Sci-fi movies can be filled with daring explorations, operatic themes of galactic warfare, and even some downright scares—but they can also be really funny. Mastering sci-fi comedy certainly isn’t an easy task. It requires a lot of in-depth world-building, just to then have a group of madcap characters and zany action totally run amok in it. But when done right, something about the wild premise and the even wilder comedy works flawlessly to create some primo cinematic gold.
Check out our guide below to find out where you can watch 10 of the best sci-fi comedies that are streaming online right now.
Galaxy Quest (1999)
In Galaxy Quest, the aging cast of an old TV series called Galaxy Quest are accidentally mistaken for a real interstellar space crew by aliens who watch reruns of their show. They’re then (somewhat against their will) pulled into a very real galactic battle between two alien races. The movie is really smart and incredibly funny, and if you’re a Trekkie or anyone who understands fandom culture, the jokes will hit especially hard.
Mars Attacks! (1996)
In 1996, Independence Day rocked cinemas and became one of the biggest blockbusters of the decade. Just a few months later, another sci-fi alien movie was released… but this one had a much different tone. Directed by Tim Burton, Mars Attacks! showed a new type of alien invasion, one where the fumbling idiocracy of humans makes it easy for aliens to gain complete control. In classic Burton style, the film is loaded with garish costumes, bright colors, and deco-inspired sets, which really helps keep the fun, campy vibes alive.
Starship Troopers (1997)
The first thing you need to know is that the novel Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein is NOT a joke. Heinlein was a hardcore pro-McCarthyism American exceptionalist who believed that violent warfare was the only way to ensure peace (which is sadly a common but contradictory belief held by many).
Unfortunately for Heinlein, who never actually saw warfare and just fantasized about it instead, director Paul Verhoeven grew up during the era of Nazi occupation in Amsterdam. He saw firsthand what tyranny and fascism looked like. So he set out to make his film adaptation of Starship Troopers a bombastic, slapstick look at what happens to a society when war and patriotism are everything, and freedom, self-expression, and intellectualism mean nothing. The end result is one of the smartest yet campiest sci-fi movies in history.
Spaceballs (1987)
You know a franchise is a hit when an entire big-budget Hollywood movie is made purely to spoof it. That’s what happens to Star Wars in Mel Brooks’ Spaceballs. Chewbacca is replaced by the humanoid canine Barf, Darth Vader is now Dark Helmet… and Jabba the Hutt is now fan-favorite Pizza the Hutt. In classic Mel Brooks style, the gags, puns, spoofs, and parodies are endless, and if you’re a fan of Star Wars, you will absolutely be rolling on the floor.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (2005)
Based on the iconic book series by Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy follows one man’s journey as he accidentally escapes Earth moments before it’s blown up by aliens. He then goes on a wild adventure throughout the galaxy, learning that Earth was merely a little backwater planet that nobody cared about. It’s smart, funny, and very British. Plus, it has a fantastic cast, including Sam Rockwell, Alan Rickman, Bill Nighy, and Martin Freeman, among many others.
The Cabin in the Woods (2011)
Look, if you’ve never seen The Cabin in the Woods, don’t worry, no spoilers here. You’ve probably heard it’s a horror movie or a horror comedy, and technically, that’s true. But the last third of the movie becomes so wildly different that one can argue that it ventures more into sci-fi territory. Yes, there’s a huge twist that changes everything. And yes, it’s great. And no, we won’t ruin it by telling you what it is.
Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988)
Lots of movies are called cult classics, but few truly hold the lofty privilege. Killer Klowns from Outer Space is one of those legit cult classics that continues to be popular decades after its release. In the film, a race of murderous clown aliens arrive on Earth and kill people using hilarious circus-inspired weapons. It’s a sci-fi splatterfest that’s tons of fun. Killer Klowns even received its own video game adaptation in 2024.
Don’t Look Up (2021)
In Don’t Look Up, a giant asteroid is heading for Earth and is about to annihilate all life on the planet. There’s a way to stop it, but America’s moronic, self-obsessed President refuses to do anything about it until their buddy and tech tycoon (heavily inspired by Elon Musk) thinks they could actually profit off the asteroid. Yeah, this movie felt super relevant in 2021 when it was released, but now it’s just….ugh…too close to home. Also, watch the ending and you’ll see how well this all works out for us.
This Is the End (2013)
Another movie about the end of the world is This Is the End. In the film, a giant celebrity-studded house party in LA is ruined when Armageddon begins (total bummer, bro). But what makes the movie really good is its laundry list of celebrity cameos and supporting roles, including everyone from Emma Watson to Rihanna, Channing Tatum, The Backstreet Boys, and more.
The Fifth Element (1997)
The Fifth Element is one of those uniquely perfect movies that does everything right. It’s loaded with action, great comedy, and a compelling story. In a nutshell, the film is about a great evil that threatens the universe and the quest for a mystic power to stop it. But the real fun comes from the wild journey along the way that brings a ragtag group together. So much of The Fifth Element has become iconic for sci-fi fans, from the alien opera singer to Chris Tucker’s fantastically flamboyant character, Mila Jovovich’s orange hair, and more.
Where To Watch The Best Sci-Fi Comedies Streaming Right Now
To discover more about TV shows and movies currently streaming in the US, check out the JustWatch streaming guide! You can filter your search by streaming service, genre, price, age rating, and score. Be sure to build your watchlist and receive helpful notifications on what to watch next based on your preferences!
