Top-50 Most Underrated Science Fiction Movies of All-Time Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top-50 films in the science-fiction genre that deserve to be held in a much higher regard than they already are.
#50: “Cloud Atlas” (2012)
The Wachowskis are no stranger to complicated and challenging narratives, but even by their standards, “Cloud Atlas” was a tremendous undertaking. Adapted from a novel written by David Mitchell, this story hops between six different eras, containing a cast of actors who play multiple roles each. You really can’t go wrong with a cast that includes Tom Hanks, Susan Sarandon, Halle Berry, Hugh Grant, and Hugo Weaving, to name but a few. However, the movie was one of the most polarising of its time, causing it to land on lists ranking the best and worst movies of 2012. It’s a rare example of a modern major studio film that attempts some truly ambitious storytelling.
#49: “The City of Lost Children” (1995)
Directed by Marc Caro and Jean-Pierre Jeunet, “The City of Lost Children” is one of the most visually inventive sci-fi fantasy films of its time. Released in 1995, the story follows a circus strongman named One, played by Ron Perlman. His mission? Rescue kidnapped children from the sinister scientist Krank, who steals dreams because he can’t dream himself. It’s a film that is intriguing on the description of its plot alone, but in practice, it is a whirlwind of bizarre aesthetics and visual delights. Though it underperformed at the box office, it is now understood to be a film that was way ahead of its time.
#48: “Another Earth” (2011)
While clearly a science fiction film by definition, there is a lot going on in 2011’s “Another Earth” that singles it out within the genre. The basic premise definitely fits the sci-fi mould, but in reality, it’s a character study that centres around an amazing performance from co-writer, Brit Marling. The major plot point of a second, identical Earth appearing in the sky is a vehicle for far deeper themes to emerge. It’s a story about tragedy, regret, possibility, and introspection that flew under the radar, likely because of its slow pace and overall profundity.
#47: “Aniara” (2018)
Adapted from a 1956 epic poem by Swedish poet Harry Martinson, “Aniara” is a Swedish-Danish production that offers up a haunting parable that tackles hopelessness and meaninglessness head-on. Released in 2018, the story follows passengers aboard a spacecraft transporting refugees from an environmentally-ruined Earth to Mars. When the vessel is knocked off course, the passengers gradually descend into disarray. It is a movie that is not trying to be explosive with its core message, but it embraces its own bleakness perfectly. It has since gone on to become a favourite for sci-fi fans who are looking for something a little different.
#46: “Colossus: The Forbin Project” (1970 )
The anxiety over the technological advancement of the late 60s and early 70s is found throughout the 1970 techno-thriller, “Colossus: The Forbin Project”. The movie revolves around an advanced American defense system, which eventually becomes sentient and tries to create world peace by force. It’s an engaging viewing experience that seems all the more relevant to the modern viewer, given just how dominant AI has become. Even though it was far from a commercial success, many cinephiles have slowly found their way back to it, citing it as a film with themes that have arguably aged like a fine wine.
#45: “Prospect” (2018)
World-building is right at the core of everything that 2018’s “Prospect” does right. Written and directed by Zeek Earl and Chris Caldwell, it stars Sophie Thatcher, Jay Duplass, and Pedro Pascal in its lead roles. The plot revolves around a teenage girl and her father as they traverse a toxic moon searching for minerals. As you might expect, things get complicated pretty quickly, and every twist and turn in the tale is delivered without the film ever losing its sense of realism. It’s a film full of grit, emotional depth, and immersion, and while it was largely overlooked upon its release, it has truly earned its ‘underrated gem’ status.
#44: “Barbarella” (1968)
If there’s one thing that you can’t say about 1968’s “Barbarella”, it’s that it’s in any way subtle. The film is a sci-fi comedy that is not afraid to get a little raunchy or even a bit psychedelic. With Jane Fonda in its lead role, the film adopts a camp and unpredictable tone, mixing in some striking visual elements and costume design to create a very unique end result. Critics didn’t seem to take the movie overly seriously when it first came out, although it did receive a mix of praise and criticism. It has since become known as one of the first major female-led sci-fi films. Its cult-status has only continued to grow in the time since.
