“Star-crossed lovers” no longer has to be regulated toShakespeare’s plays and movie adaptations, as romance and the stars have long since developed into quality entertainment. Moving past small side-story moments in science fiction-themed films likeEmpire Strikes BackorPlanet of the Apes, romance has become the front-and-center storyline of many excellent and popular science fiction films, especially in the last few decades.
An unlikely genre-blend, much like its cousin,the horror-romance subgenre, the science fiction romance subgenre has told some of the most beautiful and heartbreaking love stories in cinematic history. From animated classics to films by legendary directors like John Carpenter, Spike Jonez, and Guillermo del Toro. Let’s take a look at the best-ranked science fiction romance films.
Update July 13, 2025: In honor of Valentine’s Day approaching, this list has been updated with more sci-fi romance movies for your viewing pleasure as well as where you’re able to stream each title.
12The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009)
The Time Traveler’s Wife
In a bit of a heartbreaking tale starring Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams, and based on the novel by Audrey Niffenegger,The Time Traveler’s Wifefollows Henry, a librarian who has a gene that causes him to time travel, which, in turn, poses issues for his relationships and marriage. This is one of many films where Rachel McAdams falls in love with a time traveler, another one will appear later on this list.
True Love Has No Bounds
On the surface, much of the film is comedic, but as the film runs on, more serious themes start to take place, as younger versions of Henry show up to inform his wife of future visits and issues she can expect in the future. Boasting excellent performances from both leads, this film shows that true love has no bounds, including time itself. The film was seen as a critical failure upon release but is well-liked among viewers and has developed a bit of a cult following since. There has been a TV version made with Rose Leslie (Game of Thrones) and Theo James (The White Lotus)that was canceled after only one season.Rent on Apple TV, Amazon Video, and Google Play Movies
11The Fly (1986)
“Be afraid, be very afraid”. These words are uttered from Veronica Quaife’s (Geena Davis) mouth when she sees the man that she loves has gone from brilliantly eccentric scientist (Jeff Goldblum) to obsessed fly monster in David Cronenberg’s 1986 remake ofThe Fly. Though the tale is horrific and heartbreaking, at its core, the film details the events of a relationship and the hardships of going through one when the person you love is slowly dying. Often thought to be an analogy of a loved one going through cancer,The Flyhits the nail on the head by portraying exactly what it feels like to go through losing someone little-by-little to sickness.
Horrific and Heartbreaking
The movie excels on every level, from story to acting to Howard Shore’s booming and intimidating score. Though the film was only nominated (and won) for Best Makeup, many believe if you swapped out the “man turns into a fly” storyline with any other disease,The Flycould have wonan Oscar in any category it was nominated for. Not a conventional romance, but a tragic one that shows not all love stories are meant to last.Stream on DIRECTV, or rent on Apple TV, Amazon Video, and Google Play Movies
10Turbo Kid (2015)
In another post-apocalyptic world written and directed by the trio of François Simard, Anouk Whissell, and Yoann-Karl Whissell (Summer of ‘84), a comic book fan adopts the persona and weaponry of his favorite superhero (who happens to be real), and uses his new gifts to help rescue the new friend he’s falling for, a girl named Apple, who has been captured by the forces of an evil warlord.
The Need for Emotional Connection in a Lonesome Wasteland
Though the synopsis may seem kid-friendly, we assure you that this splatter-fest of a film is the furthest from it. With an amazing villain role from Michael Ironside (Total Recall), incredible practical effects in both gore and style,and a rockin’ synth soundtrack from Le Matos,Turbo Kidis a sci-fi romance that lays heavily on the need for emotional connection in a lonesome wasteland. This is a unique movie, and as such, so is the romantic relationship in it, as it has a couple of surprising twists audiences must discover for themselves.Stream on Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, and Peacock
9Starman (1984)
In the only true romantic film of John Carpenter’s making — okay, fine,Big Trouble in Little Chinacounts —Starmanfollows an alien that comes to Earth in response from an invitation found on the gold record aboard the Voyager 2 space probe. Upon arrival, the alien takes the form of a widow’s husband (Jeff Bridges), and convinces Jenny (Karen Allen) to take him to his departure point.
Both Actors Are Fantastic
Only Carpenter could make a rom-com from a sci-fi concept like the one in this film: an alien comes to Earth, meets a woman and must escape the military men following him to dissect and kill him.Starmanlanded Bridges his third Oscar nomination for Best Actor, but Allen was also fantastic. The screenplay was written by Bruce A. Evans, the man behind the screenplay forStand By Me, and the story inspired a short-lived TV series of the same name.Rent on Apple TV, Amazon Video, and Google Play Movies
8Gattaca (1997)
Written and directed by Andrew Niccol,Gattacahappens in a near-time where genetics decides your future. Vincent (Ethan Hawke) decides he’s going to go to space, genetics be damned. The character is able to cheat the machines at work with the help of Eugene (Jude Law) and his perfect genetic material. It’s at Gattaca that Vincent meets Irene (Uma Thurman).
