What’s the best sci-fi on Netflix now? #StreamTeam

We’re part of the #StreamTeam and were compensated for this. OK, the ‘best’ sci-fi on Netflix is open to interpretation. In this specific case we just wanted to highlight a smattering of offerings; a couple that might fly below radar, one or two that are classics and a couple cheesy films that have aged fabulously.

Consider these first two, the Kurt Russell block. In the moment his early to mid 80’s films were topped with the same amount of cheese. However, when you look back at the breadth of his work from that time period, Overboard, The Thing and our first two it’s obvious that he’s an actor’s actor who is often the brightest spot in every film he stars in.

Escape from L.A.

Was Escape from L.A. as great as Escape from New York? No, not even close, but Escape from L.A. was a totally different movie, less grit, more cheese and more of a group piece than its predecessor.  Watch this one guilt free, enjoy Bruce Campbell, Steve Buscemi, Pam Grier and other character actors that give Snake Plissken a run for his fugitive money.

Big Trouble in Little China

Big Trouble in Little China is more obvious. This was sci-fi camp from the get go, but it is fabulous. We saw it just the other week and it still holds up as entertaining. It’s campy, but the action is strong and if our oldest child was 7 we’d be watching it again this weekend.

2001:  A Space Odyssey

This is quality sci-fi, rated G that is one of the standard bearers for creativity, tension and direction. Made for only $10 million in 1968 it holds up and even surpasses many of today’s sci-fi films made for ten times that amount.

Firefly

This is the tent pole for television shows that were cancelled before their prime. Watch them in order and the story arc really can be seen. Even if you saw them on TV, where they aired the episodes out of order, they were great.

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Most people have a favorite TNG episode. I think we’re with most people in that ours was Q Who?, where Q took the Enterprise thousands of light years away from their location. The Borg ones were great and the evolution of the show, how it was launched in syndication was landmark back in 1987.

Torchwood

We loved Torchwood before we loved Doctor Who. For us its modern England setting made it more approachable and the fact that the action kept getting bigger made us stay. How a show could threaten the universe or all living things and maintain realistic tension was something to behold. If you like sci-fi and have an open mind, check it out.

Chaos on the Bridge

In the early to mid 80’s there was great drama in bringing Star Trek: The Next Generation to the television screen. William Shatner hosts Chaos on the Bridge a documentary with interviews from the people who helped create TNG. The stories that the industry trades printed back then were only part of the drama. This is a documentary that every sci-fi fan will want to see.