#43: “Robot & Frank” (2012)
Sci-fi elements don’t necessarily need to dominate a film’s overall message and themes. 2012’s “Robot & Frank” is an example of a movie that uses its fantastical parts to augment a very human story. Frank Langella stars as an aging former cat burglar, also named Frank, whose son buys him a robotic caretaker to help manage his worsening dementia. When Frank realises the robot is more than willing to commit crimes alongside him, their dynamic drives a funny and undeniably touching plot. This one’s not about spectacle; it’s about aging - and the lead performance in particular really takes it to another level.
#42: “Chronicle” (2012)
The age-old story of unassuming teenagers being granted superpowers has been done dozens of times. “Chronicle” injects some interesting elements into the fold, however, using a ‘found-footage’ style to give it a much grittier and more realistic feel. Instead of donning capes and adopting superhero monikers, the lead characters end up in a far darker and, in some ways, more grounded reality. It was a big hit at the time, but it kinda became lost in the sea of superhero blockbusters that came out in the 2010s. Extra points must also be given for standout performances from budding stars Dane DeHaan and Michael B. Jordan.
#41: “The Fountain” (2006)
Romance is probably the most explored theme in fiction, and yet, every now and then, someone like Darren Aronofsky comes along and offers a totally fresh and exciting perspective. Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz play variations of the same couple in stories spanning the Spanish Inquisition, modern medicine, and a surreal cosmic future. Critically and commercially, it underperformed, but has since come to be seen as a cult favourite. There is quite a lot going on with this film in terms of its emotional and philosophical depth, and it holds a strong position within Aronofsky’s celebrated catalogue.
#40: “Attack the Block” (2011)
The debut role of John Boyega came in a highly underrated sci-fi flick from Joe Cornish called “Attack the Block”. Bolstered by supporting performances from Nick Frost and Jodie Whittaker, there are elements of horror and comedy sprinkled in throughout, making it a very solid and fun release. The premise is simple. A South London street gang get set upon by a bunch of aggressive alien creatures on Guy Fawkes Night. Although it did not make too much of a splash commercially, it didn’t take long for it to earn cult-classic status, especially due to Boyega’s charismatic lead-role performance.
#39: “Outland” (1981)
Originally dismissed as little more than a science fiction version of “High Noon”, Peter Hyams’ “Outland” eventually got the respect that it deserved. Best described as a space-western with some noir undertones, seeing Sean Connery at the helm of this movie alone is worth the price of admission. Beyond the obvious “High Noon” comparison, the film stands on its own as a tense and intelligent thriller that delves into themes of isolation, integrity, and the exploitation of labour. The former James Bond star Connery didn’t often turn his hand to the sci-fi genre, but a movie like this makes us wish he had.
#38: “The World’s End” (2013)
The crazy thing about Edgar Wright’s “The World’s End” is that it was functioning perfectly well as a pub crawl movie right up until the rug got pulled out from under us. It’s no secret now that the third instalment in the “Three Flavours Cornetto” trilogy is a sci-fi movie at its core. Watching Simon Pegg and Nick Frost in any genre is going to be a hilarious experience, and this film is no exception. It performed well with audiences upon its release, but it has certainly been overshadowed to some degree by the other two in the trilogy, “Hot Fuzz” and “Shaun of the Dead”. “The World’s End” is a remarkably well-paced and sharply-written sci-fi comedy at its core that has major rewatchability built-in.
#37: “THX 1138” (1971)
In 1971, little-known directing debutant George Lucas was only a matter of years away from flipping the sci-fi genre on its head. His first ever film, “THX 1138”, just so happens to take place within that very same field. Starring Hollywood heavyweight Robert Duvall and Donald Pleasence, it centres around a sterile dystopian future where emotions are chemically suppressed. It initially didn’t resonate with audiences or critics, with many calling it too cold to make a real connection with. However, in the wake of the release of “Star Wars”, it underwent a re-examination, leading film-fans to see the magic hidden beneath its exterior. If you’re looking for a sci-fi film that nails themes of surveillance, dehumanisation, and technological control, give this a shot.
