The 14 Best Sci-Fi Movies on Peacock in December 2024: Deep Impact, Pacific Rim & More

As a sci-fi enthusiast who has journeyed through countless parallel universes and alternate realities, I must say that this list of movies is nothing short of mind-blowing! It takes us on a rollercoaster ride from the depths of space to the heart of dystopian wastelands, exploring love stories so cosmic they defy our understanding of physics.

Stories serve as a medium for discussing subjects that are difficult to express directly: love, death, fear, hope… We create avatars that embody qualities we lack – beauty, courage, intelligence – and place them in scenarios we can barely envision ourselves, allowing us to delve into the world as it exists or as we yearn for it to be. Science fiction, above many other genres, amplifies this distinctive form of cultural introspection by examining our potential future.

By exploring science fiction, we get a glimpse into possible future scenarios. It provides us with an opportunity to make errors within fictional settings, so that we may avoid repeating them when they become real-life possibilities. Since we can only create what we can first envision, it’s beneficial for us to delve into the various potential futures depicted in these works of fiction.

As a passionate gamer, if you’re seeking some thrilling adventures in the realm of the unknown, dive into Peacock’s treasure trove of science fiction films and series! While not all sci-fi stories paint a utopian future, they often act as cautionary tales more than blueprints. Regardless, you’re guaranteed an exhilarating ride! There’s no shortage of movies and episodes to explore; these are just a few of our top picks.

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Deep Impact

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In the year 1998, the summer season was dominated by asteroid-themed films, and while “Armageddon” often receives the majority of praise, our perspective is that “Deep Impact” was the superior and truer portrayal of an apocalyptic event.

using nuclear explosions to divert the comet’s path away from our planet.

Unfortunately, instead of obliterating the comet, the blast only divides it into two fragments. Both parts continue their trajectory towards Earth, setting off a frenzied race against time – here on Earth and in space – to mitigate the potential damage and safeguard as many lives as we can.

Watch it now on Peacock!

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

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The movie “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” explores love in an era influenced by technology. It features Jim Carrey in a compelling dramatic role as Joel, while Kate Winslet portrays Clementine, a character often associated with the romantic ideal of a manic pixie dream girl. The ensemble cast also includes Kirsten Dunst, Mark Ruffalo, and Elijah Wood. This film poses questions about how relationships could evolve as new technologies emerge.

After a heart-wrenching split, I opt for a procedure that erases Clementine from my recollections, struggling to move on. Overwhelmed by the sorrow, I decide to undergo the same treatment. The operation takes place at my residence while I slumber, and I experience the memories being wiped away in a vivid dreamlike state. As each memory fades, I am reminded of joyful moments we shared, and I start regretting my decision. Desperate to preserve Clementine in my thoughts, I frantically search for a solution.

Watch it now on Peacock!

Life

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Currently, NASA’s Perseverance rover is exploring Jezero Crater on Mars, searching for indications of ancient Martian life and gathering soil samples with the goal of eventually sending them back to Earth for further analysis. The 2017 movie “Life” offers a fictional portrayal of potential scenarios if such Martian samples were ever brought to our planet.

As a space-faring gamer, I’ve found myself on a simulated journey aboard the International Space Station, crewed by none other than Jake Gyllenhaal, Rebecca Ferguson, and Ryan Reynolds. Our mission: to collect Martian soil samples brimming with signs of extraterrestrial life. Little did we know that this Martian microbe would blossom into an intelligent, lethal organism, wreaking havoc on our vessel. In the blink of an eye, what started as a groundbreaking scientific discovery for humanity transformed into a desperate struggle for survival.

Watch it now on Peacock!

Pacific Rim

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In 2013, none other than Guillermo del Toro brought to life a colossal monster action spectacle, aptly titled Pacific Rim. This thrilling movie featured Idris Elba, Charlie Hunnam, Rinko Kikuchi, and Charlie Day. The story unfolds in the year 2014, when a gateway to another dimension mysteriously appears at the Pacific Ocean’s floor.

In the event of colossal creatures known as Kaiju emerging, mankind unites to confront this dimensional peril by constructing Jaegers – towering robots operated by two psychically connected operators. The narrative resumes over a decade later with the Kaiju conflict persisting intensely, as humanity prepares for a decisive mechanical defense of our planet.

Watch it now on Peacock!

King Kong (2005)

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After achieving unprecedented triumph with the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Peter Jackson revisited an idea he’d been mulling over for a long time: a revamp of King Kong. This film was released in 2005 and narrates the tale of troubled movie director Carl Denham (portrayed by Jack Black), fading actress Ann Darrow (Naomi Watts), and celebrated playwright Jack Driscoll (Adrian Brody).

The threesome embark on a voyage accompanied by several helpers, initially aimed at Singapore. However, their destination unexpectedly shifts to the mythical Skull Island. There, they first film and later capture a colossal, gigantic ape known as King Kong. Andy Serkis delivers an outstanding portrayal in the title role, bringing authenticity to what was once just a rubber costume.

Watch it now on Peacock!

Jurassic Park/World (Collection)

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As a gamer, I’d say that Jurassic Park might just be the most enticing movie to revisit again and again. Drawing inspiration from Michael Crichton’s novel, Jurassic Park transports you straight into this iconic park, where an adventurous mix of scientists, one unlucky lawyer, and myself (as a virtual visitor) find ourselves in awe and danger.

The park serves as a testament to human beings’ ability for both awe and overconfidence. At first, everything appears stunningly beautiful. The expressions of doctors Sattler (Laura Dern) and Grant (Sam Neill) are so profound that it seems like dinosaurs really do roam the earth once more. However, in true Crichton fashion, things take a dark turn. The narrative unfolds further within the Jurassic Park/Jurassic World series.

