Elle Fanning is quickly carving a name for herself in the sci-fi genre. One of her very first leading roles was in J. J. Abrams’ sci-fi thriller Super 8, which Fanning starred in as a teenager. From there, she continued her sci-fi career with both live-action and voice roles.
Next, Fanning is set to star in one of the biggest and most anticipated sci-fi films of 2026 as she takes over the role of Effie Trinket in The Hunger Games: Sunrise of the Reaping. Viewers interested in Fanning’s sci-fi career can use our guide to find out where to watch her best sci-fi movies, including those upcoming, on platforms like Hulu, Starz, and more.
Super 8 (2011)
Super 8 is a nostalgic sci-fi thriller from the minds of J. J. Abrams and Steven Spielberg. It’s part blast-to-the-past with its relatable tale of teens discovering the joys of filmmaking and part sci-fi action as supernatural phenomena make their way into a small town setting. The film perfectly resurrects the vibe of ‘80s movies like The Goonies, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and Stand by Me. It also marks Fanning’s breakout performance, as she shines as a teen film aficionado with a vulnerable side. If one is a fan of ‘80s sci-fi or nostalgia-fueled projects like Stranger Things, Super 8 is a must-see.
Astro Boy (2009)
Astro Boy is an animated superhero movie that packs quite the emotional punch. It’s not just the story of a robot boy, Astro Boy (Freddie Highmore), fighting crime in Metro City, but also a complex tale of a boy trying to come to terms with his identity and the knowledge that Dr. Bill Tenma (Nicolas Cage) created him to be a replacement for someone irreplaceable. The film also marks a rare voice acting role for Fanning, who brings a small but memorable role to life by voicing the feisty schoolgirl Grace. Astro Boy features cute animation and superhero action, but its most considerable merit is its thoughtful tackling of grief and memory.
I Think We’re Alone Now (2018)
I Think We’re Alone Now is a film with more subtle sci-fi components that leans into the genres of drama and romance. There’s an eerie tone to the film, which takes place in a post-apocalyptic world with few survivors. However, it’s not a film about the end of the world, but rather about two survivors, Del (Peter Dinklage) and Grace (Fanning), who form an unlikely connection. Fanning stuns as the erratic, mysterious Grace, who struggles to break through to the abrasive Del. I Think We’re Alone Now is perfect for viewers looking for a simplistic, creative movie about human connection that foregoes the flashiness of some sci-fi films.
Déjà Vu (2006)
Déjà Vu is an excellent movie for fans of the time travel subgenre of sci-fi. It’s reminiscent of Back to the Future and Twelve Monkeys in that its premise is a bit outlandish but still every bit as fun as the average time travel story. The film blends action and sci-fi, as ATF Special Agent Douglas Carlin (Denzel Washington) quite literally races against time to stop a terrorist attack. Déjà Vu is one of Fanning's earliest movies, but her minor role as a girl whose fate will be determined by Carlin’s success adds emotional weight to the movie.
The Nines (2007)
The Nines is perfect for viewers who enjoy complex, mind-bending sci-fi films that can be challenging to interpret. Rather than a single story, the film is divided into three parts, in which the same actors portray different characters. In the end, the three stories connect unexpectedly. The film is similar to Memento, Nostalgia, and The Life of Chuck in terms of its layout and hidden connections. There’s an air of ambiguity about the movie, making it rich for viewer interpretation and analysis. The Nines is another one of Fanning’s childhood roles. She appears as Noelle, a young girl in the final part of the film who adds to the ambiguity of the ending with her cryptic, mysterious statements.
How to Talk to Girls at Parties (2017)
How to Talk to Girls at Parties is a surreal sci-fi romance. There’s quite a lot going on in the film as it blends 1970s nostalgia, punk rock, and aliens. However, it will appeal to fans of ambitious, vibrant films with unexpected premises. Fanning shines as Zan, convincingly depicting a teenage alien who has the sense of wonder of an extraterrestrial but the rebellion and angst of an average teenager. While some may find How to Talk to Girls at Parties a bit strange, it’s perfect for viewers looking for a whimsical, eccentric, and spirited sci-fi movie.
Young Ones (2014)
Young Ones is a Western sci-fi boasting a similar vibe to the Mad Max franchise, given its dystopian premise of societal collapse and the lengths humans go for survival. The world-building and visuals are impressive, while it adheres to the standard Western themes of lawlessness and vengeance. Young Ones also marks one of Fanning’s first mature roles, as she portrays a woman in a troubled marriage, conveying what it’s like to get caught between family and one’s need for survival. In addition to its gritty Western premise, Young Ones is ultimately an emotional tale of family loyalty.
Predator: Badlands (2025)
In later 2025, Fanning will join the Predator franchise in Predator: Badlands. She stars as Thia, a damaged humanoid robot with only the top half of her body remaining. However, Thia proves quite helpful for an outcast Predator (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) as he embarks on the ultimate hunt. Based on the trailer, Predator: Bandlands leans heavily into its sci-fi components with robots, epic technology, and extraterrestrials, while Fanning is sure to dazzle as the comedic, wry, but very capable Thia.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (2026)
Fanning is set to star in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping on November 20, 2026, as a young Effie Trinket. Previously portrayed by Elizabeth Banks in the Hunger Games trilogy, Fanning is taking over the role for the prequel, much to viewers’ delight as they fan-cast her as Effie long before her official casting announcement. She’s the perfect fit for Effie’s posh, stylish, and empathetic ways. In addition to exciting casting, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will follow the Games of fan-favorite character, Haymitch Abernathy (Joseph Zada), in an emotional blend of dystopian sci-fi and drama.
Where To Watch Elle Fanning’s Best Sci-Fi Movies Online
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