#36: “Timecrimes” (2007)
Directed by Nacho Vigalondo, “Timecrimes” is a tightly constructed Spanish sci-fi thriller centred on a man named Héctor who accidentally becomes trapped in a dangerous time loop. The strength of the script and its unique approach to the time-travel genre is a real treat here. The film doesn’t need a huge budget to succeed, and Karra Elejalde gives an excellent performance as the increasingly desperate protagonist. It never truly managed to break into the mainstream, but its urgent and disorientating energy has made it the type of gem that any film fan would be thrilled to unearth.
#35: “The Vast of Night” (2019)
Andrew Patterson’s 2019 “The Vast of Night” quietly became one of the most promising directorial debuts of the 2010s. Set in 1950s New Mexico, the story follows switchboard operator Fay Crocker and radio DJ Everett Sloan after they discover a mysterious audio frequency linked to possible extraterrestrial activity. It’s a mystery film that doesn’t need huge set pieces or explosive plot developments to build tension and atmosphere. Patterson cited “The Twilight Zone” as a big influence, and that exact type of eeriness can be felt from the first scene to the last.
#34: “Contact” (1997)
Adapted from Carl Sagan’s novel of the same name, Robert Zemeckis’ “Contact” assembles an all-star cast to tell the story of the discovery of extra-terrestrial life. Led by a stellar performance from Jodie Foster, the film tackles themes that deal with science and religion, with an overarching look at humanity’s place within the broader universe. It performed well at the box-office, but in many ways, it was overshadowed by some of the more boisterous productions that came out in 1997. It is a film that takes the science fiction genre quite seriously, asking difficult questions throughout.
#33: “Europa Report” (2013)
When it came to the production of 2013’s “Europa Report”, there was a real emphasis placed on realism and scientific accuracy. Not only did they go to painstaking detail to ensure that the film was a true representation of life in space, but the ‘found footage’ format manages to take that immersion to a different level. It’s a movie that is claustrophobic and slow-moving, while being remarkably gripping and awe-inspiring. The critics enjoyed it, but it failed to move the needle at the box-office. The conflicts that fuel this film’s tension often come from far more grounded issues like technological failures and psychological strain. It was never destined for mainstream acceptance, but it’s an undeniably excellent film.
#32: “Source Code” (2011)
Directed by Duncan Jones, Source Code is a cerebral sci-fi thriller starring Jake Gyllenhaal as Captain Colter Stevens, a soldier repeatedly sent into the final eight minutes before a deadly train bombing. Through an experimental government program, he inhabits another man’s body to identify the terrorist before the inevitable explosion happens once more. When done well, the time-loop premise offers some very interesting and engaging storytelling options, and this film truly nails it. While it did bring in $147 million at the box-office, its reputation has dwindled in comparison to some of the blockbuster movies released around the same time. Despite this, it has all of the hallmarks of a modern sci-fi classic.
#31: “Dark Star” (1974)
When it comes to the movies of John Carpenter, a mention must be given to the similarly underrated “Starman” from 1984. For our money, though, “Dark Star” gets our final nod. It started life as a student-film before evolving into a fully-fledged release. The plot follows a crew of disillusioned astronauts drifting through space, destroying unstable planets that pose a threat to future colonisation. It’s best described as a science fiction comedy at its core, a bizarre but brilliant satire that the world almost wasn’t ready for in 1974. In the years that followed, however, its reputation and influence grew. In fact, its writer, Dan O’Bannon, built some of its strong points into his next screenplay… a little movie from 1979 called “Alien”.
#30: “The Quiet Earth” (1985)
New Zealand and its cinema don’t get much attention, obvious exceptions aside, and this minimalistic sci-fi movie is no different. Scientist Zac Hobson wakes up to find that everyone else in the world has apparently vanished. He investigates his strange circumstances, while also grappling with loneliness. Except, Zac isn’t entirely alone. While it’s not the first or the last film to tackle the whole “last man on Earth” premise, “The Quiet Earth” is an excellent budget entry into the genre and examines the psychological aspects of its premise more than most.
