Science fiction enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to on Netflix this July. With a plethora of options available, it can be overwhelming to decide what to watch. To make your decision easier, here are five must-watch sci-fi movies on Netflix for July 2024. These selections include a mix of superhero adventures, young adult sequels, and underrated space horrors that are sure to captivate your imagination.
First on the list is “The Flash” (2023). While it may not be the greatest superhero movie ever made, it certainly offers an entertaining spectacle. Directed by Andy Muschietti, the film follows Barry Allen (Ezra Miller) as he uses the Speed Force to travel back in time to save his mother. This act of altering the past inadvertently changes the future, leaving Barry stranded in an alternate timeline with no superheroes. When General Zod (Michael Shannon) invades Earth, Barry teams up with his younger self, an older Batman (Michael Keaton), and Supergirl (Sasha Calle) to save the world. Despite its flaws, “The Flash” is a solid superhero film with plenty of fun moments.
Next up is “Insurgent” (2015), the sequel to “Divergent.” Directed by Robert Schwentke, the film continues the story of Tris Prior (Shailene Woodley) and Four (Theo James) as they become fugitives on the run from Jeanine Matthews (Kate Winslet), the leader of the Erudite faction. With Jeanine and her mind-controlled Dauntless soldiers hunting them down, Tris and Four seek refuge in Factionless territory. There, they meet Evelyn (Naomi Watts), Four’s mother, who suggests an alliance between the surviving Dauntless and the Factionless to fight Jeanine. As tensions escalate, Tris must navigate the complexities of war and survival in this young adult adventure.
For fans of space horror, “Life” (2017) is a must-watch. Directed by Daniel Espinosa, the film stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Rebecca Ferguson, and Ryan Reynolds as astronauts aboard the International Space Station. They discover a multi-celled organism from Mars’ soil, which they name “Calvin.” Initially a groundbreaking discovery, Calvin soon evolves into an intelligent and destructive being. With nowhere to run, the astronauts must prevent Calvin from reaching Earth to save humanity. “Life” is a gripping and underrated space horror that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
David Lynch’s “Dune” (1984) is another sci-fi classic worth revisiting. Although it was critically panned upon its release, the film has since gained a cult following. Based on Frank Herbert’s novel, “Dune” follows Paul Atreides (Kyle MacLachlan) as he navigates the political intrigue and dangers of the desert planet Arrakis. Tasked with overseeing the production of the powerful resource known as “the spice,” Paul must lead the Fremen, the natives of Arrakis, to freedom and avenge his family’s downfall. Lynch’s “Dune” is a visually stunning and ambitious adaptation that deserves a second look.
Lastly, “Oxygen” (2021) is a claustrophobic thriller directed by Alexandre Aja. The film stars Mélanie Laurent as Elizabeth “Liz” Hansen, a woman who wakes up in a medical cryogenic unit with no memory of how she got there. Trapped in a coffin-sized pod with depleting oxygen levels, Liz must remember the administrator code to escape. With the help of an AI named M.I.L.O. (Mathieu Amalric), Liz races against time to save herself. “Oxygen” is a tense and engaging sci-fi film that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
These five sci-fi movies on Netflix offer a diverse range of stories and experiences, from superhero adventures to space horrors and young adult dystopias. Whether you’re a long-time sci-fi fan or new to the genre, these films are sure to provide hours of entertainment and thought-provoking narratives. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and enjoy these must-watch sci-fi movies on Netflix this July.
Source: Universal Pictures, Warner Bros., Lionsgate, Columbia Pictures, Skydance, Netflix
