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The science fiction genre covers a wide gamut of subjects, from time travel to aliens, and from artificial intelligence to genetic engineering. Its sheer scope means there are thousands of sci-fi films to choose from, spanning decades, budgets, and styles. Whether you prefer glossy blockbusters or stripped-back indie experiments, there’s no shortage of options.
That abundance, however, can also be a drawback. With so much content available, it can be difficult to know which films are genuinely worth your time and which are best left undiscovered. Not every sci-fi movie gets the attention it deserves, and plenty of smart, ambitious films slip quietly through the cracks.
To help with that, we’ve compiled a list of underrated sci-fi movies currently available to stream with a Prime Video subscription. Likely, you haven't seen any of these, but if you’re a fan of the genre, they are all well worth checking out.
'Mickey 17'
"Mickey 17" is the newest film on our list, and one you might have heard of. Starring the irrepressible Robert Pattinson and directed by Bong Joon Ho, it takes viewers on a surprisingly emotional journey. Despite its high-profile director and star, as well as a terrific supporting cast — including Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo — the film still managed to fly somewhat under the radar. Those who connected with it tend to love it, while others came away less impressed.
The story follows Mickey, an “expendable” employee assigned to carry out deadly missions. Each time he dies, he’s regenerated with most of his memories intact. That system works well enough until a mistake results in multiple versions of Mickey existing at the same time. From there, the film asks viewers to question identity, purpose, and what it really means to be replaceable — thankfully offset by a healthy dose of dark humor.
Watch on Prime Video
'Coherence'
Released in 2013, "Coherence" is a low-budget sci-fi thriller directed by James Ward Byrkit and starring Emily Baldoni, Maury Sterling and Nicholas Brendon. It centers on a group of friends whose casual dinner party takes a strange turn when a mysterious comet passes overhead. A sudden power outage triggers a series of unsettling inconsistencies, leaving both the characters — and the audience — unsure of what’s real.
From that point on, the film becomes a gripping exercise in tension and uncertainty. What’s most impressive is how much it accomplishes with so little: a single primary location, minimal effects, and largely improvised performances. It’s proof that a strong concept and smart execution can outweigh spectacle. "Coherence" won’t be for everyone, but it absolutely deserves a wider audience.
Watch on Prime Video
'Synchronic'
"Synchronic" is a genre-bending sci-fi thriller released in 2019, led by Anthony Mackie and Jamie Dornan. The film follows two New Orleans paramedics who begin responding to overdose cases linked to a new designer drug called Synchronic, a substance that produces bizarre and seemingly impossible effects.
As they dig deeper into the origins of the drug, the story takes increasingly unsettling turns. It’s a heady, thought-provoking watch that may linger in your mind long after the credits roll. While "Synchronic" isn't exactly a fun film, it’s a compelling one, and its ideas hit with a quiet, haunting force.
Watch on Prime Video
'The Vast of Night'
Released in 2019, "The Vast of Night" is an independent sci-fi film directed by Andrew Patterson and starring Sierra McCormick and Jake Horowitz. Set in a small New Mexico town in the 1950s, it follows a young switchboard operator and a late-night radio DJ who stumble upon a mysterious audio frequency of unknown origin. Their attempt to uncover the truth drives the film forward, with tension building steadily throughout.
It’s a cracking sci-fi story made even more intriguing by the fact that it’s loosely inspired by real events, including the Kecksburg UFO incident and the Foss Lake disappearances. Stylish, atmospheric, and refreshingly restrained, The Vast of Night is an underrated gem that deserves to be seen by more people.
Watch on Prime Video
'Infinity Chamber'
"Infinity Chamber" is a minimalist sci-fi thriller released in 2016 and distributed on a very small scale, meaning many viewers only discovered it years later via streaming. Written and directed by Travis Milloy, and starring Christopher Soren Kelly, Cassandra Clark, Cajardo Lindsey, and Jesse D. Arrow, the film appears to focus on artificial intelligence — at least on the surface.
In reality, it’s a clever and quietly unsettling puzzle that keeps you guessing right up until the end. Although it picked up awards and strong critical praise, "Infinity Chamber" has slipped under most people’s radars. That’s a shame, given how timely and thought-provoking its themes remain.
Watch on Prime Video
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