Watch it now on Peacock!

Push

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Chris Evans is best known for his portrayal of Steve Rogers/Captain America in the Marvel Cinema Universe, yet this isn’t his only acting role. In 2005 and 2007, he took on the character Johnny Storm, also known as The Human Torch, in a pair of Fantastic Four films.

In the 2009 movie “Push,” Evans took on the character of a troubled super with psychic powers. For many years, people have been discovered with supposedly extraordinary mental capacities that resemble superpowers. These abilities can be categorized into Movers, who manipulate objects using their minds, Watchers who perceive future events before they occur, and others who utilize energy for both destructive and healing purposes. Various government agencies monitor these individuals, subjecting them to dangerous tests aimed at enhancing their powers.

In this universe, individuals gifted with unique talents are exploited, mistreated, and eventually eliminated. It falls upon Nick (Evans) and Cassie (Fanning) to restore balance and justice.

Watch it now on Peacock!

Knowing

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No matter where you aim when throwing a dart at Nicolas Cage’s filmography, it’s uncertain whether you’ll land on a heartfelt, serious movie or one of the most peculiar cinematic journeys you’ve ever encountered. However, one thing is certain – you’re in for an enjoyable ride. The film Knowing, situated somewhere along the Cage Camp Continuum, features him portraying a mathematician who uncovers a sequence of numbers that can foretell catastrophic events.

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

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In a small town, Calvin (Jacob Buster), who’s been around for a while and has somewhat of a bad reputation, and Itsy (Emma Tremblay), the newcomer who recently moved from the city with her family, form an unusual friendship as they grow up together.

Approximately a decade ago, Calvin’s parents vanished during the rare passing of the fictitious comet Jesper. This event led Calvin to believe that his parents were abducted by extraterrestrial beings and he could reunite with them when the comet reappeared. Consequently, Calvin dedicated his entire life in anticipation of the comet’s return.

The narrative ahead is a touching science fiction tale, penned by Austin Osanai Everett and brought to life by director Jake Van Wagoner. This story offers an otherworldly experience while maintaining a strong connection with our everyday realities on Earth.

Watch it now on Peacock!

Donnie Darko

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Richard Kelly’s 2001 movie, Donnie Darko, remains intriguing enough to warrant multiple viewings and fuel midnight debates, even twenty years after its premiere. The story unfolds in 1988, with the protagonist, Donnie Darko (Jake Gyllenhaal), being mysteriously roused from sleep. Heeding this unknown prompt, he crosses paths with a peculiar, anthropomorphic rabbit named Frank who prophesies that the world will meet its end in exactly 28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes, and 12 seconds.

Remarkably, that unusual incident turned out to be Donnie’s lifeline from imminent demise when an airplane engine plunged into his bedroom. Subsequently, a peculiar chain of events ensued, encompassing alternate realities, relics from multiple dimensions, spectral time-travelers, and the intertwined destinies of a single boy and the entire cosmos.

Watch it now on Peacock!

Apollo 18

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NASA’s Apollo mission concluded in 1972, marking the safe return of Apollo 17. However, three additional crewed missions, Apollo 18 to 20, were canceled prematurely. While history records these as the final missions, director Gonzalo López-Gallego envisioned a different outcome in the 2011 film “Apollo 18”.

Following the termination of Apollo’s official operations, the 18th mission was revived in secrecy under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense. This clandestine endeavor aimed to transport a confidential payload to the Moon’s South Pole. The ensuing dramatic events provide compelling reasons for why the footage was concealed and the mission remained shrouded in silence. If you are intrigued by the moon landings but enjoy a hint of conspiracy, this film is an entertaining exploration of the subject for you.

Watch it now on Peacock!

Turbo Kid

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Turbo Kid might not be an accurate depiction of the future, but we can overlook that since it’s simply extraordinary. Set in an alternate 1997, this story unfolds in a world facing severe water scarcity. The ruthless ruler Zeus, portrayed brilliantly by Michael Ironside, seizes people from the Wasteland to extract their water. It’s a challenging existence for a child who dreams of cruising on his bike and losing himself in comic books.

In an unprecedented adventure, The Kid forms a unique bond with Apple, a robot modeled as a friend. This tale, blending elements of “Napoleon Dynamite” and “Mad Max,” offers a dose of dark humor that borders on the excessive, complete with copious amounts of blood spatter. It’s a post-apocalyptic journey as envisioned by an ’80s teenage video game enthusiast wearing a Power Glove, and it’s absolutely spot-on perfect.

Watch it now on Peacock!

Upside Down

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Juan Diego Solanas’ 2012 film “Upside Down“, skillfully combines elements of science fiction and fantasy to narrate a celestial romance that could only exist within our imaginations. The story unfolds as we view the universe of “Upside Down” through the perspective of Adam, played by Jim Sturgess. He’s an ordinary individual living in extraordinary conditions, a resident of a binary planet system with a gravitationally challenging setup.

In these realms referred to as Upper and Lower, they are bound together by a shared gravitational force, enabling them to circle each other extremely closely. However, it doesn’t imply that inhabitants from both realms can move freely between them. On these domains, matter follows some strict principles. Primarily, any matter is only pulled towards the gravity of its native world. Secondly, this matter can be balanced by an “opposite” substance originating from the opposite realm. Lastly, interaction with opposite substances results in combustion after a few hours and is brief.

Adam was content with living his entire life on a single planet, but upon encountering Eden, a woman hailing from Above, they embarked on a journey to redefine not only their societal norms but also the fundamental principles of physics.

Watch it now on Peacock!

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2024-12-03 00:47