New Sci-Fi Movies and Shows To Watch This Week at Home or in Theaters, Including an Oscar-Nominated Animated Hit
The last week of February 2026 brings a diverse array of science fiction entertainment to both theaters and streaming platforms. Audiences can look forward to the return of massive Titans on the small screen, a critically acclaimed animated feature, and high-concept time travel dramas. From unscripted mystery adventures to Andrew Stanton’s latest directorial epic, the schedule is packed with imaginative storytelling. Here are the new sci-fi releases available to watch this week.
‘Arco’ (2026)
This critically acclaimed animated film arrives on streaming platforms this week, bringing a unique visual style to the genre. Set in the year 2075, the story follows Iris, a young girl who discovers a mysterious boy named Arco falling from the sky in a rainbow suit. Arco hails from a distant, idyllic future where time travel is a reality, leading the duo on a journey to return him to his proper timeline. Directed by Ugo Bienvenu, the film has garnered significant praise for its blend of “scrappy ’70s psychedelia” and poignant narrative about courage and connection.
‘Matter of Time’ (2026)
Hitting theaters this Friday, this indie sci-fi dramedy explores the consequences of manipulating the flow of life. Myles Erlick stars as Charlie Fleck, an aspiring video game designer who feels stuck in his career until he receives a mysterious device from an eccentric toy shop owner named Gibbs. Played by Sean Astin, Gibbs introduces Charlie to the power of pausing time, allowing the protagonist to rewrite missed opportunities. The film balances lighthearted comedic elements with a deeper inquiry into the cost of ambition and the value of living in the moment.
‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ (2023–)
The MonsterVerse expands once again as the second season of this Apple TV+ series premieres on February 27. Following the events of G-Day, the story digs deeper into the secretive Monarch organization and its history with the Titans. This season promises to reunite key characters on Kong’s Skull Island while introducing a terrifying new threat known as “Titan X.” With a cast including Kurt Russell, Wyatt Russell, and Anna Sawai, the series continues to bridge the gap between human drama and large-scale kaiju destruction.
‘Agents of Mystery’ (2024–)
Netflix’s unscripted mystery series returns for a second season, ramping up the scale of its investigations. The show features a team of six “agents,” including Lee Yong-jin and Karina, who must solve bizarre, scientifically unexplainable cases that often veer into the supernatural. Season 2 takes the cast out of the studio and into expansive outdoor locations, challenging them with immersive simulations that blur the line between reality and fiction. Viewers can expect complex set pieces and high-stakes problem-solving as the team delves into new “XIN” investigations.
‘In the Blink of an Eye’ (2026)
Director Andrew Stanton returns to live-action filmmaking with this ambitious sci-fi drama premiering on Hulu. The narrative weaves together three distinct storylines spanning thousands of years, exploring themes of hope, connection, and the circular nature of life. Starring Rashida Jones, Kate McKinnon, and Daveed Diggs, the film examines the human experience through the lens of history and the future. Stanton utilizes his background in emotive storytelling to craft a sweeping epic that questions how our brief lives impact the broader universe.
Which of these new sci-fi releases are you most excited to watch this week? Let us know your top picks in the comments.
