Are you prepared to escape the mundane boundaries of our reality? While we may not have the ability to journey to alternate worlds, travel through time, or explore unfamiliar dimensions, the remarkable sci-fi movies available on Max provide us with the opportunity to experience those thrills vicariously through the courageous protagonists. These films not only elicit excitement but also shed new light on our present world. This month, Max is introducing Source Code and the timeless sci-fi classic, Time After Time, to its collection. Furthermore, the original Predator and the more recent sci-fi flick, The Maze Runner, are also featured. These movies, along with many others, are among the finest sci-fi films currently streaming on Max. Continue reading to discover your next sci-fi adventure. Need more streaming recommendations? Check out our guides to the best movies on Max, the top shows on Max, and the latest offerings on HBO and Max that are worth exploring.
Source Code (2011)
Director: Duncan Jones
Runtime: 1 hour, 33 minutes
Captain Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal) finds himself in an extraordinary predicament in Source Code. After abruptly leaving the combat zone, Colter awakens aboard a civilian train heading to Chicago, inhabiting someone else’s body. However, the train explodes repeatedly, and with each occurrence, Colter encounters Christina Warren (Michelle Monaghan), a fellow passenger, as he gradually unravels the truth behind his circumstances. Trapped in the source code, Colter is on a race against time to accomplish his mission and uncover the identity of the original bomber. Escape from this deadly cycle seems impossible until Colter identifies the mastermind behind it all.
Predator (1987)
Director: John McTiernan
Runtime: 1 hour, 47 minutes
Predator, an iconic action satire, not only birthed an array of sequels and spinoffs but also solidified Arnold Schwarzenegger’s place as an action legend of the ’80s. Leading a small team, Major Alan “Dutch” Schaefer (Schwarzenegger) embarks on a mission with Master Sergeant Mac Eliot (Bill Duke), Staff Sergeant Jorge “Poncho” Ramírez (Richard Chaves), Sgt. 1st Class Blain Cooper (Jesse Ventura), Sgt. 1st Class Billy Sole (Sonny Landham), and Sergeant Rick Hawkins (Shane Black). However, they soon discover that their CIA contact, Al Dillon (Carl Weathers), may have placed them in an impossible scenario when they face an extraterrestrial being known as the Predator (Kevin Peter Hall). This formidable creature takes pleasure in hunting humans as if they were big game. As Dutch witnesses the demise of his comrades, he takes it upon himself to bring down the Predator.
Time After Time (1979)
Director: Nicholas Meyer
Runtime: 1 hour, 52 minutes
Three years before rescuing the Star Trek franchise with his directorial prowess in Star Trek II, Nicholas Meyer adapted Steve Hayes’ novel Time After Time. In this thrilling tale, Malcolm McDowell portrays renowned science fiction writer Herbert George Wells, who unveils his working time travel machine to his friends in 1893. However, when the police expose Wells’ friend, John Leslie Stevenson (David Warner), as the infamous Jack the Ripper, Stevenson employs the time machine to escape to the future. Determined to bring Stevenson to justice, Wells ventures to 1979 but encounters culture shock in this unfamiliar world. Amidst his journey, Wells discovers a potential romance with Amy Robbins (Mary Steenburgen), unaware that she may succumb to Stevenson’s new persona as the San Francisco Ripper.
