for animal welfare. A strong candidate for the Palme d’Or, “Okja” consistently encourages us to respect and not disturb nature, making it a thought-provoking science fiction drama at its finest.
7
‘Stranger Things’ (2016 – Present)
In the 80s, the storyline of Stranger Things revolves around the people living in Hawkins, Indiana. They grapple with a mysterious parallel universe called the Upside Down, which surfaces after an experimental lab inadvertently creates a portal connecting our world to it.
Pure 1980s Nostalgia
This groundbreaking sci-fi series, boldly venturing beyond worn-out conventions, stands out with its exceptional cinematography. The enduring appeal of the show lies primarily in the outstanding performances of its cast, who have amassed an impressive 39 awards collectively thus far. Their skill at imbuing their usual, sometimes cynical characters with genuine emotion speaks volumes about their acting prowess. Moreover, the unexpected plot twists consistently leave viewers in awe. A truly unique television experience.
6
‘The OA’ (2016)
Prairie Johnson, portrayed by Brit Marling, is back in the limelight after a seven-year hiatus. Previously, she was blind but regained her sight. There are marks on her back, and she refers to herself as “The OA” or “original angel.” So, what transpired with her? The narrative of “The OA” employs elements from science fiction, fantasy, and the supernatural to reveal the mystery.
Axed Too Soon
As a passionate film lover, I can’t help but feel disheartened by the cancellation of “The OA” after just two seasons. The outcry online was intense and understandable, as the series masterfully blends science fiction ideas with spiritual mythology in a way that few others have managed. Even industry heavyweights like Shonda Rhimes, Alex Kurtzman, and Sam Esmail voiced their support, but Netflix remained firm.
The show created a chilling ambiance that left viewers both terrified and captivated. With its unique narrative, it’s hard not to wonder if it’s too late to revive the series with the hashtag #SaveTheOA.
5
‘I Am Mother’ (2019)
Prior to the scenario depicted in “I Am Mother”, someone had foreseen that humanity would eventually perish, leading them to construct an automated shelter designed for Earth’s repopulation if such a catastrophe occurred. The prophesied disaster has now come to pass, and the shelter has been activated. Inside this AI-controlled facility, we witness a robot, affectionately called Mother, cultivating an embryo in a laboratory setting, nurturing it into an 18-year-old woman. However, there is a surprising revelation.
How Bad Can AI Get?
Is it possible for artificial intelligence to behave maliciously? This is a concerning issue that is prevalent in today’s world, and the movie “I Am Mother” tackles this topic head-on. At first, Mother seems like an impeccable AI, carrying out her tasks flawlessly. However, things take a turn when Daughter begins to challenge the values she had been taught. This triggers a significant conflict, one that might make you question the safety and trustworthiness of AI. The confined environment also contributes to the tension, instilling a lingering feeling of unease throughout the movie.
4
‘Black Mirror’ (2011 – Present)
Black Mirror delves into the sinister aspects of technology, presenting us with chilling future possibilities where technological advancements lead to detrimental consequences for humanity. Each story is standalone in nature, occasionally dabbling in horror and suspense narratives.
Science Can Be Dangerous
In a different yet related vein to “The Twilight Zone”, “Black Mirror” offers a distinct, slightly askew ambiance, challenging the norms of over-the-top sci-fi and focusing on possibilities that could realistically unfold. The stories span from subtly chilling to bizarrely farcical, and featuring well-known stars gives it a big-screen appeal. Each episode carries a compelling storyline that could easily be expanded into a full-length film, with the picturesque locations serving as an ideal backdrop for this captivating thriller. If you’re ready to dive in, start with “White Christmas”.
3
‘They Cloned Tyrone’ (2023)
In the movie “They Cloned Tyrone,” Fontaine (John Boyega), who appears to have been murdered by a rival, inexplicably wakes up the following day. Intrigued, he allies with Slick Charles (Jamie Foxx), a pimp, and Yo-Yo (Teyonah Parris), a sex worker, to delve deeper into the mystery. As the story unfolds, they eventually stumble upon a government lab where it’s revealed that black people are being duplicated.
Sins Against Society
In this allegory of power abuse and racism subtly woven with humor, we see the absurdity of government mishaps in a predominantly black community. The underlying message is undeniable: morality has been overshadowed by politics, making change a challenging endeavor. Besides the principal characters, Kiefer Sutherland delivers an intriguing portrayal as a mysterious figure who meticulously oversees the entire cloning operation.
2
‘Travelers’ (2016-2018)
Time travel provides convenient resolutions to many sci-fi dilemmas. In the series Travelers, a team from a deteriorating future is dispatched back in time to rectify critical events that could potentially cause Earth’s demise. Since only their consciousness can travel, they occupy the bodies of individuals who are close to death, referred to as “host bodies.
Fixing the Past
The TV series, titled by Brad Wright (creator of “Stargate SG-1” and “Stargate Atlantis”), exudes an authentic feel typical of its genre. It caters to diverse tastes, yet what stands out is Wright’s delicate handling of the lesser characters. It’s surprising that this series has never received an Emmy, given it has consistently evaded unfavorable reviews from major critics.
1
‘The Adam Project’ (2022)
In “The Adam Project,” Ryan Reynolds plays a character who is a skilled pilot, transported from an unknown time to the present year (2022) after he pilfers a time-traveling spacecraft. Upon arrival, he encounters a 12-year-old version of himself, still grappling with the sorrow caused by his father’s passing. As the ruthless ruler of a bleak future seeks to capture the protagonist to control time travel, both Adams join forces to thwart this tyrant.
One of Ryan Reynolds’ Finest Performances
In a stunning display of artistic vision and technological prowess, Director Shawn Levy skillfully blends Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) with real-life footage, creating a breathtaking, harmonious blend of both worlds on screen. Supported by the acting talents of Mark Ruffalo, Zoe Saldaña, and Jennifer Garner, this ode to sci-fi is both humorous and suspenseful. Moreover, Levy, having collaborated with Reynolds previously in ‘Free Guy’, seems to possess an intuitive understanding of what makes the actor excel beyond his normal abilities.
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2025-02-16 02:34