As we begin a particularly stressful week in the United States, it’s important to take a brain break—and nothing says “self-care” like “sci-fi” around these parts. The characters in these movies all face their own painful challenges, of course, but they’re doing it millions of miles from Earth, so at least they have something to hold on to. Here are 11 sci-fi movies to stream if you need a space vacation… in the next few days, or whenever.
The Martian (2015)
Directed by Ridley Scott from a screenplay by Drew Goddard (adapted from Andy Weir’s novel), this multi-Oscar nominee boasts equal talent in front of the camera, too. Matt Damon stars as an astronaut accidentally left behind during a trip to Mars; he is forced to “use science” in his survival until he is found again, with actors played by Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Jeff Daniels, Sebastian Stan, Donald Glover, Mackenzie Davis, Sean Bean, Benedict Wong, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Peña, and anxiously monitoring his progress encouraged potatoes. (Broadcast to Max)
Europa Report (2013)
Ecuadorian filmmaker Sebastián Cordero and screenwriter Philip Gelatt (who co-wrote and directed the 2021 animated blockbuster Spine of the Night) has collaborated on this fascinating fiction whose reality makes the “fairy tale” part of “science fiction” even worse. A group (including Sharlto Copley and Daniel Wu) headed for one of Jupiter’s moons decides to continue even after losing their communication link with Earth—among other disasters—which means they are truly alone when they discover something shocking upon arrival. (Streaming on Netflix)
The Stowaway (2021)
Toni Collette, Anna Kendrick, and Daniel Dae Kim play a three-person team on a long-distance journey to Mars—with Shamier Anderson. (John Wick: Chapter 4) an engineer who, due to a pre-flight error, mistakenly tagged along. His surprising presence is already a burden on their carefully measured supplies, but things become more urgent in this story of survival when they begin to lose their most precious resource, the air they breathe, at a rapid pace. (Streaming on Netflix)
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Sure, it starts on prehistoric Earth, but Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 masterpiece then goes to the moon and “beyond infinity.” And if ever there was a movie to remind humanity how small their place is in the grand scheme of the universe, 2001: A Space Odyssey is it. (Broadcast to Max)
Dark Star (1974)
Before director John Carpenter changed the horror genre forever Halloween-and author Dan O’Bannon changed the sci-fi genre forever with it Alien—worked together on this indie sci-fi comedy about an interstellar mission plagued by both operational and existential flaws. O’Bannon also stars as one of the band members, and Carpenter provides a score that sets the tone for his electronic music for future films. Of course, special effects are of late, especially when compared to the past 2001-but for a very low budget early ’70s project that started as a student film, they look pretty good. (Airing on Prime Video)
Event Horizon (1997)
Alienspeaking of, apparently a classic “haunted house in space” movie. But Event Horizonstarring Sam Neill and Laurence Fishburne, creates its own horror scene; there is no howling monster in this, just the terrifying depth that can be achieved by twisting one’s mind. Also: a black hole, a literal trip to hell, and a few jaw-dropping moments of body horror. (Airs on MGM+)
Solaris (1972)
The 2002 George Clooney/Stephen Soderburgh remake tried, but couldn’t replicate the negative feeling that pervades every frame of Andrei Tarkovsky’s first film, based on the novel by Stanislaw Lem. A thriller this isn’t, but if you want to take your thoughts far—say, to a deeper place, where confusing forms of emotional breakdown emerge—this is your best bet. (Broadcast to Max)
All 3 A mound Movies
Arrakis helps to celebrate A mound (2021), Dune: Part Two (2024), and—because why not?—A mound (1984) again. If ever there was a time to dive into the movies adapted by Frank Herbert, now is the perfect time, especially since the previous limited series. Dune: Prophecy hits HBO and Max later in November. (Broadcast to Max)
Looking for more io9 news? Check out when you can expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe in film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
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