Since the science-fiction and horror genres are so closely related, a movie that combines elements from both is always a good idea. There is nothing scarier than events that don't have easy explanations, and sci-fi fans love seeing the memorable monsters and creatures that are often present in these stories.
Blumhouse is known for releasing awesome horror movies, and there are many films from this production company that encompass the sci-fi genre as well. These movies tell fascinating stories about characters who have powers or who are investigating a mysterious situation that has no simple answers.
Dark Skies (2013)
Dark Skies is a thriller about aliens that holds up, with a particularly strong performance from Keri Russell as Lacy Barrett, a wife and mother who realizes that her two sons are in danger of being taken over by aliens. As Lacy sees that these creatures are circling her home and leaving her messages in the middle of the night, she does what she can to keep her family protected.
Horror fans wonder if aliens are in Jordan Peele's new film Nope, and while it will be interesting to see the truth, Dark Skies remains a solid movie about creatures who come to Earth and begin affecting a family's existence. Lacy is understandably freaked out by what is going on and audiences can't help but feel just as terrified, as the aliens seem to be all-knowing beings and they definitely have the upper hand here.
Area 51 (2015)
Area 51 is about Darrin, Ben and Reid, who go to a party. Reid leaves his friends, who see him standing on a road, looking freaked out, lost and confused. Darrin and Ben aren't sure what's going on, but the three pals learn more about Area 51, which seems to be a base for aliens.
According to Box Office Mojo, Area 51 had a small release in 16 theaters and grossed $7,556, making it one of the lowest-grossing Blumhouse horror movies. Critics weren't huge fans of this film, as it has a 13% rating on the Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer. Audiences didn't like it very much either as it has a 15% Audience Score on the site. While it's interesting seeing the main characters becoming invested in aliens, and the film is told in a found footage style which makes it more creative, it's not the best sci-fi/horror film.
Viral (2016)
Written by Christopher Landon, who has written several Paranormal Activity films along with Happy Death Day 2U (2019) and Freaky (2020), Viral is about sisters Stacey (Analeigh Tipton) and Emma Drakeford (Sofia Black-D'Elia) who move to California and learn that there is a worm flu that is affecting people.
Stacey and Emma are perfect characters who stand up for each other and try to stay safe, and Viral is an underrated teen horror movie that deals with themes of fitting in, growing up, and the power and strength of family. The sisters learn hard truths about their parents as they deal with the outbreak of a terrible illness. The movie grossed $551,760 worldwide.
The Invisible Man (2020)
The Invisible Man is a great movie about a monster as Elizabeth Moss's character Cecilia Kass realizes the dark truth about her husband Adrian Griffin (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) and runs away from home. Adrian pretends to die, but Cecilia can tell that he's still here, stalking her with an invisible suit.
One of the best horror movies released in 2020, The Invisible Man takes horror movie elements like jump scares, twists, and an overall creepy tone and blends them with the science-fiction story that Cecilia is learning more about with each passing day. While audiences always want to cheer on the main character, this feels even more important here, as Cecilia has spent years in an abusive relationship and deserves to be safe and free and clear of him. The film is incredibly scary and surprising up until the very last shot.
Firestarter (2022)
The 2022 Firestarter remake stars Ryan Kiera Armstrong as Charlie McGee, a young girl who is fascinated by the power that she has to light things and people on fire. Charlie is equally upset about her magical gifts, of course, as she doesn't fit in at school and worries about her future.
Equal parts horror and science-fiction, Firestarter is a scary ride, as government agents are searching for Charlie and they don't want her to try to live a regular, normal life. While the remake won't likely be considered one of the best movies based on Stephen King's work, as it's not perfect, it does tell a moving story about a child who finds themselves in a situation that they never asked for. Armstrong delivers an excellent performance.