Tom Cruise as Jack Harper with a cut nose in Oblivion

An under-appreciated dystopian, sci-fi drama starring Tom Cruise is coming soon to Netflix. From Top Gun: Maverick director Joseph Kosinski and based on his unpublished comic, which paid homage to 1970s sci-fi, 2013’s Oblivion depicts a love story in 2077 on a war-torn Earth left in ruins by an alien invasion.

The film stars Cruise as a maintenance technician, Jack, who crosses paths with a survivor (Olga Kurylenko) from a spaceship wreck, leading him to doubt his purpose and uncover the truth about the war. The visually stunning film offers an immersive blend of sci-fi thrills and emotionally gripping storytelling. Upon Oblivion‘s arrival to Netflix on November 1, it’s a must-watch for those seeking an underrated entry in the sci-fi genre.

Did You Know: Jessica Chastain was originally cast as Kurylenko’s character, but when she was offered the lead role in Kathryn Bigelow’s Zero Dark Thirty , Cruise helped her get out of her contract.

For fans of…

Classic science fiction films like Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner and Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey
Near-dystopian films that delve into existential themes of the human condition
Action and drama stars Tom Cruise and Morgan Freeman
Intricate world-building and vivid futuristic settings

Why You Should Watch Oblivion on Netflix

Stunning World-Building And Tom Cruise’s Gripping Performance Makes For An Elevated Viewing Experience

Produced and directed by Joseph Kosinski, Oblivion tells the story of Jack Harper (Tom Cruise), a technician living in 2077, 60 years after scavenger aliens destroyed Earth’s moon. While remaining on the abandoned Earth to repair drones, Jack encounters a sleep pod containing Julia, who has been in stasis since 2017. Finding her sees Jack embark on a journey to unlock the secrets of the past, all while fighting to save what remains of the Earth.

Cruise delivers a compelling performance as a man torn between duty and love, supported by Kurylenko as Julia, a woman who holds the key to Jack’s forgotten past. Morgan Freeman as Malcolm—the enigmatic leader of an underground resistance movement—offers a gripping challenge to Jack’s understanding of the war. As the story unfolds, and the characters entangle, Oblivion transforms from a post-apocalyptic thriller into a philosophical meditation on identity, love, and the search for freedom.

Furthermore, Kosinski’s mastery of VFX is on full display in Oblivion, with stunning depictions of Earth’s barren landscape, from the eerie ruins of New York City to the tranquil oasis of Jack’s hidden lakeside cabin. The film is also packed with homages to iconic sci-fi classics like Blade Runner and 2001: A Space Odyssey, providing a nostalgic treat for regular viewers of the genre. These homages, along with M83, Anthony Gonzalez, and Joseph Trapanese’s hauntingly beautiful score, create a fully immersive experience that stays with viewers long after the credits roll.

What Screen Rant has said about Oblivion:

Oblivion is full of homages big and small to 1970s and 1980s science fiction, from dream sequences reminiscent of the original 1984 neo-noir Blade Runner movie to the sweeping visuals that helped make 2001: A Space Odyssey a standout among not only science fiction but movies in general. A strong performance from Cruise and a twist that is hinted at just enough lift Oblivion to the next level. – The 10 Best Apocalyptic Movies of the 2010s, According to IMDb

Oblivion Key Facts

Box Office
$286 million

Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score
53%

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
61%

Major Awards
ASCAP Award for Top Box Office Film (Winner), Teen Choice Award for Sci-Fi/Fantasy (Nominated), Art Directors Guild Excellence in Production Design Award for Fantasy Film (Nominated)

5 Other Great Dystopian Sci-Fi Films On Netflix Right Now

Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
They Cloned Tyrone (2023)
I Am Mother (2019)
Life (2017)
Ender’s Game (2013)