23 DO NOT Miss Sci Fi Horror Movies

Alien (1979)

In deep space, the crew of the commercial starship Nostromo is awakened from their cryo-sleep capsules halfway through their journey home to investigate a distress call from an alien vessel. The terror begins when they encounter a nest of eggs inside the ship.

This is a well known sci fi horror directed by Ridley Scott and starring Sigourney Weaver as Agent Ellen Ripley. Initially the movie was met with mixed reviews but it was a huge box office success and won a plethora of awards. It has since become a much loved classic and has spawned a whole franchise of further films, novels, comic books, video games, and toys. If somehow you have never watched Alien then rectify that immediately!

Cloverfield (2008)

As a group of New Yorkers enjoy a going-away party, little do they know that they will soon face the most terrifying night of their lives. As a creature the size of a skyscraper descends upon the city, death and destruction is left in its wake.

Cloverfield is a found footage sci fi movie, it was a huge success on its release and has since spawned a Cloverfield franchise, with two further movies. A direct sequel is also on the way, currently in development.

Us (2019)

With her husband, son and daughter, Adelaide Wilson returns to the beachfront home where she grew up as a child. And she becomes increasingly concerned that something bad is going to happen. Her worst fears soon become a reality when four masked strangers descend upon the house.

This sci fi horror is directed by Jordan Peele. Upon its release the movie was a box office hit and critically it was very successful too. The direction, score and performance of Lupita Nyong’o were singled out for praise. This is a creepy, must watch movie!

Attack The Block (2011)

A group of valiant teenagers ventures out to battle a savage alien incursion. With the invasive species jeopardising their vicinity in Southern London, they fight to succeed in their mission.

This is a comedy sci fi horror. Although it underperformed at the box office it was critically acclaimed, particularly the score, direction and the performance of John Boyega. A sequel is currently in development.

The Invisible Man (2020)

After staging his own suicide, a crazed scientist uses his power to become invisible to stalk and terrorize his ex-girlfriend. When the police refuse to believe her story, she decides to take matters into her own hands and fight back.

This sci fi horror is inspired by the HG Wells classic of the same name. This movie was released to critical praise, especially for the performance of Elisabeth Moss. It got off to a very good start at the box office before it was struck by closures due to the Covid- 19 pandemic. This is regarded as a smart and scary sci fi horror and it is definitely one not to miss!

Cube (1998)

Without remembering how they got there, several strangers awaken in a prison of cubic cells. There’s onetime cop Quentin, scientist Holloway, young math genius Leaven, master of escapes Rennes, autistic savant Kazan and architect Worth, who might have more information on the maze than he lets on. The prisoners must use their combined skills if they are to escape.

This is an independent science fiction horror that has gathered a cult following. It is best known for its surreal atmosphere and further films followed its release. Reminiscent of The Twilight Zone this is an indie cult classic that shouldn’t be missed!

Scanners (1981)

Scanners are men and women born with incredible telepathic and telekinetic powers. There are many who exercise the benefits of their special gifts in a safe and judicious manner. However, there is a group of renegade scanners who plan to create a race that will rule the world.

This movie didn’t have the best reception on its release but has gone on to be evaluated to cult classic status. This is a must watch 80s classic!

Invasion Of The Body Snatchers (1956)

In California, Dr. Miles Bennell is baffled when all his patients come to him with the same complaint: their loved ones seem to have been replaced by emotionless impostors. Despite others’ dismissive denials, Dr. Bennell, his former girlfriend Becky and his friend Jack soon discover that the patients’ suspicions are true.

This sci fi horror is based on the novel of the same name by author Jack Finney and stars Donald Sutherland. This movie is regarded as being culturally and historically significant and even brought us the term “pod people”. This is a must watch film noir classic!

28 Days Later (2002)

A group of misguided animal rights activists free a caged chimp infected with the Rage virus from a medical research lab. When London bike courier Jim wakes up from a coma a month after, he finds his city all but deserted. On the run from the zombie-like victims of the Rage, Jim stumbles upon a group of survivors and joins them on a perilous journey to what he hopes will be safety.

This zombie horror movie was released to widespread critical acclaim, especially for the direction by Danny Boyle, the acting performance, the atmosphere, screenplay and soundtrack. Two more movies followed, along with a graphic novel and comic book series. This film is regarded to have reinvigorated the zombie movie and is definitely one of the best in this genre out there!

