10 Sci-Fi Movies to Watch if You Like Avatar

Moviegoers have been enthralled by science fiction for decades. All audiences will find something they enjoy in these films, which range from exciting interstellar voyages to apocalyptic horrors. Science fiction movies are popular because they allow one to daydream about the future and unveil mysteries. The combination of cutting-edge visual effects and innovative plots creates a visual spectacle that can’t be found in any other medium.

Hollywood has given the world some of the most memorable science fiction movies, many of which are now considered classics, like the blockbuster breaking Avatar. The film Avatar was revolutionary in the genre of science fiction movies because it pushed the envelope of what was previously thought to be feasible. The minds of people all around the globe were sparked by the fact that it was an adventure that was not only aesthetically magnificent but also emotionally captivating and filled with action.

If you are in a rush here are the top 3 of the best movies similar to Avatar.

Last update on 2023-05-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

For more details on the released films and how to watch them, see below.

1. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Last update on 2023-05-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Director: James Gunn
Writer: James Gunn, Nicole Perlman
Cast: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Runtime: 2h 00m
Genre: Sci-Fi

Moviegoers in the United States were treated to “Guardians of the Galaxy” in 2014, a cinematic adaptation of the Marvel Comics superhero team of the same title.

James Gunn helms the picture, which stars an A-list cast including Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Lee Pace, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, John C. Reilly, Glenn Close, Benicio del Toro.

The ravaging Ravager Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) steals an ancient artifact from Ronan the Accuser (Lee Pace). A collection of outcasts, including the deadly assassin Gamora and daughter of Thanos (Zoe Saldana), the vengeful warrior Drax (Dave Bautista), the genetically enhanced raccoon Rocket (Bradley Cooper), and the intelligent tree-like creature Groot (Vin Diesel), establish an uneasy alliance of necessity with Quill to escape Ronan and his minions.

The only way to stop Ronan’s deadly ambitions for the cosmos is for the Guardians of the Galaxy to learn how to play as a team. The non-stop humor, a wide range of characters, and a catchy soundtrack full of tunes from the 1970s and 1980s are all things that set this movie apart.

With a global total of nearly $773 million and several award nominations, including two nods at the Academy Awards for Best Visual Effects and Best Makeup and Hairstyling, “Guardians of the Galaxy” was a smashing success on both the critical and financial fronts. Characters from the film have also made special appearances in subsequent MCU features, including “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame.”

Watch this exciting space opera with stakes of epic proportions and join millions in saying ‘We are Groot’ by buying a copy of Guardians of the Galaxy on Amazon today!

2. The Matrix (1999)

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Director: The Wachowskis
Writer: The Wachowskis
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, Joe Pantoliano
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Runtime: 2h 16m
Genre: Sci-Fi

The Wachowski brothers (commonly acknowledged as the Wachowskis) directed the 1999 science-fiction action picture “The Matrix,” which starred Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, and Joe Pantoliano. The film depicts a dystopian nightmare in which people are enslaved in a virtual world constructed by self-aware robots to keep them preoccupied and dependent on them for survival.

Thomas Anderson (Keanu Reeves), a notorious hacker known by his tag “Neo,” is a computer programmer. When Neo is approached by the mysterious Morpheus (Fishburne), he learns that the reality he has always known is a simulation called the Matrix. Morpheus says Neo is the “One” foretold to conquer the Matrix and its artificial intelligence.

Along with Morpheus and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), Neo fights the agents of the Matrix, commanded by the infamous Agent Smith (Weaving), throughout his training and education. The movie is notable for its groundbreaking visual effects and action scenes, including the then-innovative “bullet time” slow-motion images.

The Matrix” won four Academy Awards, including Best Visual Effects, Best Film Editing, Best Sound, and Best Sound Effects Editing, and made over $460 million throughout the globe. The film’s success led to several spinoffs, including three sequels (Matrix Reloaded, Revolutions, and Resurrections), a computer game, an animated miniseries, and other works. Since its premiere, the film’s exploration of reality, perception, and self has been embedded in the collective consciousness and a source of inspiration for future artistic creations.

Experience the mind-bending and reality-shaking revelations the Matrix has to offer by buying your copy on Amazon now!

3. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

Last update on 2023-05-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Director(s): J. J. Abrams
Writer(s): Lawrence Kasdan,  J. J. Abrams, Michael Arndt
Cast: Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Runtime: 2h 18m
Genre: Sci-Fi, Adventure

In 2015, J.J. Abrams helmed the American epic space opera film “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” which he also co-wrote with Lawrence Kasdan and Michael Arndt. It’s the first of a new series that picks up the narrative from the previous trilogy’s climactic “Return of the Jedi” in 1983 and the seventh feature in the Star Wars franchise overall.

Set around three decades after “Return of the Jedi,” the movie explores the reemergence of the First Order from the remains of the Galactic Empire. General Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) and the Resistance fight against the First Order and its mysterious commander, Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis).

The film follows a group of outlaws, including a scavenger named Rey (Daisy Ridley), a rogue stormtrooper called Finn (John Boyega), and an adorable droid named BB-8, as they follow a map to find Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), the very last Jedi Knight. Along the way, they encounter well-known players like Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew), in addition to new antagonists like Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), an enigmatic person with ties to the Skywalker line.

Almost $2 billion was made from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” and the film was praised by critics and audiences alike. It also received several award nominations, including five for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. The picture received high marks for its production values, acting, and staying true to the original Star Wars spirit.

Whether you are a die-hard fan or a casual movie-goer, The Force Awakens will surely entertain you with its thrilling action sequences, heartwarming characters, and engaging plot. Buy your copy now on Amazon!

4. Pacific Rim (2013)

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Director(s): Guillermo del Toro
Writer(s): Travis Beacham
Cast: Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
Runtime: 2h 11m
Genre: Sci-Fi

2013’s “Pacific Rim” is an explosive “robot versus monster” blockbuster starring Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, Rinko Kikuchi, and Charlie Day, directed by Guillermo del Toro. The film takes place in the not-too-distant future, when a multidimensional vortex at the bottom of the Pacific breaches and unleashes a horde of giant creatures known as Kaiju against the Earth. Humanity created huge robots called Jaegers, with two pilots establishing a neural connection to fight the Kaiju invasion.

The plot centers on veteran Jaeger pilot Raleigh Becket (Charlie Hunnam), who joins forces with newbie pilot Mako Mori (Rinko Kikuchi) and Mori’s instructor (and adoptive father) Marshal Stacker Pentecost (Idris Elba) to defeat the Kaiju and postpone the end of the world. They encounter many dangers and difficulties along the road, including the possibility of treason from inside their own ranks.

Japanese kaiju and mecha films inspired the film’s spectacular action scenes, special effects, and aesthetic motifs of the Kaiju Jaegers. Ramin Djawadi’s score for the film was lauded for its grandiose scale and enduring melodies.

The global box office take for “Pacific Rim” was over $411 million, and the film was well-received by critics for its aesthetics, action, and world-building. It was so successful that it produced not just a sequel, “Pacific Rim: Uprising,” but also comic books and an animated TV series.

If you’re down for face-breaking and metal-crunching action, watch humanity “cancel the apocalypse” by buying your copy of Pacific Rim on Amazon today!

5. John Carter (2012)

Last update on 2023-05-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Director(s): Andrew Stanton
Writer(s): Andrew Stanton, Mark Andrews, Michael Chabon
Cast: Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, Samantha Morton 
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Runtime: 2h 12m
Genre: Sci-Fi

Taylor Kitsch stars as the titular character in “John Carter,” a science fiction action film released in the United States in 2012. It is developed and helmed by Andrew Stanton, a legendary Pixar-Disney genius who has contributed on cinematic treasures like Wall-E, Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., and Up, and is modeled on a galactic pulp opera fantasy-romance series by Edgar Rice Burroughs from 1912.

The movie is founded on Edgar Rice Burroughs’s “Barsoom” books, which chronicle the misadventures of a former Confederate Army officer called John Carter after he is inexplicably teleported to Mars (which is called Barsoom in the universe).

John Carter then finds himself in the middle of a conflict between the humanlike Red Martians, the towering and dangerous Green Martians, and the shape-shifting Therns. Carter is taken prisoner by the Therns and sent to compete in the coliseum, where he encounters Dejah Thoris (Lynn Collins), the Princess of Helium. He allies with her to avoid the downfall of Barsoom.

