If you’re a fan of thrilling, mind-bending stories that blend the best of science fiction and horror, the 2020s have delivered some truly exceptional films to this genre. The Top 10 Must-See Sci-Fi Horror Movies of the 2020s (So Far) brings you a list of cinematic masterpieces that have captivated audiences with their innovative storytelling, eerie settings, and unforgettable scares. From post-apocalyptic survival to alien encounters and artificial intelligence gone wrong, these movies explore some of the most fascinating and terrifying possibilities of the future. Whether you’re looking for psychological horror or intense action, this collection has something to suit every horror fan’s taste.
Table of Contents
1. Annihilation (2020)
Release Date: 2020
Genres: Sci-Fi, Horror
Director: Alex Garland
Cast: Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tessa Thompson
Where to Watch: Netflix
Annihilation is one of the top sci-fi horror movies of the 2020s that blends psychological tension with terrifying visuals. The film follows a biologist (Natalie Portman) who joins an expedition into the mysterious “Shimmer,” an area where strange and dangerous phenomena occur. As the team ventures further into the Shimmer, they encounter bizarre mutated creatures, with their own fears and desires manifesting in horrifying ways. A mix of deep existential horror and captivating visuals makes Annihilation a standout in the 2020s sci-fi horror genre.
2. The Invisible Man (2020)
Release Date: 2020
Genres: Sci-Fi, Horror, Thriller
Director: Leigh Whannell
Cast: Elisabeth Moss, Aldis Hodge, Oliver Jackson-Cohen
Where to Watch: HBO Max
In this modern reimagining of the classic tale, The Invisible Man blends sci-fi concepts with chilling horror. Cecilia (Elisabeth Moss) escapes an abusive relationship with a wealthy scientist, only to suspect that her ex is still alive and haunting her. As she struggles with her sanity and the invisible force stalking her, the film cleverly weaves themes of trauma, power, and manipulation. The Invisible Man is one of the must-see sci-fi horror movies of the 2020s, offering a spine-tingling exploration of the human psyche.
3. A Quiet Place Part II (2021)
Release Date: 2021
Genres: Sci-Fi, Horror, Thriller
Director: John Krasinski
Cast: Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Cillian Murphy
Where to Watch: Paramount+
Following the success of the original, A Quiet Place Part II is among the top sci-fi horror films of the 2020s. After the death of their patriarch, Evelyn (Emily Blunt) and her children must journey into the world outside their home, where terrifying alien creatures that hunt by sound threaten their survival. The film balances intense action with emotional depth, making it one of the most engaging and frightening sci-fi horror movies of the 2020s.
4. Possessor (2020)
Release Date: 2020
Genres: Sci-Fi, Horror, Thriller
Director: Brandon Cronenberg
Cast: Andrea Riseborough, Christopher Abbott, Jennifer Jason Leigh
Where to Watch: Shudder
Possessor stands as one of the must-watch sci-fi horror films of the 2020s, offering a disturbing blend of body horror and technology. The film follows an assassin (Andrea Riseborough) who uses implants to take control of other people’s bodies and carry out assassinations. As she carries out her latest mission, her identity begins to slip away. With its unsettling atmosphere and thought-provoking premise, Possessor is one of the most innovative sci-fi horror movies of the 2020s.
5. Bloodshot (2020)
Release Date: 2020
Genres: Sci-Fi, Action, Horror
Director: Dave Wilson
Cast: Vin Diesel, Eiza González, Sam Heughan
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
In Bloodshot, soldier Ray Garrison (Vin Diesel) is revived with nanotechnology that makes him virtually indestructible. As he embarks on a path of revenge against those who killed him, the line between reality and manipulation begins to blur. Combining sci-fi with thrilling action and horror elements, Bloodshot fits perfectly into the sci-fi horror category of the 2020s.
6. Love and Monsters (2020)
Release Date: 2020
Genres: Sci-Fi, Horror, Adventure
Director: Michael Matthews
Cast: Dylan O’Brien, Jessica Henwick, Michael Rooker
Where to Watch: Netflix
Love and Monsters is a perfect blend of sci-fi adventure and horror in a post-apocalyptic world. Set in a future where monstrous mutations roam the Earth, the film follows Joel (Dylan O’Brien) on a quest to reunite with his girlfriend. Amid the terrifying creatures, Joel discovers courage and a new perspective on life. With its unique mix of humor, heart, and monster horror, it’s undoubtedly one of the top sci-fi horror movies of the 2020s.
7. In the Earth (2021)
Release Date: 2021
Genres: Sci-Fi, Horror
Director: Ben Wheatley
Cast: Joel Fry, Ellora Torchia, Reece Shearsmith
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
In the Earth is one of the most unsettling sci-fi horror movies of the 2020s, offering a terrifying exploration of isolation and supernatural forces. Set during a pandemic, the film follows two scientists as they journey into the woods to search for a cure. As they encounter strange forces in the forest, the lines between the natural world and something far more sinister begin to blur. The film’s atmosphere and disturbing imagery make it a unique entry in the 2020s sci-fi horror genre.
8. The Platform (2020)
Release Date: 2020
Genres: Sci-Fi, Horror, Thriller
Director: Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia
Cast: Ivan Massagué, Zorion Eguileor, Antonia San Juan
Where to Watch: Netflix
Set in a vertical prison, The Platform is one of the most socially charged sci-fi horror films of the 2020s. The film’s premise—where food is distributed on a platform descending through levels of prisoners—creates a nightmarish allegory for class struggle and survival. As the protagonist (Ivan Massagué) fights to survive in this brutal system, the horror and suspense build, making it one of the top sci-fi horror films to watch this decade.
9. Underwater (2020)
Release Date: 2020
Genres: Sci-Fi, Horror, Thriller
Director: William Eubank
Cast: Kristen Stewart, Vincent Cassel, T.J. Miller
Where to Watch: Hulu
Underwater brings a unique combination of claustrophobic terror and sci-fi action. After a devastating earthquake sinks an oil drilling station, Norah (Kristen Stewart) and a small group of survivors must travel across the ocean floor, encountering massive and terrifying creatures. The film stands out in the sci-fi horror genre of the 2020s for its intense action and psychological horror as the survivors face not only the environment but their own fears.
10. Devs (2020)
Release Date: 2020
Genres: Sci-Fi, Horror, Drama
Director: Alex Garland
Cast: Sonoya Mizuno, Nick Offerman, Jin Ha
Where to Watch: Hulu
Devs is a cerebral blend of sci-fi, thriller, and horror that delves into the philosophical implications of technology. The series follows Lily (Sonoya Mizuno), a software engineer who investigates a tech company’s secretive development division, leading to a mind-bending revelation. With its slow-burn tension and thought-provoking themes about determinism and free will, Devs is a must-see in the 2020s sci-fi horror landscape, making it one of the most unique shows of the decade.
Conclusion
The Top 10 Must-See Sci-Fi Horror Movies of the 2020s (So Far) features films that have pushed the boundaries of the genre, blending chilling horror with exciting sci-fi narratives. From mind-bending plots to stunning visuals and heart-pounding action, these movies deliver some of the best thrills and scares in recent memory. If you’re looking for an unforgettable mix of the unknown and the terrifying, these films are sure to leave an impact and keep you on the edge of your seat.
