Netflix Instant: The Best Sci-Fi and Fantasy Films Available to Stream Instantly - October 2014
The Best Sci-Fi and Fantasy Films on Netflix
Sharing a love for sci-fi and fantasy films brought around this list for the top available to watch on Netflix Instant. It is chaotic and stressful navigating ones way around the Netflix browser to attempt at finding a good film, checking the user ratings (not always helpful), and flicking through hundreds of choices. Then at the point when choosing a film, it turns out that it was a load of rubbish, which is another waste of time, leading back to the endless list of possibilities.
So, stop wasting time watching the bad movies and get straight to the best which are available at the touch of a button.
Note: If you are not currently a Netflix user, then subscribe at the following link:
UK - This is the link for UK subscribers, simply click on the link, which will take you to the Netflix home page, with a button, which should state, "Start your free month", which will lead to a page asking to fill out personal details. First month is FREE, thereafter the set price each month is £5.99 per month. Now, enjoy streaming instant films/TV series.
US - A similar process to the above. First month is FREE, thereafter the set price each month is $7.99 per month.
Without further ado, here is the list of the best Netflix instant sci-fi and fantasy films available at the moment, to stream instantly:
#10 - 2012 (film) (2009)
Short Review: This is an action | adventure | sci-fi. A disaster film which plays off the foreseeing of the end of time for humans back in 2012, which although thankfully didn't happen, still helped make up for a great film.
The plot is somewhat unexpected but the end of the world quickly becomes apparent as a series of catastrophic natural events occur, causing humans to dwindle in survival. Visually the film is stunning, with some brilliant special effects and CGI, which makes the entire film worth seeing, however it isn't a film I will be re-watching any time soon.
The backstory is disappointing with very little substance, which made it a less realistic experience to watch, being much too reliant on special effects and CGI to pull off this 'could have been great' film. Although I would recommend everyone to watch the film as it is streaming right now on Netflix Instant.
Remember- This isn't going to be anything like The Day After Tomorrow, so go into watching this film with little expectations and it will be more enjoyable.
Stars: John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Thandie Newton
Age: 12 and above
Personal Rating: 5.9/10
IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
#9 - Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
Short Review: This is an action | adventure | sci-fi. Fans of Marvel are going to love this film, with the first of the Avengers having his story told, with Captain America whose story begins during world war II as he kicks ass for the USA.
Although not the strongest or the smartest of the Avengers, Captain America is a brilliant addition, with a brilliant film which focuses the first superhero. An American spirited film which holds the pride, bravery, and patriotism in one man, a superhero created to better the USA's ability to fight off the enemy during the height of world war II, with a new threat.
Plenty of action to be had in this film with a good storyline which paces well from start to finish with a well-suited ending, which nicely leaves off at a time when you might expect a member of the Avengers group to join the force for justice.
Stars: Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving, Samuel L. Jackson
Age: 12 and above
Personal Rating: 7.4/10
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
#8 - 9 (film) (2009)
Short Review: This is an animation | action | adventure | sci-fi. Based in a post-apocalyptic future where man kinds salvation lye's in the hands of a rag doll, this is an adventure worth watching.
An unusual setting for an animation film, as it takes place in a dreary future for mankind, however the story is focused on a living rag doll, which proves to be an interesting character as the film paces forward.
With a Tim Burton feel to the film, this is one to watch for anyone with a taste for the strange and a certain unorthodox creation which redefines expectations for animated feature films forever.
Stars: Elijah Wood, Jennifer Connelly, Crispin Glover
Age: 12 and above
Personal Rating: 7.7/10
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
#7 - Thor (2011)
Short Review: This is an action | adventure | fantasy. The mighty Thor is unlike any other superhero previously seen in Marvel films or any other superhero film, as he is a God from another planet, Asgard, which have the power to travel to all of the planets with life.
Thor is an arrogant God, but also surprisingly funny, as his character is out of place when he comes to planet earth, where he learns of life on a completely different scale. Chris Hemsworth (plays Thor) really gets into his character making it his own which comes across, which helped make this a very entertaining film with humour, action, and plenty of adventure.
Certain scenes pull off the emotion well, which adds real feeling to an otherwise typical action packed blockbuster, as emotion means real meaning. Thor's connection with Jane Foster (played by Natalie Portman) was very believable which added love to the mix, and with love fills the romantic side which all films require to become a success.
Not to mention the evil brother Loki, Thor's sibling, who proves to be a real pain in his side when he makes attempts at taking Thor out of the picture. Loki has all of the elements which make a great villain, which is the final piece to the puzzle in creating a great superhero movie.
This is by far one of the best Marvel films which have been created so far, with some impressive scenes which can be re-watched again and again, still having the same effect.
Stars: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins
Age: 12 and above
Personal Rating: 7.8/10
IMDb Rating: 7/10
#6 - Ghost Busters (1984)
Short Review: This is a comedy | fantasy | sci-fi. This is a hilarious film which can be watched again and again, still getting the same reaction, as it is honestly that good. This is a comedy which has gone down in film history and for good reason as it delivers the perfect comedy with something for everyone. It has the funny one liners, the most well-known being, "who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!", and everything one might expect from a good comedy flick.
