THE Science fiction the genre is incredibly broad, but despite this, it seems like many of his films seem to cover the same topics over and over again. For every unique sci-fi film, there is another that follows the same tired tropes that can be found throughout the genre. This includes first contact films and near-future space mission films, both of which have been watched in countless installments over the years.
While films that fall into these tropes can often be very good, sometimes viewers need a unique film that deviates entirely from these conventions or puts a new spin on them. Many long-running science fiction TV shows manage to stay current by doing this, changing or developing the parts of the genre in which they find their niche. There are plenty of sci-fi films set for release in 2025, and with any luck, they'll have their own unique formulas as well.
10
Time Crimes (2007)
This Spanish thriller features a time loop
Starting in the modest Spanish countryside, Héctor's life is thrown into chaos when he is drawn to a mysterious mechanical device. This device sends him back in time about 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 other versions of himself from existence.
Although time loops have been addressed in films such as Groundhog Day and Edge of Tomorrow, Time crimes has the unique element of simply adding more of the main character, making this the film's main point of tension. As the time loop repeats and more Héctors appear, the film only devolves into more chaos. This additional element is a new take on the time loop subgenre of science fiction, making Time crimes a worthy watch.
9
Event Horizon (1997)
Science Fiction Takes a Turn for the Horrifying
Starring the legendary Laurence Fishburne in one of his most iconic roles, Event horizon is a terrifying outer space horror film. Filled to the brim with tension and blood, the film follows the crew of the rescue ship Lewis and Clark as they respond to 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 discover that the entire crew has been torn to pieces.
Event horizon take cues from horror films like Infernal and not only amplifies the horror aspect through the lens of traditional horror, but also through psychological manipulation.
Although terror in outer space is very common, Event horizon take cues from horror films like Infernal and not only amplifies the horror aspect through the lens of traditional horror, but also through psychological manipulation. The film's characters go through hell, making it seem reasonable that no one can escape the torture that awaits them there. Event horizon. It's a horrific classic, and despite the lowest score on Rotten Tomatoes, the film manages to be genuinely scary throughout.
8
Space Station 76 (2014)
This claustrophobic dramedy does a lot with a small cast
Built from the ground up to emulate the nostalgic aesthetic of 70s sci-fi, Space Station 76 is equal parts comic satire and dramatic commentary. With a star-studded cast including Liv Tyler, Patrick Wilson and Matt Bomer, the film is set on a space station and details the day-to-day lives of the people who live there. Even with a relatively small cast compared to many science fiction films Space Station 76 covers a lot of ground during its 95-minute running time.
Aesthetics aren't 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's not afraid to tackle themes like misogyny and homophobia, doing so while still being a salient science fiction story that stands on its own. This sci-fi marvel is underrated, with incredible writing and even better acting.
7
High Life (2018)
Robert Pattinson's first sci-fi film arrives before Mickey 17
The story of High life is told in a non-linear fashion, featuring a group of criminals heading towards a black hole. Along the way, they participate in scientific experiments focusing on human fertility. The film itself is incredibly cinematic, with beautiful and often haunting images that only get more impressive as the film progresses.
Many films cover scientific experiments and black holes, with Interstellar being one of the most notable. However, it's not often that a story comes along with such an engaging non-linear plot, especially one that focuses so deeply on the story's characters. The film doesn't take the easy route of using artificial intelligence to examine what it means to be humanbut instead takes a hard look at the humanity of the prisoners aboard the ship, as well as its chief scientist.
6
Biosphere (2022)
There are only two actors in the entire film
Underrated and rarely discussed, Biosphere It's a modern vision of the end of the world. After the world has fallen into ruin, the former President of the United States and his best friend, a scientist and former political advisor, live out their days in a biosphere that protects them from the cruel world outside. However, when the last female dies, leaving only the males in the aquarium, a new scientific discovery may be the key to their survival.
Biosphere leans into the weirder parts of its narrative, managing to remain interesting despite there being only two actors in the entire film. The stakes are life and death, and although the film is set in a single location for its entire duration, the titular biosphere, the premise remains fresh. Biosphere is full of unique twists, making it an incredible example of creativity in science fiction.
5
Home (2010)
This classic set the standard for mind-bending films
Directed by Christopher Nolan and known for its mind-bending plot, Start follows a group of thieves and con artists who achieve their goals by entering their targets' dreams. They often do this to alter the subconscious of the individual they target, descending through various layers of their mind and creating dreams within dreams, making them less likely to be caught in any way. It features big stars like Leonardo DiCaprio, Elliot Page and Tom Hardy, along with many others.
As if the idea of entering someone's dreams to alter their subconscious wasn't already unique enough, Start the ambiguous ending has been a hot topic of conversation for years. Start is a technical marvel, winning Oscars in several categories, including Best Cinematography and Best Sound Editing, and was nominated for many others. Even today, the film manages to remain in the spirit of popular culture, as it is frequently referenced in other media.
4
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Jim Carrey shows his talent for drama in this sci-fi film
Although Jim Carrey is best known for comedy films like The mask and Bruce Almighty, some of his best work resides in his most dramatic performances. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is one of those more dramatic films, centered on a man who undergoes a procedure to forget his ex-girlfriend. During the procedure, as he remembers the happy times he spent with her, he realizes that he actually doesn't want to forget, but the procedure continues anyway.
The film continues as the two meet again, continuing what is a sweet and touching examination of love. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind it doesn't go overboard with sci-fi tropes and technology, instead remaining more grounded in reality. This makes it easier to watch and understand than many science fiction films, which often get bogged down in technological jargon.
3
District 9 (2009)
Brings together science fiction and found footage films
Filmed more like a found-footage documentary than a traditional sci-fi film, District 9 begins after a group of aliens arrive on Earth by mistake. They are not welcomed kindly, 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 no film has ever done.
First debuts at San Diego Comic-Con District 9 became a box office success. It's generally praised for its impressive approach to social commentary, taking the idea of extraterrestrial aliens and presenting them in a way that feels organic and tragic. ONE District 9 the sequel is a very real possibility even now, more than 15 years after the release of the original, making this film's viewing all the more mandatory.
2
They Cloned Tyrone (2023)
This Netflix sci-fi thriller takes clones to another level
They cloned Tyrone is a unique look at the idea of cloning and what it could mean for society, taking place in a suburban neighborhood rather than some large metropolis in the distant future. It starts with a drug dealer named Fontaine who witnesses a shooting, but the man who was shot is kidnapped by a group of people driving a black SUV. As Fontaine investigates, he slowly begins to unravel the conspiracy that persists at the heart of his neighborhood.
They cloned Tyrone premiered at the American Black Film Festival and, despite positive reviews and award nominations, received a limited run in select theaters before finding its home on Netflix. Yet, They cloned Tyrone has an astonishing 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 sets it apart from other films revolving around cloning.
1
The Thing (1982)
This sci-fi horror experience is one of cinema's greatest mysteries
The thing is one of the best-known science fiction films of all time, following a group of researchers as they discover alien life in perhaps the most brutal way possible. They encounter the Thing, an alien who was once buried in ice and can take control of the body of any living creature. In essence, The thing is a film about paranoia, allowing the viewer to watch as the researchers featured in the film slowly go mad in an attempt to discover who has been assumed to be the Thing and who is still human.
With incredible special effects for the time and an ending that still leaves viewers guessing and theorizing to this day, The thing consolidated itself as an important part Science fiction cinema history. Not only did it portray paranoia in a realistic way despite the film's bizarre premise, but it also featured incredible performances from actors like Kurt Russell and Keith David. It's an incredible film, even decades later, and is highly recommended.