The sci-fi genre has given cinema some of its most beloved and iconic movies, from the old Jules Verne-inspired classics dating back to the earliest days of the medium to current-day blockbusters. The genre is so vast and varied that it can almost be a little intimidating trying to figure out what to watch next. Of course, there are the go-to classics, films like Alien, Terminator, Star Wars, Back to the Future, Planet of the Apes, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Blade Runner, but where do you go from there?
From animated adventures to cosmic cult classics, here are 10 sci-fi movies for fans of the genre who have exhausted the classics and are looking for the next dose of out-of-this-world storytelling.
‘Paprika’ (2006)
Thanks to the groundbreaking 1988 release of Akira, a surge in the popularity of Japanese anime and manga style animation in the West was sparked, paving the way for countless Japanese animated movies that followed, including 2006’s Paprika.
The film follows a battle between an unknown “dream terrorist” who causes nightmares by stealing a device that allows others to share their dreams, and Paprika, a dream detective and the alter ego of the researcher who created the stolen device.
‘Paprika’ Is a Must-see for Fans of Sci-fi Anime
Fusing the gritty, high-tech dystopian vision of Akira with the otherworldly surrealism of Spirited Away, Paprika is a mind-bending experience that received universal acclaim for its stunning visuals and complex and layered narrative.
‘The Endless’ (2017)
The Endless is rooted in the cosmic horror subgenre, itself inspired by H.P. Lovecraft’s 20th-century horror stories, where typical enemies like aliens and killer robots are replaced by something far more unsettling – intangible, benevolent forces that defy human comprehension. Perfected in classics like Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey and John Carpenter’s The Thing, the genre has witnessed a resurgence in recent years with movies like Annihilation and Color Out of Space garnering critical acclaim and strong cult followings.
‘The Endless’ Demonstrates That a Mega Budget Isn’t Always Needed
Made on a shoestring budget, what The Endless lacks in spectacle, glossy special effects, and Hollywood sheen, it more than makes up for in suspense and atmosphere. Dealing with cults, time loops, and an alien threat, there’s a constant, relentless sense of dread that quietly hangs over every scene, creating an unsettling atmosphere where time and reality are just slightly out of joint.
Scoring a near perfect 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, The Endless is one of the most intriguing and genuinely terrifying sci-fi horrors in recent years and is primed for cult status.
‘Coherence’ (2013)
After a group of friends at a dinner party witness a passing comet, they discover the existence of multiple parallel universes. As various versions of themselves collide, tensions mount as they struggle to navigate this newly fractured reality.
‘Coherence’ Isn’t for Everyone
Openly inspired by 2004’s notoriously mind-challenging Primer, Coherence makes no effort to “dumb down” its complex themes of reality, perception, choice, and consequence. It explores these ideas through the lens of multiverse theory, quantum entanglement, and chaos theory. Made on a shoestring budget, Coherence is niche, but if you favor movies that reward careful attention and repeat viewings, it might just be the movie for you.
‘Sunshine’ (2007)
Set in 2057, Sunshine follows a group of astronauts who are sent on a dangerous mission to reignite the dying Sun and save humanity. An exploration of the fragility of human life against the vastness of space, tensions rise as the crew face technical failures and the effects of isolation. Praised for its psychological tension and its awe-inspiring effects and cinematography, Sunshine is a gripping sci-fi thriller and an underrated gem worth checking out.
An Underrated Sci-fi Gem
Helmed by legendary director Danny Boyle – known for Slumdog Millionaire, Trainspotting, and the 28 Days Later franchise – and starring Chris Evans, Rose Byrne, and Cillian Murphy, talent certainly wasn’t lacking. Unfortunately, though, it failed to find an audience at the time of its release and flopped at the box office. Perhaps its slow-burn pacing and cerebral themes clashed with mainstream expectations, but fans of movies that combine emotional storytelling with spectacular visuals like Gravity and Interstellar will likely be captivated by Sunshine’s epic scope and intimate character study.
‘Occupation’ (2018)
Sometimes, you don’t need cerebral plots or existential ponderings. Sometimes, an all-out, adrenaline-fueled sci-fi action movie is exactly what’s called for. Occupation delivers exactly that, pitting humans against an overwhelming alien invasion in a desperate fight for survival. Packed full of explosive set pieces, high-octane gun fights and urban destruction, Occupation rarely slows down, but when it does, its ensemble cast does a suitable job of sustaining the tension.
The Sequel Ups the Ante
A hit in its native Australia, a sequel was commissioned which saw the budget drastically increased, and with it, the chaos. With the visual effects being worked on by artists behind Star Wars: The Last Jedi, fans of movies like Independence Day and The Edge of Tomorrow are sure to be suitably entertained by its alien action.