#29: “Cube” (1997)
A group of people find themselves imprisoned in a huge cube consisting of identical, interconnected rooms. They have no idea where they are, how they got there, or why they’re there. Some of the rooms have lethal traps. But, their own paranoia, and the other prisoners, may be even more dangerous. With its characters dropped into a mysterious, deadly setting, “Cube” feels like a forerunner of the popular death game movies and TV that have become so popular in the 21st century. However, its eerie atmosphere, Kafkaesque themes, and ensemble cast have helped make it merely a cult hit, rather than a mainstream favorite.
#28: “Color Out of Space” (2019)
Nicolas Cage makes so many wild movies, we can’t blame people for missing out on some of them. Cage stars as Nathan Gardner, whose family comes into contact with a strange alien color after a meteorite lands on their farm. The Color’s effects soon begin affecting both the family and the land around them, warping both their minds and bodies in terrifying and psychedelic ways. An adaptation of an H.P. Lovecraft story, “Color Out of Space” delves into cosmic horror in a uniquely outlandish way, with effects almost as colorful as Cage’s usual performance energy.
#27: “The Man From Earth” (2007)
A going away party for John Oldman takes a sharp turn when the guy claims to his guests that he’s been alive for thousands of years. Each of his friends tries to pick apart his story, as well as grapple with some surprising revelations about not only historical and religious figures, but also some of their own pasts. “The Man From Earth” takes high concept sci-fi and distills it into a simple script, built around dialogue between the characters. It feels like a really smart play they put on screen, which is fitting, since it was later adapted for the stage.
#26: “Serenity” (2005)
A conclusion to the short-lived and equally underrated space western series “Firefly,” “Serenity” continues its legacy, but on a much bigger scale. The eclectic crew of the eponymous ship Serenity find themselves on the run from a deadly government agent in search of a shocking secret hidden in one of their member’s heads. While dedicated “Firefly” fans, or Browncoats, are already enamored with the movie, it’s never too late to discover the franchise’s deft blend of genres, the cast’s incredible chemistry, the witty writing, or the incredible action sequences. “Serenity” positively soars.
#25: “Event Horizon” (1997)
Sci-fi and horror have some great overlap, and “Event Horizon” embraces both genres wonderfully. The film follows a group of astronauts investigating the titular ship after it mysteriously reappears. The Event Horizon’s crew are nearly all dead, having come into contact with a hellish alternate dimension - and they brought some of it back. Despite its troubled production, poor box office, and metric ton of lost footage, “Event Horizon” has nevertheless acquired a cult following. Its excellent cast, creative and haunting gore, and ambitious plot are all worth experiencing - if you can handle a few nightmares, at least.
#24: “The Last Starfighter” (1984)
Tell us if you’ve heard this one before - a kid is recruited into a space force after proving himself in a seemingly mundane video game. What, has nobody else read or seen “Ender’s Game?” Well, “The Last Starfighter” does a pretty commendable job with its cliched premise regardless. Every sci-fi movie in the ‘80s wanted to be the next “Star Wars” or “Star Trek.” But “The Last Starfighter” wears its influences on its sleeve, and distinguishes itself with some entertaining performances, revolutionary (if dated) effects, and a simple, yet engaging story.
#23: “Predestination” (2014)
This time travel film follows Ethan Hawke as a temporal agent and bartender, who guides a new agent in their first mission, while also contending with a bomber. To explain further is difficult without spoilers, but like many of the best time travel stories, “Predestination” fits together in a complex, yet satisfying way. “Predestination” may have more twists, turns, and paradoxes than a pretzel in a wormhole, but the excellent acting and well-written plot are sure to entertain lovers of intricate storytelling. By the time you’re finished watching it, you’ll have started it, at least. Wait…
#22: “Logan’s Run” (1976)
Timing is everything, and this ‘70s sci-fi classic had the misfortune of coming out a year before “Star Wars,” which changed the sci-fi game completely. Even upon initial release, its examination of a hedonistic dystopia wasn’t especially well regarded. However, Logan’s realization that everyone in his society is killed upon reaching the age of 30 is a compelling set-up. “Logan’s Run” is rife with timeless themes, great sets, and a fascinating, retro-futuristic look. While certainly dated now, “Logan’s Run” has a sense of scale and charm that are far more timeless than all the characters’ haircuts.
