The best sci-fi movies and TV shows on Paramount Plus in December

When it comes to the best sci-fi movies and TV shows on Paramount Plus, there's an abundance to choose from. The streaming platform is home not only to iconic titles from the genre, but its own original content. Each month, the options only expand. It's worth noting that while Paramount Plus used to be the home of everything Star Trek, some of the franchise can no longer be found there.  

Do not fear though, there are still a lot of new (and old) Star Trek favorites available on Paramount Plus. We're talking anywhere from the animated reimagining of the Star Trek Universe, "Star Trek: Lower Decks" to highly-rated cult icon, "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine". 

It's not all about Star Trek on Paramount Plus though, for sci-fi TV shows and movies, there are cult classics, modern adaptations, and, of course, the famous Halo and Transformers franchises.

If your watchlist still isn't full after you've journeyed through our list below, be sure to check out our guide to the best sci-fi TV shows of all time and the best sci-fi movies. If you're keen to anticipate what's to come, there are also the upcoming sci-fi TV shows and sci-fi movies for 2024 for all the latest sci-fi content entering our celestial space.

Star Trek

1) 'Star Trek' Original Movies

• Cast: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Nichelle Nichols, George Takei, (more)
• Directors: Robert Wise, Nicholas Meyer, Leonard Nimoy, William Shatner 
• Release: 1979-1991 

A huge reason for getting Paramount Plus is that it's the home of all things Star Trek and that's the case with the movies. All six original movies from The Motion Picture to The Undiscovered Country are available to stream, although only in the UK and Australia.

With these movies, you'll see the original crew of the USS Enterprise in all their glory as they set off to save Earth, travel further afield and face new challenges and foes. The six movies are based on the original TV series, feature the same cast and span 12 years, from 1979 to 1991.  

2) 'Star Trek' The Next Generation Movies

• Cast: Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Michael Dorn, Brent Spiner, (more)
• Directors: David Carson, Jonathan Frakes, Stuart Baird
• Release: 1994-2002

In 'The Next Generation' Patrick Stewart plays the role of Jean-Luc Picard and becomes an instant fan-favorite. The four installments in this era of Star Trek movies see the English actor play the iconic role as the next generation of Star Trek heroes attempt to save Earth, bring peace in different parts of the universe and encounter new and troublesome foes. 

These four movies were generally well received, despite criticism for 'Nemesis'. If you're a fan of Star Trek, they’re well worth the watch. The Next Generation era featured four movies based on the television series spanning from 1994-2002. All four of The Next Generation movies are only available on Paramount Plus in the UK and Australia.

3) 'Star Trek' Kelvin Timeline Movies

• Cast: Zachary Quinto, Chris Pine, Simon Pegg, John Cho, (more)
• Directors: J.J. Abrams, Justin Lin
• Release: 2009

This new era of Star Trek movies is referred to as the Kelvin timeline by many, named after the USS Kelvin, a spaceship named after J.J Abrams' grandfather. This series of movies is still ongoing as the fourth installment was set for a December 2023 release, however, has faced continuous delays.  

These films are a revival of the originals and cast much younger actors in the titular roles with updated looks to costumes and the interior of the Enterprise getting its very own revamp. Critically, these movies were well received with the first instalment being arguably the best Star Trek movie to be made. 

4) 'Star Trek' The Original Series

• Cast: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Nichelle Nichols, George Takei, (more)
• Seasons: Three
• First Release: 1966

This is where the (unquestionably) most iconic sci-fi franchise in television history began as the USS Enterprise takes the crew and the science fiction genre boldly where no man has gone before. 

Join Captain Kirk, Spock, Scotty, Sulu, Uhura, Chekov and others as they seek out new life and civilizations. 79 episodes of action, adventure, good humor, and compelling storytelling are all available to stream on Paramount Plus right now. 

5) 'Star Trek' The Next Generation

• Cast: Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Michael Dorn, Brent Spiner, (more)
• Seasons: Seven
• First Release: 1987

Some will argue that The Next Generation is as iconic as the original series - it certainly helped the franchise stand the test of time. Here we have instantly recognizable characters including Jean-Luc Picard, Worf, Geordi La Forge, Data/Lore and more. 

The new crew set off on new adventures around a hundred years after the events of the original series. More compelling storytelling, good humor, action and adventure mean you get to sit back and enjoy USS Enterprise action for more than 170 episodes. 

