Are you looking for the best sci-fi movies to enjoy with your kids? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of some fantastic science fiction movies that are just perfect for young viewers and the entire family.
From intergalactic adventures to time-travel escapades, these films are sure to spark a love of science fiction in your little ones. We’ve put together a list with recommended ages for each one so you can pick the one that’s just right for your family with some that are perfect for a younger audience and others that will engage your older kids and tweens.
So, get ready to embark on a journey through some of the best sci-fi films out there, guaranteed to be a great thing for the entire family.
Sit back, relax, and let the magic of these extraordinary movies transport you and your family to realms beyond our Earth.
Whether it’s a fun movie night or a deep dive into the wonders of the universe, these films are sure to leave a lasting impression long after the end of the film.
Let’s blast off! Grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready for a family movie night that’s out of this world!
Table of Contents
- Star Wars: The Phantom Menace
- E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
- Jurassic Park
- The Iron Giant
- Spy Kids
- Back to the Future
- Home
- Big Hero 6
- The Martian
- Robots
- Wreck-It Ralph
- Bumblebee
- Flight of the Navigator
- Wall-E
- The Hunger Games
- Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
- Men in Black
- Close Encounters of the Third Kind
- Star Trek (2009)
- The Last Starfighter
- Tomorrowland
- Guardians of the Galaxy
- Space Jam
- Jumanji
- Ready Player One
- Artemis Fowl
- The Incredibles
- The Matrix
- More Movie Lists and Family Fun Recommendations
Star Wars: The Phantom Menace
Storyline: The beginning of the epic Star Wars saga, where we meet young Anakin Skywalker.
Age Suitability: 7 and up
Why We Recommend It:
It’s a great introduction to the Star Wars universe with memorable characters like Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader.
The special effects are mind-blowing, and it’s a classic that spans generations. Directed by George Lucas, this movie kicked off a new chapter in the epic Star Wars saga and introduced audiences to stunning new worlds and an exciting space odyssey.
Featuring the talents of Mark Hamill, this film is a cornerstone of the Star Wars saga, captivating audiences with its rich storytelling and iconic characters.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Storyline: A heartwarming tale of a young boy who befriends an alien (e. t. extra terrestrial) who is stranded on Earth.
Age Suitability: 6 and up
Why We Recommend It:
Directed by Steven Spielberg, this movie captures the essence of childhood wonder and the power of friendship. This classic movie by Steven Spielberg is made even more memorable by the heartwarming performance of young Henry Thomas as Elliot.
Plus, the iconic bicycle flight across the moon is unforgettable! The film has stood the test of time, becoming a classic movie in the sci-fi genre that continues to enchant audiences, both young and old.
Jurassic Park
Storyline: A thrilling adventure where dinosaurs are brought back to life on a remote island.
Age Suitability: 8 and up
Why We Recommend It:
It’s a fantastic blend of action, adventure, and science, with awe-inspiring special effects that still hold up today. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce kids to paleontology!
The film’s success at the box office and its groundbreaking special effects have solidified its status as one of the best movies in the sci-fi genre.
There are multiple movies within this franchise, from the original Jurassic Park to the more recent Jurassic World movies, so pick whichever one you like best.
The Iron Giant
Storyline: An animated movie about a young boy who discovers a giant robot from outer space.
Age Suitability: 6 and up
Why We Recommend It:
This heartwarming story teaches important lessons about friendship and not judging a book by its cover. The animation is beautiful, and the giant robot is super cool!
Spy Kids
Storyline: Two kids become spies to save their parents, who are secret agents captured by an evil genius.
Age Suitability: 6 and up
Why We Recommend It:
It’s a fun, action-packed movie that shows kids being heroes. Plus, the gadgets and gizmos are super cool!
Back to the Future
Storyline: Marty McFly travels back in time in a DeLorean time machine invented by Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd).
Age Suitability: 10 and up
Why We Recommend It:
It’s a classic time travel adventure with great humor, memorable characters, and a rocking 80s soundtrack.
Home
Storyline: An alien on the run from his own people lands on Earth and makes friends with an adventurous girl named Tip.
