For a retrospective watchlist, 2024’s standout sci-fi and fantasy releases range from the sweeping worlds of Dune: Part Two and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power to animated adventures, superhero spectacle, and science-fiction horror. This is a curated, U.S.-oriented selection—not a definitive ranking or a complete global release calendar. “Best” here means notable options for different tastes, not a score-based verdict. Where and how to watch them now varies by country and service.
Best sci-fi and fantasy films of 2024
The film picks include theatrical franchise continuations and streaming releases. Use the descriptions to find a fit by tone, story, and familiarity with the property.
![Universal 10-Film Sci-Fi Collection [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/517wjVNx26L._SL160_.jpg)
Dune: Part Two
Choose this science-fiction epic for large-scale world-building and a story that continues rather than starts fresh. Denis Villeneuve’s film is the second installment in his adaptation of the classic saga; it follows Paul Atreides as he joins Chani and the Fremen. TIME’s preview provides context on the adaptation and its premise.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
This franchise adventure is set generations after War for the Planet of the Apes and follows a young ape’s journey. It suits viewers who want a science-fiction story in an established world, with motion-capture at the center of the series’ visual identity. Disney announced a U.S. theatrical date of May 10, 2024; that historical announcement is not a statement of current availability. Disney’s 2024 film announcement gives the franchise context.
#1 Best Overall
Deadpool & Wolverine
For a comic-book mixture of superhero action and science-fantasy, this Marvel film brings Deadpool together with Wolverine and places Deadpool in the MCU. Disney announced July 26, 2024, as its theatrical date. That date is the original announcement, not a guide to where the film streams now. Disney’s announcement outlines the pairing.
Alien: Romulus
Pick this science-fiction horror film for suspense and survival rather than a lighter adventure. Its story is set between Alien and Aliens, making it a franchise entry with a defined place in the series chronology. Disney announced an August 16, 2024, theatrical date; the Associated Press summer movie guide also included it among the season’s releases.
Rank #2
Inside Out 2
This animated, imaginative follow-up returns to Riley as she enters adolescence, turning emotions into characters and introducing new feelings alongside familiar ones. It is a family-friendly option for viewers who prefer character-driven animation to live-action spectacle. Disney announced a June 14, 2024, theatrical date and described the returning and new emotions in its 2024 film announcement.
Moana 2
Return to Moana and Maui’s world for an animated fantasy adventure with musical elements. This sequel is a natural choice for viewers looking for an accessible animated journey rather than darker or more frightening genre fare. Disney announced a November 27, 2024, theatrical date in its 2024 film announcement.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchRank #3
![Halloween [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41YoaIyANDL._SL160_.jpg)
- Factory sealed DVD
Mickey 17
This science-fiction story centers on an expendable space traveler whose body is cloned after death. Its premise offers a more unusual hook than a straightforward space adventure. The film is adapted from Edward Ashton’s science-fiction thriller; TIME’s preview identifies the source novel as Mickey7, a route into the story for readers who want to explore the book.
Damsel
This fantasy turns a fairy-tale setup into a survival story involving a princess and a dragon. It may appeal to viewers who want a self-contained fantasy premise rather than another installment in a long-running theatrical franchise. TIME’s preview describes the setup. Check local catalogs for present-day streaming availability, which can differ by territory.
Rank #4
- The year is 2065. A meteor has crashed onto Earth unleashing millions of alien creatures who roam the earth, decimating field and city alike, threatening to extinguish life itself. Prepare to be spellbound by an amazing woman, the brave individuals at her side and an astounding mission to save the Earth.
Spaceman
For quieter, more unusual science fiction, this story follows an astronaut on a distant mission who encounters an unexpected creature. TIME’s preview outlines the premise. Check your local service listings for current availability.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Notable sci-fi and fantasy series and streaming releases
These selections include a major fantasy series returning for another season and streaming projects identified in platform announcements. A platform’s slate confirms that a title was part of its 2024 plans; it does not establish that the title is available in every country today.
Best Value
3 Body Problem
Netflix singled out this series in its 2024 slate as a story that faces the unknown. It is a notable pick for viewers drawn to science fiction built around mystery and unfamiliar possibilities. The announcement is a slate overview, not a detailed episode guide; consult local listings to confirm where it can be watched. Netflix’s 2024 slate announcement gives the platform’s description.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, season two
Viewers looking for expansive fantasy and an ongoing story can return to Middle-earth in the second season of The Rings of Power. Amazon’s 2024 announcement confirms the season, but does not specify its exact premiere date in the passage available there. Amazon’s Prime Video announcement provides the season context.
Rebel Moon
Netflix’s 2024 slate also pointed to a return to the Rebel Moon science-fantasy world. This is the broadest recommendation on the list: the announcement establishes the project’s place in the slate, but does not provide enough detail here to characterize a specific installment or viewing order. Netflix’s slate announcement is the source for its inclusion.
How to choose from the 2024 watchlist
- For expansive worlds and continuing sagas: start with Dune: Part Two or The Rings of Power, depending on whether you want a film or a series.
- For franchise science fiction: consider Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes; for a more frightening mood, choose Alien: Romulus.
- For superheroes and comic-book spectacle: try Deadpool & Wolverine.
- For animation and a lighter adventure: look to Inside Out 2 or Moana 2.
- For distinctive premises: explore the cloned space traveler in Mickey 17, the princess-and-dragon survival story in Damsel, or the astronaut’s encounter in Spaceman.
- For series-length science fiction: consider 3 Body Problem; for a streaming return to a science-fantasy setting, see Rebel Moon.
What “best” means in this list
This is a selective guide to notable 2024 releases, not an objective ranking. The available material does not establish a consistent comparison of critic or audience ratings, so the recommendations are organized around genre, tone, franchise context, and format instead. The selection is U.S.-oriented and is not exhaustive across global releases or every platform. Original studio dates identify when a release was announced for 2024; they do not confirm current streaming rights or availability in your region.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