The Maze Runner (2014)
Director: Wes Ball
Runtime: 1 hour, 54 minutes
Set in a dystopian future, The Maze Runner follows Thomas (Dylan O’Brien), a teenager thrust into the Glade, an open enclosure inhabited by a thriving community of boys. In this peculiar society, led by Alby (Aml Ameen), Thomas is welcomed but met with suspicion from the troubled Gally (Will Poulter), who displays signs of mental instability. Due to Thomas’ ability to navigate and survive the imposing maze holding the Gladers captive, he earns the esteemed title of a Runner and aids the group’s escape efforts. Nevertheless, when Teresa (Kaya Scodelario) becomes the sole female sent to the Glade, her arrival sets in motion a sequence of events that forces the Gladers to adapt or perish.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
Director: Matt Reeves
Runtime: 2 hours, 11 minutes
Before captivating audiences with The Batman, director Matt Reeves took the reins of the Planet of the Apes prequel trilogy, commencing with Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. A decade has passed since Rise of the Planet of the Apes, and Caesar (Andy Serkis) has established an ape colony near San Francisco. While tensions arise with a new colony of human survivors, Caesar develops trust and friendship with Malcolm (Jason Clarke), the first person genuinely intent on reasoning and coexisting with the apes. However, one of Caesar’s followers, Koba (Tobey Kebbell), betrays him in his quest to exterminate humans. Meanwhile, the human leader, Dreyfus (Gary Oldman), readies his forces for war against the apes. As battle lines are drawn, the tragic outcome seems inevitable, despite the best efforts of both Caesar and Malcolm.
Avatar (2009)
Director: James Cameron
Runtime: 2 hours, 42 minutes
Avatar retains its status as the reigning global box office champion and is now available on Max. Director James Cameron transports audiences to Pandora, an alien world where humanity confronts the native Na’vi people to exploit its vast resources. Filling in for his deceased brother, Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) embarks on a mission to inhabit a Na’vi-like body and infiltrate the Na’vi community in an effort to earn their trust, all while working for Colonel Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang). Through his encounters on Pandora, particularly with Na’vi woman Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), Jake realizes that he is fighting on the wrong side. However, his revelation may come too late to prevent Quaritch and the colonizers from Earth from devastating the Na’vi’s world.
Spaceballs (1987)
Director: Mel Brooks
Runtime: 1 hour, 37 minutes
Although Spaceballs primarily parodies Star Wars rather than standing as a true sci-fi film, it remains an enjoyable tale in its own right. Mel Brooks targets all the major franchises of the ’80s while also assuming two roles in the film as Yogurt the Wise and the malevolent President Skroob of Planet Spaceball. Skroob, Dark Helmet (Rick Moranis), and Colonel Sandurz (George Wyner) scheme to abduct Princess Vespa (Daphne Zuniga) and siphon the air from her world. The task of saving the day falls upon the roguish mercenary Lone Starr (Bill Pullman) and his alien sidekick, Barf (John Candy). The story may follow familiar beats, but it consistently delights with its silly and relentless humor. If you’re willing to revel in the lighthearted mockery of your cherished genre, then Spaceballs is the perfect film for you.
Under the Skin (2013)
Director: Jonathan Glazer
Runtime: 1 hour, 49 minutes
Scarlett Johansson of Asteroid City fame assumes the lead role in Under the Skin as an alien woman who seduces men and feeds them into an abyss of extraterrestrial origin. What sets this film apart is its refusal to simply explain its premise and the absence of a real name for Johansson’s character. When the woman experiences empathy for one of her victims, she abandons her fellow aliens and embarks on a quest to ascertain her own identity. Nevertheless, she remains oblivious to the true capacity of humanity and is about to face its consequences head-on.
Ready Player One (2018)
Director: Steven Spielberg
Runtime: 2 hours, 20 minutes
In Steven Spielberg’s future world of Ready Player One, the state of Earth is severely deteriorating, leading most people to immerse themselves entirely in the OASIS, a virtual reality-like universe created by the late James Halliday (Mark Rylance). Before his demise, Halliday initiated a contest that promises the discovery of his hidden Easter egg, granting the victor possession of his vast fortune and control over the OASIS. Torn between the powerful corporation intent on corporate dominance, Innovative Online Industries (IOI), and a group of rebel gamers known as the High Five, Wade Watts (Tye Sheridan) embarks on a perilous journey within the OASIS to secure this prize.
Immerse yourself in these captivating sci-fi films and venture beyond the limits of our reality.
