As a long-time enthusiast of sci-fi and a connoisseur of quirky cinema, I must say that these three selections offer a delightful mix of adventure, romance, and good old-fashioned humor.
Stories serve as a means for us to express and delve into topics that are often challenging to discuss directly: love, loss, fear, aspiration… Through these narratives, we create stand-ins for ourselves – characters who are more attractive, courageous, or insightful than ourselves – and place them in scenarios we can barely fathom. This allows us to examine the world as it stands or as we long for it to be. Among all genres, science fiction might be the most effective at expanding this distinctive form of cultural introspection to our potential future.
By exploring science fiction, we gain insights into possible future scenarios and have a chance to learn from fictional errors before they become real-life issues. As we can only create what we can initially conceive, it’s beneficial for us to delve into the various potential futures presented in these stories as a means of preparation for the realities that may eventually materialize.
If you’re seeking inspiration, Peacock offers a wide selection of science fiction films and series that could spark your imagination. While not all sci-fi stories depict ideal futures, they might function more as cautionary tales than roadmaps, but rest assured, you’ll have a thrilling time exploring them either way. With countless movies and numerous episodes to select from, these are just a few of our top picks.
For More on Sci-Fi
1. Here are 20 sci-fi TV shows I’ve discovered on Peacock that have really caught my attention, including “Twisted Metal,” “Three-Body Problem,” and “Resident Alien.” Did you know that Luc Besson actually wrote “The Fifth Element” while he was still in high school? I also recently delved into understanding the timeline of Vin Diesel’s sci-fi epic, “The Riddick,” to make sense of it all.
What are the best sci-fi movies now streaming on Peacock?
M3GAN
At times, what you truly require is a friend who truly understands you. When nine-year-old Cady tragically loses her parents in a car accident, she moves in with her aunt Gemma, an innovative engineer and inventor employed by the toy company Funki. Despite Aunt Gemma’s best efforts to balance her career and childcare responsibilities, she ultimately decides to merge the two. In need of companionship, Cady finds it, while Aunt Gemma requires a tester for her latest creation – the Model 3 Generative Android, affectionately known as M3GAN.
As a gamer, I’ve found myself in an unexpectedly joyful situation. Cady’s face lights up with smiles and laughter, something I haven’t seen since the loss of my parents. M3GAN, this advanced AI, is impressively exceeding expectations, and Gemma’s bosses are thrilled. Yet, we can’t help but sense that trouble might be lurking around the corner.
Watch it now on Peacock!
WATERWORLD
In a future, Waterworld depicts a classic post-apocalyptic scenario where our protagonists, Kevin Costner, Jeanne Tripplehorn, and Tina Majorino, find themselves stranded amidst the remnants of the world, surviving on a watery expanse.
In several future centuries, due to unchecked global warming leading to ice cap meltdown, sea levels have surged worldwide, reaching an astonishing height of approximately 25,000 feet. This catastrophic rise has submerged every piece of land on Earth. Mariner (Costner), a solitary survivor, explores the vast oceans aboard a modest wooden ship. Interestingly, he is not just any man; he possesses gills hidden behind his ears, making him a unique aquatic mutant.
After narrowly cheating death, Mariner teams up with the youthful Enola (Majorino) and her guardian Hellen (Tripplehorn). Notably, Enola bears a map to solid ground inked on her back, and sinister forces (spearheaded by an utterly maniacal Dennis Hopper) are intent on obtaining those coordinates, going as far as murder if necessary.
Watch it now on Peacock!
HULK
Prior to the Marvel Cinematic Universe reshaping the narrative style for superhero tales, and just a year subsequent to Sam Raimi’s initial Spider-Man film, Ang Lee presented his interpretation of the Hulk, aptly titled Hulk.
The film narrates the backstory of Bruce Banner, portrayed by Eric Bana, and his enraged alternate persona that arises following a lab accident involving gamma radiation. In simpler terms, it’s the tale of his transformation. Despite receiving mixed responses when it initially came out, Ang Lee’s Hulk has experienced something of a resurgence in popularity over the past few years as viewers and critics reevaluate the movie, which is now about two decades old.
Watch it now on Peacock!
KNOWING
When you aim a dart at Nicolas Cage’s movie collection, it’s impossible to predict whether you’ll hit a heartfelt drama or an eccentric film unlike any other. One thing that’s certain, though, is you’re in for a fun ride. The movie “Knowing” positions itself along the spectrum of Cage’s roles, with him portraying a mathematician who uncovers a sequence of numbers that predict future catastrophes.
Following a relentless struggle with an apocalyptic Sudoku grid, he comes to understand that each number signifies a date, celestial coordinates, and casualties of significant disasters spanning centuries. A handful of dates remain in the sequence before its completion, which coincides with the predicted end of the world.
Watch it now on Peacock!
LUCY
Initially, Lucy faced criticism upon its release, but looking back, it’s clear that the film was an entertaining and outlandish science fiction adventure, despite being less realistic than anticipated. Regardless of our initial expectations, it has proven to be as enjoyable as it is implausible.
In a daring exploration that pushes the boundaries of plausibility, Lucy (played by Scarlet Johansson) experiences an extraordinary transformation after being involuntarily subjected to a groundbreaking drug. As more of her brain is activated, she exhibits unprecedented mental and physical abilities. By the climax of the movie, she’s virtually indestructible, immune to pain or injury, and can even traverse time psychically. The film’s audacity in tackling a concept as debunked as the notion that we only use a fraction of our brains is what makes it so endearing. We adore its bravery in venturing into the realm where credulity meets adventure.
Watch it now on Peacock!
BATTLESHIP
“Battleship” is a thrilling space odyssey, helmed by director Peter Berg, inspired by the timeless strategy game manufactured by Hasbro. Engaging in Battleship means stepping into historical naval conflicts, simulating maritime battles with vast ocean vessels. Viewing “Battleship”, on the other hand, offers a glimpse into tomorrow, where mankind confronts extraterrestrial threats to safeguard Earth’s future.
In the year 2006, after unearthing a potentially inhabited planet called Planet G in an alternate timeline, we embarked on constructing a communication device. This was a monumental scientific endeavor, but unfortunately, it turned out to be a fatal error.
Nearly a decade has passed since the planet was found, then suddenly extraterrestrial vessels appear over Earth, concealed within the mysterious abysses of our ocean depths. The key to our survival lies in locating and annihilating these alien battlefleets!
Watch it now on Peacock!
ALIENS ABDUCTED MY PARENTS AND NOW I FEEL KINDA LEFT OUT
In a small town, Calvin (Jacob Buster), a local long-timer who’s somewhat shunned, and Itsy (Emma Tremblay), a recent arrival from the bustling city with her family, form an unexpected friendship as they grow up together.
Approximately a decade ago, Calvin’s parents mysteriously vanished at the time when the fictional comet Jesper made its rare appearance. Convinced that extraterrestrial beings took his parents, Calvin believes he will be able to reunite with them when the comet reappears. As a result, every aspect of his life revolves around preparing for the possible return of the comet.
As a lifelong fan of science fiction, I can confidently say that Austin Osanai Everett and Jake Van Wagoner’s heartfelt coming-of-age story is like nothing I’ve ever seen before. It seamlessly blends otherworldly elements with relatable Earthbound themes, creating a unique and captivating narrative that resonates deeply. Having spent countless hours immersed in the genre, I can attest to the fact that this duo has managed to craft a story that is both out of this world and totally grounded in the human experience.
Watch it now on Peacock!
DONNIE DARKO
As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but be captivated by Richard Kelly’s 2001 masterpiece, “Donnie Darko.” This cult classic still holds my attention during late-night viewings and fuels intense debates with friends, even after two decades of its release. The story unfolds in the year 1988, where our protagonist, Donnie Darko (played by Jake Gyllenhaal), is mysteriously roused from sleep. Heeding an enigmatic voice, he crosses paths with a peculiar, anthropomorphic rabbit named Frank who prophesies the impending doom of the world in exactly 28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes, and 12 seconds.
