9 Action-Packed Sci-Fi Hits on Disney+ Right Now

Over the past ten years, classic science fiction has become popular again, largely thanks to streaming platforms. Disney+ has been at the forefront with big franchises like Star Wars and Alien, but they also offer a lot of lesser-known, excellent movies. Now is a great time to watch these films, as they’re all available to stream.

Science fiction has always been popular, and now it’s simpler than ever to find amazing movies in the genre. Whether you like stories about space exploration, futuristic technology, or the dangers of unchecked scientific progress, there’s a sci-fi film for you. Luckily, Disney+ has a large collection of these films ready to stream.

The Rocketeer Walked So That the MCU Could Run

Set in 1930s Hollywood, the movie The Rocketeer tells the story of Cliff Secord, a daring stunt pilot. He finds a special rocket pack that lets him fly, turning him into a hero—but also making him a target for those who want the powerful technology for their own purposes. The film features Billy Campbell, Alan Arkin, Jennifer Connelly, and Paul Sorvino in its cast.

I really enjoyed the movie when it came out – it was just so fun and imaginative! It’s a shame it didn’t do well enough in theaters to get a sequel made. But, I was thrilled to see The Rocketeer get a new life in 2019 as a Disney Junior show, focusing on Cliff Secord’s great-granddaughter. And if you’re like me and love the original comic books, you’ll be happy to know IDW Publishing is bringing The Rocketeer back to comics too!

Spaced Invaders is the Perfect Family Popcorn Movie

Spaced Invaders takes a more localized approach, focusing on a small town instead of the entire world. The movie is set on Halloween night and centers around a group of Martians who mistakenly believe a radio broadcast of The War of the Worlds is a real call to battle. They land in rural Illinois intending to conquer the world, but find themselves facing bewildered townsfolk and kids who quickly realize the Martians aren’t much of a threat.

As a film buff, I’ve always found this movie interesting. It really leans into satire and just being plain silly, and honestly, that’s often why people didn’t love it when it first came out. A lot of viewers thought it could have been funnier, or that it didn’t quite capture the feel of the genre it was aiming for. But despite all that, it’s become a real cult favorite! It only has an 8% score on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, but audiences seem to get it – the ‘Popcorn Score’ is at 51%. I think that shows that its nostalgic charm and willingness to be goofy are what keep people watching it years later.

RocketMan Takes is a Great Sci-Fi Comedy

I just can’t believe this, but Fred Z. Randall – a completely ordinary guy, and definitely not someone you’d pick for a space mission – somehow ended up going to Mars! It’s been a disaster, honestly. He keeps messing things up, and it’s so frustrating to watch, especially because he’s working with a crew of incredibly skilled astronauts who are clearly carrying the whole operation. It’s almost comical how unqualified he is, but also a little stressful to watch everything go wrong!

Though RocketMan isn’t a groundbreaking space epic and Fred isn’t destined to be the next great astronaut, it’s one of Disney’s most hilarious comedies. The idea for the film came about when writers Craig Mazin and Greg Erb were brainstorming, and jokingly wondered what would happen if a clumsy character ended up in space.

Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century is Optimistic for the Future

Among all the Disney Channel Original Movies, some stand out—and Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century was definitely one of them. This movie, which launched a three-part series, follows Zenon, a teenager who lives with her family in space. After getting into trouble with the space station’s commander, her parents send her to Earth to live with her Aunt Judy as punishment. While on Earth, she discovers a plan to sabotage the space station with a computer virus.

This lively and colorful story offers a playful glimpse into what life might be like in the future as technology continues to develop. In just 97 minutes, Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century tackles important issues like corporate wrongdoing, protecting the environment, and questioning those in charge, all in a way that kids can understand. It also shows them that the future is full of exciting opportunities.

Matinee Was Made For Movie Lovers

Director John Carpenter is known for creating films he personally loves, often packed with nods to the movies he enjoyed as a child. His film Matinee follows brothers Gene and Dennis Loomis, who have relocated to Key West, Florida. They try to forget about the anxieties of the Cuban Missile Crisis by losing themselves in the movies. When they learn that horror movie icon Lawrence Woolsey is coming to Key West to premiere his new film, Mant!, the brothers are excited, unaware that the line between the movie and reality is about to blur.

The movie Matinee is a fun tribute to classic, low-budget monster movies, complete with silly tricks and a genuine love for the genre. What makes it truly special is John Goodman’s performance as Lawrence Woolsey. He’s captivating and wonderfully over-the-top, bringing a classic, energetic showman vibe to the role and essentially carrying the entire film.

Small Soldiers Showed Us the Risks of AI with Toy Warfare

The movie Small Soldiers is an action-packed adventure with a bit of a darker side. It’s about a group of advanced action figures that unexpectedly receive military-level microchips, making them hostile and ready for battle. After Alan Abernathy brings them home, he and his friends have to figure out how to stop the toys before they cause chaos in their neighborhood.

Although Small Soldiers wasn’t a big success when it first came out, it feels surprisingly timely now. Along with Disney+’s Smart House, it’s one of the early films that predicted the potential impact of artificial intelligence.

Honey, I Blew Up the Kid Took the First Film to New Heights

If you grew up in the 80s and 90s, you probably remember Rick Moranis from movies like Little Shop of Horrors, Spaceballs, Ghostbusters, The Flintstones, and Little Giants. He’s especially known for playing Wayne Szalinski, the dad who accidentally shrinks his kids. In the sequel, Honey, I Blew Up the Kid, his son Adam experiences the opposite problem – an experiment gone wrong makes him grow to be over a hundred feet tall!

Rick Moranis, a former cast member of Second City Television alongside stars like Martin Short and John Candy, is celebrated for creating funny, down-to-earth characters. In Honey, I Blew Up the Kid, he brings an even more energetic and over-the-top performance to the sequel. Although a third film was planned, it has been put on hold with no confirmed release date as of 2023.

Mighty Joe Young is a Big Creature with an Even Bigger Heart

Jill Young, a wildlife expert played by Charlize Theron, has dedicated years to caring for Joe, a large gorilla she raised in Africa. Because Joe doesn’t fit in with other gorillas and is at risk from poachers, Jill moves him to an animal sanctuary in Los Angeles, following the advice of its director, Gregg O’Hara (Bill Paxton). However, instead of finding peace and safety, Joe faces a difficult fight for survival as he’s treated like an exhibit.

The movie relies on familiar monster tropes – creatures being misunderstood and causing destruction. Like King Kong, Joe Young is a gorilla with a strong, protective instinct, though he’s portrayed as gentler and more developed as a character. While it doesn’t offer anything new to the monster movie genre, it successfully delivers an exciting, action-filled adventure.

The Iron Giant is One of the Most Thoughtful Sci-Fi Films

Despite not being a success when it came out in theaters, The Iron Giant is now considered a classic. The story takes place during the Cold War and follows Hogarth Hughes, a young boy who discovers a fifty-foot-tall alien robot that has crashed near his home in Maine. Hogarth becomes friends with the robot and tries to protect him from the government, who are searching for it.

Although Warner Brothers initially considered The Iron Giant a disappointment and became hesitant about animated films, the movie’s poor performance was actually due to insufficient promotion. This animated film stands out for its stunning visuals and meaningful story, which tackles important themes like free will, the power of friendship, and the dangers of making choices based on fear – ideas that are still relevant and impactful today.

2026-05-05 23:38