One of the biggest benefits of this job has been widening my horizons when it comes to discovering new science fiction to devour and (mostly) enjoy. Discovering great sci-fi films that are vastly underappreciated was probably one of my favorite things to do thus far, because I love feeling like I’m in on some secret.
But recently, I’ve been enjoying moving beyond Hollywood and into foreign language sci-fi. I love seeing how other cultures interpret the genre. Which tropes they use, which ones they abandon entirely, and which tropes are wholly unique to their own structure. Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of similarities. That’s just the nature of sci-fi. But I found some truly bizarrely wonderful foreign sci-fi that is easily accessible to anyone with the ability to stream.
Space Sweepers
Familiar but fun blending of genres
Space Sweepers comes from South Korea, and it’s been described as the country’s first “space blockbuster.” Assuming that’s true, it’s a pretty admirable first attempt. Space Sweepers has a lot of ambitions, including a nice mix of sci-fi and western genres. It received somewhat mixed reviews overall, but I actually had a lot of fun with this one.
While Space Sweepers doesn’t explore its dystopian themes as well as it probably could have, its central cast of eponymous space sweepers are a charming, well-developed bunch. Between themes of identity, the future of humanity, and the pitfalls of capitalism, Space Sweepers has a lot on its mind. But even if you don’t necessarily care about that, it’s a relatively breezy way to spend an evening. You can check it out on Netflix.
The Host
Extremely smart satirical creature feature
It’s honestly amazing to think that director Bong Joon Ho went from making lower-budget sci-fi horror films like The Host to Academy Award-winning movies like Parasite. And yet, when you watch The Host, it’s really not that different from Joon Ho’s other efforts. It features the same biting, intelligent satire that he’s become known for, which elevates the cheesy graphics (which are actually sort of charming).
Related
These time-travel movies actually try and get the science right
Unravel the mysteries of time travel in these scientifically-grounded movies.
Centering around a monster attack, government cover-ups, and a forced quarantine, The Host is much more than just a simple creature feature. Just when you think you understand what’s happening, Joon Ho throws a devastating curveball at the audience. It’s equal parts frightening, compelling, and sad. But that’s nothing new for this director, who also made Mickey 17, one of 2025’s most underrated films. You can watch The Host on Tubi.
The Host
Release Date
July 27, 2006
Runtime
119 Minutes
Godzilla Minus One
Easily one of the best Godzilla movies
I’ve been a fan of the Godzilla franchise since childhood, but few of the modern films have really captured me in any meaningful way. This is especially true of the American versions, which have lacked the complex messaging that I associate with a truly great Godzilla movie. Which is why I’m so thankful for Godzilla Minus One, one of the best films in the entire franchise and a nice palate cleanser after years of mindless American Godzilla movies.
Godzilla Minus One is set mostly after the end of World War II, and deals with the fallout of a postwar Japan. This film has everything, from apt thematic metaphors about the atrocities of war to a lead character with PTSD. Its characters feel like real people instead of just thinly drawn caricatures. Oh, and the eponymous Godzilla is terrifying and appropriately monstrous. The creative team behind Godzilla Minus One is currently in the process of developing a sequel, and I could not be more excited to see what else they have up their sleeve. You can check out Godzilla Minus One on Netflix.
Godzilla Minus One
Release Date
November 3, 2023
Runtime
124 minutes
Ryunosuke Kamiki
Koichi Shikishima
Minami Hamabe
Noriko Oishi
Yuki Yamada
Shiro Mizushima
Munetaka Aoki
Sosaku Tachibana
Timecrimes
An intriguing time loop
I’ve been a big fan of Timecrimes for a little while now, but I’m also a sucker for movies with a time loop. What I enjoy so much about Timecrimes is the way in which it doesn’t rely on elaborate special effects or spectacle. This is a pure character-driven sci-fi thriller. Centered around a man who becomes trapped in a casual loop in which he must contend with various versions of himself and use time travel to ultimately break free, this is a movie that requires your complete attention.
Like many time travel movies, some of it doesn’t quite add up, but Timecrimes does such a great job at selling its premise, you likely won’t care all that much. This is an earnest sci-fi film, with a lower budget and some fun dark humor mixed with some fun slasher aspects to go along with it. Timecrimes is the kind of ambitious sci-fi I am constantly in search of, and rarely actually find. You can find Timecrimes on HBO Max.
Timecrimes
Release Date
December 12, 2008
Runtime
92 minutes
Foreign sci-fi movies are killing it
In a time when Hollywood mainstream sci-fi movies are more interested in spectacle and brainless action, it’s encouraging to see some foreign examples of the genre absolutely knocking it out of the park. These films are just a small sample size of that fact. But if you’re looking for some great sci-fi shows, check out these eerily plausible dystopian series.
