The sci-fi genre is an incredibly broad one, but despite this fact, it seems that many of its films seem to cover the same topics over and over again. For every unique sci-fi movie, there is another that follows the same tired tropes that can be found throughout the genre. These include first contact films and near-future space mission movies, both of which have seen countless installments over the years.
Although films that fit into these tropes can often be very good, sometimes viewers need a unique movie that either strays from these conventions entirely or puts a fresh spin on them. Many long-running sci-fi TV shows manage to stay fresh by doing this, changing or building upon the parts of the genre in which they find their niche. There are many sci-fi movies set to release in 2025, and with any luck they will also have their own unique formulas as well.
10
Timecrimes (2007)
This Spanish Thriller Features A Time Loop
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Timecrimes
R
Sci-FiThriller
Timecrimes is a Spanish science fiction thriller directed by Nacho Vigalondo. Released in 2007, the film follows Héctor, who unwittingly becomes entangled in a time loop after encountering a mysterious phenomenon. Forced to confront the repercussions of his actions across different timelines, Héctor navigates through layers of intrigue and suspense. The movie explores themes of causality and the unforeseen consequences of time travel.
Director
Nacho Vigalondo
Release Date
December 12, 2008
Distributor(s)
Karbo Vantas Entertainment
Writers
Nacho Vigalondo
Cast
Karra Elejalde
, Candela Fernández
, Barbara Goenaga
, Nacho Vigalondo
, Juan Inciarte
Runtime
92 minutes
Main Genre
Sci-Fi
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Beginning in the unassuming Spanish countryside, Héctor’s life is thrown into chaos when he is lured into a mysterious mechanical device. This device sends him back in time roughly an hour, freezing Héctor in a time loop in which another version of himself exists. The film follows his struggle to return to his own time, escaping the time loop and erasing the other versions of himself from existence.
An English-language remake of Timecrimes was originally planned to be created by the iconic filmmaker David Cronenberg. However, with no deadline, the project never started production.
Although time loops have been covered in movies like Groundhog Day and Edge of Tomorrow, Timecrimes has the unique element of simply adding more of the main character, making that the main point of tension in the film. As the time loop repeats and more Héctors appear, the film only devolves into more chaos. This added element is a fresh take on the time loop sub-genre of science fiction, making Timecrimes a worthy watch.
9
Event Horizon (1997)
Science Fiction Takes A Turn For The Horrific
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9.5/10
Event Horizon
R
Horror Sci-FiThriller
Paul W. S. Anderson steps further into the world of sci-fi horror with Event Horizon, a movie set in the future following a crew of Astronauts attempting to locate a missing ship known as the Event Horizon. When the crew finds the ship floating near Neptune, the distress signal relayed is haunting, followed by the discovery what awaits the rescue team isn’t the crew of the missing ship but something far more sinister.
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Director
Paul W.S. Anderson
Release Date
August 15, 1997
Studio(s)
Paramount Pictures
Distributor(s)
Paramount Pictures
Writers
Philip Eisner
Cast
Jason Isaacs
, Kathleen Quinlan
, Sean Pertwee
, Laurence Fishburne
, Richard T. Jones
, Joely Richardson
, Sam Neill
Runtime
96 minutes
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Starring the legendary Laurence Fishburne in one of his most iconic roles, Event Horizon is a terrifying outer-space horror movie. Filled to the brim with tension and gore, the film follows the crew of the rescue ship Lewis and Clark as they answer a distress signal from the Event Horizon, a ship that mysteriously disappeared and reappeared around the planet Neptune. When the crew arrives, they are shocked to find the entire crew has been ripped to shreds.
Event Horizon takes cues from horror movies like Hellraiser and not only amplifies the horror aspect through the lense of traditional horror, but also through psychological manipulation.
Despite the fact that outer-space horror is very common, Event Horizon takes cues from horror movies like Hellraiser and not only amplifies the horror aspect through the lens of traditional horror, but also through psychological manipulation. The characters in the film are put through hell, making it seem reasonable that none can escape the torture that awaits them on the Event Horizon. It is a gruesome classic, and despite its lower score on Rotten Tomatoes, the film manages to be genuinely frightening throughout the whole story.
8
Space Station 76 (2014)
This Claustrophobic Drama-Comedy Does A Lot With A Small Cast
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Space Station 76
R
DramaComedyScience Fiction
Space Station 76 is a comedic drama set in a retro-futuristic space station, exploring interpersonal tensions among the crew. The arrival of a new Assistant Captain triggers the release of repressed emotions, leading to conflicts as an asteroid threatens them, blending interpersonal drama and sci-fi elements.