6) 'Star Trek' Deep Space Nine

• Cast: Avery Brooks, Rene Auberjonois, Cirroc Lofton, Colm Meaney, (more)
• Seasons: Seven
• First Release: 1993

One of the more, if not the most, underappreciated and underrated entries into the Star Trek universe, Deep Space Nine is set in the 24th century. Unlike its predecessors, it is set on a space station rather than a traveling ship. It's also the first Star Trek series to have an African American actor as the central character. 

Like The Next Generation, there's seven series for you to enjoy here and it's likely that you will as it was nominated for Emmy Awards in every year of its run. Throughout the series you'll see stories of adventure, war, and conflict all tied in with the usual humor and good storytelling.  

7) 'Star Trek' Voyager

• Cast: Kate Mulgrew, Robert Beltran, Roxann Dawson, Ethan Phillips, (more)
• Seasons: Seven
• First Release: 1995

Released to run at the same time as Deep Space Nine, Star Trek Voyager also got seven seasons and took the franchise into the new millennium. The series was generally well-received and was notable (along with its overall quality) for having a more gender-balanced cast. 

The adventures start as USS Voyager departs Deep Space Nine in search of a missing ship in the Badlands. From there, the ship is overrun by a powerful energy and the surviving crew are trapped tens of thousands of lightyears from Earth. 

8) 'Star Trek' Enterprise 

• Cast: Scott Bakula, John Billingsley, Jolene Blalock, Dominic Keating, (more)
• Seasons: Four
• First Release: 2001

Enterprise, as it was initially known, is set about 100 years before the events of the original series. It's a prequel that follows the adventures of Earth's first starship that can travel at warp five and its crew. 

The show received mixed reaction across its four seasons with a slump in season two before picking back up. The first two seasons showcase standalone episodes while more plot-driven adventures are had in three and four. It can definitely be argued that the show fought for survival by introducing plot improvements and raising the rate of enjoyment before it was canceled. 

9) 'Star Trek' Discovery

• Cast: Sonequa Martin-Green, Doug James, Anthony Rapp, Emily Coutts, (more)
• Series: Five
• First Release: 2017

And so, onto the new era of Star Trek television series, which has to be said, is pretty good. Star Trek Discovery is set on board the starship Discovery and takes place ten years before the events of the original series. Without giving too much away, the Discovery does travel to the 32nd century, which is the setting for the proceeding series.   

Star Trek Discovery is notable for its widely diverse cast and genuinely good quality storytelling. It's been nominated for - and won - numerous Primetime Emmy Awards as well as receiving other accolades.  

10) 'Star Trek' Picard

• Cast: Patrick Stewart, Alisson Pill, Michelle Hurd, Santiago Cabrera, (more)
• Seasons: Three
• First Release: 2020

Patrick Stewart reprises his role as Jean-Luc Picard for a television series beginning 20 years after the events in Star Trek: Nemesis. Each season explores different aspects of the character in his old age as he is deeply affected by the death of 'Data' and the destruction of 'Romulus.' 

It's another well-received entry into the Star Trek universe, one we like a lot too, and the good news is that there are three seasons to enjoy on Paramount Plus.  

11) 'Star Trek' Lower Decks

• Cast: Tawny Newsome, Jack Quaid, Noël Wells, Eugene Cordero, (more)
• Seasons: Four (ongoing)
• First Release: 2020

This animated entry into the Star Trek universe is a bit different but refreshing. While most of the Star Trek series center around senior officers or captains onboard a starship, 'Lower Decks' focuses on those who work below deck, carrying out cog-churning jobs. 

This series is set in the 24th century and focuses on the low-ranking officials on board one of Starfleet's least important starships, the USS Cerritos. There are four seasons out now on Paramount Plus, with a fifth and final season premiering on October 24.

12) 'Star Trek' Strange New Worlds

• Cast: Melissa Navia, Anson Mount, Ethan Peck, Jess Bush, (more)
• Seasons: Two (ongoing)
• First Release: 2022

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is a prequel to the original series, set in the decade leading up to the adventures of Captain Kirk, Scotty, Sulu et al. As well as being a prequel, this series is also a spin-off from Star Trek: Discovery which sees some of the same characters explore new worlds onboard the USS Enterprise. 

Halo

1) 'Halo'

• Cast: Pablo Schreiber, Shabana Azmi, Natasha Culzac, Olive Gray, (more)
• Seasons: Two 
• First Release: 2022

Okay, so this section is a little short but worthy of its own section nevertheless. Paramount Plus is where you can stream both seasons of Halo, based on the iconic video game of the same name. 

