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5 must see sci-fi movies on Netflix
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Zachary Quinto and Zoe Saldana in Star Trek Into Darkness (2013) - photo by Sarah Bringhurst
Science-fiction films seem to be flooding the box office this month beginning with Interstellar and Big Hero 6. We know it can sometimes be difficult to make it to the theater, so here are five sci-fi movies available to stream from Netflix in the comfort of your own home.

"Star Trek Into Darkness"

The crew of the Starship Enterprise returns home after an act of terrorism within its own organization destroys most of Starfleet, leaving Earth in a state of crisis. With a personal score to settle, Capt. James T. Kirk leads his crew on mission to capture a one-man weapon of mass destruction.

If you havent seen the predecessor, Star Trek (2009), it is a definite must-see. However, one of the best things about the reboot and its sequel, Into Darkness, is that you dont have to be a trekkie with a vast knowledge of the Star Trek world to appreciate the movie. So sit back and enjoy the dramatic action and adventure of Star Trek Into Darkness.

Star Trek Into Darkness is 93 percent worth your time and OK for ages 13+.

"Serenity"

In this continuation of the television series "Firefly," a group of rebels travels the outskirts of space aboard their ship, Serenity, outside the reach of the Alliance, a sinister regime that controls most of the universe. After the crew takes in Simon and his psychic sister, River, whom he has just rescued from Alliance forces, they find themselves being pursued by the Operative, an Alliance agent who will stop at nothing to find them.

Starring Nathan Fillion, Alan Tudyk and Gina Torres, Serenity is a space adventure like youve never seen before. The movie has a creative script, imaginative effects, and superb acting. If you find yourself wanting more, dont worry because the entire series of Firefly is also on Netflix.

Serenity is 89 percent worth your time and OK for ages 15+.

"Hellboy"

At the end of World War II, the Nazis attempt to open a portal to a paranormal dimension in order to defeat the Allies, but are only able to summon a baby demon who is rescued by Allied forces and dubbed Hellboy. Sixty years later, Hellboy serves as an agent in the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense, where he, aided by Abe Sapien, a merman with psychic powers, and Liz Sherman, a woman with pyrokinesis, protects America against dark forces.

Hellboy has a way of drawing the audience into a strange world of demons and superpowers while simultaneously poking fun at itself.

Hellboy is 75 percent worth your time and OK for ages 11+.

"Snowpiercer"

When a post-apocalyptic ice age forces humanity's last survivors aboard a globe-spanning super train, one man will risk everything to save the human race and decides to lead a revolt for control of the engine and the future of the world.

Snowpiercer shows a new side of Chris Evans, mostly known for playing Captain America. The film seems more concerned with telling a story and making an artistic statement than staying consistent to facts and the science that drives the movie. Nevertheless, Snowpiercer is surprisingly thrilling.

Snowpiercer is 75 percent worth your time and OK for ages 16+.

"World War Z"

When former U.N. investigator Gerry Lane and his family get stuck in urban gridlock, he senses that it's no ordinary traffic jam. His suspicions are confirmed when, suddenly, the city erupts into chaos. A lethal virus, spread through a single bite, is turning healthy people into something vicious, unthinking and feral. As the pandemic threatens to consume humanity, Lane leads a worldwide search to find the source of the infection and, with luck, a way to halt its spread.

World War Z delivers intense suspense with its interesting depiction of zombies. There is a considerable amount of violence in this movie and a series of scenes that aren't for the faint of stomach, but if you are feeling brave, this movie does emphasize the importance of family, especially in the face of chaos and disaster.

World War Z is 88 percent worth your time and OK for ages 14+.