Director
Jack Plotnick
Release Date
September 19, 2014
Writers
Jennifer Elise Cox
, Kali Rocha
, Michael Stoyanov
Cast
Jerry O’Connell
, Matt Bomer
, Liv Tyler
, Marisa Coughlan
, Patrick Wilson
, Kali Rocha
, Kylie Rogers
, Keir Dullea
, Ryan Gaul
, Anna Sophia Berglund
, Victor Togunde
, Michael Stoyanov
, Katherine Ann McGregor
, Sam Pancake
, Hart Keathley
Runtime
94 minutes
Expand
Built from the ground up to emulate the nostalgic aesthetic of 70s science fiction, Space Station 76 is equal parts comedic satire and dramatic commentary. With a star-studded cast that includes Liv Tyler, Patrick Wilson, and Matt Bomer, the film takes place on a space station and details the day-to-day lives of the people living on it. Even with a relatively small cast compared to many sci-fi movies, Space Station 76 covers a lot of ground during its 95-minute runtime.
The aesthetic is not the only thing this film borrows from the ’70s, as it makes the brave choice to take on the social commentary of the time. It is unafraid of approaching topics such as misogyny and homophobia, doing so while being a salient sci-fi story that stands on its own two feet. This sci-fi marvel is an underrated one, with both incredible writing and even better acting performances.
7
High Life (2018)
Robert Pattinson’s First Science Fiction Film Comes Before Mickey 17
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High Life
R
Science FictionDramaMystery
High Life, directed by Claire Denis, stars Robert Pattinson and Juliette Binoche in a science fiction story about a group of criminals sent on a mission to extract energy from a black hole. As the journey unfolds, the crew confronts the isolation of deep space while struggling with their pasts and the manipulative intentions of those in charge.
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Director
Claire Denis
Release Date
September 26, 2018
Studio(s)
Wild Bunch
, Arte France Cinéma
, Pandora Film
, Andrew Lauren Productions
, Alcatraz Films
, The Apocalypse Films
, Madants
, ZDF
, BFI
Writers
Claire Denis
, Jean-Pol Fargeau
, Geoff Cox
Cast
Robert Pattinson
, Juliette Binoche
, Andre 3000
, Mia Goth
, Agata Buzek
Runtime
113 Minutes
Main Genre
Science Fiction
Expand
The story of High Life is told in a non-linear fashion, featuring a group of criminals as they make their way towards a black hole. Along the way, they participate in scientific experiments with an emphasis on human fertility. The movie itself is incredibly cinematic, with beautiful and often haunting imagery that only grows more impressive as the film goes on.
Related
Robert Pattinson’s Upcoming Sci-Fi Movie, Mickey 17, Being Delayed Again Is Good News, Despite Now Coming Over 1 Year Later Than Originally Planned
Robert Pattinson’s Mickey 17 has a new release date as Bong Joon-Ho’s sci-fi movie is delayed once again, but this time, it might be for the best.
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Plenty of films cover science experiments and black holes, with Interstellar being one of the most notable. However, it isn’t often that a story with such a gripping non-linear storyline comes around, especially one that focuses so deeply on the characters in the story. The film doesn’t take the easy route of using artificial intelligence to examine what it means to be human, but instead takes a hard look at the humanity in the prisoners on board the ship as well as its main scientist.
6
Biosphere (2022)
There Are Only Two Actors In The Whole Film
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Biosphere
Not Yet Rated
ComedySci-Fi
Biosphere is a sci-fi comedy film directed by Mel Eslyn and stars Sterling K. Brown and Mark Duplass as two best friends who discover they’re the last living beings on Earth. The two will attempt to adapt and survive their isolation while trying to find the answers that will save humanity.
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Director
Mel Eslyn
Release Date
July 7, 2023
Studio(s)
Duplass Brothers Productions
Writers
Mel Eslyn
, Mark Duplass
Cast
Sterling K. Brown
, Mark Duplass
Runtime
107 Minutes
Distributor(s)
IFC Films
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Underrated and rarely discussed, Biosphere is a modern look at the end of the world. After the world has fallen into ruin, the previous President of the United States and his best friend, a scientist and one-time political advisor, live out their days in a biosphere that protects them from the harsh world outside. However, when the last of their female fish dies, leaving only male fish left in the tank, a new scientific discovery might hold the key to their survival.