A wacky, unusual, but hysterical comedy, which is a must-watch on Netflix Instant right now.
Stars: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver
Age: PG (Parental Guidance)
Personal Rating: 8.2/10
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
#5 - Serenity (2005)
Short Review: This is an action | adventure | sci-fi. A great film which has plenty of action and adventure to keep all lovers of kick-ass action entertained, but also enough meaningful moments of feeling to keep the deeper viewer entertained as well. It is a much easier film to watch for those into sci-fi, although in saying this, the film is entertaining either way.
This is a must watch for fans of Firefly (TV Series), anyone into sci-fi, and pretty much anyone who likes to watch action and adventure films, as this is a film which doesn't disappoint.
Stars: Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Chiwetel Ejiofor
Age: 15 and above
Personal Rating: 8.4/10
IMDb Rating: 8/10
#4 - Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
Short Review: This is an adventure | drama | sci-fi. A film directed by Steven Spielberg, which is arguably one of his best directorial projects which he has ever done as this is a masterpiece, especially since it was created in the 70's when technology was limited. This was one of the first films which ever took upon the idea of the unknown from out-a-space, and made it realistic beyond all expectations.
A truly captivating film which really causes questions to be asked which leaves a lasting set of thoughts which isn't exactly unusual considering the level of films created today, but remember this film was created more than 35 years ago.
A must watch for anyone into sci-fi, extra-terrestrial life, and a great film which feels breathtaking to watch due to the high standard of the films making.
Stars: Richard Dreyfuss, François Truffaut, Teri Garr
Age: PG (Parental Guidance)
Personal Rating: 8.5/10
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
#3 - Avengers Assemble (2012)
Short Review: This is an action | adventure | sci-fi. The ultimate Marvel superhero film with all of the best that Marvel has to offer, coming together to form the strongest team on earth, to defend earth from threats which cannot be handled without their assistance.
With action around every corner, the Avengers soon realise that when the threat is too fierce to handle alone, they must work as a team to save the day. Loki is back to his evil ways as he makes attempts at ruling over earth, which is exciting as he has to be the best Marvel villain, which is why it makes sense having him as the bad guy in the Avengers film.
Certain members of the Avengers team clash a little bit, like Thor and Hulk as they both have the most strength and power, as well as Captain America and Iron Man, as they both struggle, fighting over leadership of the team.
Overall a well put together film, which everyone into action, adventure, sci-fi, and fantasy will want to watch as it truly does have something for everyone. This has to be the action blockbuster of the decade with more than just a little entertainment to please the whole family.
Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth
Age: 12 and above
Personal Rating: 8.8/10
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
#2 - The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
Short Review: This is an adventure | fantasy. Lord of the Rings fans will be going nuts over The Hobbit, as it is the prequel to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, which was the best fantasy series ever produced.
Set to be a trilogy, this a the first in the series which really hit the mark, with the beginning of a new journey to reclaim the lonely mountain for the dwarfs, which is a heartfelt quest as it is but becomes even more heart warming when the opening scene to the film shows the tragedy which the dwarfs have had to go through.
This film doesn't disappoint with plenty of action, adventure, and great characters to keep everyone entertained for the duration of the film. The start of the film was unbelievably good, which usually leads to a downhill slope in films but this one only goes more in depth, and entertains, filling ones appetite for adventure to the limit.
The films cliffhanger is great, which really gets one ready for the next installment, which is always a good sign in a film. If you haven't seen this film yet, I would advise watching it on Netflix Instant as it is streaming right now! So what are you waiting for?
Stars: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage
Age: 12 and above
Personal Rating: 9/10
IMDb Rating: 8/10
#1 - The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
Short Review: This is an adventure | fantasy. The Hobbit adventure continues... with more excitement, action, adventure than in the first installment, which makes this the best Hobbit film yet, out of the trilogy so far.
Finally bringing elves more into the story, the adventure gets deeper, with more danger, more action, and less time for calming nerves with all of the films offerings been thrown constantly with the never ending entertainment which it offers.
The film does a good job at explaining the back story in better detail, even going into more depth in to what may be happening in the final installment which will finish the trilogy. This is the film everyone should be watching on Netflix Instant, as it is the No.1 fantasy film available to stream instantly, right now!
Stars: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage
Age: 12 and above
Personal Rating: 9.2/10
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
"The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" Trailer
Best Sci-Fi and Fantasy Film!
Which sci-fi and fantasy film is the best?
Summary...
All of the films listed are great films with more potential than any of the other available on Netflix Instant at the moment, in entertaining with the highest standards.
I hope this list is helpful in deciding on what sci-fi and fantasy films are worth watching in the next search for a great sci-fi and fantasy worth watching next time on Netflix Instant.
I'm on a mission to make Netflix Instant browsing far more simpler, with lists of the top 10's for each genre.
Note: There are plenty other good sci-fi and fantasy films available on Netflix Instant, but these are by far the top 10 this month.
To find more information on these films check the following link:
The following link takes you to the IMDb (internet movie data base) home page, which has information on all things movies. Simply search the movie, and find out everything there is to know about the movie.
Thank you for checking out this hub, if you liked it then please don't forget to leave a comment below, and if there are any films which you believe should have been on the list, then please leave their names in the comments box below.