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Netflix’s latest original movie is “War Machine,” a macho action movie with a sci-fi enemy, and unsurprisingly, it’s set to be a near instant success, already scaling the platform’s top 10 list barely a day after dropping. It’s got me thinking about the other great sci-fi action movies you can watch on the world’s most popular streaming service, and so I did some research.
After scrolling through the vast Netflix library, I’ve found a strong collection of engaging movies that combine adrenaline-raising action with compelling science fiction ideas. These range from ‘90s classics to major modern blockbusters, and more.
‘Independence Day’ (1996)
One of cinema’s quintessential sci-fi action movies, “Independence Day” is a blockbuster blast regardless of the time of the year. From director Roland Emmerich — who certainly knows his way around large-scale destruction — and starring Will Smith in his “movie star” prime, it’s an alien invasion classic that will have you fist-pumping the air throughout. It also sees Smith’s Captain Hiller literally punch an alien in the face, which is utterly bonkers.
When unidentified flying objects appear over several of Earth’s major cities, the planet is braced for an attack the likes of which humanity has never seen before. As July 4 looms, the alien forces' plan for total annihilation becomes clear, and it’s up to a plucky group of soldiers and scientists to band together to save the human race and defeat the extraterrestrial threat. Alongside Smith, the movie also stars Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum and Mary McDonnell.
Watch "Independence Day" on Netflix now
‘Godzilla Minus One’ (2023)
I’ve never considered myself much of a Godzilla fan, so even when I caught wind of the pre-release buzz surrounding “Minus One,” I was skeptical. Turns out I was very much mistaken, this monster movie is a true epic, that succeeds because it offers so much more than an oversized lizard wrecking skyscrapers. Don’t get me wrong, Godzilla’s penchant for wanton destruction is here in spades, but it’s the human cast that sets this one apart, and makes it a monster movie that is about something deeper than fearsome creatures.
Opening during the final months of World War II, Kōichi Shikishima (Ryunosuke Kamiki) is a kamikaze pilot who abandons his post, only to be confronted with Godzilla. Barely surviving, he’s traumatized, but starts to build a new life after meeting Noriko (Minami Hamabe) in the ruins of Tokyo. However, when the mythical monster returns, he must face his fear and redeem himself. Even better, “Godzilla Minus One” has eye-popping effects despite its comparatively smaller budget.
Watch "Godzilla Minus One" on Netflix now
‘Upgrade’ (2018)
The narrative bones of “Upgrade” are pretty unremarkable. It’s your classic revenge tale: an ordinary man devastated over the death of his beloved goes on a vengeful rampage to dish out some bloody justice. But what “Upgrade” lacks in new ideas, it makes up for with slick action, an intriguing techno-powered future, and some very brutal violence. It’s proof that old ideas can still feel fresh if you have the right creatives working under the hood.
Grey Trace (Logan Marshall-Green) is a simple mechanic whose life is forever changed on a fateful night when his wife, Asha (Melanie Vallejo), is murdered and he’s left paralyzed after a cruel and senseless attack. When a tech tycoon gives him an A.I. implant that not only allows him to walk but enhances his capabilities, he sets out on a revenge mission against those who ruined his life. But along the way, he discovers a shocking truth about the attack.
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‘Elysium’ (2013)
Neil Blomkamp exploded onto the scene with his directorial debut “District 9,” a gripping sci-fi thriller with thoughtful subtext. “Elysium” followed four years later, and while it’s a far less subtle exploration of a future Earth that parallels problems we face in our current society, Blomkamp trades intelligent social commentary for a broader action-first approach. That switch will appeal to some viewers, and it results in a very entertaining sci-fi action movie.
Set in the year 2154, Earth is overpopulated and heavily polluted. While the lower class survives in squalor on the surface, the rich and powerful live on a luxurious space station, Elysium, that orbits the planet. Max Da Costa (Matt Damon) is a parolee working for a megacorp, who decides to take on this unjust system when he’s subjected to a lethal dose of radiation and given days to live. And you can’t bring down a system without some firepower.
Watch "Elysium" on Netflix now
‘Jurassic World’ (2015)
I’m sure some of my fellow movie buffs would scoff when I say this, but “Jurassic World” is darn good fun. The sequels are pretty shoddy, but the first movie in the “World” franchise is the follow-up to the iconic “Jurassic Park” I always wanted. It’s a hoot to see a park full of dinosaurs open for business and packed with excited guests. It’s just a shame their day out at this marvellous theme park of dreams is very quickly spoiled when the dinos break out.
With the park owners trying to draw in bigger crowds. The quest to satisfy guests demanding more impressive dinosaurs is a dangerous one, as the lethal Indominus Rex escapes its pen and goes on a rampage. The only person who can save the day is Owen Grady (Chris Pratt), a velociraptor handler, with some help from Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard), the park’s operations manager. “Jurassic World” is a guilty pleasure, but skip the sequels.
Watch "Jurassic World" on Netflix now
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