Despite the fact that the simplest classification of science fiction divides it exclusively into two types—science fiction and pure fantasy—modern cinematic fiction is divided into many additional areas. If you think about it, Tolkien's fantasy, mystical thrillers, and even horror films can be safely attributed to cinematic fiction. But since our site is very indirectly related to cinema, I will tell you about the ten most interesting science fiction films that have been released over the past few years. Science fiction is still much closer to the subject matter of our resource, and I think there are many fans of this genre among our readers.
I'll make a reservation right away that in this article I'm going to talk exclusively about my personal impressions and films that I liked. So, if I haven't mentioned your favourite film, don't be upset and don't criticise me, but rather share its name with us in the comments to the article.
I will try to tell you not only about expensive Hollywood blockbusters but also about films made for a pittance, but worthy of your close attention. It is very difficult to notice a little-known film that languishes somewhere behind the bright advertising and expensive marketing of multi-million dollar productions. I'll also try not to neglect our female readers because girls sometimes like fantastic stories too. For you, beautiful ladies, I also have a few films that might interest you. And just like discovering hidden gems in the film world, don't forget to check out the Crusino no deposit bonus, offering you a chance to enjoy some exciting casino action without spending a dime! But enough with the introductions, it's time to talk about the films.
1. The Man from Earth (2007)
An incredibly talented work by director Richard Shankman, who managed to make a wonderful sci-fi story about a university professor, John Oldman, who decides to move to another city and gathers colleagues and friends for a farewell party for just $200,000. In the midst of his send-off, the professor confesses to his friends that he is immortal and over 14,000 years old. Due to the fact that he does not age, he has to move to a new place of residence every 10 years in order not to arouse suspicion. His colleagues laugh at John, considering this confession as another of his brilliant pranks. But the more the professor talks about his life, the harder it is to understand whether he is joking or telling the truth.
The film was really made for a pittance, and the action takes place in a single room—the professor's house. The whole emphasis of this film is on carefully thought-out and balanced dialogues. And the dialogues here are just a miracle! Try to give this film some of your time, and you will not be disappointed. The script of this brilliant film was written by one of the original screenwriters of the cult TV series Star Trek. The film became popular largely because pirates recorded the film on camera at one of its few screenings in the cinema and posted it on the Internet. The director then personally thanked the owners of the pirate website, who helped to make the film known to the public.
2. The Time Traveller's Wife (2009)
If you haven't seen this film yet, you have a great opportunity to relax and have a great evening with your loved one and a wonderful fantastic film about relationships and time travel.
The plot centres on a man named Henry, who suffers from a rare form of genetic disease—time travel syndrome. From time to time, he is thrown back and forth for a completely arbitrary period of time. This feature of his body cannot be controlled in any way, so since the age of five, Henry has been trying to get used to his illness and carefully preparing himself for the difficult challenges that await him after the next time jump. He learns a number of important skills for survival in a hostile environment because after being transported, he appears in an unfamiliar place completely naked and defenceless. And everything would be fine, but one day Henry meets a girl named Claire in the library and falls in love with her, and she has apparently known him for many years.
A very kind and interesting story of two young people whose fates intersect at different times and in different circumstances can appeal not only to girls but also to the most callous men who turn their noses up at all this melodramatic nonsense. By the way, this film is a film adaptation of the book of the same name by American writer Audrey Niffenegger, the rights to which were acquired by Brad Pitt. He also acted as the executive producer of this film.
3. The World's End (2013)
The film tells the story of five old friends who reunite to repeat the feat of almost 20 years ago—to visit 12 pubs in one evening and drink a pint of excellent beer in each of them. And all would be well and good, if not for the fact that almost all the inhabitants of their hometown have been replaced by robotic clones. I'm not going to tell you what awaits the protagonists after this horrific discovery—you should see it with your own eyes.
The excellent acting of such famous British stars as Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, and Martin Freeman will not leave you indifferent. And the fantastic plot with an unexpected conclusion can be compared to Douglas Adams' equally brilliant work The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. The slogan of this film is worth a look: "Good food. Great beer. Total destruction."
4. District 9 (2009)
When it comes to contemporary science fiction, you can't ignore Neill Blomkamp's wonderful film District 9. This project grew out of his short film Alive in Joburg, which impressed the wife of director Peter Jackson so much that she persuaded her husband to produce a full-length film based on this short video.
The film is very topical and tells the story of how an alien spaceship carrying refugees was forced to make an emergency landing in the Johannesburg area of South Africa. Earthly authorities organised a kind of ghetto for them called District 9.
