JustWatch has teamed up with sci-fi icon Wil Wheaton to spotlight his all-time favourite science fiction movies and TV shows in a newly released editorial feature on JustWatch. Best known for his roles in Star Trek: The Next Generation, Stand by Me, and The Big Bang Theory, Wheaton has long been a beloved voice in geek culture—and a passionate advocate for the genre that defined him.
In this exclusive Why to Watch editorial, Wheaton shares a curated list of titles that have shaped his lifelong love of science fiction. From intergalactic epics to overlooked cult gems, the collection offers fans a rare peek into the streaming watch list of one of pop culture’s most enduring sci-fi personalities.
Catch up on Wil Wheaton’s spotlight on X
From 2009-2019, Wheaton also hilariously played himself in numerous episodes of The Big Bang Theory. So, with decades of sci-fi experience under his belt, what are Wil Wheaton’s favourite sci-fi movies and shows? Read on to find out, and discover where they’re all streaming right now.
Battlestar Galactica (2003-2009)
Created as a reimagining of the original 1978 series, Battlestar Galactica picks up after a deadly war breaks out between humans and the sentient AI race of Cylons. After losing the war, humans have lost all their home worlds, and now only a remnant population survives aboard various spacecraft. Their goal is to explore space and find a fabled habitable planet called Earth. “I loved Ron Moore’s Battlestar Galactica,” Wheaton says. “I was absolutely crazy about it.”
Battlestar Galactica is one of the biggest fandoms in sci-fi and the series was praised by audiences and critics. The series earned itself 25 Emmy nominations and even won a Peabody.
Blade Runner: The Director’s Cut (1992)
Wheaton says that Blade Runner is one of his favourite sci-fi movies, but he made sure to point out that he’s specifically talking about the director’s cut. The film is notorious for having numerous versions, with the main ones being its US release version, international version, director’s cut, and the final cut.
In the director’s cut, Ridley Scott removed a lot of content that studios forced him to add in to make the movie more “palatable” to mainstream audiences. With full creative control, Scott’s cut is darker and more nuanced than the original theatrical version, which is exactly how Scott wanted it.
Star Wars (1977)
Wheaton makes it clear that he loves the *original* Star Wars film (which is why I’m afraid to even add in A New Hope since that addition came later). “None of this reboot bullshit,” he said, “the original Star Wars from 1977. The way it was intended to be seen, where Han shoots first.”
The original film picks up with the Rebellion stealing blueprints for the Death Star from the Empire. But after Princess Leia is captured by the evil Darth Vader, it’s up to a smuggler, a Jedi, a few androids, and a Wookiee to save her. It’s campy and ridiculous, but tons of fun. There’s a reason why the franchise has such an enduring legacy.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Some argue that Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey is the most iconic and influential sci-fi movie ever. It’s story of a rogue AI killing those who created him has become eerily relatable in the modern era, and its deep themes of death, rebirth, technology, and the broader universe give the film so many undertones that you continue thinking about 2001: A Space Odyssey long after the movie is over.
Plus, even today its visual effects look fantastic. It’s shocking to think the movie was made in 1968, because it still looks visually stunning. There’s a good reason why it won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects.
Sugar (2024)
Wheaton also loves the cult Apple TV+ series Sugar. “It’s one of the great sci-fi series of the last five years that I never really heard people talk about,” the actor says. The show is a noir thriller that blends in fantastic sci-fi elements and follows a private investigator (Colin Farrell) who has a secret of his own. “I loved it,” Wheaton continued, “I thought it was brilliant and extremely well-done.”
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
It’s rare for a sci-fi action film to get rave reviews…and it’s even rarer for it to earn an Oscar nomination. But Mad Max: Fury Road ended up scoring 10 Oscar noms, including for Best Picture. The film follows Max as he teams up with the rebellious Furiosa to take down the tyrannical Immortan Joe and free his harem of enslaved wives. The film was so successful that it even spawned the prequel Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.
Wil Wheaton’s rise to fame
Wil Wheaton rose to fame as a child actor with standout performances in Stand by Me (1986) and Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994), where he played Wesley Crusher. In the years since, he has become a celebrated figure in sci-fi fandom, hosting The Ready Room and appearing in numerous pop culture series, podcasts, and gaming events. A vocal advocate for mental health awareness and fan empowerment, Wheaton continues to shape geek culture through storytelling, commentary, and community engagement.
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