The best sci-fi movies to watch on Netflix in July 2024
As a long-time fan of sci-fi and action movies, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of nostalgia when I think about the Resident Evil franchise and The Matrix. Having grown up in the late ’90s and early 2000s, these movies were an integral part of my formative years.
The summer goes on, bringing ever more scorching new releases our way. Upcoming titles include “Deadpool & Wolverine” due out next week, “Borderlands” arriving early in August, and Fede Álvarez’s “Alien: Romulus” not far behind. In the interim, if you’re seeking top sci-fi Netflix streams for July, here are our recommended picks.
As a dedicated gamer and movie buff, I’ve stumbled upon some hidden gems in the world of sci-fi horror that deserve more recognition. One such film is a lesser-known masterpiece featuring Ryan Reynolds and Jake Gyllenhaal, which slipped under most people’s radar when it initially hit theaters. It’s an unfairly maligned sequel to a survival horror game franchise that holds a special place in my heart and countless others.
Let’s see what this month has to offer!
Editor’s pick: Life
Director: Daniel Espinosa
Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rebecca Ferguson, Ryan Reynolds, Hiroyuki Sanada
Revised: Contrary to the misconception held by some Reddit users who believed “Life” (2017) was a hidden prequel to “Venom,” this sci-fi thriller, written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, proved that it didn’t need to be connected to a comic book franchise to deliver an exciting experience. The film combines elements of “Alien” and “Gravity,” with a dose of non-stop chaos. Director Daniel Espinosa skillfully crafts tense moments, from space station malfunctions to encounters with an extraterrestrial being. The first hour is particularly suspenseful, eliciting jumps from me on multiple occasions.
The story of life unfolds with excitement as a group of astronauts work against time to intercept an incoming Mars probe before it crashes into the International Space Station. Successfully capturing the probe, they make a shocking discovery – a dormant single-celled organism in one of the soil samples. The scientists on board revive the organism, which quickly develops into an adorable alien pet they name Calvin. However, Calvin’s growth spurt comes with unexpected consequences as it evolves, displaying increased strength, sentience, and a dangerous desire to eliminate the crew members.
In this stellar ensemble, “Life” focuses on stripping down the glamour of renowned actors through the confines of chilling horror. Reynolds shrieks in fear, Gyllenhaal perspires profusely, and Ferguson labors to halt the extraterrestrial intruder from reaching Earth. Meanwhile, Calvin, akin to an oversized Starro infant, snaps limbs and drains the spaceship’s power to fuel its expansion. The second half resembles familiar ground, but Espinosa maintains suspense with meticulously designed set-pieces, while Reese and Wernick inject unexpected plot twists. “Life” is a well-crafted yet grisly B-movie ideal for summer viewing.
Resident Evil: Retribution
Director: Paul W. S. Anderson
Cast: Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez, Kevin Durand
As a passionate gamer, I’ve found myself in a familiar position whenever I suggest watching the Resident Evil movies. Now, I must admit, I don’t have any insider connections to this video game franchise. And yes, I acknowledge that these films may not capture the essence of the games perfectly. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t matter!
Retribution, considered a standout in the series, blends the franchise’s essence with numerous influences such as Inception, Westworld, and Eastern and Southern Asian martial arts films. Milla Jovovich’s character, Alice, navigates intricate simulations of various zombie apocalypse scenarios in this film. Simultaneously trapped within these simulations are other clones of Alice. The movie’s structure mirrors a video game as Alice progresses from one level to the next, battling diverse monsters. Dialogue also mimics the strange, disjointed rhythm often found in video games. Although these films may not fully grasp the Resident Evil games, they certainly understand the concept of video gaming.
As a long-time fan of horror and action movies, I’m always on the lookout for new additions to my watchlist on streaming platforms. But it’s always disheartening when some of my favorites get taken down. That’s why I’m excited to share that both “this film” and “Resident Evil” from 2002 are currently available on Netflix, but they’re leaving at the end of this month.
The Matrix
Director: The Wachowskis
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss
If you’re a regular reader of TopMob, you’re likely already familiar with “The Matrix.” This groundbreaking film by the Wachowskis has left an indelible mark on Hollywood action movies since its release in the late ’90s. Its influence can be seen in popular culture through phrases like “There is no spoon,” “I know kung-fu,” and the term “red-pilled.” “The Matrix” and its sequels are essential pieces of modern science fiction cinema, and the latest installment, “The Matrix Resurrections,” has sparked much debate among critics in the 2020s.
Despite all I’ve mentioned, I’m surprised I’m still advocating for “The Matrix” – it’s been over two decades since its release! However, let me explain why it remains an exceptional film. The fashion trends from the late ’90s may have changed, but the impact of “The Matrix” has only grown. The mirrored sunglasses and leather trench coats now hold a different significance in our culturally diverse society of 2024. Rob Zombie’s “Dragula” no longer dominates underground clubs’ playlists, and computers no longer resemble clunky, colorful gateways to an endless digital realm. Yet, the brilliance of “The Matrix” remains undiminished.
In simpler terms, timeless films, including those in the science fiction genre like “The Matrix,” resonate deeply with their initial audiences and continue to be relevant long after their release. For instance, “The Matrix” remains a standout sci-fi movie from its generation and is currently available on Netflix. However, these titles (“The Matrix,” “The Matrix Reloaded,” and “The Matrix Revolutions”) will soon be leaving the platform. If it’s been a while since you last watched the Matrix trilogy or if you’ve only heard about it through popular culture, now is an excellent opportunity to rediscover why these films have left such a lasting impact on audiences.
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2024-07-20 16:19