#21: “Solaris” (1972)
Soviet director Andrei Tarkovsky has several underrated sci-fi films. And while “Stalker” was also tempting, our pick goes to “Solaris.” The film is set on a space station above the titular planet. Kris Kelvin is a psychologist sent to investigate the crew, who have been experiencing strange visions of their loved ones. Kris soon experiences something similar, but it will be tough to resist his late wife. Hypnotic, cerebral, and deliberate in its pacing, “Solaris” is a movie you need to have the right mindset for, and it's certainly not for everyone. But, for those who can appreciate its intelligent, mind-bending take on science fiction, it’s a dream come true.
#20: “Pitch Black” (2000)
The movie that started a franchise, “Pitch Black” is widely remembered for introducing the world to the beloved antihero Riddick. But in the process, many people seem to forget that the movie itself is actually quite good. Of course, Riddick is an intense character with complex motivations, and watching him scheme and interact with the crew of the Hunter-Gratzner is always captivating. Watching the movie today, you can really see why he was the breakout star. The movie also has a fun premise with the night aliens, and cinematographer David Eggby shoots the heck out of it, with a desaturated color palette, dynamic camera angles, and a brilliant use of shadows.
#19: “The Endless” (2017)
This movie belongs to creative partners Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead. They both directed, edited, and starred in the film, while Benson wrote the screenplay and Moorhead provided the cinematography. It’s amazing what just two guys managed to accomplish, and on a shoestring budget at that. “The Endless” explores concepts of existential horror and uses some low-budget ingenuity to make its world feel expansive and ominous. It is also incredibly effective at building a sense of unease through its atmosphere, with slow-burn pacing, fun production design, and a delightfully eerie tone that blends David Lynch with H.P. Lovecraft. Fans of those two owe it to themselves to check it out.
#18: “Dark City” (1998)
Do you like “The Matrix?” Well then you’ll probably love “Dark City.” It shares many similarities with the Wachowskis’ masterpiece, like profound philosophical themes about the nature of identity, memory, and reality. These themes are woven seamlessly into the captivating narrative, which sees amnesiac John Murdoch being suspected of murder. But the real star of the show is the movie’s atmosphere. The production design expertly employs retrofuturism, mixing elements of sci-fi with 1940s film noir, with stark lighting, deep shadows, and high-contrast cinematography. Meanwhile, the distorted architecture and exaggerated perspectives evoke the classic German Expressionist films of the 1920s. Both elements combine to create a very surreal tone that sticks in the mind and never leaves.
#17: “Ad Astra” (2019)
This movie sort of came and went in the fall of 2019, grossing $135 million and earning one Oscar nomination. For our money, it deserves much more respect. “Ad Astra” is a film that explores deeply human themes through the lens of space exploration, like emotional isolation, the endless search for purpose, and the undying bond between father and son. Luckily, you’re treated to some breathtaking visuals while you ponder these difficult questions. The cinematography from Hoyte van Hoytema is out-of-this-world good, and the minimalist production design provides an authenticity to the story and settings. Plus, you know, Brad Pitt. You can’t go wrong.
#16: “A Scanner Darkly” (2006)
Much has been written about this movie’s use of rotoscoping, which we understand can be divisive and likely led to the movie’s underperformance. It’s distinctly unique, and it gives the film a highly stylized, almost hallucinatory aesthetic. But even if you don’t like the visuals, you should stay for the story. It’s a faithful adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s novel, preserving its unique, drug-induced narrative structure and bizarre dialogue. It also tackles heavy philosophical themes that are prevalent in dystopian fiction, like the loss of identity in the midst of governmental overreach. And with a story about mass surveillance and a drug epidemic, it seems grossly ahead of its time.
#15: “Crimes of the Future” (2022)
David Cronenberg is the master of the body horror genre, and he carried his grotesque work into the 2020s with “Crimes of the Future.” This was Cronenberg’s first movie in eight years and his first horror film in 23, and what a comeback it was. “Crimes of the Future” explores a world where humans have evolved to develop new organs and mutations, turning surgery into performance art. As you can imagine, the disgusting body horror is at an all-time high. The movie also comes equipped with a stunning atmosphere and some thought-provoking themes centered around evolution and our often troubling relationship with technology. Oh how we missed you, Cronenberg.