A Quiet Place (2018)

If they hear you, they hunt you. A family must live in silence to avoid mysterious creatures that hunt by sound. Knowing that even the slightest whisper or footstep can bring death, Evelyn and Lee are determined to find a way to protect their children while desperately searching for a way to fight back.

This is a post apocalyptic movie from 2018. It was a huge box office success and was also loved by critics. It has been described by the review site Rotten Tomatoes as “smart, wickedly frightening good time”. A sequel followed in 2021. A must watch!

Happy Death Day (2017)

Tree Gelbman wakes up on her birthday in the bed of a student named Carter. When a masked killer suddenly takes her life in a brutal attack, she once again magically wakes up in Carter’s dorm room unharmed. Now, the frightened young woman must relive the same day over and over until she figures out who murdered her.

This is a black comedy slasher film has been described as “Groundhog day meets scream”. Whilst the film has a familiar premise it is done in an entertaining way. The movie grossed $125 million worldwide on a $4.8 million budget so it was a huge financial success. A sequel was released in 2019. So if you prefer your sci fi horror with a bit of comedy thrown in then this is the movie for you!

The Mist (2007)

After a powerful storm damages their Maine home, David Drayton and his young son head into town to gather food and supplies. Soon afterward, a thick fog rolls in and engulfs the town, trapping the Draytons and others in the grocery store. Terror mounts as deadly creatures reveal themselves outside, but that may be nothing compared to the threat within, where a zealot calls for a sacrifice.

This sci fi horror is based on Stephen King’s novella of the same name. This movie was both a commercial and critical success and as book to movie adaptions go this is one of the best. Give it a watch!

Slither (2006)

Wheelsy is a small town where not much happens and everyone minds his own business. No one notices when evil slips in quietly but, when people find mutilated livestock and a woman goes missing, Sheriff Bill Pardy discovers an alien organism that threatens to devour all life on Earth.

This is a science-fiction black comedy body horror film. James Gunn wrote and directed the movie in his directorial debut. The movie was a huge box office failure but it did receive positive reviews. It has since picked up a huge following and is now a cult classic.

The Thing (1982)

In remote Antarctica, a group of American research scientists are disturbed at their base camp by a helicopter shooting at a sled dog. When they take in the dog, it brutally attacks both humans and canines in the camp. And they discover that the beast can assume the shape of its victims. Now, a helicopter pilot and the camp doctor lead the camp crew in a desperate battle against the vicious creature.

This is a sci fi horror movie directed by John Carpenter. On its theatrical release the movie was subject to mostly negative reviews but upon release to home video everything changed. The movie found a more appreciative audience and began to go down as a cult classic. It is now regarded as being on of the best science fiction and horror films ever made.

The Dead Zone (1984)

When Johnny Smith awakens from a coma caused by a car accident, he finds that years have passed and he now has psychic abilities. Heartbroken that his girlfriend has moved on with her life, Johnny also must contend with his unsettling powers, which allow him to see a person’s future with a mere touch. And after seeing danger in the future of an aspiring politician, Johnny resolves to kill him.

This sci fi thriller is based on the book of the same name from Stephen King. The movie was a hit with critics and Christopher Walken’s performance was particularly well received. At the time it was said to be one of the best big screen adaptions of a Stephen King book.

Predator (1987)

Dutch is a soldier of fortune and is hired by the U.S. government to secretly rescue a group of politicians trapped in Guatemala. But when Dutch and his team, which includes weapons expert Blain and CIA agent George, land in Central America, something is gravely wrong. After finding a string of dead bodies, the crew discovers they are being hunted by a brutal creature with superhuman strength and the ability to disappear into its surroundings.

This sci fi action horror was a huge success and spawned a franchise of Predator films, books, toys and games. It was the second highest box office taker in the year of its release and was hugely praised. Definitely one to watch!

Aliens (1986)

After floating in space for 57 years, Lt. Ripley’s shuttle is found by a deep space salvage team. Upon arriving at LV-426, the marines find only one survivor, a nine year old girl named Newt. But even these battle-hardened marines with all the latest weaponry are no match for the hundreds of aliens that have invaded the colony.

