Who doesn’t love a good sci-fi flick? It’s that perfect mix of fascinating, thrilling, and sometimes downright mind-bending elements. Plus, it’s the genre that inspires real-life scientific breakthroughs! But with so many awesome sci-fi movies hitting the screens every year, it’s easy for a few gems to slip through the cracks. So, we’ve rounded up 15 of the best sci-fi movies you might have missed, and trust me, you don’t want to miss them. Remember, while we’ve got IMDb ratings to guide us, they don’t always capture the full magic of these films. So, grab your popcorn and get ready to discover some hidden sci-fi treasures. Enjoy!
Check Out the Best Sci-Fi Movies You Might Have Missed
Upstream Color (2013)
Director: Shane Carruth
IMDb: 6.5/10
Upstream Color follows Kris (Amy Seimetz), who has to rebuild her life after falling victim to a mind-controlling parasite and discovering an enigmatic relationship with Jeff (Shane Carruth). This distinctive experimental science fiction movie is notable for its profound philosophical concepts and unusual storyline.
Directed by Shane Carruth, who also starred, composed the soundtrack, and took on multiple other roles, the film is a true auteur project. Carruth’s active involvement gives the movie a cohesive, personal touch that’s rare in cinema. The haunting soundtrack plays a crucial role in enhancing the film’s hypnotic atmosphere, making Upstream Color a singular and immersive experience in the sci-fi genre.
Stream On: Apple TV, Amazon Prime
I Am Mother (2019)
Director: Grant Sputore
IMDb: 6.7/10
I Am Mother is a sci-fi thriller that follows a teenage girl (Clara Rugaard), raised by a robot named Mother (voiced by Rose Byrne) in a post-apocalyptic bunker, as she begins to question her reality and the world outside. This film stands out for its impressive special effects, which bring the futuristic setting and the character of Mother to life with convincing realism.
Clara Rugaard delivers a standout performance as the daughter, carrying much of the emotional weight of the film. Rose Byrne’s voice acting as Mother is both soothing and unsettling, adding depth to the robot’s character. While the concept of robots overtaking humanity isn’t new, I Am Mother keeps it fresh and engaging with its tense atmosphere, strong performances, and thought-provoking narrative, making it a noteworthy entry in this list.
Stream On: Netflix
Triangle (2009)
Director: Christopher Smith
IMDb: 6.9/10
Triangle follows Jess (Melissa George) as she embarks on a yacht trip with friends, only for them to find themselves caught in a mysterious time loop on a seemingly abandoned ocean liner. Based on Greek mythology, this film creatively incorporates a time loop element, transforming the story into a mind-bending psychological horror.
The narrative is both intricate and haunting, with a small but talented cast that effectively evokes suspense and fear. The film cleverly references The Shining, adding another layer to its supernatural atmosphere. Despite not performing well commercially, Triangle was highly praised by critics for its inventive plot and psychological depth, making it a standout in the genre.
Stream On: Amazon Prime, Apple TV
Oblivion (2013)
Director: Joseph Kosinski
IMDb: 7/10
Oblivion is a visually stunning sci-fi film set in a post-apocalyptic future, where Jack Harper (Tom Cruise) works as a drone repairman on a ravaged Earth. As he discovers undisclosed secrets about his mission and identity, the film unfolds with a series of shocking twists and turns. Director Joseph Kosinski began the creative process by developing a graphic novel featuring the story, which laid the foundation for the movie’s rich visual style.
Tom Cruise delivers a compelling performance, anchoring the film with charisma and intensity that keeps the story engaging. Filled with action and surprises, Oblivion stands out as a memorable entry in the sci-fi genre, blending breathtaking visuals with a captivating story.
Stream On: Amazon Prime, Netflix
The Mist (2007)
Director: Frank Darabont
IMDb: 7.1/10
The Mist is a dark and tense sci-fi horror film based on Stephen King’s novel, where a small town becomes enveloped in a mysterious mist filled with deadly creatures. The movie explores deep into human behavior in moments of crisis, exploring the philosophical and religious approaches people take when faced with unimaginable terror.
One of the most striking aspects of The Mist is its unsettling ending, which deviates from King’s original novel. Frank Darabont, who directed the film, conceived this new ending. Stephen King himself praised this change, acknowledging its unsettling nature and effectiveness, stating, “The ending is such a jolt—wham! It’s frightening.” The Mist is a remarkable and unforgettable addition to the Sci-fi horror genre because of its shocking ending, intense atmosphere, and insight into human nature.
