Sci-fi doesn’t always need space battles or multiverse chaos to leave an impact. Sometimes, it’s a single idea-a theory, a machine, a moral choice—that quietly reshapes how we look at ourselves. And while everyone’s talking about the same big titles, there’s a lineup of smart, layered, and underappreciated sci-fi waiting just a scroll away.
Here’s a curated list of lesser-known or underrated science fiction movies (and some overlooked hits) you can stream right now across platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, JioCinema, Disney+ Hotstar, ZEE5, and MUBI.
1. I Am Mother (2019) – Netflix
Set almost entirely inside a high-tech underground bunker, I Am Mother follows a teenager raised by a robot in what’s supposed to be a post-extinction world. At first, it feels slow and clinical—but that’s part of the trap. As the girl starts to question who she can trust, the film turns tense in a quiet, unsettling way. It doesn’t scream for attention, but if you stick with it, the payoff is worth it. Definitely one of those smaller sci-fi films that leaves you thinking afterwards.
2. Jurassic World Dominion (2022) – JioCinema
This one got a mixed reception when it hit theatres, but on rewatch, it actually does a few interesting things. Instead of another park-gone-wrong story, Dominion opens up the world—literally. Dinosaurs are living among humans, affecting ecosystems, economies, and even black markets. It’s chaotic, yes, but that broader setting adds a sense of scale the older films didn’t touch. It may not be the tightest script in the franchise, but there’s enough here to make it more than just another dinosaur flick.
3. Dune: Part Two (2024) – JioCinema
Where the first part took its time building the world, Dune: Part Two finally lets things unfold. The pace picks up, and so does the emotional weight. Characters start making real choices—some out of faith, some out of survival. Visually, it’s still jaw-dropping, but what stands out more this time are the relationships and betrayals simmering beneath the surface. You can tell it’s not trying to wrap everything up neatly, and maybe that’s why it sticks. It feels lived-in, not just staged.
4. Men in Black Trilogy (1997–2012) – JioCinema
It’s easy to remember the jokes and aliens, but the MIB trilogy (especially the third) has aged surprisingly well. There’s a genuine sense of scale, and some surprisingly human moments beneath the sunglasses and neuralyzers. It’s fun, yes, but also cleverer than you remember.
5. Aniara (2018) – MUBI
This one’s a slow descent into existential despair aboard a luxury space cruiser that goes off-course. There’s no villain here—just time, memory, and the slow unravelling of comfort and identity. It’s not loud sci-fi—it’s poetic, heavy, and haunting.
6. Attack: Part 1 (2022) – ZEE5
With a mix of Indian nationalism and futuristic tech, Attack brings the concept of a cyber-soldier into a local context. John Abraham’s performance is straight-faced, but the action and world-building are bold steps for Indian sci-fi. It’s the kind of film that opens the door for bigger, better things.
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7. The Creator (2023) – Disney+ Hotstar
Set in a world where AI is no longer just a tool but a force, The Creator tells a deeply human story within a tech-heavy conflict. It’s beautifully shot and emotionally grounded, with themes around loss and control that feel relevant without being preachy.
8. Timecrimes (2007) – YouTube (Rent)
A man walks into the woods and ends up looping back on himself, with escalating consequences. This Spanish film is a time travel thriller told with such tight control that it leaves you more unsettled with each reveal. No CG, no frills, just sharp execution.
Final Thoughts
Some of these films were made on tight budgets. Some were overlooked because they weren’t loud enough. Others were part of franchises dismissed too quickly. But they all reflect the best part of science fiction—it’s not just about where the story goes, but what it tries to say along the way.
So next time you’re browsing Netflix, JioCinema, or Hotstar, go a little deeper. There’s a different kind of sci-fi waiting—one that’s quieter, weirder, and often more rewarding.
Writer – Subham Choudhary