Age Suitability: 5 and up
Why We Recommend It:
This animated movie is a fun and heartwarming story about friendship and finding your place in the world. It’s perfect for younger kids and is filled with colorful animation and humor.
Big Hero 6
Storyline: A young robotics prodigy forms a superhero team to combat a masked villain in this Disney Pixar sci fi hit.
Age Suitability: 7 and up
Why We Recommend It:
It’s an action-packed, emotional rollercoaster with themes of friendship, loss, and innovation. The bond between the main character Hiro and the lovable robot Baymax is particularly touching.
Related: Big Hero 6 Coloring Pages and Free Printable Activity Sheets
The Martian
Storyline: An astronaut, played by Matt Damon, is stranded on Mars and must use his wits and science to survive.
Age Suitability: 12 and up
Why We Recommend It:
It’s a thrilling story of survival and ingenuity, showing the power of science and human determination. It’s great for older kids, especially those interested in space exploration and STEM.
Robots
Storyline: In a world of robots, young inventor Rodney Copperbottom goes to the big city to pursue his dreams.
Age Suitability: 6 and up
Why We Recommend It:
This animated film is filled with humor, heart, and a message about following your dreams. The imaginative robot world and its quirky characters are sure to delight younger audiences.
Related: Review – Robots Bluray
Wreck-It Ralph
Storyline: A video game villain who wants to be a hero ends up wreaking havoc in the arcade he calls home.
Age Suitability: 5 and up
Why We Recommend It:
It’s a fun and creative movie that dives into the world of video games, with a great story about acceptance and being true to yourself. Plus, the animation is fantastic!
Bumblebee
Storyline: A young girl discovers a battle-scarred robot who is more than just a car.
Age Suitability: 10 and up
Why We Recommend It:
This Transformers spin-off is a heartwarming tale of friendship and courage, with plenty of action. It’s a great introduction to the Transformers universe for younger audiences.
Hailee Steinfeld and John Cena star in this Transformers installment, bringing a fresh and human perspective to the story of an alien robot.
Flight of the Navigator
Storyline: A young boy goes on an incredible space adventure after being abducted by an alien spacecraft.
Age Suitability: 7 and up
Why We Recommend It:
It’s a fun space adventure with cool special effects and a touching story about growing up and family bonds.
Wall-E
Storyline: In a future where Earth has been abandoned, a small waste-collecting robot finds love and pursues it across the galaxy.
Age Suitability: 5 and up
Why We Recommend It:
This animated movie is a beautiful tale about environmental stewardship, love, and adventure, with minimal dialogue and stunning visuals.
This movie also subtly addresses important issues like climate change and taking care of planet Earth, making it a great conversation starter with younger kids.
Directed by Andrew Stanton, this Pixar masterpiece subtly embeds its environmental message within a captivating story.
The Hunger Games
Storyline: In a dystopian future, teens must compete in a televised survival game.
Age Suitability: 12 and up
Why We Recommend It:
It’s a gripping story with strong themes of courage, survival, and standing up for what’s right. Great for older kids and teens. Featuring a strong lead performance by Jennifer Lawrence and supporting roles by actors like Josh Hutcherson, it’s a film that resonates with young audiences and has received high ratings on Rotten Tomatoes.
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
Storyline: Inventor Wayne Szalinski (Rick Moranis) accidentally shrinks his and his neighbor’s kids to the size of insects.
Age Suitability: 6 and up
Why We Recommend It:
It’s a hilarious and heartwarming family film that combines science fiction with a big dose of adventure and comedy.
Men in Black
Storyline: Two agents (Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones) protect Earth from the scum of the universe.
Age Suitability: 9 and up
Why We Recommend It:
This action-packed movie is filled with aliens, advanced technology, and lots of humor, making it a perfect sci-fi movie for the whole family.
Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones form an unforgettable duo in this sci-fi action movie, blending humor and alien adventures seamlessly.
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Storyline: An ordinary man has an extraordinary encounter with a UFO and seeks to uncover the truth.
Age Suitability: 10 and up
Why We Recommend It:
Another Spielberg masterpiece that mixes mystery, awe, and a sense of wonder about the universe.
Star Trek (2009)
Storyline: A reboot of the classic series, following the early days of Captain Kirk and his crew on the USS Enterprise.