The Actors Really Fell in Love While Shooting the Movie
This film is many things at once: sci-fi, noir, thriller, and a love story. Irene is intrigued by Vincent, and they fall in love the old-fashioned way, with no genetic perfection involved. Their love story adds more problems to Vincent, as he’s trying to get to space while detectives are investigating a murder at their workplace. The chemistry between the actors is off the charts, as they really fell in love while making the film, and it shows, making for a lovely, understated story mixed with all the craziness around them.Stream on DIRECTV, or rent on Apple TV, Amazon Video, and Google Play Movies
7Love and Monsters (2020)
Love and Monsters
A surprisingly entertaining flick that was released in the midst of the pandemic,Love and Monstersfollows Joel (Dylan O’Brien) as he maneuvers his way through a world overrun with mutated amphibians, insects, fish, and more, with hopes of reconnecting with Aimee (Jessica Henwick), his girlfriend he became separated from, six years prior, when the monster apocalypse started.
An Unconventional Ending to Their Romantic Story
The film has a heartfelt story, excellent special effects in both computer graphics and practical variety, and a great supporting role from Michael Rooker. This lesser-known gem also sports, according toHorror Geek Life, one of the absolute best dog/owner relationships in film, period. All that wouldn’t work without O’Brien’s and Henwick’s performances, as they both sell a whole relationship and years of yearning through a few words and looks. The film also gets points for having an unconventional ending to its romantic story.Stream on Netflix
Related:Steven Spielberg: The Best Sci-Fi Movies From the Legendary Director
6Back to the Future (1985)
Back to the Future
Back to the Future follows teenager Marty McFly as he is inadvertently sent back to 1955, where he disrupts his parents' meeting. With the assistance of eccentric inventor Doc Brown, Marty must restore the timeline by ensuring his parents fall in love and find a way back to 1985.
We might get some flack for putting this in the romance genre, but at its core,Back to the Future’s story completely revolves around the fact that when Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) goes back in time, he disrupts the timeline and events has to save the relationship between his mother and father, in order to save his family from being erased from existing.
As Much a Romantic Comedy as a Sci-fi Film
This movie is as much a romantic comedy as a sci-fi film, and it works because of Michael J. Fox’s comedic timing and commitment to the bit. Lea Thompson has chemistry with anyone, as she proved in many films, likeHoward the Duck, and Crispin Glover has never looked more charming. The first film is part of one of thebest trilogies of all time, and the film was nominated for four Oscars, including Best Song for “The Power of Love” by Huey Lewis.Back to the Futuretook home the award for Best Effects, and Robert Zemeckis' masterpiece remains one of the most beloved films of all time.Stream on DIRECTV, or rent on Apple TV, Amazon Video, and Google Play Movies
5About Time (2013)
About Time
On his 21st birthday, Tim’s (Domnhall Gleeson) father (Bill Nighy) tells him their family secret: the men in his family can time travel and go back in time. That time travel story is the starting point ofAbout Time. When Tim meets Mary (Rachel McAdams) in a restaurant in the dark, he falls for her instantly, even before seeing her, and uses his powers to make sure they can explore their attraction. From there, the film also touches on the themes of growing up, familiar love, and death.
Each Has Their Eccentricities, but They Still Match
Gleeson and McAdams are incredible together, making a totally believable couple. As with any Richard Curtis film (who wroteFour Weddings and aFuneral andNotting Hill), both characters have their own eccentricities but still match and work together. Once they’re a couple, Tim discovers time travel can’t solve everything. Sometimes, there’s a need for hard work, love, and deep care for everyone in your family and to live in the moment.Rent on Apple TV, Amazon Video, and Google Play Movies
4The Shape of Water (2017)
The Shape of Water
Guillermo del Toro’sThe Shape of Wateris a sci-fi horror romance mash-up. A new spin onThe Creature from the Black Lagoonmythos, the story tells the romance of a mute custodian, Elisa Esposito (Sally Hawkins), at a high-security government laboratory who falls in love with a captured humanoid amphibian creature (Doug Jones), and decides to help him escape. Set in the backdrop of the 1950s, the film shows the beauty in those who are different at a time when things were meant to conform.
Love in Any Form
While certain audiences had a hard time understanding that the romance is between two different species, The Shape of Water is a beautiful romance about outsiders finding themselves. There was always a romantic undertone to many of the classic Universal monsters fromKing KongtoThe Creature from the Black Lagoon, and Del Toro’s film finally lets the romance play out in a true tender manner. The film wowed critics and audiences, grossing $195 million worldwide, and won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Production Design, and Best Score.Rent or Buy on AppleTV+, Vudu, or Prime Video.
3Her (2013)
In the 2013 filmHer, written and directed by Spike Jonze, a recently divorced, lonely writer named Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix) starts spending more and more time with his operating system, voiced by Scarlett Johansson. As it learns more and more about him and takes care of all his needs, they develop a romantic relationship, as the operating system was designed to meet all of his emotional needs.
The Actors Sell the Chemistry Between Man and Machine
While an odd premise on the surface, as it progresses, the viewers easily start to understand why it’s so revered, as audiences understand how Theodore could fall in love with an operating system. Thanks in large part to the standoutperformances from Joaquin Phoenixand Scarlett Johansson, as they perfectly sell the chemistry between the man and the machine. The film shows how companionship and interesting conversation can be much more of an aphrodisiac than a body. The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and Jonze won the Best Original Screenplay Academy Award. Much likeThe Shape of Water, Her is a sci-fi romance that is much more on than what appears on the surface and if viewers can get past some of the initial premise they will certainly find a deeply human movie.Stream on Max
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