With the rise of A.I being the hot topic of the moment, the release of sci-fi epicThe Creatorcouldn’t have come at a better time. As the war between humans and A.I. rages on, a former soldier (John David Washington) discovers that the weapon that could end mankind is a robot in the form of a child (Madeline Yuna Voyles).
Directed byGareth Edwards(Rogue One,Godzilla) and with a modest budget of $80 million, the film is drawing in critical acclaim and impressive numbers at the box office. Thanks to its thematic depth and unique world building,The Creatoris one to add tothe list of ambitious and original sci-fi movies.
9’Ex Machina' (2014)
LikeThe Creator, Alex Garland’sEx Machinais another intelligent and thought-provoking exploration into the capabilities of artificial intelligence. A young programmer (Domhnall Gleeson) participates in an experiment where he must interact with a female humanoid robot (Alicia Vikander).
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Through this unconventional relationship, the film offers a fascinating deep-dive into what it means to be human, with surprising feminist undertones. Heavy on ideas rather than spectacle, it dissects the chaos that ensues when the line between man and machine is erased.Ex Machinais chillingly atmospheric and remains entirely unpredictable.
8’Moon' (2009)
StarringSam Rockwell,Moonis a subdued and suspenseful sci-fi that likeThe Creator, does a lot with a little. Directed byDuncan Jones(son of the Starman himself,David Bowie), Rockwell plays an astronaut whose three-year-stint on the moon is nearly complete, only to be met with a personal crisis.
Moonmakes effective use of its limited locations and VFX, creating a feel of claustrophobia and an unnerving atmosphere throughout. Rockwell does a superb job of essentially acting alongside only himself, excluding computer GERTY (Kevin Spacey), in a film that strays far from your typical space flick.
7’Interstellar' (2014)
OnlyChristopher Nolancould bring sucha grand and philosophical perspective to the sci-fi genre. Set in a future where Earth is uninhabitable, a crew led by farmer and ex-NASA pilot Joseph (Matthew McConaughey) search space to find a new planet for humans to call home.
Interstellaris both a dazzling technical achievement and thought-provoking psychological ride. Alongside the phenomenal cinematography and epic score byHans Zimmer, the film journeys into the depths of time and space in such a complex and profound way, while also leaving room for a very emotional and human story.
6’District 9' (2009)
At its time of release,Neill Blomkamp’sDistrict 9was unlike anything the sci-fi genre had ever seen. Utilizing the mockumentary format, the film is set in a concentration-like camp adjacent to Johannesburg, South Africa, where aliens are forced to live in inhumane conditions.
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Blomkamp uses his sci-fi setting to tell a story representative of the common refugee experience, and even builds social commentary around racism through the alien creatures called ‘Prawns’. The documentary style filmmaking on display also gives the movie an authentic and gritty feel entirely different from other sci-fis.
5’Children of Men' (2006)
From acclaimed directorAlfonso Cuarón,Children of Menis based on the novel byP. D. Jamesand is as emotionally compelling as it is visually impressive. The film is set in 2027, where humanity is on the verge of extinction as women are now infertile.
When a woman (Clare-Hope Ashitey) miraculously becomes pregnant, she must be transported to safety. The tone of the film is incredibly bleak, thanks to the violence and collapse of society, yet is full of hope and optimism at the same time. With a sense of urgency and a riveting story, the dystopian manages to feel realistic.
4’The Terminator' (1984)
The Terminatoris one of the most influential sci-fi movies of all time, launching a franchise that has lasted almost forty years and becoming a staple in pop culture. When it was first released, however,James Cameronpresented something completely groundbreaking and original.
The first film sees the cyborg Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) sent back in time to kill Sarah Conner (Linda Hamilton), whose son will win the war against the machines. It is known for its thrilling action and fast pace, but feels timely and relevant again due to its themes surrounding the danger and rise of A.I.
‘Arrival’ (2016)
Denis Villeneueveis known for directing sci-fi blockbusters likeBlade Runner 2049andDune, but his first foray into the genre,Arrival, is both his most stripped-back and conceptually rich outing.Amy Adamsplays a linguist expert who must communicate with extraterrestrial creatures when they arrive on Earth.
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As the film progresses, it becomes evident thatArrivalis not your typical alien movie. With its non-linear narrative and emotionally driven story, it expands upon the ideas of what makes us human and how we communicate. There are no big explosions or battles here, but you’ll still be entranced.
3’Avatar' (2009)
As the highest grossing movie of all time, the cultural impact ofAvataron cinema and movie-going cannot be understated.James Cameron’s blockbuster epic follows Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), who enters the world of the Na’vi through avatar form and finds himself torn between loyalties.
While one could argue thatAvataris very straightforward in terms of narrative, the world building of Pandora, elevated by revolutionary visual effects and technology, make for a truly immersive and magical viewing experience. There is a reason it is the most successful film ever, and why its sequel is just as groundbreaking.
2’WALL-E' (2008)
Pixar has delivered many incredible movies over the years for both children and adults, and one of their best is undoubtedlyWALL-E. The film follows Wall-E (Ben Burtt), a waste-collecting robot on an inhabitable Earth, who falls in love with robot Eve (Elissa Knight) and embarks on a journey with her that could save mankind.
WALL-Eis memorable for its stunning animation and adorable love story, but is also an unabashedly pro-environmental film with timely messages around sustainability and consumption. It also cleverly highlights the dangers of humanity relying on technology so much.
1’The Matrix' (1999)
The influence ofLanaandLilly Wachowski’sThe Matrixon the science-fiction landscape becomes evident if you watch any film in the genre that has followed. The movie changed the game upon its release, and introduced audiences to a world that makes you question your reality.
Computer hacker Neo (Keanu Reeves) discovers that he lives in a simulation created by machines who have enslaved the human race. Thanks to its slick and visually inventive action pieces, as well as its mind-bending premise, it remains one of the greatest sci-fi action films of all time.