Stream On: Google Play, Amazon Prime
Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
Director: Robert Rodriguez
IMDb: 7.3/10
Alita: Battle Angel is a visually stunning sci-fi film based on the manga series Gunnm. The story follows Alita (Rosa Salazar), a cyborg who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and battles for her place in a dystopian future. With James Cameron serving as a producer the film naturally appeals to many sci-fi aficionados.
The film underwent a lengthy development period before finally making it to the big screen, and the result is a visual treat, with amazing VFX that bring the world of Alita to life. The motorball scene, in particular, is a spectacular highlight that is sure to impress fans of the original manga. Rosa Salazar delivers an outstanding performance as Alita, capturing both the character’s strength and vulnerability. The movie remains faithful to its source material, making it a must-see for fans of the manga and sci-fi lovers alike.
Stream On: Disney+,Hulu & Amazon Prime
Cloud Atlas (2012)
Directors: Lana Wachowski, Tom Tykwer, Lilly Wachowski
IMDb: 7.4/10
Cloud Atlas is a bold cinematic odyssey that weaves together the lives of characters across different eras and worlds. Based on David Mitchell’s novel and directed by the Wachowskis and Tom Tykwer, the film intertwines six distinct yet interconnected storylines, each unfolding across various timelines and genres. With profound themes like the ripple effect of our actions and the nature of identity and reincarnation, Cloud Atlas is as challenging as it is rewarding.
A-list stars like Tom Hanks, Hugh Grant, Hugo Weaving, and Halle Berry play multiple roles, showcasing their versatility and adding layers to the film’s exploration of human connection. Initially, the film faced mixed reviews and struggled commercially, but it has since garnered a passionate fan base, with many now recognizing it as an underrated masterpiece by the Wachowskis.
Stream On: Apple TV, Google Play & Amazon Prime
Ready Player One (2018)
Director: Steven Spielberg
IMDb: 7.4/10
In a dystopian future, teenager Wade Watts (Tye Sheridan) escapes his desolate reality by entering the OASIS, a vast virtual world where anything is possible. Ready Player One, based on Ernest Cline’s novel, is a visually stunning and nostalgic journey that transports viewers into a brilliantly imagined virtual world. Directed by the legendary Steven Spielberg, the film blends sci-fi, adventure, and a treasure trove of pop culture references from the 1980s and beyond, appealing to audiences of all ages.
The movie’s vibrant CGI landscapes and stunning visual effects create an immersive experience, capturing the essence of a world where the boundaries between reality and the digital realm blur. The strong performances by the talented cast, featuring Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Lena Waithe, and Ben Mendelsohn, add depth to the high-octane plot. Ready Player One was a massive success at the box office, grossing over $580 million worldwide, further cementing Spielberg’s legacy as a master of blockbuster cinema.
Stream On: Netflix & Amazon Prime
Predestination (2014)
Directors: Michael Spierig, Peter Spierig
IMDb: 7.4/10
A temporal agent (Ethan Hawke) is on a final mission to capture a notorious criminal known as the “Fizzle Bomber,” but as the chase unfolds, the story reveals a complicated journey through time that challenges the very fabric of identity. Predestination is a sci-fi, mind-bending thriller about time travel, based on Robert A. Heinlein’s 1959 short story All You Zombies. The film’s dual plotlines are intricately and creatively woven together, keeping audiences guessing while maintaining a constant sense of intrigue.
Ethan Hawke delivers a powerful performance as the time-traveling agent, anchoring the film’s complex narrative with a nuanced portrayal of a man caught in the paradoxes of time and self. Predestination is not just a time travel movie, it’s a captivating journey through the complexities of human choices and the mysterious nature of identity. Since its release, Predestination has gained a dedicated following that appreciates its thought-provoking themes and intricate storytelling, marking it as a standout entry in the genre of cerebral science fiction.
Stream On: Netflix & Amazon Prime
Contact (1997)
Director: Robert Zemeckis
IMDb: 7.5/10
Dr. Ellie Arroway (Jodie Foster), a devoted scientist, discovers a signal from an extraterrestrial source, leading to a groundbreaking journey that blurs the lines between science and faith. Contact, based on Carl Sagan’s 1985 book of the same name, explores the long-running conflict between religious faith and scientific skepticism and raises profound questions about the existence of humanity in the universe. The film’s exploration of these themes is supported by a strong performance from Jodie Foster, whose portrayal of Dr. Ellie Arroway brings both intellectual and emotional depth to the story. The visual effects are impressive for their time, contributing to the film’s immersive quality, particularly in the dramatic final act, which leaves a lasting impact.
