Skip to main content

3 sci-fi movies on Amazon Prime Video you need to watch in May 2024

Several people in a home looking terrified at something in a scene from Coherence.
Oscilloscope Laboratories

There have been some great sci-fi movies released over the last several decades that typically depict a future world or catastrophic event of some kind that wreaks havoc on humans. Some focus on the human condition and are far more cerebral than others, while there are also sci-fi movies that center on incredible visual effects.

If you’re in the mood for a good sci-fi flick, check out Amazon Prime Video. The streaming service has a rotating selection of movies of all kinds, including plenty in that genre. The three sci-fi movies on Amazon Prime Video you need to watch in May before they’re gone include an indie gem, a franchise reboot, and a 1990s dystopian movie about human genetic engineering.

Recommended Videos

Coherence (2013)

Coherence Official Trailer 1 (2014) - Mystery Movie HD

When a comet passes over and causes a power outage in town, Em (Emily Foxler) and her friends start noticing strange occurrences. Soon, it becomes apparent that the comet may have caused a quantum decoherence, creating split realities in which the group exists in. Anyone who passes through a specific area of dense darkness may end up in the other reality.

A surreal psychological thriller, Coherence marks the directorial debut of James Ward Byrkit, who had previously worked as a conceptual consultant and storyboard artist for several Pirates of the Caribbean movies. Drawing comparisons to The Twilight Zone, Coherence is a fabulous example of quality low-budget filmmaking. CNET’s Jennifer Bisset describes the movie as a “true indie gem” that is “even more unsettling because of its grounded setting.”

Stream Coherence on Amazon Prime Video.

Terminator Genisys (2015)

Terminator: Genisys Official Trailer #1 (2015) - Arnold Schwarzenegger Movie HD

Arnold Schwarzenegger (Fubar) is back as the Terminator in this sci-fi action movie, the fifth in the long-running franchise. The films serves as a reboot and follows a man named Kyle Reese (Jai Courtney), a soldier in the war against Skynet who travels back in time from 2029 to 1984 to prevent Sarah Connor’s (Emilia Clarke) death. But upon his arrival, he learns that Skynet has altered the timeline and Sarah has now been raised by a reprogrammed Terminator.

Terminator Genisys doesn’t have the same flair as the original movies, but there’s no denying fans loved seeing Schwarzenegger reprise the beloved, career-defining character. Love it or not, Terminator Genisys has its high points. The Washington Post’s Michael O’Sullivan says the movie “goes back to what made the franchise work in the first place: not the machine inside the man, but vice versa.”

Stream Terminator Genisys on Amazon Prime Video.

Gattaca (1997)

GATTACA [1997] – Official Trailer (HD) | Now on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and Digital

Ethan Hawke was in his prime when he starred in this dystopian sci-fi movie that marked the feature film directorial debut for Andrew Niccol, who followed up this movie by writing the Oscar-nominated film The Truman Show. Gattaca is about a future world where children are conceived through genetic selection, ensuring they only have the best possible traits from each of their parents. Vincent Freeman (Hawke) was conceived outside of the program, resulting in him being the subject of genetic discrimination due to a faulty heart.

Gattaca tackles important subject matter — including reproductive technologies, human genetic engineering, and the potential consequences of toying with nature — in a unique way. A movie about ethics as much as it is about entertaining, Gattaca did not perform well at the box office, but was praised by critics. Roger Ebert calls the movie one of the “smartest and most provocative of science fiction films, a thriller with ideas.”

Stream Gattaca on Amazon Prime Video.

Christine Persaud
Christine has decades of experience in trade and consumer journalism. While she started her career writing exclusively about…
3 underrated Netflix movies you should watch this weekend (April 4–6)
Izi and Benji run together in The Kitchen.

Tired of scrolling past the same Netflix recommendations over and over? You're not alone—the algorithm loves to push the biggest blockbusters and buzziest new releases front and center. But behind all the flashy thumbnails lies a treasure trove of underrated movies just waiting to be found. These are the kind of films that might not have received much hype but still pack a serious punch.

Whether you're in the mood for a suspenseful drama, a chilling dystopia, or an award-winning war film, there's something unexpected ready to surprise you. Forget the same old picks and take a chance at these hidden gems that bring bold yet overlooked stories. Get ready with some popcorn and gear up for a fun weekend with these underappreciated movies on Netflix.

Read more
Amazon Prime Video’s AI dubbing could placate cinephiles while angering voice actors
The Amazon Prime Video app icon on Roku.

Amazon Prime Video plans to use AI to dub foreign language shows and movies into English and Latin American Spanish. The company has begun a pilot program that uses "AI-aided" dubbing on 12 licensed movies and series, including titles such as El Cid: La Leyenda, Mi Mamá Lora, and Long Lost.

Amazon says the pilot uses a hybrid approach to dubbing "in which localization professionals collaborate with AI to ensure quality control," and made it clear that it will only use its AI-aided process on content that doesn't already have dubbing support.

Read more
The best free movies on YouTube right now (May 2025)
Three men stand in a boat and stare into the ocean in "Jaws."

Did you know that YouTube's global users are expected to reach 2.85 billion by 2025? That number is staggering, considering nearly half of the world's internet users access YouTube. When the media talk about the biggest rival to Netflix, the answer is YouTube. No other media company can compete with YouTube's reach and advertising.
While pranks and trailers are prevalent on the service, YouTube's dedicated section to free movies continues to increase in popularity. You'll be surprised by how many quality movies you can watch free of charge. This month, one of those movies is Jaws, arguably the most influential blockbuster of the last 50 years. Check out the rest of the guide below.
Looking for more stuff you can watch for free? Check out our guides to the best free shows on YouTube and the best sites for watching free movies online. If you're willing to pay, read these guides on the best new movies to stream and the best movies on Netflix.

Jaws (1975)

Read more