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5 thrilling sci-fi movies leaving HBO Max in December 2021

“The whole point of the doomsday machine...is lost if you keep it a secret!”

by Robin Bea
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
5. The Invisible Man (2020)

December 18

Led by an incredible performance from Elisabeth Moss, The Invisible Man reworks the H.G. Wells classic into a story about a woman fighting to escape her abusive ex — even after his apparent suicide.

4. Dr. Strangelove

December 31

One of the all-time sci-fi greats, Dr. Strangelove is the funniest movie about the end of the world you’ll ever see. Packed with great comedic performances amid Cold War gloom, it’s always worth another watch.

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3. The Manhattan Project

December 31

This under-the-radar thriller is unintentional goofy (its heroes are teenagers who build an atomic bomb, for example), but still clever and fun.

2. Return of the Living Dead 3

December 31

Return of the Living Dead 3 is an odd beast. It’s a zombie horror romance that strangely loses the comedy that made the first two movies in the series stand out. Still, its visual effects and sheer schlock make it a fun watch.

1. 12 Monkeys

December 31

Its deadly pandemic plotline may hit a little too close to home now, but 12 Monkeys remains one of the best time travel movies ever. Taking inspiration from La Jetée, it won Brad Pitt a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination.