Whether you’re into alien invasions or dystopian reimaginings of the future, there’s a science fiction movie for you. It’s just a matter of finding the right one! If you ask most sci-fi movie fans what their go-to films are, they’ll probably give you a list that includes classics like Metropolis, Blade Runner, and 2001. Sure, all of these movies are technically sci-fi and feature futuristic settings and futuristic technologies, but there are many others that you should watch at least once.
Interstellar
Interstellar is a science fiction movie directed by Christopher Nolan. The film features a team of astronauts who travel through a wormhole in search of a new habitable planet for humanity, as Earth is facing a catastrophic famine. The film explores various themes like love, time, and human survival. It uses scientific concepts like wormholes, black holes, and time dilation to create a visually stunning, thought-provoking experience.
Tenet
Tenet is a science fiction action-thriller movie also directed by Christopher Nolan. The film features an unnamed protagonist recruited by a mysterious organization to prevent a future catastrophe that could cause the end of the world. The movie explores the concept of time inversion, allowing the characters to move backward and forward. It features complex action sequences and mind-bending plot twists that require close attention from the audience.
Moon
There’s something very satisfying about a film that isn’t just a slog but also offers some thought-provoking social commentary. Moon is a great example of that, as it’s a sci-fi movie that takes place on the moon and explores how astronauts cope with the isolation of being in space.
Upgrade
Another sci-fi film that isn’t just a blockbuster is Upgrade, a romantic take on the idea of a virtual assistant. Directed by Spike Jonze, this film is a wonderful example of how science fiction can have a distinctly human element. It’s a little darker than your average sci-fi flick, but that doesn’t mean it lacks action.
Her
This movie will stay with you for a long time, and it’s a great example of how the sci-fi genre can be used to talk about things we’re all struggling with. Specifically, the film explores a depressed writer (Joaquin Phoenix) who upgrades his operating system and introduces a virtual assistant called Samantha who he eventually falls in love with.
Wall-E
A movie that is not only a sci-fi masterpiece but also a beautiful film, Wall-E is one of Pixar’s greatest creations ever. Taking a very realistic approach to the sci-fi genre, this film is the perfect example of how an animated movie can be both entertaining and thought-provoking at the same time.
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Close Encounters of the Third Kind is a classic sci-fi movie that deals with the issue of alien life on Earth, and it does it in a way that isn’t afraid, to be frank about the implications of what humans could learn from an alien encounter. It’s a film that will always be incredibly relevant, as it tackles some of the most pressing questions about the nature of humanity and its relationship with the cosmos.
