Epic Sci-Fi backdrop

Epic Sci-Fi movies

Civilization-level sci-fi with huge stakes: empires, wars, and world-shaping events across vast settings.

The Death of Superman

11. The Death of Superman

Science Fiction Animation Action Drama Fantasy
7.4

20181h 21min

United States

Director: Jake Castorena

When a hulking monster arrives on Earth and begins a mindless rampage, the Justice League is quickly called in to stop it. But it soon becomes apparent that only Superman can stand against the monstrosity.

Themes

Duty under threat, Trust in guardians, Heroic sacrifice, Glory vs responsibility, Public safety under crisis, Technology in crisis

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Black Panther

12. Black Panther

Action Adventure Science Fiction Superhero Action Adventure Epic
7.3

20182h 15min

United States

Director: Ryan Coogler

King T'Challa returns home to the reclusive, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to serve as his country's new leader. However, T'Challa soon finds that he is challenged for the throne by factions within his own country as well as without. Using powers reserved to Wakandan kings, T'Challa assumes the Black Panther mantle to join with ex-girlfriend Nakia, the queen-mother, his princess-kid sister, members of the Dora Milaje (the Wakandan 'special forces') and an American secret agent, to prevent Wakanda from being dragged into a world war.

Themes

Isolation vs engagement, Technological exceptionalism, Internal factionalism, Leadership legitimacy crisis, Outreach responsibility, Weaponization of technology

Available on

Disney Plus
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Queen Ramonda, Shuri, M’Baku, Okoye and the Dora Milaje fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with the help of War Dog Nakia and Everett Ross and forge a new path for the kingdom of Wakanda.

Themes

Loss and legacy, Royal succession pressure, Intergroup alliance vs conquest, Resource exploitation under threat, Ethical duty vs personal vengeance, Cultural isolation vs global contact

Available on

Disney Plus
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Amanda Waller's top-secret "Task Force X" — consisting of Deadshot, Bronze Tiger, Killer Frost, Captain Boomerang, Harley Quinn, and Copperhead — is on a mission to retrieve a mystical object so powerful that they're willing to risk their lives to steal it. However, the Suicide Squad isn't the only group of villains seeking to possess the object. It's a race for the golden prize, and second place isn't an option if they want to stay alive.

Themes

Betrayal under pressure, Loyalty versus ambition, Nanite bomb control, Race for relic, Relic temptation risk, Alliance fragility under stress

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Reign of the Supermen

15. Reign of the Supermen

Science Fiction Animation Action Adventure Fantasy
6.8

20191h 27min

United States

Director: Sam Liu

In the wake of The Death of Supermen, the world is still mourning the loss of the Man of Steel following his fatal battle with the monster Doomsday. However, no sooner as his body been laid to rest than do four new bearers of the Superman shield come forward to take on the mantle. The Last Son of Krypton, Superboy, Steel, and the Cyborg Superman all attempt to fill the vacuum left by the world's greatest champion. Meanwhile, Superman's death has also signaled to the universe that Earth is vulnerable. Can these new Supermen and the rest of the heroes prove them wrong?

Themes

Investigation under pressure, Deception and impersonation, Leadership legitimacy, Power through technology, Legacy vs replacement, Public trust and fear

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Under constant attack by monstrous creatures called Angels that seek to eradicate humankind, U.N. Special Agency NERV introduces two new EVA pilots to help defend the city of Tokyo-3: the mysterious Makinami Mari Illustrous and the intense Asuka Langley Shikinami. Meanwhile, Gendo Ikari and SEELE proceed with a secret project that involves both Rei and Shinji.

Themes

Trust under strain, Duty versus autonomy, Humanity under siege, Authority and manipulation, Parental bonds under strain, Identity in crisis

Available on

Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Justice League: Doom

17. Justice League: Doom

Action Animation Science Fiction Fantasy Superhero Action
7.5

20121h 17min

United States

Director: Lauren Montgomery

An adaptation of Mark Waid's "Tower of Babel" story from the JLA comic. Vandal Savage steals confidential files Batman has compiled on the members of the Justice League, and learns all their weaknesses.

Themes

Trust under pressure, Preemption vs autonomy, Leadership under duress, Manipulation of contingency plans, External threat internal solidarity, Responsibility of power

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
HBO Max
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F'

18. Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F'

Action Animation Science Fiction Epic Action Anime
7.1

20151h 33min

Japan

Director: Tadayoshi Yamamuro

One peaceful day on Earth, two remnants of Frieza's army named Sorbet and Tagoma arrive searching for the Dragon Balls with the aim of reviving Frieza. They succeed, and Frieza subsequently seeks revenge on the Saiyans.

Themes

Loyalty vs autonomy, Enduring imperial pressure, Invasion and resistance, Power form transformation, Warning and mobilization, Time manipulation and consequence

Available on

Apple TV
Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll Amazon Channel
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Cloud Atlas

19. Cloud Atlas

Drama Science Fiction Epic Sci-Fi
7.4

20122h 52min

Germany, United States

Director: Lilly Wachowski

Several stories unfolding across different eras—from the 19th century to the distant future—follow people whose actions and their consequences travel through time and echo into what comes next.

Themes

Rebellion against oppression, Consequences ripple across centuries, Interwoven destinies across eras, Identity across reincarnation, Power and ethics tension, Memory as moral force

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.

Batman: Bad Blood

20. Batman: Bad Blood

Science Fiction Action Animation Adventure Superhero Action
6.8

20161h 14min

United States

Director: Jay Oliva

When Batman goes missing, it takes the entire Bat "family" - including Batwoman and Batwing - to keep the peace in Gotham and unravel the mystery behind the Dark Knight's disappearance.

Themes

Deception and disguise, Legacy and lineage, Alliance under threat, Team based protection, Mind-control risk, Missing hero duty

Available on

Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
Data provided by JustWatch.Availability may vary by region.