‘Crimes of the Future’ (2022)
Not to be confused with the 1970 movie of the same name (also directed by David Cronenberg), 2022’s Crimes of the Future bears nothing in common with its namesake—except a title. It follows Saul, who lets his performance partner perform surgeries on him for audiences in a future where pain no longer exists. As a radical group pushes human evolution even further, Saul must decide whether to embrace or resist this new kind of humanity.
A Spectacular Return to Cronenberg’s Roots
Known for using repulsive body horror to explore themes of identity, alienation, the human psyche, and the ethics of scientific experimentation and hubris, director David Cronenberg is an icon of the genre. He has crafted some of the most beloved movies in his field—including The Fly, Videodrome, and Scanners—but after 1999’s eXistenZ, he took a break from sci-fi and horror to direct crime thrillers like A History of Violence and Eastern Promises, as well as the black comedy Maps to the Stars.
Crimes of the Future marks his return to the sci-fi genre after nearly 25 years, with the director revisiting familiar themes in typically unsettling fashion. It was a hit with critics, many of whom consider it among his greatest work to date.
‘Under the Skin’ (2013)
Under the Skin finds Scarlett Johansson roaming Scotland as an alien disguised as a woman, looking to lure men into her deadly trap. Things get complicated, though, as she begins to encounter human emotions and develop an increasing sense of identity. Despite strong positive reviews from critics, the movie failed to resonate with mainstream audiences and was unable to recoup its costs at the box office, but it gradually accumulated a cult following.
Perfect for Those Looking for Something a Little Less Traditional
Relying heavily on visual storytelling and an unsettling sound design, Under the Skin’s ambiguous narrative and minimalist approach to dialogue make for a disorienting and sometimes challenging viewing experience, but if you’ve found yourself drawn to more cerebral mainstream sci-fi like Interstellar, Arrival and The Matrix and are open to exploring something more experimental, Under The Skin offers a haunting, thought-provoking viewing experience likely to leave a lasting impression.
‘Upgrade’ (2018)
Upgrade follows Grey Trace who, after a brutal mugging leaves him paralyzed, is implanted with an experimental AI chip that gives him enhanced robotic abilities which he uses to exact brutal revenge on his attackers. In the process, he struggles with the notion of free will and uncovers a deep web of lies, corruption, and conspiracy. Bleak and grimy with an undercurrent of dark humor, critics agree that Upgrade is a fine sci-fi revenge flick and awarded it an impressive 88% on Rotten Tomatoes.
‘Upgrade’ Blends Sci-fi, Horror, and Action
Produced by Blumhouse Productions, Upgrade is a frenetic sci-fi action movie that offers a refreshing spin on familiar themes for those who’ve exhausted the classics of the genre. The combination of action, sci-fi, and horror has given us some of cinema’s most iconic movies, including Aliens, Terminator, and Predator. Here we’re given a modern update on those classics that includes an added layer of cerebral terror.
‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets’ (2017)
Unapologetically idiosyncratic, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets brings to mind quirky space operas like The Fifth Element and Guardians of the Galaxy. It follows special operatives Valerian and Laureline as they travel to the sprawling intergalactic city of Alpha to uncover a hidden destructive force that threatens the entire universe.
The Most Expensive Independent Movie Ever Made
Directed by Luc Besson and starring Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, Clive Owen, Rihanna, Ethan Hawke, and Rutger Hauer, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets cost a staggering $209 million to make. Earning just $226 million worldwide, it was considered a box-office bomb due to its high production and advertising costs. Despite its commercial failings, its audacious world building, quirky humor, and over-the-top visuals make it rife for cult status, appealing to those who don’t mind a touch of campiness in their sci-fi.
‘TimeCrimes’ (2007)
Sci-fi films about time travel are commonplace within the genre, from comedic takes like Back to the Future and Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure to darker films like Terminator and Donnie Darko. While not an all-out horror movie, TimeCrimes certainly sits on the darker end of the spectrum. It follows Héctor, a man who unwittingly becomes part of a time loop and must stop his other selves from continuing to exist.
A Refreshing Take on the Time-travel Genre
With its unexpected twists and undercurrent of dark humor, TimeCrimes is a unique and refreshing take on the genre. Critically acclaimed, it was praised for its ability to craft an impactful and compelling viewing experience without relying on big-budget effects and visuals. It won Best Picture at the 2007 Fantastic Fest as well as the Gold Medal of Jury Award Competition and Silver Medal of Audience Award Competition.