This sci fi horror action film from James Cameron is the sequel to 1979’s classic Alien. Regarded as being a worthy successor to the original Alien movie this is absolutely a must watch movie!

Lifeforce (1985)

When a space mission involving American and British astronauts encounters an alien craft, the humanoids within are brought aboard the shuttle. Back on Earth, one of the extra-terrestrials, who appears to be a gorgeous woman, proceeds to suck the life force out of various Londoners, turning the town into a city of roaming half-dead people. When Tom Carlsen, a surviving astronaut, realizes what is happening, he sets out to stop the ruthless alien presence.

This sci fi horror is based on Colin Wilson’s book The Space Vampires. Unfortunately the movie received mostly negative reviews and was a bit of a bomb at the box office. But since then this movie has achieved cult status and isn’t one to miss!

The Fly (1986)

When scientist Seth Brundle completes his teleportation device, he decides to test its abilities on himself. Unbeknownst to him, a housefly slips in during the process, leading to a merger of man and insect. Initially, Brundle appears to have undergone a successful teleportation. But the fly’s cells begin to take over his body. As he becomes increasingly fly-like, Brundle’s girlfriend is horrified as the person she once loved deteriorates into a monster.

This sci fi horror is a remake of the 1958 film of the same name, directed and written by David Cronenberg. Starring Jeff Goldblum it was released to massive praise from critics and audiences alike. With Goldblum’s performance and the special effects receiving specific praise. If you have never seen this gem then don’t miss out!

Event Horizon (1997)

When the Event Horizon suddenly reappears after years, a team is dispatched to investigate the ship. Accompanied by the creator, William Weir, the crew of the Lewis and Clark begins to explore the seemingly abandoned vessel. However, it soon becomes evident that something sinister resides there.

This is a science fiction horror with an all star cast including Laurence Fishburne, Sam Neill, Kathleen Quinlan and Joely Richardson. The production was rushed on this movie (due to Paramount’s other blockbuster Titanic being projected not to meet its release date). Therefore the heavily edited release ended up being a box office and critical failure. It was only upon it’s DVD release that it began to garner a huge following making the cult classic it is today.

Terminator 2 (1992)

A cyborg, identical to the one who failed to kill Sarah Connor, must now protect her ten-year-old son John from a more advanced and powerful cyborg. Over 10 years have passed since the first machine called The Terminator tried to kill Sarah Connor and her unborn son, John.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day is a science fiction action film produced and directed by James Cameron with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton reprising their roles from the original movie. This movie is regarded as being even better than the first Terminator movie and being praised for its action scenes, action and visual effects. Other movies followed this one and in the words of the Terminator himself, “I’ll be back”.

Alien 3 (1992)

Ellen Ripley is the only survivor when she crash lands on Fiorina 161. It’s a bleak wasteland inhabited by former inmates of the planet’s max security prison. However, there is an alien that is hunting down the prisoners and guards. Without weapons or modern technology, Ripley leads the men into battle.

This is a science fiction horror movie, the third in the Alien franchise and has Sigourney Weaver reprising her role as Ellen Ripley. This movie did underperform to expectations and is regarded as being inferior to the first two movies in the series but if you have watched those then you should still watch this!

Lifeforce (1985)

When a space mission involving American and British astronauts encounters an alien craft, the humanoids within are brought aboard the shuttle. Back on Earth, one of the extra-terrestrials, who appears to be a gorgeous woman, proceeds to suck the life force out of various Londoners, turning the town into a city of roaming half-dead people. When Tom Carlsen, a surviving astronaut, realizes what is happening, he sets out to stop the ruthless alien presence.

This sci fi horror is based on Colin Wilson’s book The Space Vampires. Unfortunately the movie received mostly negative reviews and was a bit of a bomb at the box office. But since then this movie has achieved cult status and isn’t one to miss!

Flatliners (1990)

Seeking answers about the afterlife, Chicago medical student Nelson persuades his fellow pupils – David, Joe and Rachel – to help him end his life. And then resuscitate him in the nick of time. But as the experiments become more perilous, each is forced to contend with the paranormal consequences.

Flatliners is a sci fi psychological horror film directed by Joel Schumacher with an all star cast including Kiefer Sutherland and Julia Roberts. Whilst not as critically well received as others on this list this is still a different concept and definitely one to watch!