As the price of streaming continues to rise, free streaming services like Tubi remain excellent alternatives to Netflix and Prime Video, offering viewers the ability to stream selections of top-quality entertainment without asking for yet another subscription fee.
As evidence, I was just scrolling through what's new on Tubi in January 2026, and I noticed the streamer has bolstered its line-up with a selection of top watches across genres, but if I had to highlight one section above all, I'd say Tubi's new sci-fi offerings are particularly strong this month.
Whether you're after an emotional, award-winning watch, sci-fi spoof fun, or a gripping action thriller, Tubi's got you covered this month. Here are the three best sci-fi movies that you can stream for free on Tubi in January.
Best sci-fi movies to stream on Tubi
'Arrival' (2016)
Before "Dune" and "Blade Runner 2049," director Denis Villeneuve helmed this thought-provoking, Oscar-winning close-encounter sci-fi story, and it's an absolute must-see if you're yet to check it out.
In "Arrival," giant alien spacecraft touch down across the globe, and as panic levels rise across Earth, translator and linguistics professor Louise Banks (an excellent turn from Amy Adams) is brought in to try and deduce a means of communicating with the alien "Heptapods." As the world around them edges closer to conflict, Banks and her team race to learn why the aliens have come — before it's too late.
Rotten Tomatoes score: 94%
Stream "Arrival" for free on Tubi now
'Galaxy Quest' (1999)
If you're after a lighter watch to start your year off, I can't recommend Dean Parisot's "Galaxy Quest" enough. This "Star Trek" spoof adventure is a real blast, one that sends up the beloved franchise and its most devoted fans to frequently hilarious effect.
The movie centers on the cast of the eponymous sci-fi show. Decades after its original run, series star Jason Nesmith (Tim Allen) continues to thrive on the attention at fan conventions... drawing the ire of his co-stars in the process. One fateful day, Nesmith is approached by a group of "Thermians" (actual aliens and die-hard "Galaxy Quest" fans) who seek the help of Commander Peter Quincy Taggart (Nesmith's character) and his crew in a real intergalactic conflict.
Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%
Stream "Galaxy Quest" for free on Tubi now
'Prey' (2022)
Originally released straight to Hulu back in 2022, "Prey" was the first movie in director Dan Trachtenberg's "Predator" era, and it proved to be a seriously impressive return-to-form for the iconic sci-fi action franchise. In my opinion, it's still the best of Trachtenberg's run yet (sorry, "Predator: Badlands" fans).
"Prey" takes us 300 years back in time and introduces us to a fierce young Comanche warrior called Naru (Amber Midthunder) who is out to prove herself as a capable hunter. When her people come under threat from an incredibly capable alien equipped with dangerous weaponry, she resolves to protect her tribe from the Yautja menace.
Rotten Tomatoes score: 94%
Stream "Prey" for free on Tubi now
Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds.