#14: “Enemy Mine” (1985)
If you like more pulpy science fiction, then you need to check out a little movie from 1985 called “Enemy Mine.” It’s about a man and an alien overcoming their differences and working together to survive on a volcanic planet, and considering this was released in ‘85, the Cold War parallels are obvious. Not only does the story make for great pulpy entertainment, but the production design is immaculate. The filmmakers created a believable alien world using practical sets, matte paintings, and miniatures, and the intricate makeup work on the reptilian Dracs is easily one of the film’s highlights. But despite the movie’s many strengths, it grossed only $12 million on a $29 million budget and was quickly forgotten.
#13: “The Thirteenth Floor” (1999)
This is one of those movies in which the professional critics and general audiences vehemently disagree. “The Thirteenth Floor” did not receive good reviews, with many critics calling out its bad script and messy storytelling. But the film also has a ton of strong qualities that have made it a cult favorite among sci-fi enthusiasts. Like another prominent movie released in 1999, the film uses a virtual world to delve into deep philosophical questions about reality, consciousness, and the nature of existence. The cast also delivers solid performances, it has a unique aesthetic with a noir-inspired atmosphere, and for its time, the visual effects were quite impressive. Don’t write this one off.
#12: “2010: The Year We Make Contact” (1984)
This sequel to Stanley Kubrick’s classic “2001: A Space Odyssey” is likewise based on Arthur C. Clarke’s writing, but doesn’t get nearly as much attention as it deserves. We know that sequels are often terrible, but this is definitely an exception to the rule. American and Russian astronauts head to Jupiter, trying to understand what happened to the first ship that attempted the mission and what went wrong with sentient computer HAL. Not only is the film well-acted, action-packed and beautifully filmed, but it tackles a lot of mysteries that the original left conspicuously unanswered.
#11: “Primer” (2004)
This micro-budgeted movie is a complicated film that puts a lot of faith in its audience’s intelligence. The premise is simple enough—two guys build a time machine and try to use it to make money—but it becomes very complex in the telling. “Primer” delves deeply into all the classic time travel issues, like what happens if you change something in the past or if you run into yourself in another time. Like we said, the movie – written by a former engineer – doesn’t dumb things down, and while it’s a complex watch, it’s worth it. If we could travel to the future, we would certainly find that “Primer” goes down in history as a classic.
#10: “Heavy Metal” (1981)
It may be an animated film, but it certainly wasn’t made for kids! “Heavy Metal” features several different storylines all set in different times and places, linked only by the ever-present Loc-Nar, a physical manifestation of evil. They’re also linked by their use of—you guessed it—heavy metal music by some of the biggest acts of the time, including Black Sabbath, Blue Öyster Cult and Sammy Hagar. Though this anthology film received mixed reviews at the time of its release, it has since developed a cult following. We figure that’s at least in part thanks to its extreme violence, nudity and sexuality.
#9: “Mr. Nobody” (2009)
This artistic drama combines a great story with fascinating ideas and excellent cinematography, not to mention Jared Leto’s stunning performance as Nemo Nobody, the last mortal human in the world. In a world where science has eradicated death and old age, Nemo fascinates the immortal humans that surround him. And why not? He’s a man with a past that is contradictory and jumbled. The movie was a bust at the box office but has been steadily gaining viewership ever since – and not just among immortals. A story about choices and time, emotionally weaved together by great acting and effects.
#8: “Silent Running” (1972)
Imagine a live-action version of “Wall-E” made for adults, and you’ve got something pretty close to “Silent Running.” In the film, plant life can no longer grow on Earth and the last samples are now housed in spacecraft orbiting Saturn. What happens when the crew, including botanist Freeman Lowell, are ordered to destroy the last remaining greenhouses in order to make room for standard cargo? Freeman disobeys, of course, and teams up with three drones named Huey, Dewey and Louie to protect the last forest at all costs. Okay, we know that environmental destruction is a common theme in science fiction, but rarely is it presented as compellingly as it is in this movie.
