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8 stunning sci-fi movies leaving HBO Max in October 2021

“All important movies start with a black screen.”

by Robin Bea
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
8. Dreamcatcher

October 31

Dreamcatcher has an interesting premise, as four psychically linked childhood friends come together to fight off invading aliens. From there, it turns into a half-baked creature feature that’s best left to Stephen King completists.

7. Critters 4

October 31

The sci-fi horror series Critters was always ridiculous, and Critters 4 takes its goofiness to another level. This so-bad-it’s-good classic has the Critters run amok on the cheesiest space station you’ve ever seen.

6. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

October 31

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter takes itself a bit too seriously, but its schlocky premise still makes it plenty of fun. Its weird mix of period costumes and modern cinematography makes for a wild aesthetic.

5. Final Destination series

October 31

A slasher series without a villain, Final Destination delights in setting up increasingly elaborate Rube Goldberg-esque deaths for its characters. It might not make a whole lot of sense, but it’s fit for a Halloween marathon.

4. King Kong (1976)

October 31

King Kong has been revisited plenty of times, and its formula has produced a lot of hits. The 1976 remake of the original isn’t the best of the lot, but it’s worth a watch as a modern retelling of a classic.

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3. Westworld

October 31

1973’s Westworld doesn’t get as deep into the weeds as the show it inspired, but it’s a totally enjoyable sci-fi/western mashup. Yul Brenner’s iconic villain performance alone is worth the price of admission.

2. All-Star Superman

October 31

Centered on a Lex Luthor plot that leaves the Man of Steel with just weeks to live, All-Star Superman is less an action movie and more a meditation on what’s most important to the iconic superhero.

1. The Lego Batman Movie

October 31

Modern Batman movies tend to treat the Dark Knight with deadly seriousness. The Lego Batman Movie puts a much goofier spin on the hero to make it better for kiddos, with humor clever enough for adults.