Best Sci-Fi Movies on Amazon Prime Video

Utopia, dystopia, aliens, robots, space travel, time travel — when you think of a sci-fi movie, you want at least a few of these exciting elements. Building a convincing world is challenging when its foundation is based on scientific concepts which are often stretched far beyond human understanding. Yet, it is in doing so that the best sci-fi movies are created.

The success of Star Wars and the fact that its popularity has stood the test of time can be credited to the undeniable allure of the “distant galaxy far, far away”. But recommending this epic space opera would be too obvious as far as sci-fi recommendations go. So here are Amazon Prime Video sci-fi movies that go beyond the obvious.

Vanilla Sky (2001)

Do you have memories that might have actually been a dream? When David Aames Jr. (Tom Cruise), a disfigured man on trial for a murder he has no recollection of, is narrating his life to a court-appointed psychologist, we wonder alongside him about what exactly went wrong and how. You may have to watch the movie a few times to discover and rediscover the finer details.

When Sofia (Penélope Cruz) and David fall in love, Julie (Cameron Diaz), his ex-lover, purposely crashes their car, killing herself and disfiguring David. Facial reconstructions and surgeries are his new reality, but where are the hallucinations, murders he didn’t remember, and other bizarre experiences coming from?

This movie will not blow your mind in the “oh-wow-time-travel” way. Instead, you will feel the tension build and build. There are no over-the-top twists or supernatural elements, but Cruise’s convincing performance will make you feel confused for him and with him.

Donnie Darko (2001)

This is one of those movies that will send you down a rabbit hole of Reddit threads and film discussion forums. Donnie (Jake Gyllenhaal) is a troubled teenager who sleepwalks and frequently gets visions of a mysterious man in a rabbit costume warning him about the end of the world in 28 days.

With this countdown in mind, Donnie has to go through psychotherapy sessions because his parents are worried. Meanwhile, Frank the rabbit sends Donnie on strange adventures during which he commits numerous crimes. With a euphoric soundtrack, supernatural elements and spooky undertones, this movie takes mind-bending theories to a new level.

The plot may confuse you, but it all makes sense if you can hold on till the end.

Her (2013)

A ghostwriter falling in love with a virtual assistant can be funny, intriguing and full of drama, but Her takes it a step further by being one of the most heartbreaking renditions of what loneliness can do to someone.

Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix) is still reeling from his divorce when he meets Samantha (Scarlett Johansson), a virtual assistant who uses facial cues to learn how to interact with him like a human.

Theodore eventually falls in love with her. When the limitations of AI threaten their relationship, Theodore’s own emotional shortcomings also come to the fore, something that his ex-wife Catherine (Rooney Mara) also points out. The irony is that Theodore ghostwrites love letters often, so why does love elude him?

In the era of dating profiles and relationships based on swiping, you will be left questioning what ‘true’ love really is.

Predestination (2014)

This Australian film is based on All You Zombies (1959), a short story by Robert Heinlein. Agent Doe (Ethan Hawke) transports himself to 1992 after he is severely injured during a mission.

As his final mission, he had to go undercover in New York of the 1970s. While traversing different timelines, the Agent wants to find the bomber who escaped during his first mission.

Confusing? It isn’t, we promise.The subplots unravel slowly but surely, and excellent performances by Hawke and a watertight storyline make this movie an underrated watch.

Downsizing (2017)

This comedy-drama did not do well in theatres, but it deals with sensitive environmental issues with enough conviction that it’s worth a watch.

Dr. Asbjørnsen (Rolf Lassgard)  believes that downsizing (yes, humans sized not more than five inches) is the answer to overpopulation. Paul (Matt Damon) and Audrey (Kristen Wiig) were supposed to downsize together, but Audrey backed out at the last minute. Paul’s life as a downsized person is a struggle, and he is unsure how to move forward.

Paul meets Ngoc (Hong Chau), a Vietnamese activist. He makes it his life’s purpose to help her serve the impoverished population until he is given another enticing option for which he will have to leave this world behind.

The topic of environmentalism is dealt with humour and subtlety. The movie is intuitive in its portrayal of neo-liberal Americans, and the quirky nature of this film may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s still worth a sip.