Put down that lightsaber mug and ditch the spaceship popcorn because we’re blasting off on a journey through the underbelly of sci-fi cinema. Here are 13 underrated sci-fi movies that deserve a spot on your watchlist.
Science fiction. It’s a genre that takes us to distant galaxies, explores mind-bending concepts, and throws robots and ray guns at us with reckless Speed.
But sometimes, the biggest blockbusters overshadow hidden gems – films brimming with creativity, heart, and enough “wow” factor to make you rethink your sci-fi movie night.
Arrival: A Cerebral Symphony of Language and Time
Forget spaceships and laser battles. “Arrival” takes a more philosophical approach, exploring the power of language and the nature of time. Amy Adams delivers a powerful performance as a linguist
tasked with deciphering the message from a mysterious alien spacecraft. This thought-provoking film will leave you pondering the universe’s vastness and the beauty of human connection.
Colossal: Kaiju with a Kick
This darkly comedic film injects a fresh dose of weirdness into the monster genre. Anne Hathaway stars as a troubled woman who discovers a strange link between her life and the appearance of a giant kaiju rampaging through Seoul.
“Colossal” is a unique blend of monster movie mayhem, psychological drama, and unexpected humor, making it anything but your typical kaiju flick.
Prospect : A Father-Daughter Space Treasure Hunt
This indie gem takes us to a desolate moon teeming with volatile flora and fauna. A father-daughter duo ventures into this dangerous landscape in search of valuable gems.
“Prospect” is a slow burn but rewards patient viewers with stunning visuals, a tense atmosphere, and a touching portrayal of a strained father-daughter relationship set against a gritty, low-tech sci-fi backdrop.
Upgrade: A Technological Revenge Thriller
Imagine “Black Mirror” meets “RoboCop.” “Upgrade” throws us into a dystopian future where technology is readily available for human augmentation. When a man is paralyzed after a brutal attack, he decides
to have a powerful AI chip implanted to control his body and exact his revenge. This cyberpunk thriller is a wild ride filled with action, violence, and a surprising amount of heart, exploring the ethical boundaries of human enhancement.
Aniara: A Melancholy Space Voyage
This Swedish sci-fi film takes a more poetic approach, following a doomed spaceship carrying the last remnants of humanity on a journey to a distant habitable planet. “Aniara” is a slow and
meditative film, focusing on the characters’ emotional struggles and the existential weight of their situation. The film is beautifully shot and features a haunting score that perfectly captures the melancholy of humanity’s last days.
The Mitchells vs. the Machines: A Heartwarming Robot Uprising
Don’t let the animated facade fool you; “The Mitchells vs. the Machines” is a hilarious and heartwarming film with a strong sci-fi core. A dysfunctional family on a road trip finds themselves thrust into the middle of a robot uprising.
This movie has heart, humor, stunning animation, and a surprisingly sweet message about family and connection in a world obsessed with technology.
Oxygen: Claustrophobic Sci-Fi Thriller
Imagine waking up in a cryogenic pod with no memory of who you are or how you got there. That’s the chilling premise of “Oxygen.” Mélanie Laurent delivers a captivating performance as a woman trapped in a rapidly failing pod,
desperately trying to piece together her past and find a way to escape before her oxygen runs out. This suspenseful French film is a masterclass in building tension within a single confined space.
Archive: A Haunting Exploration of Artificial Memory
Theo James stars as a scientist tasked with recovering lost memories from the minds of deceased individuals. When he takes on a particularly challenging case, he uncovers a dark
secret that blurs the lines between reality and artificial intelligence. “Archive” is a visually stunning film with a thought-provoking story about memory, identity, and the potential dangers of AI technology.
Sputnik: Cold War Chills Meet Alien Encounter
This Russian sci-fi film takes us back to the Cold War era. A cosmonaut crash-lands back on Earth and seems to be harboring a terrifying symbiotic relationship with an alien entity.
“Sputnik” is a chilling mix of science fiction and body horror, featuring impressive creature design and a suspenseful atmosphere that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Sea Fever: Eco-Horror Meets Deep Sea Mystery
A research vessel studying the effects of climate change on the ocean floor encounters something terrifying lurking in the depths. “Sea Fever” is a tense and claustrophobic film that blends elements
of creature horror with ecological commentary. The film raises questions about the consequences of human interference in the natural world and the unknown dangers that lie beneath the surface.
Inxeba (The Wound): A Sci-Fi Twist on a Coming-of-Age Story
This South African film takes a unique approach to the sci-fi genre. Set in a future where a traditional Xhosa initiation ritual is augmented by advanced technology, the film explores themes of masculinity,
sexuality, and cultural identity. “Inxeba” is a powerful and thought-provoking film that seamlessly blends sci-fi elements with a coming-of-age story.
The Wandering Earth: A Spectacular Depiction of Humanity on the Move
This Chinese science fiction epic tackles a mind-boggling concept: humanity’s attempt to move the entire planet Earth out of the solar system to avoid a dying sun.
The film boasts impressive visuals and a large-scale story that explores a sense of global cooperation and the lengths humanity will go to for survival.
Lux Æterna: A Haunting and Experimental Sci-Fi Odyssey
This Gaspar Noé film is not for the faint of heart. A group of filmmakers gathers at a remote cabin in the woods to work on a science fiction project. As tensions rise and reality starts to distort, the film plunges into a psychedelic and disturbing
exploration of time, memory, and the nature of consciousness. “Lux Æterna” is a challenging and experimental film but a must-see for those seeking a truly unique and mind-bending sci-fi experience.
There you have it, sci-fi enthusiasts! This list is a mere starting point to explore the vast and exciting world of underrated sci-fi movies. So, grab your remote, embrace the unknown, and prepare to be transported to new worlds, challenged by innovative ideas, and maybe even shed a tear or two (looking at you, “Arrival”). Happy watching!
