10 Amazing Independent Sci-Fi Horror Movies You Need To Watch

Sci-fi and horror are two phenomenal genres, so what could be better than putting them together? As special effects equipment has become cheaper and more obtainable in recent decades, it’s allowed more independent filmmakers to partake in the growing subgenre.

The 10 movies on this list all blend elements of sci-fi and horror together perfectly, creating films that are captivating, unsettling, and wholly unique. From a truly bizarre musical to a Larz von Trier masterpiece, here are 10 amazing independent sci-fi horror movies.

10 The Beach House (2019)

To describe The Beach House, imagine Cabin Fever on steroids. In the film, global warming has released underwater microbes into the atmosphere. These microbes seem to be able to manipulate the physical world around them, and, if breathed in by humans, a horrifying mutation begins.

The movie was originally shown at a few film festivals and was then picked up by the streaming service Shudder. It has since received rave reviews from horror fans, and its release date (summer of 2020) seemed oddly pertinent with the global COVID-19 pandemic. The film is streaming on Shudder and can be rented on Amazon Prime.

9 Melancholia (2011)

At first glance, Lars von Trier’s 2011 film appears to be about depression. Kirstin Dunst plays newlywed Justine, who is so overcome with depression that she can’t even enjoy her own wedding reception. However, it soon becomes known that a rogue planet, Melancholia, will do a ‘fly-by’ of Earth and that Earth’s gravitational force will ultimately pull the planet into a collision, obliterating all life.

Through very sly, small moments in the movie, it becomes clear that Justine might have the power to see the future and has always known of Earth’s impending doom, hence her ever-present depression. Dunst was even awarded the Best Actress award at Cannes for her role. Melancholia is currently streaming for free on Tubi.

8 The Void (2016)

The Canadian supernatural film The Void has been polarizing viewers since it first premiered. The movie is a heavily stylized, retro-throwback that very much follows in the footsteps of Lovecraft. In the film, a small town seems to be mostly abandoned aside from some murderous townspeople, robed cultists, and Dr. Richard Powell, the ringmaster behind it all.

It becomes evident that that cult is trying to open a portal to another world. Also, there are Lovecraftian monsters being birthed in the hospital… and this was part of audience complaints. The plot was truly all over the place. However, with epic practical effects and a great vibe, it’s an incredible film for genre fans. It’s currently streaming for free on Crackle.

7 Contracted (2013)

In what’s surely one of the most traumatic movies ever made, Contracted portrays the very beginning of a zombie apocalypse—and it all began with a mutated STD.

In the film, Samantha is drugged by a necrophiliac. When she comes to the next day, she notices she feels different. Over the course of the film, Samantha’s body begins to fall apart, her mood changes, and eventually, she becomes murderous. Contracted is part drama, part science fiction, and part body horror. It’s a painful slow burn that’s sure to make audiences squirm, and it can be rented on Amazon Prime.

6 The Lodge (2019)

In this trippy horror movie, two kids head to New England for Christmas with their father and soon-to-be stepmother, Grace, after some serious family drama. While at the remote Massachusetts lodge, the kids decide to get revenge against their father’s fiance.

Throughout the film, Grace can’t figure out what’s happening. She wonders if she’s dreaming or trapped in the afterlife. Audiences will also be left questioning the entire film until the shocking surprise ending. The Lodge is currently streaming on Hulu.

5 The Bay (2012)

In 2012’s The Bay, farm animal waste that’s filled with industrial steroids is being dumped into the Chesapeake Bay. Before long, a small coastal island begins experiencing strange phenomena. Divers’ corpses are washing up completely mutilated, residents are growing violently ill, and strange lesions are appearing on people’s bodies. The culprit provides the film with an unexpected twist.

The Bay was directed by Oscar-winning Hollywood veteran Barry Levinson, who wanted to explore the idea of a potential environmental disaster caused by manmade pollution and habitat destruction. The movie premiered at the 2012 Toronto Film Festival to positive reviews and is now streaming on AMC+ and can be rented on Google Play and YouTube.

4 Daybreakers (2009)

In Daybreakers, humanity falls victim to a plague caused by an infected bat. The disease turns people into vampires, and, before long, almost the entire populous has transitioned. Because of the dwindling human population, the supply of blood has become increasingly thin, causing some of the vampires to devolve into monsters.

Daybreakers is like Dracula meets The Matrix meets Children of Men. It’s a unique movie that doesn’t easily fit into any one genre, and that’s part of what makes it such an interesting watch. It’s currently streaming on Peacock and can be rented on Amazon Prime, iTunes, and YouTube.

3 Repo: The Genetic Opera (2008)

In the future, pollution and overconsumption have turned the world into a toxic dump. Organ failures are common, and having them replaced is a necessary procedure. The wealthy have taken this new surgery-centric lifestyle to the next level and routinely have unnecessary and extreme cosmetic surgery to show off their wealth and opulence.

For the rest of mankind, however, if they can’t pay for their transplants, the repo man will come and cut out the organ, leaving the victim to die. This is Repo: The Genetic Opera. Yes, it’s a musical. Yes, it has a totally random cast, like Sarah Brightman and Paris Hilton. And, yes, it’s an incredibly interesting film. It’s streaming for free on Tubi and Pluto TV and can be rented on iTunes, Amazon Prime, and YouTube.

2 CUBE (1997)

This little indie gem from Canada has been cited as a precursor to SAW. In the film, a group of strangers wakes up in a giant cube made up of ever-shifting smaller cubes. Some cubes are rigged with traps, and a mathematical formula written on each cube’s entryway is the only way to decipher which ones are dangerous.

The film is filled with paranoia and a sense of isolation, claustrophobia, and imminent doom. It’s beautifully made and was done so on an extremely small budget. It also led to a sequel and prequel. All three CUBE movies can be streamed for free on Vudu, Tubi, and Pluto TV.

1 Sunshine (2007)

If someone took Event Horizon and combined it with elements from Alien, as well as The Day After Tomorrow, and then had Danny Boyle direct it, they would end up with Sunshine. In the movie, the sun is dying and Earth is getting colder and colder. A team is sent to restart the star with a massive bomb. However, unforeseen events get in the way.

Sunshine is a stylized masterpiece, and, halfway through the film, the plot shifts wildly in some very unexpected ways. The best part is that it works perfectly. Sunshine is also loaded with A-List stars like Cillian Murphy, Chris Evans, Michelle Yeoh, and Rose Byrne. It can be rented on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and YouTube.

About The Author

Keith Langston
(157 Articles Published)

Keith Langston is a writer for ScreenRant, as well as Travel Channel and Passport Magazine. He holds a deep passion for film, travel, and adventure. He fully believes that ‘The Faculty’ is the greatest movie ever made.

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