In general, this picture makes a lot of references to the apartheid regime in South Africa and the so-called ‘sixth district’ in Cape Town. But even if you put aside all political views and theories, the plot of this film absorbs the viewer so much that it is almost impossible to tear yourself away from watching it. The film is, to put it mildly, almost perfect. And the acting of Sharlto Copley, who plays the role of a paper clerk in trouble, is simply beyond praise. If you've been avoiding this masterpiece until now, now is the time to catch up.
5. Frequently Asked Questions About Time Travel (2009)
Once again, a British sci-fi comedy about time travel. The British are generally good at making films and TV series of this kind, just think of the cult TV series Doctor Who.
Three loser friends are having a quiet and peaceful drink in a typical English pub after work. On their way to the bar, one of them, Ray, played by Chris Pro, who you know from the TV series Computer Boys, comes across them. Of course, Ray thinks it's all a clever prank played by his friends and doesn't believe a word of it. And that's when the plot begins to develop rapidly in a completely unpredictable way.
Over the next hour, you will have to watch an incredible series of events, time travel using an ordinary public toilet, as well as many difficult situations that the main characters will definitely get into. If you like smart British comedies, this is exactly what Doctor Who is all about.
6. Prometheus (2012)
This film was widely expected to be a prequel to the legendary sci-fi horror Alien, but it should never be seen in this way. The only thing it has in common with Alien is some similarities in the scenery and a couple of references for die-hard fans. Nevertheless, if we consider Ridley Scott's Prometheus as an independent film, it is a rather interesting fantastic spectacle and a real eye-candy, as many of the frames from the film can be printed out without hesitation and hung in a frame on the wall. The artists of this film have done their best. So, if not for nostalgic reasons, then for the sake of new vivid impressions, this film is a must-see.
In 2093, a research expedition is sent from Earth to the remote planetoid LV-223. Scientists hope to find confirmation of the extraterrestrial origin of life on planet Earth, as drawings depicting people and tall humanoid creatures pointing to a certain constellation have been discovered in the caves of the Scottish island of Skye. Of course, upon arrival at the planetoid, everything goes completely wrong, and the entire expedition is in mortal danger. But that's the way it goes in Ridley Scott's sci-fi horror films.
7. Chronicle (2012)
For director Joshua Trank, this film was his debut in big cinema, and a very successful debut at that, because now he has to make a reboot of the Fantastic Four and a full-length spin-off of the Spider-Man franchise dedicated to Venom.
The film was shot using the currently fashionable mockumentary technique. Yes, these are the same films where everyone shoots with shaky hands on an amateur camera or mobile phone, and then shows it all on the big screen and tries to pass it off as documentary filming of real events. In defence of this genre, I have to say that the film is of a surprisingly high quality, and you get used to the amateur style of filming quite quickly. But the realism of what is happening on the screen is greatly enhanced, so you can give up your principles and decide to watch it.
Three friends find a meteorite hole in the ground. Going down into a kind of cave, they change their lives forever. All of them acquire telekinetic superpowers, which are unlikely to benefit the boys, as any power corrupts people. The friends don't start fighting crime or changing the world for the better, as is usually the case with comic book heroes. They have fun, have a good time, but when one of the characters can't control his anger, it's the beginning of a nightmare for the entire town.
8. Never Let Me Go (2010)
This film is an adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro's novel of the same name. The film focuses on a dystopian future where humans are cloned for organ harvesting. The film follows three friends who are raised in a boarding school without knowing their true purpose, making the film a haunting meditation on mortality and love.
The atmosphere is haunting and reflective, and it is elevated by the brilliant performances of Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield, and Keira Knightley. A film that will leave you pondering for days afterward.
9. Europa Report (2013)
The film tells the story of an international crew who are sent on a mission to explore the moon Europa, one of Jupiter's moons, for evidence of alien life. It’s a tense, realistic thriller that follows the crew's harrowing journey, capturing the beauty and dangers of deep space exploration.
The movie may not have the star power of Hollywood blockbusters, but it is well-crafted, engaging, and will satisfy fans of realistic sci-fi.
10. Black Mirror (2011–Present)
Though technically a TV series, Black Mirror deserves a mention. Each episode stands alone, examining the darker side of technology and its effects on society. From social media manipulation to futuristic surveillance, the series is unsettling and eerily plausible.
In the context of recent sci-fi, Black Mirror is groundbreaking, taking on contemporary issues in a way few other series or films have. If you're into psychological and sociological sci-fi, this is a must-watch.
