It’s always fun to take a look back at films when they reach a milestone. These 2013 Sci-Fi movies are celebrating their 10-year anniversaries in 2023. A decade has passed since they played on the big screen and most of them are still relevant to this day. From strong storylines to unforgettable performances, they stand the test of time.
Other films haven’t faired so well. While current graphics have surpassed some of these titles, it’s fascinating to see how far the industry has progressed when it comes to visual effects. Which movies hold up and which ones should fade away? These are the Sci-Fi flicks are the graduating class of 2013.
10’Oblivion' (2013)
Tom Cruisestars in the Sci-Fi Action film,Oblivion. Set in an apocalyptic earth overtaken by aliens, a drone technician discovers a spacecraft that makes him question his mission. While the story is compelling, the futuristic visuals are what make this film stand out.
RELATED:The 10 Best Modern Action Sci-Fi Movies, Ranked
Directed byJoseph Kosinski(who teamed up with Cruise again in a little movie calledTop Gun: Maverick), the film has a solid supporting cast with big names likeMorgan FreemanandAndrea Risborough. While it wasn’t a huge box office success,Oblivionis an underrated thriller worth checking out all of these years later.
9’After Earth' (2013)
Will Smithteamed up with his sonJaden Smithin the Sci-Fi Action movieAfter Earth. 1000 years into the future, Earth is inhabitable. A high-ranking general and his teenage son set off on a mission (in hopes of bonding) but must fight for their lives after the spacecraft crashes.
M. Night Shyamalandirected this film which was panned by critics and bombed at the box office. That being said, the graphics have aged well, and despite Smith’s missteps (fans will never forget the slap heard around the world) it could be worth a watch to commemorate the ten-year anniversary of its release.
8’Pacific Rim' (2013)
Imagine a world where monstrous sea creatures wage war on humans and the only way to stop them is with giant robots (driven by humans connected in a neural bridge). That’s the premise of the Adventure Sci-Fi filmPacific Rim.It’s a high concept that takes viewers on a wild ride.
Directed by visionaryGuillermo Del Toro(thinkThe Shape of Water) this film has a stellar cast includingIdris ElbaandCharlie Hunnam. Charlie Daystands out (doing what he does best) as the comic relief. Visually stunning with edge-of-your-seat action,Pacific Rimis an entertaining creature feature.
7’Riddick' (2013)
Vin Dieselfans will love the Sci-Fi horror movie,Riddick.It’s thethird film in a series (which started with the 2000 filmPitch Black) and follows the story of a fugitive marooned on a sun-scorched planet who fights for survival against aliens and mercenaries as he waits to be rescued.
RELATED:The 15 Best Sci-Fi Romance Movies Of All Time, Ranked
The strong ensemble cast includesDave Bautista(DraxfromThe Guardians of the Galaxy) andKarl Urban(EomerfromThe Lord of the Ringsmovies). Directed byDavid Twohy,Riddickholds up as a solid Sci-Fi flick. Diesel is set to star in and producethe fourth installmentRiddick 4: Furya.
6’Elysium' (2013)
The Sci-Fi Drama filmElysiumtakes viewers to a divided world in the year 2154. The population is separated as the wealthy live in a luxurious space station while the impoverished are left on a ruined earth. One man (played byMatt Damon) accepts a mission to bring equality to the masses.
The movie is an overt political allegory directed byNeill Blomkamp(who also worked with Damon inDistrict 9).Jodie Fostergives a standout performance as the villainess Secretary of Defense. WhileElysiumnever reached the level of acclaim asDistrict 9, it’s an exciting romp into a dystopian future.
5’The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' (2013)
The Hunger Games: Catching Fireis the second installment ofThe Hunger Gamesfranchise. Katniss Everdeen and Peta Mellark spark a rebellion in Penam after winning the 74th Hunger Games, making them a target for the Capitol (who will go to any lengths to stop the uprising).
The series was a social phenomenon at the time of release and madeJennifer Lawrence,Josh Hutcherson, andLiam Hemsworthhousehold names.Woody Harrelsonshines as Haymitch Abernathy. Directed byFrancis Lawrence(the creative force behindI Am Legend),The Hunger Games: Catching Fireis a crucial thread in the four-film collection.
4’World War Z' (2013)
Brad Pittjumped into the Zombie craze with the Sc-Fi filmWorld War Z. It tells the story of a former U.N. investigator who embarks on a worldwide search to find the source of a deadly
infection that turns otherwise healthy people into zombies with a single bite.
RELATED:The 12 Best Sci-Fi Movies Based On Actual Science, Ranked By Accuracy
Directed byMark Forster(thinkMonster’s Ball),World War Zis a pandemic film that keeps viewers on edge until the bitter end. Although it received mixed reviews from fans and critics alike, it’s an entertaining film that’s the perfect blend of horror and sci-fi (fast zombies are the scariest).
3’Ender’s Game' (2013)
Ender’s Gameis a film based on the novel byOrson Scott Card.The plot centers around a young man recruited by the government to prepare to wage war on an alien race known as Formics (who previously attacked the Earth). The movie has a killer cast includingHarrison Ford,Asa Butterfield,Hailee Steinfeld, andBen Kingsley.
The role earned Butterfield a Critic’s Choice nomination for “Best Young Actor”. Yet, it was considered a box office flop and the subject of debate among fans of the book (who argue the movie was action over substance). There’s no denying that the graphics are breathtaking, and the acting is strong.
2’Gravity' (2013)
Sandra BullockandGeorge Clooneyteam up for the Sci-Fi Thriller,Gravity.The story follows two astronauts who are stranded in space after an accident and must work together to survive. Bullock effortlessly carries the bulk of the film on her shoulders as she fights to get back to Earth.
Directed byAlfonso Cuaron(who also directed another great sci-fi filmChildren of Men), the film dominated the 2014 Academy Awards, winning seven Oscars. Bullock earned a nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Cate Blanchettewon forBlue Jasmine).
1’Star Trek: Into Darkness' (2013)
Star Trek: Into Darknessis the follow-up film featuring the rebooted cast which includesChris Pine,Zachary Quinto,andZoe Saldana.Captain Kirk and the Starship Enterprise crew embark on a manhunt for a terrorist within their own organization.Benedict Cumberbatchdoes a remarkable turn as the iconic villain Kahn.
Directed by the legendaryJ.J. Abrams(the man behind huge titles likeStar Wars: The Force Awakens), while it wasn’t a massive hit with Star Trek fans, it features amazing cinematography. Pine proves he has the skills to be the leading man in his turn as Captain Kirk.
NEXT:The Best Sci-Fi Movies To Go Into Blind, According To Reddit