The star-studded cast, including Matthew McConaughey, Tom Skerritt, James Woods, and Angela Bassett, delivers memorable performances that enhance the film’s intricate plot. Contact was a commercial success and received praise for its direction and faithfulness to real-world scientific concepts, making it a thought-provoking and visually compelling entry in the science fiction genre.
Stream On: Amazon Prime, Apple TV & Netflix
Gravity (2013)
Director: Alfonso Cuarón
IMDb: 7.7/10
The vastness of space becomes a chilling battleground for survival as Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) fights against all odds to return to Earth. This sci-fi thriller explores the challenges of space travel while showcasing the resilience of the human spirit. Sandra Bullock delivers a captivating performance, bringing depth to her portrayal of a character who faces both physical and emotional challenges, while George Clooney adds his signature charm, balancing the intense atmosphere with a reassuring presence. The film’s stunning visual effects create an immersive experience, making the audience feel the relentless danger and uncertainty of space.
Gravity received widespread praise for its stunning cinematography and powerful performances, despite some criticism for its scientific inaccuracies. Cuarón’s direction deserves recognition for the film’s ability to maintain a high level of suspense until the very end. Gravity remains a visually impressive and emotionally gripping film that resonates with viewers long after the credits roll.
Stream On: Amazon Prime
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
Directors: Daniel Scheinert, Daniel Kwan
IMDb: 7.8/10
Everything Everywhere All at Once is a mind-bending cinematic experience that takes viewers on an exhilarating journey through the multiverse, offering a visually stunning and emotionally resonant narrative. Seamlessly blending action, comedy, and heartfelt drama, the film challenges conventional cinema and offers a fresh perspective on the human experience.
Michelle Yeoh shines as Evelyn Wang, delivering a nuanced and powerful performance. Known for her exceptional work in both dramatic and action roles, Yeoh brings depth and intensity to Evelyn, further solidifying her reputation as one of the most versatile actors in the industry. Supported by a stellar cast, including Jamie Lee Curtis and Stephanie Hsu, the film captivates from start to finish. With seven Oscars to its name, including Best Picture, Everything Everywhere All at Once stands as a landmark achievement in modern cinema.
Stream On: Netflix & Amazon Prime
Moon (2009)
Director: Duncan Jones
IMDb: 7.8/10
Moon is a heart-touching science fiction movie that explores themes of identity, loneliness, and the human experience in space while taking audiences on a fascinating lunar journey. Directed by Duncan Jones in his directorial debut, the film follows Sam Bell, a lonely astronaut nearing the end of his three-year stint on a lunar base. As he encounters strange occurrences, it leads to a profound exploration of what it means to be human.
Sam Rockwell earns widespread praise from critics for playing multiple roles of Sam Bell with subtlety and depth, capturing the emotional weight of isolation and the struggle for self-discovery. Despite its small budget, Moon delivers a visually compelling experience, using practical effects and smart storytelling to create a believable lunar environment that appeals to sci-fi fans. Moon is an underrated sci-fi gem and has garnered a strong following among sci-fi enthusiasts who appreciate its introspective narrative and Rockwell’s exceptional performance. It’s a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Stream On: Amazon Prime & Apple TV
Blade Runner (1982)
Director: Ridley Scott
IMDb: 8.1/10
Blade Runner is a sci-fi noir masterpiece set in a dystopian future where Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a former cop, is pulled back into duty to track down rogue replicants—bioengineered beings nearly identical to humans. Directed by Ridley Scott, the film explores complex themes like existence, artificial intelligence, and the blurred lines between man and machine. Its stunning cinematography, featuring rain-soaked streets and neon-lit cityscapes, has become iconic, influencing countless films and visual media since its release.
Though initially met with mixed reviews, Blade Runner has since earned its place as a groundbreaking work in both storytelling and visual effects, with its cast, especially Rutger Hauer as Roy Batty, delivering unforgettable performances. Hauer’s famous “tears in rain” monologue remains one of the most iconic quotes in cinematic history. Today, Blade Runner is hailed as one of the best sci-fi movies ever made, with its influence and legacy continuing to grow over time.
Stream On: Amazon Prime
So, there you have it, folks! These are the best sci-fi movies that might have slipped under your radar, but they’re definitely worth your time. Whether you’re into mind-bending plots, futuristic worlds, or just love seeing how science fiction pushes the boundaries of imagination, these films offer something for everyone. So, make sure to check them out and add a little extra sci-fi magic to your movie nights! For more detailed reviews and ratings, check out rogerebert.com or Metacritic.