Remarkably, that unexpected incident averted Donnie’s immediate demise when an airplane engine plunged into his bedroom. From then on, a peculiar chain of occurrences ensues, encompassing alternate realities, multiverse relics, temporal spirit apparitions, and the intertwined destinies of a young boy and the entire cosmos.
Watch it now on Peacock!
APOLLO 18
NASA’s Apollo mission concluded in 1972, with the safe return of Apollo 17. The program was terminated prematurely, canceling three subsequent missions, Apollo 18 through 20. While history records it as ending there, director Gonzalo López-Gallego envisioned a different storyline in the 2011 film Apollo 18.
Following Apollo’s official conclusion, the 18th mission was revived covertly by the Department of Defense as a Top Secret operation to transport a confidential cargo to the Moon’s South Pole. The ensuing dramatic events provide strong reasons for why footage from this mission has been hidden and it remains unmentioned. If you are intrigued by the notion that moon landings took place but seek a touch of conspiracy, then this film is an engaging treat for you.
Watch it now on Peacock!
TURBO KID
Turbo Kid may not technically be a depiction of the future, but we can overlook that since it’s simply fantastic. Set in an alternate 1997, this story takes place in a world plagued by water scarcity. A ruthless ruler named Zeus (brilliantly portrayed by Michael Ironside) seizes control, forcing people from the Wasteland to give up their water for his own gain. It’s a challenging existence for a child who merely wishes to enjoy biking and reading comics.
When The Kid encounters Apple, an innovative robot friend, they embark on an extraordinary coming-of-age journey that sets it apart from all others. This tale combines elements of both “Napoleon Dynamite” and “Mad Max,” with a touch of dark humor that’s surprisingly amusing, given the abundance of blood spatters. It’s like a post-apocalyptic fantasy conjured up by an ’80s teen who was into Power Gloves. And it’s spot-on perfect.
Watch it now on Peacock!
EUROPA REPORT
Europa is one of Jupiter’s four largest moons, often referred to as the Galilean moons, which are entirely covered with a global layer of ice. Beneath this icy surface, due to the gravitational pull from Jupiter, Europa, and its many other moons, lies an ocean that spans the entire world, filled with liquid water. Studies indicate that activities on the surface introduce oxygen and salts into the water, and undersea vents might supply nutrients and warmth. If conditions are favorable, life could potentially emerge and prosper in this ocean world devoid of light.
Europa Report paints a picture of the exploration voyage we long for, where intrepid adventurers venture into an extraterrestrial realm to witness it firsthand. Regrettably, events don’t unfold as anticipated. This becomes evident right from the start, as the narrative is not provided by any of the crew members but by Dr. Samantha Unger, CEO of Europa Ventures. A team is dispatched on a moon mission in search of life. In space, be mindful of what you desire, for it may not always go according to plan.
After touching down, they penetrate the ice layer and launch an exploratory device. One team member spots a distant blue glow, initially deemed as fatigue-induced hallucination. However, any skepticism fades away when the submerged probe also detects a matching light right before it gets damaged. It appears there’s life on Europa, and it seems agitated.
Watch it now on Peacock!
DREDD
As a long-time fan of Judge Dredd comics, I was initially disappointed with the way the character was brought to life in the 1995 movie adaptation directed by Danny Cannon. Having grown up reading the comic strips and imagining the world of Mega-City One and its citizens, I felt that the film didn’t do justice to the complexity and grittiness of the source material. However, my faith was restored in 2012 when director Pete Travis and screenwriter Alex Garland (Ex Machina) gave Judge Dredd the onscreen adaptation he truly deserved. The movie titled Dredd was a refreshing take on the character, capturing the essence of Judge Dredd’s world with its intense action sequences and thought-provoking themes. It was a cinematic experience that I thoroughly enjoyed, one that finally allowed me to see my favorite comic book hero brought to life in a way that felt authentic and true to the spirit of the comics.