This sci-fi action series follows the adventures of Master Chief as he leads his team of Spartans from a powerful alien threat that is hellbent on destroying humanity. Unfortunately, Variety reports the live-action series has been canceled, meaning there's no hope of a third season. 

Transformers

1) 'Transformers'

• Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, (more)
• Director: Michael Bay 
• Release: 2007 

The first Transformers and the first of five with Michael Bay directing, this movie well and truly propelled the franchise into motion. Transforming (uh-hum) the original 1986 animated movie into something much, much bigger, teen Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) stumbles upon Autobot Bumblebee while looking for his first car. Unbeknownst to him, he's about to embark on a journey of war as the battle between the Decepticons and Autobots crashes onto Earth.

While it's not the top-rated Transformers entry by critics, it shaped everything to come, as you’re about to discover with the five other movies on our list. Be sure to check out how to watch the Transformers movies in chronological order or by release. 

2) 'Transformers' Revenge of the Fallen

• Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, (more)
• Director: Michael Bay
• Release: 2009

The sequel to the first movie in the Transformers series, Revenge of the Fallen, is finally coming to Paramount Plus in the US in August. In this entry, we follow Sam Witwicky once again, whose hopes for a normal life are quickly thwarted. Cryptic symbols begin to fill his head which drag him right back into the Transformers' war. 

Sam finds himself personally targeted by the Decepticons for what he knows and what it could mean for the future of the bots. It’s a revenge arc at the end of the day and the once-defeated robots are returning in a bid to destroy the Sun and end human life on Earth, the planet that wronged them.

3) 'Transformers' Dark of the Moon

• Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, (more)
• Director: Michael Bay
• Release: 2011

Following on from Revenge of the Fallen, Dark of the Moon continues the story of this saga as the Autobots learn of a mysterious spacecraft hidden on the moon and race against the Decepticons to reach it and learn its secrets. Just like the other films in the saga, you'll get plenty of sci-fi action in this story. 

4) 'Transformers' Age of Extinction

• Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Nicola Peltz Beckham, Jack Reynor, Stanley Tucci, (more)
• Director: Michael Bay
• Release: 2014

This installment sees Mark Wahlberg play the lead role for the first time in the franchise as Age of Extinction offers up more action, more sci-fi cinematography and more transformers. 

Humanity turns to a bounty hunter to help with their pursuit of Optimus Prime, but when the Autobots learn of this, they turn to a mechanic and his family for help. 

5) 'Transformers' The Last Knight

• Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Anthony Hopkins, Josh Duhamel, Laura Haddock (more)
• Director: Michael Bay
• Release: 2017

The last of the Michael Bay-era Transformers movies, The Last Knight did not impress critics or the audience. A 16% critic score and 43% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes is a very telling sign. Nonetheless, there's a history to unfold on Earth that tells fans of the franchise a lot more about the Decepticons and Autobots. 

It's a trip you may not be expecting with lots of King Arthur, Merlin, an English Lord, and an Oxford professor leading the story this time round. A step away from the usual action, but with Optimus Prime on their own separate mission of discovery, it shapes another adventure into defending Earth and remaining victorious in war. 

6) 'Bumblebee' 

• Cast: Hailee Steinfeld, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., John Cena, (more) 
• Director: Travis Knight 
• Release: 2018 

Bumblebee, although the sixth entry in the franchise, actually sets itself in the prequel timeline of the movies and, as such, is set only a year after the original animated series. For this thread, director Travis Knight picks the origin story of Bumblebee as its story.

Charlene "Charlie" Wilson (Hailee Steinfeld) stumbles upon Autobot scout B-127 in a junkyard, hiding out after fleeing the war on Cybertron. Charlie befriends him and calls him "Bumblebee". Unfortunately, despite the fuzzy nickname, trouble has followed him to Earth and battle commences.

7) 'Transformers' Rise of the Beasts 

• Cast: Anthony Ramos, Dominique Fishback, Luna Lauren Velez, (more)
• Director: Steven Caple Jr.
• Release: 2023

Rise of the Beasts was a return to the Transformers franchise, five years after Bumblebee, and it came with a big change. No more Michael Bay and no more previous timeline. Following on from Bumblebee, it's a new continuity altogether and although meant to be prequels, don't relate to the history from the previous movies.

It's the 90s and Noah (Anthony Ramos) and Elena (Dominique Fishback) are caught up in the Autobot-Decepticon war. It doesn't matter the timeline, they're always going to be fighting. This time though, there's a new Transformers faction in the shape of the Maximals, joining as allies on Earth.

