There’s no denying the current pandemic has people staying at home, and away from theaters. But we all still need a break from real life from time to time, and the movies give us that momentary escape we need. Fortunately, indie sci-fi filmmakers and big name studios alike are still putting flicks out for your enjoyment.
We’ve put together a list of fall 2020 sci-fi movies coming out this fall that promise to be epic.
Available now on HBOMax (but the first episode is up on YouTube)
When two androids are tasked with raising human children on a mysterious virgin planet in the wake of a religious war, they learn that controlling the beliefs of humans is a treacherous task. Directed by Ridley Scott, this series is definitely getting its due buzz.
Available now on YouTube – indie fan film by Kenneth Smith
This fan-made, self-funded film tells the story of the initial launching of the Starship USS Enterprise NCC-1701 under the command of Captain Robert April with his wife, Commander Sarah April, the ship’s first Chief Medical Officer. Like all things indie Star Trek, who knows how long it’ll be before CBS cracks down on it, so catch it while you can.
Oct 2 (theaters), Oct 6 (VOD) by Bleecker Street
A plugged-in Brooklyn couple opt to disconnect from their wi-fi for an upstate cabin getaway. That’s when aliens invade the planet, leaving this hapless couple to figure out just what is going on with the world. (It’s the end.)
Oct 9 by NEON
An elite assassin, Taya Vos, uses brain-implants to take control of other people’s bodies in order to carry out her assignments. But her latest job will take her to the edge. Directed by Brandon Cronenberg — yes, he’s David Cronenberg’s son, which makes this movie a must-see just to compare his work to his father’s.
Oct 23 on Netflix
In a retelling of a Chinese folktale, a young girl builds a rocket to Earth’s Moon in an effort to meet the moon goddess, Chang’e. This animated film promises to charm children and adults alike.
Nov 25 by Lionsgate
In the future, 30 young men and women are sent into deep space to search for a new home. But when their adult captain is mysteriously murdered, the ship descends into madness as a threat from the outside turns them into monsters within.
Dec. 18 by Warner Bros. Pictures
Paul Atreides leads nomadic tribes in a battle to control the desert planet Arrakis. That’s the story in a nutshell, but the experience is so much more, as fans of the novel know. This reboot by director Denis Villeneuve promises big visuals.