Science fiction as a genre certainly pushes the limits of one’s imagination. With perspectives of technology, futuristic tools, and survival plotlines, sci-fi has always been one of the most visited genres of all time. While there are many sci-fi movies that dominate the box office records, there are also a few hidden gems that deserve some recognition from the audience. Here are the 10 best sci-fi movies that you’ve never seen, but will definitely want to explore.
10 Best Sci-Fi Movies
With each film offering a fresh perspective on science fiction, these top 10 films are unique yet remarkable in their own ways. Continue reading to learn all about the same.
1. Coherence (2013)
Directed by James Ward Byrkit, Coherence takes the audience on a mind-blowing journey during a dinner party. Eight friends gather to revive their memories at the party. After a comet passes above them, strange incidents start to unfold. This leads to a complete breakdown of communication, and their reality changes altogether. The film carries the ability to portray tension among the characters through minimalist settings. With a lack of technology and community strength, the group comes together to survive this unexpected turn of events.
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2. Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)
Directed by Colin Trevorrow, this indie gem focuses on three reporters who are investigating a classified ad-seeking partner undertaking a time-travel mission. With a quirky assignment that involves an interesting exploration of regret and self-discovery, the film explores the theme of time travel. Without using conventional time travel equipment, the film uses the emotional journeys of the characters. Each character struggles with their past choices, showcasing their attempt at overcoming the obstacles through self-belief. The film shows the significance of changing one’s past without the use of any time machines.
3. Primer (2004)
Directed by Shane Carruth, this film is a cult classic showcasing time travel through a cerebral approach. The plot consists of two engineers who invent a time machine, which leads them to paradoxical moral dilemmas. The film’s detailed plotline engages the viewers deeply with the film. The director of the film ensured that the tightly woven script and editing style created an intense atmosphere. All in all, the film ensures that the challenges of time travel are dealt with at a new level that viewers might find quite interesting.
4. Ad Astra (2019)
Directed by James Gray, the film includes the star actor, Brad Pitt, who showcases a stunning exploration of loneliness and the human spirit against the backdrop of space travel. The film portrays the story of the astronaut, Roy McBride, as he embarks on a mission to find his father. His father may be responsible for a series of catastrophic events on Earth. Along with a scientific temperament, the film focuses on engaging with the emotional turmoil of the characters, and how they navigate these emotions in a quiet, and unexplored universe.
5. Colossal (2016)
Directed by Nacho Vigalondo, Colossal explores an unconventional approach to sci-fi by employing the metaphor of a giant monster. Exploring perspectives of personal crisis and accountability, the film showcases the protagonist, Anna Hathway playing the character of Gloria, a woman who struggles with addiction. With failed relationships and drug addiction, she finds herself having a connection with a monster that creates havoc in the city of Seoul. The film engages both the elements of humor and horror and employs fantastical tools to explore real-life struggles with mental health and addictions. The movie is a must-watch for any sci-fi fan willing to explore the arena of mental health as well.
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6. Moon (2009)
Directed by Duncan Jones, this movie is his first directorial debut. A gripping psychological drama set on a lunar base, the film showcases the protagonist, Sam Bell, played by Sam Rockwell. The astronaut is nearing the end of a three-year solitary stretch, mining helium-3. While mining, he encounters strange occurrences and finds himself turning younger. The film explores the perspective of identity and isolation. Having a modest budget of $5 million, the director has employed all his resources on his first sci-fi film, making it one of the most interesting films out there.
7. Upstream Color (2013)
Directed by Shane Carruth, this film also follows his directorial lines of Primer and follows a plot of exploration and identity. The narrative focuses on the two individuals, Kris and Jeff, who are drawn to each other through a shared experience of dealing with a mysterious organism that causes mayhem in their lives. With a nonlinear storyline, the film focuses on issues of trauma, love, and science. With a haunting core and evocative visuals, this film certainly holds the attention of sci-fi fans.
8. Timecrimes (2007)
Directed by Nacho Vigalondo, this film too explores the area of science fiction and time travel. The narrative is about a man named Hector, who becomes ensnared in a causal loop. The story begins with Hector spying on a woman who undresses in the woods. However, the story quickly turns dark as things go astray with unfortunate events leading to assault. Seeking refuge in a nearby laboratory, he hides in a time travel machine. But in this case, he goes back a few hours, re-visiting the narration of the assault. Caught in a loop of an unfortunate event, the film focuses on a complex storyline bending the rules of science fiction.
9. Time Lapse (2014)
Directed by Bradley D. King, the film highlights the story of three friends who stumble upon a time machine and take pictures of the future. In the beginning, they exploit the time machine for their own benefit, however, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that their lives are messed up by their actions due to the time machine. The film draws its inspiration from movies such as Shallow Grave and Primer. As the friends try to restructure their reality, the film engages the viewers in an intense plotline of science fiction with technology.
10. Europa Report (2013)
Directed by Sebastian Cordero, this film is shot in a found-footage style. The story revolves around the journey of a crew on their mission to one of Jupiter’s moons, Europa. As the crew is stranded due to a technical failure, they must continue their survival to find signs of life beyond Earth. With a non-linear structure to the storyline, the film focuses on a slow progression as the events on Europa unfold and the crew navigates the unexplored terrain. This film too, adds up to the list of exciting sci-fi collections due to its unique approach and plotline.
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