5 movies like 'The Electric State' but better

Netflix’s latest sci-fi film, The Electric State, didn’t exactly take off smoothly when it premiered last week.

Its reception was more of a clumsy crash—like a Roomba slamming into furniture or a smart assistant stubbornly playing the wrong song on repeat. Critics have been harsh, giving it a dismal 14% on Rotten Tomatoes, but audiences seem to have a different take, boosting its score to 76%.

Even with that divide, those numbers aren’t great for a blockbuster that reportedly cost $320 million to make, especially one directed by the Russo brothers and starring big names like Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt.

The Electric State takes place in an alternate version of the 1990s, where Walt Disney creates the first robot—leading, of course, to a full-blown robot apocalypse. The movie delivers some stunning visuals, like sweeping shots of robots filling the streets of St. Louis, along with intense battle scenes.

However, not everyone is impressed. TG’s own Alix Blackburn noted that it “doesn’t quite live up to expectations.”

If you’re looking for a sci-fi movie that’s both engaging and thought-provoking, here are some better alternatives to The Electric State.

'The Creator'

It’s surprising that The Creator didn’t get more attention. Directed by Gareth Edwards—the same filmmaker behind Rogue One, one of the best Star Wars movies in recent years—this unique sci-fi film explores AI in a fascinating way.

The story follows Alphie, an advanced AI that looks like a small child, while robots play a major role, some appearing as part-human hybrids. While a few action scenes feel a bit too choreographed and tricky to follow, the movie’s deeper message stands out: how humans and AI might find a way to coexist, even after losing control of the machines.

'Ready Player One'

This 2018 sci-fi thriller, directed by Steven Spielberg, explores some fascinating ideas about consumer obsession and pop culture—much like The Electric State.

The story follows Wade Watts, who discovers a hidden Easter egg inside a VR simulation, launching him into fame. The film constantly shifts between live-action and animation, packed with video game characters and nostalgic references. But beyond the flashy visuals, its deeper message about choosing between reality and the virtual world feels even more relevant today, especially with the rise of AI.

'District 9'

This 2009 alien-invasion film has been talked about a lot, but it’s definitely worth revisiting. Unlike The Electric State, which focuses on robot chaos without much emotional depth, District 9 pulls you in by making you care about its main character, who is caught in the middle of an alien crisis while dealing with his own personal struggles.

The best sci-fi movies work when they show us the future through a relatable character, and District 9 nails that. Plus, it features some of the coolest weapons, mechs, and aliens since Star Wars.

'Finch'

Finch takes a more personal approach to robots. Starring Tom Hanks, the film explores deep themes like survival, what happens after humans go extinct, and whether robots can truly be our companions.

If you’ve ever chatted with Siri or Alexa, you know there’s something comforting about talking to AI—even if it’s just for a recipe. That idea comes to life in Finch, especially through Jeff, the robot, who isn’t just a machine but a character with personality and emotions.

'Ex Machina'

All sci-fi movies could take a lesson from Ex Machina. Like The Electric State, it explores robots and artificial intelligence, but with a much deeper question—what happens when AI becomes smarter than humans? According to this film, the answer isn’t good.

The story follows a robot who manipulates its creator, making him believe “she” has real emotions. The Electric State never quite reaches that level of thought-provoking storytelling. The key takeaway for sci-fi fans? It’s not about the technology—it’s always about the characters.