The best sci-fi movies, particularly sci-fi horror movies, often include indie and low-budget films that fans adore. When it comes to the three underrated sci-fi movies on Amazon Freevee you should watch in June, these are all lesser-known movies that might be exactly what you’re looking for right now.
One hails from a story by Philip K. Dick, the sci-fi writer and novelist whose work is behind hit movies like Blade Runner and Total Recall and shows like The Man in the High Castle. Another is a sci-fi comedy starring Rhys Darby with a lighter, more fun tone if that’s what you’re in the mood to watch. All three films can be watched without a subscription, completely free through Amazon’s Freevee service.
Screamers (1995)
Combining sci-fi with horror, Screamers is based on the Philip K. Dick short story Second Variety, and remains one of his lesser-known works given all the high-profile movies and TV shows his writing has inspired. Set in the future year 2078 on a planet called Sirius 6B, space has become a wasteland following a war between the mining company that once ruled it and a group of former mining and science personnel.
Battling with science isn’t easy. These highly intelligent individuals have devised Autonomous Mobile Swords (AMS), AI-powered, self-replicating machines that make a high-pitched noise (that sounds like a scream) to kill soldiers of the New Economic Block (N.E.B.). The N.E.B. members counteract this by wearing tabs that make them invisible to the machines. A story of high-tech, high-stakes battle, some critics applaud the movie, like Brendan Kelly of Variety, who describes Screamers as a “fun, fast-paced, futuristic thriller with enough jolts per frame to keep even the most impatient action fan happy.” If you’re a fan of Dick’s work, Screamers is one of the more obscure sci-fi movies in his arsenal that you might not yet have added to your list but is worth diving into.
Stream Screamers on Amazon Freevee.
Jack’s Apocalypse (2015)
There are so many apocalyptic stories nowadays, both in movies and TV shows. In many cases, those who emerge the strongest are ones who were often discarded or disregarded in the world before. Jack (David Maldonado) is one of those people who finds a courageous strength in the worst of times. An addict who frequently indulges in alcohol, drugs, and sex, the end of the world kicks him into shape. He has no choice but to change his ways, finally face his demons, and come out a better person, ironically just as the world is falling apart.
Jack’s Apocalypse is a metaphorical film that flips the concept of the end of the world on its head. It’s mostly the theme of redemption that makes this film so pleasurable to watch. Jack’s Apocalypse provides hope that even when all seems lost, people at their lowest can find their way back.
Stream Jack’s Apocalypse on Amazon Freevee.
Relax I’m from the Future (2023)
Looking for some laughs? This Canadian sci-fi comedy stars Rhys Darby as Casper, a man residing in the 22nd century who can time travel. He decides to go back to the 2020s to get away from his boring and lonely life, hoping to use his knowledge of the outcome of lotteries and sporting events to fund a lavish lifestyle, reminiscent of Biff’s attempt to do the same in Back to the Future Part II. He meets Holly (Gabrielle Graham) whom he ropes into his plans, promising to make them both rich. But Casper needs to tread lightly so as not to disrupt the flow of events that lead to the already played out future. Plus, there’s Doris (Janine Theriault), a law enforcement officer from the future sent to stop people like him.
Relax I’m from the Future is pure fun, but it’s one of those underrated movies you probably haven’t heard about. Comically absurd and downright weird, the Toronto, Ontario, Canada-set movie has struck a chord with critics and audiences, alike. Josiah Teal of Film Threat calls it “funny, quotable, and unique,” a solid build on what initially began as a short film.
Stream Relax I’m from the Future on Amazon Freevee.
