When we think of Sci-fi movies, Hollywood hits like Star Wars, ET, Inception, etc., are the first to come to mind. Undoubtedly, these big-budgeted blockbuster movies inspire us and have remained iconic in the history of filmmaking. However, we shouldn’t avoid an entire genre of Sci-fi movies – arthouse Sci-fi, which often doesn’t have the glitz and glamor of these mainstream movies. Arthouse Sci-fi movies are smaller, independently produced movies aimed at niche markets. Arthouse movies often transcend genres to tell unique and entertaining stories. Here are some of the best Arthouse Sci-fi movies of all time that is sure worth your time:
Upstream Color:
Upstream Color is an American Arthouse Sci-fi movie released in 2013. The thriller is written, directed, produced, and starred by Shane Carruth. Upstream Color is the second movie from Carruth, who won many accolades for his first film, including one at the Sundance Film Festival in 2004. Upstream Color explores the relationship, identity, and perception of a couple who find themselves faced with challenges one after the other.
A Space Odyssey:
The movie ‘A Space Odyssey’ was released in the year 1968, when the technology wasn’t anywhere near what it is now. However, the technology used in the movie was groundbreaking at its time, and movie lovers around the World still love this movie produced by Stanley Kubrick. The film painted a picture of how the World would look like in the 20th century, and the movie is still known for its logically accurate depictions of space flight.
Under the Skin:
Under the Skin is a 2013 Sci-fi movie directed by Jonathan Glazer. The movie is inspired by the 2000 novel of the same name written by Michel Faber. Like any Artwork movie, Under the Skin is a slow movie. The movie follows the storyline of an alien who comes to Earth and faces many difficulties that a lone woman might face in the World. The movie attempts to shed light on the darker side of humanity and touches on topics such as toxic masculinity and xenophobia.
Blade Runner 2049:
Blade Runner 2049 is a Sci-fi movie directed by Denis Villeneuve and released in 2017. A sequel to the original 1982 film, it is starred by Ryan Gosling, who plays the role of a detective. The story is about a detective who discovers a secret that has the potential to destabilize human civilization. The movie that has won Oscar Awards for Best Visual Effects and Cinematography should certainly be on your movie list.
Arrival:
The movie ‘Arrival’ was released in 2016, directed by Denis Villeneuve and starring Amy Adams. ‘Arrival’ is loosely based on the 1998′ Story of your Life’ written by Ted Chiang. The movie tells the story of aliens and spacecraft who have come to visit Earth. The main character is a linguist who is brought in by the government along with other professionals to attempt to communicate with extraterrestrial beings. The movie explores the human nature of judging others quickly and points out the importance of not judging a book by its cover.