Biosphere leans into the weirder parts of its narrative, managing to stay interesting despite there only being two actors in the entire film. The stakes are life and death, and even though the film takes place in one location throughout its entire duration, the titular biosphere, the premise remains fresh. Biosphere is filled with unique twists and turns, making it an incredible example of science fiction creativity.
5
Inception (2010)
This Classic Set The Standard For Mind-Bending Films
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15
8.5/10
Inception
PG-13
Adventure Sci-FiThrillerAction
Inception, directed by Christopher Nolan, features a skilled thief who uses dream-sharing technology to steal corporate secrets. He is tasked with planting an idea into a CEO’s mind, while confronting his troubled past, which threatens the mission and his team.
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Director
Christopher Nolan
Release Date
July 16, 2010
Studio(s)
Warner Bros. Pictures
Distributor(s)
Warner Bros. Pictures
Writers
Christopher Nolan
Cast
Leonardo DiCaprio
, Joseph Gordon-Levitt
, Elliot Page
, Tom Hardy
, Ken Watanabe
, Dileep Rao
, Cillian Murphy
, Tom Berenger
, Marion Cotillard
, Pete Postlethwaite
, Michael Caine
, Lukas Haas
, Tai-Li Lee
, Claire Geare
, Magnus Nolan
, Taylor Geare
, Johnathan Geare
, Tohoru Masamune
, Yuji Okumoto
, Earl Cameron
, Ryan Hayward
, Miranda Nolan
, Russ Fega
, Tim Kelleher
Runtime
148 minutes
Main Genre
Action
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Directed by Christopher Nolan and well known for its mind-bending plot, Inception follows a group of thieves and con-men who achieve their goals by entering the dreams of their targets. They often do this to alter the subconscious of the individual they target, going down several layers in their mind and creating dreams within dreams, making it less likely that they will somehow be caught. It features massive stars like Leonardo DiCaprio, Elliot Page, and Tom Hardy, along with many others.
Christopher Nolan took six months to write the first draft of Inception and spent even more time to rewrite the script once Leonardo DiCaprio was attached to the project.
As if the idea of entering someone’s dreams to alter their subconscious wasn’t unique enough already, Inception’s ambiguous ending has been a hot topic of conversation for years. Inception is a technical marvel, winning Academy Awards in several categories, including Best Cinematography and Best Sound Editing, and it was nominated for many others. Even today, the film manages to stay in the zeitgeist of popular culture, as it is frequently referenced in other media.
4
Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004)
Jim Carrey Shows Off His Talent For Drama In This Sci-Fi Film
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8.6/10
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
R
Romance Sci-FiDrama
Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet star in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind as Joel Barish and Clementine Kruczynski, a couple who rediscover their love after erasing each other from their memories. The 2004 drama is written by Charlie Kaufman, directed by Michel Gondry, and includes Mark Ruffalo, Elijah Wood, Kirsten Dunst, and Tom Wilkinson in its cast.
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Director
Michel Gondry
Release Date
March 19, 2004
Studio(s)
Universal Pictures
Distributor(s)
Focus Features
, Universal Pictures
Writers
Charlie Kaufman
Cast
Kate Winslet
, Jim Carrey
, Elijah Wood
, Kirsten Dunst
, Mark Ruffalo
Runtime
108 minutes
Expand
Although Jim Carrey is best known for comedy films such as The Mask and Bruce Almighty, some of his best work lies in his more dramatic performances. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is one of those more dramatic films, focusing on a man who undergoes a procedure to forget his ex-girlfriend. During the procedure, once he remembers the happy times he once had with her, he realizes that he does not actually want to forget, but the procedure continues regardless.
The film’s name Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind comes from a 1717 poem by Alexander Pope titled Eloisa to Abelard.
The film continues as the two of them meet all over again, continuing in what is both a sweet and heart-wrenching examination of love. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind doesn’t go overboard with science fiction tropes and technology, instead staying more grounded in reality. This makes it easier to watch and understand than many science fiction films, which often find themselves bogged down in technological jargon.
3
District 9 (2009)
It Brings Science Fiction And Found Footage Films Together
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10/10
District 9
R
ActionSci-FiThriller
Neill Blomkamp’s District 9 combines sci-fi with social commentary in an alternate history in which humans and aliens eke out a tentative coexistence. When a large alien ship appears outside of Johannesburg, humans find it full of sickly and malnourished extraterrestrials they name “Prawns”. After housing the aliens in a slum named District 9, one human finds himself far closer to the Prawn community than he bargained for.
