by With the continued success of Star Wars, Avatar and superhero movies in general, science fiction remains one of the most popular genres in cinema. However, some science fiction films were either too much or not enough for mainstream audiences, and thus did not receive enough recognition for their cinematic achievements upon release.
Although forgotten by the general public, these films are intelligent and excellent works of science fiction that fans of the genre must watch.
5. Color Out of Space (2019)
This sci-fi/horror nybrid is the perfect film for fans of Stephen King and John Carpenter. Based on a classic HP Lovecraft story, director Richard Stanley’s passionate play follows a family who face unfathomable horror when a strangely colored meteorite crashes near their farm. Plants and animals begin to mutate, time and space begin to unfold, and everyone is lost in the will of color.
Although the film is somewhat strange, it remains true to the spirit of Lovecraft’s story and mythos. He holds nothing back as his characters, including children, fall victim to an incomprehensible and uncaring force that steals their lives. Shocking, psychedelic and downright pessimistic, Color out of place is a cosmic nightmare that will overwhelm the senses and is led by none other than Nic Cage.
4. 2010: The Year We Make Contact (1984)
Although it is the sequel 2001: A Space Odysseyone of the best science fiction movies of all time, 2010 has flown well under the radar since it premiered in 1984. The film follows a group of American and Soviet astronauts who travel to Jupiter to investigate what happened to Discovery activee during his maiden voyage. 2010 it answers many lingering questions from the first film, such as why HAL became homicidal and what happened to David Bowman. It also features stellar performances from its cast, which includes Roy Scheider, John Lithgow, Helen Mirren and Bob Balaban.
While this film may not live up to Stanley Kubrick’s original masterpiece, it is still a stunning and challenging film in its own right that stands as a worthy sequel to Arthur K. Clarke’s story. As it shows humanity on the brink of nuclear war, 2010 it promotes a message of hope and unity that still resonates in the world today, making audiences see themselves as a microcosm in this ever-expanding universe.
3. The World’s End (2013)
Director Edgar Wright completes his Three Flavors Cornetto trilogy with this sci-fi/comedy gem. The film follows a childhood alcoholic who hopes to relive his glory days with his childhood friends by taking them to a pub in their hometown. But when they get there, they’re shocked to find that they’ve all been replaced with alien android clones who plan to take them next.
The premise of this movie is very out there and sends a very bleak message for humanity in the end. But like many of Wright’s other works, Of the world End it’s a rollercoaster ride that runs to perfection from start to finish. It has impeccable writing, hilarious jokes and plenty of great performances that will keep audiences coming back to watch it again and again.
2. Snowpiercer (2013)
Before Snowpiercer became a series on TNT, Parasite Director Bong Joon-Ho came up with this film adaptation of the graphic novel of the same name. The story takes place on a train carrying the last survivors of a new Ice Age inadvertently created by mankind in an attempt to stop global warming. The train becomes the scene of an all-out war as a group of lower-class passengers rebel against the elite oppressors who control the train.
With an all-star cast including Chris Evans, Song Kang-ho, Tilda Swinton, Octavia Spencer and Ed Harris, Snowpiercer is a unique science fiction blockbuster that offers a multi-layered and evocative analysis of human civilization. Nothing is ever as it seems on the titular train, and there are plenty of strange moments and deep symbolism that will blow viewers’ minds off the rails.
1. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Although Blade Runner now considered one of the best science fiction films ever made, its sequel was considered a box office disappointment, despite critical acclaim. Set 30 years after the original film, 2049 follows a reproductive blade runner who discovers that one of his own has secretly fathered a child, sending him on a journey of self-discovery that determines the future of both humans and androids.
The franchise made a great return to the big screen with beautiful cinematography and stunning visual effects, which won their respective categories at the Oscars. And like its predecessor, Blade Runner 2049 has garnered a cult following that has made it a must-watch classic for fans of the original film and the sci-fi genre.
Editors’ recommendations
