Best Modern Science-Fiction films

Are we ready for another mind-bending thriller? Hollywood seems to think so, as every few years we receive a new science-fiction film that plans to re-invent the genre. Sometimes they do and sometimes they don’t. With the release of ‘Synchornic’ on Blu-Ray, I thought it would be fitting to discuss the best modern science-fiction films. To be eligible for this list, the film has to be released after 2010. So, without further ado, let's get stuck into the top 5 modern science fiction films.

Upgrade (2018) – Writer/Director Leigh Whannell created a low-budget and thrilling science-fiction film with ‘Upgrade’. The film has a breakneck pace and does not let up. The film's futuristic setting and unique filmmaking make it a notch above the rest. Logan Marshall-Green is great in the title role as well, giving a star-making turn. The film's special effects are also great, considering it is a low-budget film they use the effects sparingly but effectively.

Buy Upgrade on Blu-ray Here

Prometheus (2012) – Ridley Scott’s return to the ‘Alien’ franchise after 33 years was highly anticipated by so many. Audiences were promised to receive answers, with the origin of the Xenomorph set to be the main focus of the story. For me, the film delivered, bringing audiences a beautiful looking, well-crafted, and thought-provoking tale from within the ‘Alien’ universe. The film is filled with gorgeous visuals, the effects are stunning and the world-building is very impressive as well. The film's heady themes as well provide audiences with insight into creation and life that sticks with you long after the credits roll. The film also does an amazing job at creating tension as well, I found myself at the edge of my seat for nearly the entire runtime of the film as well.

Buy Prometheus from our Alien Franchise Section Here

Interstellar (2014) – Christopher Nolan has had three science-fiction films that have all been received well, however, as ‘Interstellar’ takes place in space, it earns its spot on this list. ‘Interstellar’ is a fascinating science-fiction film, that for the most part, is grounded in reality. Matthew McConaughey is wonderful in the title role as well. The film makes great use of its special effects, blending the practical with the computer-generated. The film's characters are all very sympathetic which adds to the story, with the fantastic performances bringing me close to tears multiple times throughout the course of the film.

Buy Interstellar from our Christopher Nolan Section Here

Annihilation (2018) – Alex Garland followed up his 2014 film science-fiction film ‘Ex Machina’ with another sci-fi film ‘Annihilation’. This film was a complete surprise to me, after a lackluster first trailer, my anticipation for this release dwindled, but after seeing it, I was blown away by it. The film's story is remarkable, blending horror, science-fiction, and drama seamlessly. The film is also an underrated film in regards to inclusion as well, it is an almost all-female cast led by Natalie Portman and Tessa Thompson are both fantastic in the film as well. This is one you need to check out if you love thought-provoking, science-fiction horror.

Buy Annihilation on DVD Here

10 Cloverfield lane (2016) – A film that is extremely underappreciated, ranks among one of my favourite sci-fi films of all time. The film focusses on a smaller, more contained thriller set in the aftermath of the events of ‘Cloverfield’ in 2008. The film stars Mary Elizabeth-Winstead, John Gallagher Jr. and John Goodman who are all terrific in the film. Except for the third act, the film takes place almost entirely in a bunker, which adds to the suspense and tension of the film. The science-fiction action also makes an appearance in the films third act, which will be sure to keep ‘Cloverfield’ fans happy and fans of science-fiction. This is one you do not want to miss if you have not seen it. It is fantastic!

Buy 10 Cloverfield Lane Here

And one for an honourable mention:

Looper (2012) – The time travel genre is one that has seen thousands of entries and in 2012 Rian Johnson put his high-concept film ‘Looper’ into the mix. This film blends the mob with science-fiction, which sees a young Joe, played superbly by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and an old Joe played by Bruce Willis. The film plays with the mind-bending themes involving time travel, but the film never gets too bogged down in its premise, with a stronger emphasis put on character.

There are hundreds of films that were eligible for this list, but I think the above films are the best in the genre of recent years. Each film brings its own unique spin on the science-fiction genre. Be sure to check them out.

Christopher Pattison wrote this blog post for Sanity. See more from Chris here