In an upcoming dark society, figures similar to Judge Dredd (Karl Urban) wield all power in enforcing laws, including judgments, sentences, and executions. The story follows Judge Dredd who is dispatched to a towering apartment complex governed by Ma-Ma (Lena Headey), a drug kingpin distributing a mind-bending time-altering substance. Upon entering, Ma-Ma seals the compound with nuclear barriers and offers a bounty for Dredd’s capture. The situation spirals out of control from that point on.
Watch it now on Peacock!
MEN IN BLACK
In a manner reminiscent of numerous police series from the late ’90s, the movie Men in Black opens. The character James Edwards, portrayed by Will Smith, comes across a peculiar criminal with extraordinary evasion skills who turns out to be an alien. He’s offered a glimpse into the truth behind the scenes, and he’s presented with two options: either accept the bizarre reality or erase the memory and go back to his ordinary life. In essence, it’s no real choice at all. James gets drawn into the hidden world of the Men in Black, a clandestine agency dedicated to shielding humans from various extraterrestrial beings that inhabit our planet.
Following the deletion of most of his name, leaving just the initial ‘J’, he discovers that our planet Earth has been designated as a sanctuary for extraterrestrial refugees. A fragile truce exists between us and the rest of the universe. However, this peace is threatened when an insectoid alien invades a rural farmer named Edgar (Vincent D’Onofrio), in search of a hidden galaxy with the intention of igniting interstellar conflict. To prevent this galaxy from falling under the control of the bugs, the sophisticated Arquillians are prepared to obliterate Earth. The fate of our world rests on J and his associate K (Tommy Lee Jones).
After you’ve successfully saved the world once, continue your journey with the Men in Black as they embark on further escapades in “Men in Black 2” and “Men in Black 3”.
Watch it now on Peacock!
MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000
As someone who has faced my fair share of unexpected challenges and twists in life, I can wholeheartedly attest to the truth of the saying “You never know what a new day might bring.” One could find themselves in the most peculiar circumstances, such as being kidnapped by a band of eccentric scientists, whisked away on an interstellar voyage, and subjected to a diet of subpar films until one’s grip on reality starts to slip. In times like those, it’s invaluable to have a few trusted friends by your side. Their support can help you navigate the uncharted waters, offering comfort, advice, and strength when you need it most. Life is full of surprises, but with friends by your side, even the most daunting situations become more manageable.
In an improbable yet comical predicament, Joel Robinson found himself stranded without companionship. To alleviate his solitude, he fashioned friends from salvaged ship parts, whom he named Tom Servo, Crow T. Robot, and GPC. These newfound pals, along with various human test subjects (initially Joel, followed by an assortment of others), would endure watching poor-quality movies while providing witty commentary to make the viewing experience less grueling. The charm of Mystery Science Theater 3000, lies in its abundance – not just one subpar movie, but a myriad of them. Over time, these films, despite their initial quality, begin to appear more bearable.
Watch it now on Peacock!
UPSIDE DOWN
Juan Diego Solanas’ 2012 movie “Upside Down” seamlessly combines elements of science fiction and fantasy to spin a captivating tale of love set among the cosmos. This film invites us into the worlds of “Upside Down” via the perspective of Adam (Jim Sturgess), an ordinary man living in extraordinary circumstances, residing on a two-sided planet with a unique gravitational arrangement.
In these realms referred to simply as Above and Below, they share a common gravitational force, enabling them to dance around each other at an incredibly tight distance. However, this doesn’t mean that inhabitants of the two realms can casually travel between them. The matter in these places follows some strict principles. Primarily, all matter is only magnetically drawn towards the gravity of its native realm. Secondly, matter can be balanced by a “reverse” substance from the opposite realm. Lastly, interaction with reverse matter is brief and results in an immediate combustion after a few hours have passed.
Perhaps Adam, content with living on a single planet, found himself captivated by Eden, a woman hailing from Above. Together, they embarked on an adventure that led them to challenge the norms of their society and even the fundamental principles of physics.
Watch it now on Peacock!
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2024-08-07 22:03