Best sci-fi movies on Paramount Plus

1) 'A.I. Artificial Intelligence' 

• Cast: Hayley Joel Osment, Jude Law, Frances O'Conner, Sam Robards, (more)
• Director: Steven Spielberg
• Release: 2001

Heartfelt sci-fi drama, A.I. Artificial Intelligence, was nominated for two Oscars for its story which follows a highly advanced robotic boy who wants to become human in order to regain the love of his mother. 

This film is set in the 22nd century where climate change has raised sea levels, melted the polar ice caps, and reduced the human population. Humanoid robots have been created and David, a prototype child capable of love, is given to Henry and Monica after their son contracted a rare disease.  

2) 'War of the Worlds'

• Cast: Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Tim Robbins, Maranda Otto, (more)
• Director: Steven Spielberg 
• Release: 2005

Another entry into our guide from director Steven Spielberg, this time nominated for three Oscars. War of the Worlds is a cinematic adaptation of the classic novel from H.G Wells telling the story of an alien invasion on Earth and the desperate fight for survival through the eyes of an American family. Alien war machines go around destroying neighborhoods and disintegrating humans following multiple flashes of lightning which cause an EMP, completely frying most electronic devices. War of the Worlds is only available on Paramount Plus in the US.

3) 'The War Of The Worlds'

• Cast: Gene Barry, Ann Robinson, Les Tremayne, (more) 
• Director: Byron Haskin 
• Release: 1953 

Speaking of War of the Worlds, it's a book that has inspired many sci-fi movies, the first of which was in 1953 which in turn inspired Speilberg's 2005 version above. And it's now found its home on Paramount Plus. It's a lot different than what you'd expect in the books though; it's set in Victorian London following a writer who, during a Martian invasion, finds himself separated from his wife. 

This original movie adaptation is about a scientist who falls for a former college student during the Martian invasion, all set in the movie's own timeline of 1953. It won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects and has inspired not only more War of the Worlds adaptations, but the sci-fi movie genre as a whole. 

4) 'When Worlds Collide'

• Cast: Richard Derr, Barbara Rush, Peter Hansen, (more) 
• Director: Rudolph Maté 
• Release: 1951 

Another one of the best sci-fi movies of the 50s is the iconic When Worlds Collide. In true sci-fi fashion, there’s the fate of the world in the hands of just a select few. A new star and planet are hurtling towards Earth, threatening its very existence and it's down to a group of survivalists to come up with a plan to save humanity by sending them from Earth in a rocket to find a new place to call home.

A world under threat, a core romantic relationship featuring a hero, and the promise that it's through the knowledge of science at its core that will save us all has influenced a multitude of sci-fi titles since its 1951 release and was groundbreaking cinema for its time, which still holds steady today.

5) 'Event Horizon'

• Cast: Laurence Fishburne, Sam Neill, Jason Isaacs, Kathleen Quinlan, (more)
• Director: Paul W.S. Anderson
• Release: 1997

This sci-fi thriller features a well-known cast and tells the story of a crew onboard a spaceship that disappears down a black hole, but when it returns it has someone or something new onboard too. 

Set in 2047, a distress signal is received from the spaceship, Event Horizon, and upon its re-emergence around Neptune, a rescue vessel is sent to investigate it. However, the crew onboard the rescue vessel are greeted by the aftermath of a massacre when they reach the ship. Event Horizon is available in the US and UK, but not Australia. 

6) 'Deep Impact'

• Cast: Robert Duvall, Téa Leoni, Elijah Wood, Morgan Freeman, (more) 
• Director: Mimi Leder 
• Release: 1998 

Nothing quite says apocalyptic sci-fi than a comet on a collision course for Earth. The tension builds in Deep Impact as President Beck (Morgan Freeman) prepares for the worst, by coming up with a plan to build underground shelters. Unfortunately, not for everyone.

This iconic disaster movie is only available to stream on Paramount Plus in the US and Australia. But, for anyone looking for some end-of-the-world panic laced with science and impressive special effects, here's your pick.

7) 'A Quiet Place'

• Cast: Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Millicent Simmonds, (more 
• Director: John Krasinski
• Release: 2018

Real-life couple turned on-screen, Evelyn (Emily Blunt) and Lee (John Krasinski) alongside their two children must quickly learn how to navigate life, in silence. As noise-sensitive, blind otherworldly creatures target citizens, it's up to the couple to keep their family alive by communicating through sign language… And not making a sound.

