You Can Soon Watch One of the Greatest Sci-Fi Movies of the 21st Century for Free

Ex Machina is widely regarded as one of the defining science fiction films of the 2010s, and next month it will become even easier to watch. Alex Garland’s acclaimed directorial debut will be available to stream for free on Plex starting July 1, giving both longtime fans and first-time viewers another chance to experience one of modern sci-fi’s most influential films.

Released in 2015, Ex Machina arrived during the early rise of A24 and quickly became one of the studio’s biggest success stories. Made on a reported budget of around $13 million, the film earned nearly $40 million worldwide, making it A24’s highest-grossing movie at the time. While several later releases surpassed that record, Ex Machina helped establish the studio’s reputation for ambitious, filmmaker-driven projects.

The film stars Domhnall Gleeson as Caleb, a young programmer who wins a competition to spend time at the remote home of his company’s brilliant CEO, Nathan, played by Oscar Isaac. Once there, Caleb learns he has been selected to perform the Turing Test on Ava, an advanced humanoid robot portrayed by Alicia Vikander. What begins as a scientific experiment slowly turns into a tense psychological thriller as questions about consciousness, manipulation, trust, and artificial intelligence begin to blur.

More than a decade after its release, Ex Machina continues to be discussed as one of the smartest science fiction films of the century. While many movies about artificial intelligence focus on large-scale action or futuristic wars, Garland chose a much quieter and more intimate approach.

Most of the story unfolds inside a single isolated estate, allowing the film to build tension through conversations rather than explosions. That decision has helped the movie age remarkably well.

The performances have also become an important part of the film’s legacy. Oscar Isaac’s charismatic but deeply unsettling portrayal of Nathan remains one of his most memorable roles.

Alicia Vikander’s performance as Ava earned widespread acclaim and helped launch her into Hollywood’s top tier of actors. Her subtle and layered performance makes viewers constantly question whether Ava is a victim, a villain, or something far more complicated. Domhnall Gleeson serves as the audience’s perspective, gradually uncovering the truth alongside viewers.

Ex Machina also proved to be a milestone for Alex Garland. Following its success, he directed films such as Annihilation, Men, and Civil War, building a reputation as one of modern cinema’s most distinctive science fiction filmmakers. The movie also won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, beating much larger blockbuster productions, thanks to its seamless and understated effects work that still looks impressive today.

Its influence has only grown with time, especially as conversations about artificial intelligence have become part of everyday life. Themes that once felt speculative now seem increasingly relevant, giving the film new meaning for modern audiences. Rather than relying on spectacle, Ex Machina asks difficult questions about technology, ethics, and what it truly means to be human.

Anyone who has never seen Ex Machina, or simply wants to revisit one of the finest science fiction movies of the last decade, will be able to stream it for free on Plex beginning July 1.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!