Looking for a good summer sci-fi movie? Amazon Prime Video has three fantastic picks that are perfect for a warm, summer night. All are currently available with a basic Amazon Prime subscription, but this could change, so add them to your watchlist now and get ready to enjoy.
One of the movies is a classic from the late 80s starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Another is a gripping documentary, and the third is a Japanese sci-fi superhero film that has received rave reviews. Each offers a unique take on the genre that will delight, no matter your preferred type of sci-fi.
Shin Kamen Rider (2023)
This Japanese superhero film written and directed by Hideaki Anno, a follow-up to *Shin Godzilla* and *Shin Ultraman* and available with English subtitles, is a thrilling tale about a man seeking revenge. A sinister organization called SHOCKER (Sustainably Happiness Organization with Computational Knowledge Embedded Remodeling) kidnaps motorcyclist Takeshi Hongo (played by Sosuke Ikematsu from *The Last Samurai*). The group plans to transform him into an Aug, a brainwashed synthetic animal hybrid, as part of their plan to gradually take over society. But before Takeshi undergoes brainwashing, he is rescued by Ruriko Midorikawa (Minami Hamabe), a former SHOCKER member who has since defected. While Takeshi is essentially a cyborg, his mental faculties remain intact, and he works alongside Ruriko to dismantle the organization. The film has garnered widespread praise from both critics and audiences. Simon Abrams from RogerEbert.com calls the movie both “thrilling and thoughtful,” and describes it as an “expression of Anno’s instantly recognizable style and a weirdly moving expression of the title hero’s restless spirit.” Stream *Shin Kamen Rider* on Amazon Prime Video.
The Running Man (1987)
It doesn’t get any more classic Arnold Schwarzenegger than *The Running Man*. In this dystopian action movie set in the “future” year 2017, a totalitarian police state has taken control, and the government finds amusement in a popular TV show called *The Running Man*, where criminals must literally outrun mercenaries to earn a pardon. Schwarzenegger portrays Captain Ben Richards, a wrongly accused man who happens to impress the right (or rather wrong) people with his physical prowess and is forced to appear on the show. *The Running Man* is classic Schwarzenegger: You know what you’re getting into – a film guaranteed to leave you satisfied and thoroughly entertained. Heavier on action than plot, *The Running Man* has even inspired an upcoming remake, reportedly starring Glen Powell, according to Deadline. Stream *The Running Man* on Amazon Prime Video.
I Know What I Saw (2009)
Looking for something more cerebral, perhaps a thought-provoking sci-fi documentary? *I Know What I Saw*, presented by UFOTV, features interviews with witnesses from around the world who claim to have the most credible stories about UFO sightings. The individuals range from Air Force generals to astronauts, military pilots, and even government officials. They all share one thing in common: They claim to have witnessed something they simply couldn’t explain. The group gathers at The National Press Club in Washington, D.C., to recount their goosebump-inducing stories. Director James Fox uses the series to present a theory about government secrecy and criticize certain policies. But as far as credible, believable documentaries about life on other planets go, you may find *I Know What I Saw* to be among the most interesting, sparking questions and debate. Stream *I Know What I Saw* on Amazon Prime Video.