The picture is a faithful adaptation of Burroughs’ books, with spectacular special effects, intense action scenes, and a gripping narrative. The film got mixed feedback from reviewers and only made a little more than $284 million worldwide.

With its innovative world-building and accurate rendition of Burroughs’ original works, “John Carter” has garnered a cult following among enthusiasts of the “Barsoom” series even after its lackluster result at the theaters.

Jump into the world of Barsoom and witness John Carter’s heroics in the comfort of your home by buying your copy of the film on Amazon today!

6. Ender’s Game (2013)

Last update on 2023-05-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Director(s): Gavin Hood
Writer(s): Gavin Hood
Cast: Asa Butterfield, Harrison Ford, Ben Kingsley, Viola Davis
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Runtime: 1h 53m
Genre: Sci-Fi

The film “Ender’s Game,” directed by Gavin Hood and based on the same-named novel by Orson Scott Card, was released in 2013. Starring Asa Butterfield, “Ender” Wiggin is a talented youngster whom the International Fleet chose to attend the space-based military school Battle School to prepare for an impending alien invasion.

While Ender endures rigorous training and is presented with challenging ethical decisions, the film examines issues of morals, authority, and the psychologically devastating impact of warfare. The picture also has a stellar supporting cast featuring Harrison Ford, Viola Davis, and Ben Kingsley.

The film’s visual effects and art direction beautifully rendered the alien environment of the Formic home planet and the zero-gravity training skirmishes.

Critical reception for the film was divided, with some reviewers claiming it did not do the original material justice. Notwithstanding the negative reviews, “Ender’s Game” has found a loyal fan base among sci-fi audiences.

The story’s exploration of the ethical and mental consequences of the warfare mindset continues to evoke emotion in fans. Ender’s Game is one of the best movies of all time for many reasons, not the least of which are the profound messages about the value of camaraderie, loyalty, and fortitude amid adversity.

Dive into the world of Ender and his self-discovery journey by getting your copy of Ender’s Game on Amazon today.

7. Dune (2021)

Last update on 2023-05-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Director(s): Denis Villeneuve
Writer(s): Denis Villeneuve, Jon Spaihts, Eric Roth
Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Runtime: 2h 35m
Genre: Sci-Fi

The science fiction classic “Dune” by Frank Herbert was originally released in 1965. Set in the far future, it follows a group of aristocratic houses as they vie for dominion of the desert planet Arrakis, the sole source of a precious drug known as “spice,” which gives its consumers increased life expectancy and improved mental capabilities.

There have been many film and TV adaptations of the book, the most notable being the 1984 David Lynch film and the 2021 Denis Villeneuve feature. The new film version stars Timothée Chalamet as the successor to the Atreides household, Paul Atreides. It chronicles his rise to power as head of the Fremen, the indigenous people of Arrakis, and their struggle against the cruel Harkonnen clan, who aim to conquer the planet.

The universe of “Dune” is well-known for its complex societal and political structures, well-developed backstory, and examination of ideas like faith, authority, and environmental sustainability. Many additional science fiction pieces owe something to the success of this series.

The most recent film version was praised for its beautiful imagery, stellar acting, and true-to-the-book presentation. It has been called a contender for many accolades and acclaimed for its epic scope and storyline.

Embark with the Atreides on a journey for the salvation of Arrakis. Get yourself a copy of Dune on Amazon today!

8. Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017)

Last update on 2023-05-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Director(s): Luc Besson
Writer(s): Luc Besson
Cast: Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, Clive Owen, Rihanna, Sasha Luss
IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
Runtime: 2h 17m
Genre: Sci-Fi

The 2017 Luc Besson-helmed science fiction picture Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is adapted from the French comic book collection Valerian and Laureline by Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières. The movie stars Dane DeHaan as Valerian and Cara Delevingne as Laureline, two special agents tasked with keeping the peace in the expansive city of the space station Alpha, where creatures from every corner of the cosmos reside.

Incredibly detailed CGI and creative world-building bring the film’s exotic animals and settings to reality in Valerian and Laureline’s adventure. Several well-known actors, such as Clive Owen, Rihanna, and Ethan Hawke, appear in supporting roles.

