If you’re a movie lover, then you know that sci-fi is one of the most popular genres around. We’re living in an era where science fiction has taken over Hollywood. And, we’re not talking about space operas and galaxy-spanning adventures. We mean gritty, grounded stories set in the (near) future or on other planets. Here are our picks for the 10 best sci-fi movies of the 21st century. This list is ordered not by quality but by release date. So don’t blame us if some of your favorites are missing!
- “Ex Machina” (2015)
This psychological thriller is set in the near future when a tech mogul hosts a contest to see which of his employees can create the best robot AI. When Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson), a programmer, wins the challenge, he’s flown out to the mogul’s estate to meet his creation: Ava (Alicia Vikander), a beautiful and eerily human-like robot. However, as Caleb gets closer to Ava, he starts to realize that she may not be what she seems. “Ex Machina” is an intense film that will keep you guessing until the very end.
- “District 9” (2009)
This science fiction action film takes place in Johannesburg, South Africa, where a massive alien spacecraft has parked itself over the city. The humans living below are forced to deal with the aliens, who are treated as second-class citizens. Wikus van der Merwe (Sharlto Copley), a lowly civil servant, is tasked with evicting the aliens from their shantytown homes. However, when he’s exposed to a mysterious liquid emanating from the ship, Wikus starts to change into an alien himself. “District 9” is a thought-provoking film that asks race, class, and xenophobia questions.
- “The Hunger Games” (2012)
This dystopian science fiction adventure takes place in a future America that’s been divided into 12 districts. Each district is responsible for providing a particular resource to the government. The Hunger Games are an annual event where two children from each district are chosen at random to fight to the death. The protagonist, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), volunteers to take her younger sister’s place in the games and must survive against all odds. “The Hunger Games” is a thrilling adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
- “Inception” (2010)
This mind-bending thriller stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Dom Cobb, a professional thief who specializes in infiltrating people’s dreams. His latest job involves planting an idea into the mind of a CEO so that he’ll break up his company. But as the plan unfolds, Cobb and his team realize that the line between reality and dream is becoming increasingly blurred. “Inception” is a visually stunning film that will keep you guessing until the very end.
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- “Looper” (2012)
In the future, time travel has been invented but is strictly illegal. So when gangsters need to get rid of someone, they send them back in time to be killed by a “looper” – a hitman who is waiting for them. Joe (played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is a looper who has money, women, and a great life. But when the mob decides to “close the loop” and kill him, Joe finds himself on the run from his past self (played by Bruce Willis). With its inventive time-travel plot and mind-bending action sequences, “Looper” is one of the best sci-fi movies of the 21st century.
- Children of Men (2006)
In the future, a global infertility pandemic has struck humanity. As the last generation of children approaches adulthood, society begins to crumble. Theo (played by Clive Owen) is a bureaucrat who becomes involved in a desperate race to save a pregnant woman – the first woman in years to conceive – and deliver her child before it’s too late. “Children of Men” is an intense and thought-provoking thriller that ranks among the best sci-fi movies of the 21st century.
- The Martian (2015)
When an American astronaut is left stranded on Mars, he must use all of his ingenuity and science to survive. “The Martian” is one of the most realistic and exciting sci-fi movies of the 21st century. It’s based on Andy Weir’s novel of the same name, and it stars Matt Damon as the heroic Mark Watney. If you’re a fan of space movies, then you need to see “The Martian.”
- Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
Tom Cruise is on the run from aliens in “Edge of Tomorrow.” When an alien race known as the Mimics invade Earth, humanity is quickly slaughtered. Major William Cage (Cruise) is dropped into the frontlines of the war, only to be killed within minutes. However, Cage somehow wakes up at the beginning of the day again, and he realizes that he can reset the day by dying. This Groundhog Day-esque concept makes for an intense and exhilarating sci-fi movie.
- Her (2013)
In the not too distant future, Theodore Twombly (played by Joaquin Phoenix) falls in love with a consciousness operating solely within a computer. “Her” is a heartwarming and ethereal look at what it means to be in love. The futuristic setting is simply used as a backdrop for the film’s exploration of relationships and love. This movie is a must-watch for introverts who can’t seem to get enough of technology.
- Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
“Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes” is the sequel to the smash hit “Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes.” In this movie, the apes have taken over, and humans struggle to survive. It’s an action-packed thriller with some genuinely heart-wrenching moments. Plus, it features one of the most badass ape characters in cinema history.
Conclusion:
The Sci-fi genre isn’t just inspiring for science nerds, they encourage tomorrow’s innovation through the children of today. If you want to be awestruck and feel the greatness of human creation simultaneously, give a few of the movies in the above list a try.
These are just a few of the best sci-fi movies of the 21st century. What are your favorites? Let us know in the comments!
