Like horror, science fiction has recently hada mini-renaissanceat the box office.
The genre keeps pumping out blockbuster IP (thanks,Star Wars) or amazing original ideas (thinkDistrict 9) that keep audiences wanting to boldly go to galaxies far, far away – or explore their own world, albeit one put through a post-apocalyptic lens (Mad Max: Fury Road) or more of a Rod Serling-esque one, like Matt Reeves’s recentPlanet of the Apessequels. But some movies are “neither fish nor fowl,” meaning they slip under the radar or disappoint at the box office despite resonating with fans and critics alike. (Ahem,Blade Runner 2049.)
However, that doesn’t mean that those movies don’t have a special place in our hearts. We look back on the last decade of sci-fi films and have plucked out 17 of our favorite movies in the last ten years.
After Yang (2022)
After Yangflew under the radar as a more thoughtful and metaphysical sci-fi entry. There are no guns or fast cars or post-apocalyptic cities. Instead, we follow a family in mourning after their android Yang (Justin H. Min) malfunctions and effectively dies. A character story more than anything else, we follow Jake (Colin Farrell) as he tries to fix Yang and as a result looks into the mind of the android and discovers how the being viewed him and his family. Slow, quiet, and dreamy at times, there is much to love aboutAfter Yang. –Therese Lacson
The Matrix Resurrections (2021)
For some, the newest installment intoThe Matrixfranchise was a dud, but after 18 years away from Neo (Keanu Reeves) and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), it felt good to be back. Although the sequel only featured one of the Wachowski sisters behind the camera,Lana Wachowski,The Matrix Resurrectionshad all the hallmarks of a powerful Matrix story. It blended the philosophical with the action, and it reinforced the long-held theory that Neo and Trinity are The One together rather than just Neo alone. The introduction to a new generation of characters also offered a look at how the humans had prospered after Neo’s sacrifice. Specifically,Jessica Henwick’s Bugs is a welcome new addition to the crew. –Therese Lacson
Dredd (2012)
Although this comic-turned-movie has now gained cult status and is much beloved from those who enjoy a bit of the ultra violence, whenDreddfirst came out in 2012, the movie did not do well in the box office at all, however, critical and audience reactions remained positive. FromKarl Urban’s near-permanent frown underneath his helmet toLena Headey’s scarred and deadly drug kingpin Ma-Ma, the movie is drenched in aesthetic indulgence and post-apocalyptic perfection. With a sequel unlikely to happen given the financial failure, there’s still a contingency of us out here who wouldn’t mind a visit back to Mega-City One. –Therese Lacson
Predestination (2014)
Predestinationis a complicated and compelling drama hiding out in a twisty, time travel thriller. Written and directed byPeterandMichael Spierig, based onRobert A. Heinlein’s 1959 short story “All You Zombies,” this little-seen indie starsEthan Hawkeas a time-traveling agent struggling to stop a bomber in 1970s New York. But the bomber’s identity, and that of a bartender with a mysterious past (and future), threatens to unravel our reality as the movie rockets to one hell of a twist ending.
Predestination’s elevator pitch can be boiled down toMementoby way ofBack to the Future Part II, but more through aChristopher Nolanlens than aRobert Zemeckisone. The end result is a complex tale about how to define one’s existence when they can exist across multiple timelines and places. What is a life worth when it has been distilled and fractured across time? That’s just one of the heady, thematic questions the movie asks — and, as Hawke’s character and the audience discovers — finding the answer isn’t easy. But it does make for rewarding viewing.
RELATED:Ethan Hakwe Talks ‘Predestination’ and Fate vs. Free Will
Coherence (2013)
Shot in five days, with no script and very little budget,CoherenceisRay Bradburyby way ofAgatha Christie. A confident feature film debut from directorJames Ward Byrkit,Coherencecenters on a group of friends who have their dinner party upended when a comet streaks across the night sky and drags a tear through reality in its wake. Multiple alternate realities open themselves to the main characters, realities populated with alternate versions of themselves.
As a result, this friend group unravels into enemies as Byrkit twists the screws on a thought-provoking sci-fi tale that needs to be seen at least twice to fully appreciate the level of craftsmanship here.