#7: “Equilibrium” (2002)
Emotion and art are so threatening to the leaders of society in “Equilibrium” that they’re illegal. Taking no chances, the leaders also force citizens to take drugs that suppress all feelings and artistic impulses. That may sound a little familiar, but it’s presented in a totally absorbing manner. The cinematography and the production design are key, creating a dark, unsettling ambiance for this dystopian vision of humanity’s future. Not only that; the stylized fight scenes combine gun work with martial arts to create truly impressive action sequences. There’s also an adorable puppy. You can’t ask for more!
#6: “Strange Days” (1995)
“Strange” is a good word to describe this film’s combination of rock ’n’ roll, cyberpunk and odd drug addictions. But, as it’s directed by Kathryn Bigelow with some writing, production and editing work by her ex-husband James Cameron, it’s strange in a fascinating, artistic, entertaining way. Ralph Fiennes plays a small-time criminal who records people’s memories and sells them on the black market, but he gets in trouble when he picks up the memories of various murders. What follows is simply mesmerizing. Don’t be put off because it didn’t do so well in theaters —“Strange Days” is definitely worth your time.
#5: “High Life” (2018)
This film from French director Claire Denis is quite challenging, so it’s easy to see why it never attained a huge audience. But those looking for more complex science fiction found a ton to enjoy with “High Life.” The story is captivating but quite untraditional, with morally ambiguous characters, a raw approach to taboo subjects, and nonlinear storytelling. It asks a lot of its viewers, but those willing to put in the work are richly rewarded. Luckily, you can also enjoy “High Life” as a surface-level sci-fi flick, as Denis uses lush cinematography and minimalist production design to create an awe-inspiring visual treat that evokes intense feelings of cosmic dread.
#4: “eXistenZ” (1999)
David Cronenberg strikes again with this virtual reality film, but it’s certainly not just another virtual reality film. The use of nightmare-fuel organic material, like bio-ports and guns made out of bone and flesh, make it a truly creepy and thought-provoking movie. The characters in this near-future setting voluntarily use bio-ports to enter a virtual world, but once there they slowly lose their grasp of reality. The plot masterfully uses its imagery to tackle ideas of consciousness, the relationship between nature and science, and what it means to be human, making this twisty sci-fi an essential gamer movie.
#3: “Sunshine” (2007)
The sun is going out, so a team of international astronauts is sent to reignite it. The film throws all these characters into a very claustrophobic environment and forces them to deal with the sun’s incredible power to both give life and to destroy. But it also focuses on how the actions of one individual can similarly decide the fate of an entire planet. The acting is great, the CGI is well done, and director Danny Boyle skillfully builds it all to a suspenseful and exhilarating climax that helps make this one a must-watch.
#2: “Gattaca” (1997)
Coming from acclaimed screenwriter Andrew Niccol, “Gattaca” has a brilliant premise that instantly elevates it to the top tier of dystopian fiction. The story takes place in a future where humans are conceived through genetic selection to ensure they attain perfection, while those born outside the eugenics program face genetic discrimination. It’s a wonderful idea to explore, and Niccol smartly mines its potential for all its worth. It also comes with masterful art direction that earned an Oscar nomination. The film has a beautiful retrofuturistic style, minimalist and symmetrical set design, and a thematic color palette that utilizes cold and warm hues to meaningful effect. Put simply, “Gattaca” is the perfect mix of style and substance.
#1: “Moon” (2009)
Our choice for the most underrated science fiction movie will keep you on the edge of your seat, make you love the characters and seriously mess with your head. Sam Bell has spent three years completing a mission alone on the moon, with only a robot for company. He’s all set to return home when things start going wrong. For the most part, Sam Rockwell is the only actor on screen, and he does a brilliant job at keeping the tension high and action dynamic. Like all great science fiction, “Moon” is an exciting adventure that sheds light on the human condition and forces you to question your sense of reality. Don’t miss it. But what do you consider to be the most underrated sci-fi film of all-time? Let us know in the comments below.
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