Age Suitability: 10 and up
Why We Recommend It:
It’s a thrilling space adventure with stunning visuals and a fresh take on beloved characters. This film brings the Star Trek universe to a new generation with action, humor, and heart.
The Last Starfighter
Storyline: A teen is recruited by an alien defense force after excelling at a video game.
Age Suitability: 8 and up
Why We Recommend It:
It’s a classic ’80s movie that combines the love of video games with an epic space adventure. It’s a great example of how ordinary kids can become heroes.
Tomorrowland
Storyline: A science fiction film where a former boy-genius and a teen with a passion for science embark on a mission to unearth the secrets of a mysterious place.
Age Suitability: 10 and up
Why We Recommend It: It’s a visually stunning Disney movie that explores themes of optimism and hope with great performances by George Clooney and Britt Robertson.
Guardians of the Galaxy
Storyline: A group of intergalactic criminals must pull together to stop a fanatical warrior with plans to purge the universe.
Age Suitability: 12 and up
Why We Recommend It:
This movie is a fun, action-packed space adventure with a great soundtrack, and it’s a hit with both kids and adults for its humor and heart.
Space Jam
Storyline: Basketball legend Michael Jordan teams up with Bugs Bunny and other Looney Tunes characters in a basketball game against alien invaders.
Age Suitability: 6 and up
Why We Recommend It:
It’s a fun and unique blend of live-action and animation that brings together sports, iconic cartoon characters, and a wild space adventure.
Perfect for both younger kids and nostalgic adults.
Jumanji
Storyline: Two kids find and play a magical board game, releasing a man trapped inside for decades and a host of dangers that can only be stopped by finishing the game.
Age Suitability: 8 and up
Why We Recommend It:
It’s an adventurous and thrilling ride with a unique concept involving a board game. The movie is filled with action, humor, and heart, making it a great family film.
Ready Player One
Storyline: In a future where people escape to a virtual reality universe, a young boy embarks on a quest to find a digital Easter egg hidden by the game’s creator.
Age Suitability: 12 and up
Why We Recommend It:
Directed by Steven Spielberg, this film is a visual spectacle, filled with references to popular culture and a thrilling storyline about the power and potential of virtual reality.
Tye Sheridan and Olivia Cooke navigate a visually stunning virtual world in this Spielberg-directed adaptation of the popular novel.
Artemis Fowl
Storyline: A young criminal prodigy hunts down a secret society of fairies to find his missing father.
Age Suitability: 10 and up
Why We Recommend It:
It’s a fantastical adventure based on the popular book series, combining elements of magic, advanced technology, and a young protagonist’s journey.
The Incredibles
Storyline: A family of undercover superheroes, while trying to live a quiet suburban life, is forced into action to save the world.
Age Suitability: 7 and up
Why We Recommend It:
This animated movie is a fun and exciting look at superhero family dynamics, with great action scenes, humor, and a message about the importance of family and teamwork.
The Matrix
Storyline: A computer hacker learns about the true nature of his reality and his role in the war against its controllers.
Age Suitability: 13 and up
Why We Recommend It:
It’s a groundbreaking film in the sci-fi genre, with innovative special effects, a gripping storyline, and thought-provoking themes about reality and artificial intelligence.
There you have it, fellow sci-fi lovers! These movies are not just entertaining; they’re gateways to vast imaginative worlds. They teach us about bravery, friendship, and the endless possibilities of the universe. Whether you’re zooming through space or traveling through time, each of these films offers something special for your family movie nights. So, why not embark on these thrilling sci-fi adventures together? It’s a perfect way to bond and ignite a lifelong love for science fiction in your young ones. Enjoy, and may the force be with you on your cinematic journey!
Each of these films adds a unique flavor to your sci-fi movie night, offering everything from animated adventures to awe-inspiring tales of survival on distant planets. They’re sure to capture the imaginations of kids and adults alike, making for perfect family viewing.
More Movie Lists and Family Fun Recommendations
Want some more ideas for your family movie night? Here are a few more of our themed lists to help you out with movie ideas for kids of all ages… get the popcorn ready and enjoy!
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Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.