Colossal (2016)
A monster movie starringAnne HathawayandJason Sudeikis? Sign us up!
From directorNacho Vigalondo,Colossalasks “what if a Godzilla-sized monster brawl was a projection of our own emotional issues and insecurities?” This premise is what alcoholic Gloria (Hathaway) finds herself in the middle of, as her struggles literally manifest themselves in the form of a monster in South Korea that terrorizes people. This big creative swing requires significant buy-in from the audience, which Vigalondo makes surprisingly easy to do thanks to the way he grounds the ridiculous nature of his conceit in a very relatable world. He and his talented cast embrace the movie’s core conceit in ways that make us laugh with and never at it, asColossaldoubles down on delivering a small-scale, character-first genre film that only gets better with repeat viewings.
Snowpiercer (2013)
Gritty, violent and more timely than ever,Snowpiercer, from Oscar-winning directorBoon Joon Ho(Parasite), is a post-apocalyptic thriller unlike any other. Based on a French graphic novel,Snowpiercertakes place in a frightening not-too-distant future where mankind’s Hail Mary play to derail global warming fails and confines a caste system of humanity aboard the titular train.Chris EvansandTilda Swintonheadline an impressive and game ensemble cast as Director Bong offers a quirky and unflinching view of humanity’s hubris only being surpassed by their pathological inability to not fight for a better life. Even if that means risking what’s left of the one they have. It’s both an intellectual and physical battle between the “scum” and the “elites,” the haves and havenots, and Director Bong finds the exact amount of whatever that struggle needs to deliver an effective and (no pun intended) chilling ride.
RELATED:Every Bong Joon Ho Movie Ranked From Least Amazing to Positively Transcendent
Iron Man 3 (2013)
Iron Man 3tends to get a bad rap, in large part because of its unusual handling of classic Marvel villain the Mandarin. Frankly,we appreciate the subversive takeand the Marvel movie’s commitment in forcing Tony to find who he is, and what it takes to be a hero, outside his suit. Writer-directorShane Black’s brand of humor and approach to character-first action scenes, which have an extra sci-fi tinge here, give an edge toRobert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark shtick. The Black-RDJ combo givesIron Man 3and its star a welcomed chance to explore the PTSD Tony suffered after the Battle of New York.
Edge of Tomorrow (2013)
Edge of Tomorrowis one of the most underrated Big Studio releases ever made.Tom Cruise’s fun, action-packed time-loop thriller made more of a dent on home video than in theaters. But this clever spin on both the alien invasion and time-travel genres is one of those rare studio films of late that stays with you long after the credits roll. Come for the dizzying Normandy Beach-style attack that opens the film, stay for Cruise’s all-in performance that laughs with but never at the movie’s more sci-fi buy-ins.
About Time (2013)
A box office disappointment at the time of its release,Richard Curtis’About Timehas found an impressive second life on streaming and home video — and for good reason.It’s a time travel story unlike any other, one that mixes timey-wimey sci-fi with the rom-com sensibilities Curtis is best known for.
There were all sorts of reasons to dismissAbout Timeupon its release, from the fact that it borrows a little too heavily fromGroundhog Dayto the presence ofRachel McAdamsinviting all sorts of comparisons toThe Notebook. But taken on its own merits,About Timeproves itself to be a likable romantic comedy with a neat little high-concept twist thrown in.Domhnall Gleesonplays the son of a time traveller (Bill Nighy) who struggles to make a romance work with his crush, played by McAdams. When he hits bumps in their courtship, he goes back in time to “fix” it and cheat destiny. But the one thing he can’t cheat is death, as he painfully discovers when his father becomes ill. This bittersweet twist is a heartbreaking one, thanks to Curtis’ deft handling of the more intimate consequences breaking the laws of physics can have — especially when put through the lens of a father and son relationship. The “Doctor WhomeetsFour Weddings and a Funeral” tone Curtis is going for here is a tricky one to balance, and he doesn’t always succeed. But the parts of the movie that do work, especially the performances (watch out for then-newcomerMargot Robbie), makeAbout Timeworth giving a second chance.