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Director
Neill Blomkamp
Release Date
August 5, 2009
Studio(s)
Sony
Distributor(s)
Sony
Writers
Terri Tatchell
, Neill Blomkamp
Cast
Sharlto Copley
, Jason Cope
, Nathalie Boltt
, Sylvaine Strike
, Elizabeth Mkandawie
, John Sumner
Runtime
112 minutes
Expand
Filmed more like a found-footage documentary than a traditional sci-fi film, District 9 begins after a group of aliens has mistakenly made their way to Earth. They are not greeted with kindness, and instead of working with the aliens, humanity forces them to live in an internment camp called District 9. District 9 explores these themes of xenophobia and isolationism, examining first contact in a way that no film ever has.
First premiering at San Diego Comic-Con, District 9 went on to be a box office success. It is generally praised for its impressive approach to social commentary, taking the idea of extraterrestrial aliens and presenting them in a way that feels both organic and tragic. A District 9 sequel is a very real possibility, even now, more than 15 years after the original’s release, making watching this film even more of a must.
2
They Cloned Tyrone (2023)
This Netflix Sci-Fi Thriller Takes Clones To Another Level
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They Cloned Tyrone
R
ComedyMystery Sci-Fi
They Cloned Tyrone is a comedic sci-fi mystery movie by director Juel Taylor and writer Tony Rettenmaier. The film follows a group of people who stumble upon a top-secret cloning experiment being conducted by the U.S. government when a man who died following a failed drug deal reappears – completely unscathed.
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Director
Juel Taylor
Release Date
July 21, 2023
Studio(s)
MACRO Media
Distributor(s)
Netflix
Writers
Tony Rettenmaier
, Juel Taylor
Cast
John Boyega
, Teyonah Parris
, Jamie Foxx
, Kiefer Sutherland
, David Alan Grier
, J. Alphonse Nicholson
Runtime
119 Minutes
Expand
They Cloned Tyrone is a unique take on the idea of cloning and what it could mean for society, taking place in a suburban neighborhood rather than some grand metropolis in the far future. It begins with a drug dealer named Fontaine who witnesses a shooting, only for the man who was shot to be kidnapped by a group of people driving a black SUV. As Fontaine investigates, he slowly begins to unravel the conspiracy lingering at the center of his neighborhood.
They Cloned Tyrone premiered at the American Black Film Festival, and despite positive reviews and award nominations, it received a limited showing in select theaters before finding its home on Netflix. Still, They Cloned Tyrone has an astounding 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film is a compelling mystery with its own brand of comedy, with a commentary on modern society that makes it stand out against other films that revolve around cloning.
1
The Thing (1982)
This Horror Sci-Fi Experience Is One Of Film’s Greatest Mysteries
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11
9.5/10
The Thing
R
Horror Sci-FiMystery
A team of researchers set out to study an alien spacecraft found in Antarctica, where they also discover an alien body on the site. The alien buried in ice is actually alive and has the ability to imitate human form. The group must find a way to distinguish who the real person is from The Thing and stay alive. John Carpenter’s 1982 film is a remake of 1951’s The Thing from Another World and stars Kurt Russel as the hero RJ MacReady.
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Director
John Carpenter
Release Date
June 25, 1982
Studio(s)
Universal Pictures
Distributor(s)
Universal Pictures
Writers
Bill Lancaster
Cast
T.K. Carter
, David Clennon
, Keith David
, Kurt Russell
, wilford brimley
Runtime
109 minutes
Expand
The Thing is one of the most well-known science fiction films of all time, following a group of researchers as they discover alien life in what is perhaps the most brutal way possible. They encounter the Thing, an alien that was once buried in the ice that can take over the body of any living creature. At its core, The Thing is a film about paranoia, allowing the viewer to watch as the researchers featured in the film slowly devolve into madness in an attempt to sort out who has been assumed into the Thing and who is still human.
The Thing is based on John W. Campbell Jr.’s 1938 novella titled Who Goes There?
With incredible special effects for the time and an ending that still leaves viewers guessing and theorizing to this day, The Thing has cemented itself as an important part of sci-fi film history. Not only did it portray paranoia in a way that feels realistic despite the film’s outlandish premise, but it also featured incredible performances from actors such as Kurt Russell and Keith David. It is an incredible film, even decades later, and comes highly recommended.