For decades, the science fiction genre has been a world of wonder and imagination, with futuristic concepts that include advanced technology, space exploration, parallel universes, and much more. There really isn't a limit to what directors can come up with when it comes to this genre, and as of late, streaming channels have been picking up new and old sci-fi movies left and right.
Sure, viewers could scour their Netflix and Hulu queues for sci-fi movies, but why not try out a brand new streaming channel called Peacock? Since 2020, the streaming platform has been adding new and old movies to its collection, and there's no shortage of sci-fi movies packed with well-known actors and action. According to IMDb, these are the best sci-fi movies on Peacock right now.
Push: 6.1 (2009)
Push is a sci-fi thriller with an A-list cast consisting of Chris Evans, Dakota Fanning, Camilla Belle, and Djimon Hounsou. The movie centers on a group of people born with superhuman powers who've joined together to fight a common enemy.
When the government wants to enhance their powers to use them as soldiers, they combine their abilities to stop the plan and continue living free. Because Chris Evans is widely known for his role as Captain America, fans might forget other roles like this one he's played along the way.
Metropia: 6.3 (2009)
Metropia stands apart from other sci-fi movies because of its realistic characters that are actually animated. Directed by Tarik Saleh, the movie uses a technique that alters photographs that have been heavily stylized from a computer program, which makes it entrancing and interesting to watch.
The story centers on a futuristic European landscape that is running out of oil. In turn, a large underground compound has been created, to which all countries can join. One character in particular, Roger (Vincent Gallo), finds the underground community disturbing, and whenever he gets too close to it, he hears voices in his head. These voices might not be a result of insanity but a clue into what's actually going on below. The movie also features star voices such as Juliette Lewis, Stellan Skarsgård, and Alexander Skarsgård, and has gained a following for its unique approach.
Repo Men: 6.3 (2010)
Based on the novel The Repossession Mambo, Repo Men is set in the near future and follows a repo man named Remy (Jude Law) who is great at his job, but his personal life is failing. When he is involved in an accident, he receives an artificial heart. He realizes that he's suffering the consequences of his past victims, which changes his view on everything.
After the operation, he wants to get out of the business, and at the same time, he finds himself helping a woman named Beth (Alice Braga) to get out of a debt, which raises the alarms for his old co-workers.
Death Race: 6.4 (2008)
It's 2012, the economy is collapsing, and the unemployment rate is high. To pass the time, Americans watch convicted criminals race armored cars on Terminal Island. The racing is high-risk, and most of those involved die. But the winner gets his freedom.
Jensen Ames (Jason Statham) is down on his luck and is arrested for his wife's murder. In prison, he's offered a position to race or die in prison. Is his fate in the hands of the manipulative Warden (Joan Allen), or does he have a chance to win it all? While many fans favor the original Death Race, the reboot is fun, entertaining, and filled with non-stop action.
Upside Down: 6.4 (2012)
Adam (Jim Sturgess) and Eden (Kirsten Dunst) are two people in love, but like any movie love story, they struggle to make their relationship work. While Adam lives a humble lifestyle, his love Eden lives in an affluent world, with its own gravity that remains above Adam's.
After years of separation, Adam sees Eden on television, and it's then when he realizes he will do anything to get her back, even if it means he has to defy gravity. Upside Down isn't for everyone, but if anything, viewers should watch it for its amazing visuals and unique storytelling direction.
Phantasm: 6.7 (1979)
Phantasm is a 1979 sci-fi horror film directed, written, photographed, and edited by Don Coscarelli. The movie centers on a boy named Mike (Michael Baldwin), who's just lost his parents. After witnessing a mysteriously tall man lift a coffin by himself, he alerts his brother Jody (Bill Thornbury) and a family friend named Reggie (Reggie Bannister) of the event.
They don't know that Mike witnessed the Tall Man (Angus Scrimm), a supernatural undertaker, robbing graves to add to his collection of zombie slaves. Mike, Jody, and Reggie must find a way to put a stop to it before the Tall Man can fulfill his duty.
Battlestar Galactica: The Plan: 7.1 (2009)
Battlestar Galactica is known for its sci-fi adventures set in a futuristic universe, and as of 2009, it was made into a movie. The story comprises new material and uses footage from the 2003 miniseries and the 2004 series.
Battlestar Galactica: The Plan shows more of the Cylon brothers' perspective, as Cavil (Dean Stockwell) wishes to end humankind. His attack on the twelve colonies will be detrimental, but when he fails to wipe out human life, he shifts his plan and aboard Battlestar Galactica. This puts the enemy and the heroes face-to-face in a battle for survival.
They Live: 7.3 (1988)
John Carpenter is iconic for many movies, but They Live is one of his most memorable and highest-rated. Based on Ray Nelson's 1963 short story Eight O'Clock in the Morning, the movie follows a down-on-his-luck construction worker who coincidently finds a pair of sunglasses.
Once he tries them on, he sees the world for what it really is; a dystopian world controlled by the media and government via subliminal messages. What's worse is that the "people" in charge aren't really human, but horrific-looking aliens that are keeping humans subdued for their own advantage.
Serenity: 7.8 (2005)
Serenity is a follow-up sequel to the popular TV series, Firefly, which was canceled after one season. The movie picks up where the series left off and is set in 2517, with the same cast and events taking place.
After losing a war against the Alliance, the crew's lives of stealing and cargo-running are compromised when a passenger with psychic abilities is carrying a very dangerous secret. Serenity is a memorable movie for many reasons, but perhaps one of the best things about the conclusion to Firefly is its quotes throughout the movie.
Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind: 8.3 (2004)
Joel Barish (Jim Carrey) and Clementine Kruczynski (Kate Winslet) are a couple that is headed towards a devastating breakup. After Joel realizes Clem has undergone a procedure to erase him from her memory, he seeks revenge and does the same.
As Joel's memories of Clem start to fade away, he realizes he might've made a mistake he'll largely regret later. After the procedure, Joel and Clem's paths cross again, but are they really meant to be, or was the futuristic procedure the right thing to do?