John Krasinski, of The Office fame, not only starred in A Quiet Place, but he co-wrote and directed it too. There's A Quiet Place Part II to watch when you're finished, although unlike the first, this one's only available in the US. And then there's also A Quiet Place: Day One which had its theatrical release in June, so should arrive on the streaming platform later this year. 

8) 'Significant Other' 

• Cast: Maika Monroe, Jake Lacy, Matthew Yang Kim, (more) 
• Director: Dan Berk, Robert Olsen
• Release: 2022

If you're planning a backpacking trip anytime soon, we'd recommend giving Significant Other a swerve until you've returned home safely. Young couple, Ruth (Maika Monroe) and Harry (Jake Lacy) on their own remote backpacking adventure through the Pacific Northwest. They quickly find out though that everything is not as it seems.

As the couple navigates the isolated location, which doesn't feel so isolated anymore, they begin to question whether they can even trust each other. A Paramount Plus Original movie that impressed both critics and audience alike.

Best sci-fi TV shows on Paramount Plus

1) 'The Twilight Zone'  

• Cast: Rod Serling, Robert McCord, Jay Overholts, (more) 
• Seasons: Five
• First Release: 1959

Paramount Plus is home to one of sci-fi’s most notable TV shows, The Twilight Zone. Spanning five seasons between 1959 and 1964, each episode has its very own story to tell. That’s 156 different experiences to enjoy spanning a multitude of genres all embodying sci-fi's famous tropes from dystopian nightmares to thrilling supernatural goings-on.

It's a show that's sparked spin-offs, like Jordan Peele's 2019 collection, to theme park rides, to radio shows, to movies. It stands the test of time and sci-fi fans of any age can find enjoyment in its storytelling.

2) 'The Astronauts' 

• Cast: Miya Cech, Bryce Gheisar, Keith L. Williams, Kayden Grace Swan, (more)
• Seasons: One
• First Release: 2020

The Astronauts follows five teenagers who are accidentally sent into outer space aboard a spacecraft that was supposed to intercept an asteroid. They must work together without any training or a fully functioning onboard AI, to achieve the unlikely goal of returning home safely. There are no plans for a new season of this show, so unfortunately this series is a one-off. On Paramount Plus, this one’s only available to stream in the UK and Australia. 

3) 'I am Frankie'

• Cast: Alex Hook, Kyson Facer, Sophia Forest, Nicole Alyse Nelson, (more)
• Seasons: Two 
• First Release: 2017

In this comedy-drama, Frankie Gaines is a typical teenager, only... She isn't. She is an advanced experimental android trying to hide her identity to remain hidden from the evil tech company, EGG Labs. EGG Labs, more precisely Mr. Kingston who is the head of the company, is trying to use Frankie for a weaponized android research project. This only has two seasons so if this is your thing, you'll be able to binge it in relatively quick time.  

4) 'Under the Dome'

• Cast: Mike Vogel, Rachelle Lefevre, Alexander Koch, (more) 
• Seasons: Three
• First Release: 2013 

Based on Stephen King's 2009 novel of the same name, Under the Dome tells the story of a fictional small town called Chester's Mill. It may sound quaint, but that certainly doesn't remain the case when a mysterious see-through, indestructible dome trapping everyone and everything Chester's Mill inside.

Demonstrating the lengths people will go to to survive, the town descends into a survivalist world of tension and choices as they're cut away from normal society, and its resources. There are three seasons to devour before it meets its timely finish.

5) 'The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius'

• Cast: Debi Derryberry, Jeffery Garcia, Rob Paulsen, Carolyn Lawrence, (more)
• Seasons: Four
• First Release: 2002

A young boy, who happens to be a genius, gets into all sorts of shenanigans and goes on adventures with his best friends, Sheen and Carl as well as the family he has in the small town he lives in. Often inventing all kinds of contraptions, Jimmy Neutron is the title character in a fun animated series that's ideal for younger viewers and throws older viewers back to classic Nickelodeon days. 

6) 'Planet Sheen'

• Cast: Fred Tatasciore, Bob Joles, Rob Paulsen, Thomas Lennon, (more)
• Seasons: Two
• First Release: 2010

This is a short spin-off from The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius that sees Jimmy's close friend, Sheen Estevez, get himself sent to a planet trillions of light-years away from Earth. After accidentally blasting off in a rocket invented by Jimmy, Sheen lands on a mysterious planet and meets the emperor who believes he's a supernatural being that will bring joy.