The movie’s tremendous visual extravaganza didn’t save it at the box office; it only made slightly more than $225 million worldwide. Although some panned the film for being excessively complicated and lacking character building, others lauded its innovative enthusiasm. Although not universally well-liked, “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” has won over many sci-fi fans with its expansive ambition and well-realized alien civilization.

The film’s exciting plot, thrilling action sequences, and charming romance make it a welcome addition to the science fiction cinema pantheon and your collection! Stream Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets via Amazon today.

9. Jupiter Ascending (2015)

Last update on 2023-05-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Director(s): The Wachowskis
Writer(s): The Wachowskis
Cast: Channing Tatum, Mila Kunis, Sean Bean
IMDb Rating: 5.3/10
Runtime: 2h 7m
Genre: Sci-Fi

The Wachowski twins, noted for their work on “The Matrix” series, directed the 2015 sci-fi picture “Jupiter Ascending.” Mila Kunis plays Jupiter Jones, a young woman entangled in a war for dominion of the cosmos after learning that she is the heir to an intergalactic empire.

The film’s impressive VFX and creative world-building propel the film’s many alien creatures and habitats to exist for viewers. The film’s renowned supporting cast includes Channing Tatum, Eddie Redmayne, and Sean Bean.

Jupiter Ascending’s worst flaw is Mila Kunis, who plays the lead role. Kunis is a serviceable TV actor but has never shown much versatility. In particular, Kunis has never been able to pull off roles that call for her to have a significantly bigger persona; her terrible performance in The Book of Eli is a prime example.

When paired with an actor of Denzel Washington’s stature, Mila Kunis looked like a C-list actress. Although her onscreen impact is more evenly distributed with Tatum, whose repertoire is likewise restricted, she cannot successfully and credibly own situations when she has to. Kunis is serviceable during the film’s lighter moments. But that’s not the best time for Jupiter to ascend.

The film Jupiter Ascending tries too hard and falls short. There are a lot of intense action sequences in Jupiter Ascending, but sometimes it’s impossible to tell who’s beating who or where. To say that the Wachowskis do nothing to distinguish Jupiter Ascending from the many previous films about a “chosen one” would be an understatement.

Even if the Wachowskis’ Jupiter Ascending has several flaws, it’s a lot of joy to see its grand concepts and crazy humor realized on the silver screen. Stream it via Amazon today, and let us know if you love or hate it!

10. Interstellar (2014)

Last update on 2023-05-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Director(s): Christopher Nolan
Writer(s): Jonathan Nolan, Christopher Nolan
Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Michael Caine
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Runtime: 2h 49m
Genre: Sci-Fi

The 2014 science fiction film “Interstellar,” helmed by Christopher Nolan. The movie stars Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, and Jessica Chastain and centers on a team of astronauts who leave Earth in an effort to locate a new habitable planet for mankind.

The film’s intricate elements of love, time, and humanity contribute to its reputation for daring narrative and stunning graphics. There are some very breathtaking space moments in “Interstellar,” and they are all classic examples of Nolan’s trademark blend of mind-bending storytelling and breathtaking cinematography.

The movie made over $677 million globally and was praised by critics for its technical perfection and emotional resonance. It received five Oscar nominations and took the golden statue for Best Visual Effects.

Several critics have called “Interstellar” a contemporary classic of science fiction for its engaging depiction of theoretical ideas like wormholes, black holes, and relativity. Both viewers and critics have responded positively to the film’s portrayal of the human side of interplanetary travel and the compromises that must be endured for a higher cause.

If you haven’t yet, watch Interstellar on Amazon and discover why it holds a legendary status in the world of science fiction.

Final Thoughts

The popularity of the science fiction picture Avatar has motivated a great number of other filmmakers to create films in the same genre. It doesn’t matter what sort of science fiction enthusiast you are – whether you’re more into dystopian futures or cosmic escapades – the awe-inspiring movies that were just mentioned above have something to offer every single one of you. If you are searching for a thrilling diversion from the monotony of everyday life, then you should definitely watch some of these fantastic science fiction movies like Avatar.