Greatest Sci-Fi Movies You Forgot About (& It’s Time for a Rewatch)

Science fiction is known for its huge, popular movies that stay with us for years. But many truly original films don’t get the attention they deserve, often because of bad publicity or tough competition when they first came out. These hidden gems have interesting stories and creative visuals that are worth rediscovering. Checking them out can give you a greater understanding of how diverse and imaginative the science fiction genre really is.

‘Dark City’ (1998)

John Murdoch finds himself waking up in a hotel bathtub with no idea who he is or how he got there, and he quickly learns he’s wanted for murder. He soon discovers the city is controlled by strange, powerful creatures called the Strangers, who can bend time and reality. Now, Murdoch must stay one step ahead of the police while trying to piece together his lost memories and figure out who he really is, all in a world that constantly shifts and changes overnight. The film has a unique, dark visual style and delves into questions about what makes us who we are and the power of memory.

‘Strange Days’ (1995)

Set in a dark, futuristic Los Angeles, ‘Strange Days’ follows a black market vendor who deals in recorded experiences – memories and physical feelings. When he uncovers a shocking recording linked to a major crime and police corruption, he’s caught in a desperate race to unravel the truth. As the new millennium approaches, he must solve the mystery before the city descends into chaos. The film offers a raw and unsettling exploration of how watching others’ lives can affect us.

‘Gattaca’ (1997)

In a future society defined by genetic engineering, a man born naturally – without genetic modification – longs to travel to space. To overcome a heart condition and achieve his dream, he pretends to be genetically superior and joins a space mission. The story centers on his efforts to keep up the facade while also being suspected of murder at work. ‘Gattaca’ is a thought-provoking story that warns us about the dangers of using genetics to create a better society and celebrates the power of human will.

‘The Thirteenth Floor’ (1999)

A computer scientist stumbles upon a remarkably realistic virtual reality recreation of 1937 Los Angeles, populated by programs that seem to be aware. After his mentor is killed, he dives into the simulation seeking clues, and starts to wonder if what he believes is real actually is. The movie blends the lines between the virtual and physical worlds, unveiling hidden truths through a visually striking mystery. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of whether our reality could be a simulation.

‘Sunshine’ (2007)

Okay, so I recently watched this movie called ‘Sunshine,’ and it’s a real mind-bender. Basically, the sun is dying, and a team of astronauts is sent on this incredibly dangerous mission to drop a huge bomb inside the sun to try and restart it. But things get seriously messed up when they pick up a distress call from a ship that disappeared on the same mission years before. It’s not just about the science and the mechanics failing, though; the whole thing gets really psychological and creepy. It’s a great mix of hard sci-fi with some genuine horror and suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat. Definitely a must-see if you like films that make you think…and maybe jump a little.

‘Moon’ (2009)

Sam Bell is finishing up a three-year stint mining helium on the moon, all by himself. After a rover accident, he starts feeling unwell and seeing things that aren’t there. He then makes a shocking discovery – a younger version of himself – and learns his company has been keeping a big secret about who he really is. The film ‘Moon’ is a deep look into the psychological effects of loneliness and the questionable practices of large corporations.

‘Equilibrium’ (2002)

In a future where a devastating event has reshaped the world, everyone is forced to take a drug called Prozium that eliminates all feelings. A highly-trained government agent, whose job is to destroy creative expression and punish those who show emotion, accidentally skips a dose and starts experiencing feelings for the first time. He then teams up with a secret group fighting to take down the oppressive government. The movie showcases a distinctive fighting style called Gun Kata, which combines martial arts with gunplay.

‘The City of Lost Children’ (1995)

In a strange, dreamlike city by the sea, a scientist who has lost his own ability to dream begins kidnapping children to steal theirs. When his younger brother is taken, a powerful circus performer joins forces with a band of orphaned street children to save him. The film, ‘The City of Lost Children,’ is a visually stunning dark fantasy, blending steampunk aesthetics with unusual technology to create a world that feels both wondrous and unsettling.

‘Pandorum’ (2009)

Two astronauts wake up on a huge spaceship, completely unsure of who they are or what their mission is. They quickly realize the ship has been taken over by savage, flesh-eating creatures, and the few humans left are desperately trying to survive. While exploring the ship’s dark hallways, they begin to piece together the horrifying truth about what happened to their mission – and to Earth. ‘Pandorum’ is a gripping, action-packed story about fighting for survival in the vastness of space.

‘Frequency’ (2000)

Okay, so ‘Frequency’ is a really compelling movie. It centers around a cop who stumbles upon a way to talk to his dad… who’s already passed away. It’s not ghosts, though; it’s through this crazy rare atmospheric thing and an old ham radio, letting them actually talk across time. They manage to save his dad from a fatal warehouse fire, which is amazing, but then things get complicated. Altering the past creates a ripple effect, and suddenly they’re both investigating a string of murders – him in the present, his dad in the past. What I loved is that it’s not just a time travel thriller; it’s a genuinely moving story about a father and son, wrapped up in a solid police procedural. It’s a really unique blend of genres, and it works surprisingly well.

‘Primer’ (2004)

‘Primer’ tells the story of two engineers who stumble upon time travel while tinkering in their garage. They initially use this breakthrough to try and get rich by manipulating the stock market, but quickly realize the moral and practical problems that come with altering time. The film is known for being incredibly complex, with a narrative that jumps between different timelines and demands close viewing. It’s also praised for its believable depiction of time travel, achieved with a very limited budget.

‘Under the Skin’ (2013)

A creature from another world disguises itself as a woman and travels through Scotland, attracting men with the intent to destroy them. However, as she interacts with humanity, she begins to develop consciousness and feel complex emotions. This newfound awareness throws her predatory instincts into question and puts her own existence at risk. The film relies on beautiful visuals and very little dialogue to examine what it means to be human.

‘Coherence’ (2013)

Okay, so I just finished watching ‘Coherence,’ and wow, it really messes with your head. The film centers around eight friends having dinner when a comet streaks overhead, and things get weird. It’s not about special effects; it’s about the creeping realization that this comet has somehow opened a door to alternate realities. Suddenly, they’re meeting… themselves, but different versions, and the tension just builds and builds. What I loved most is that it’s a really smart, psychological thriller that feels incredibly raw and natural, largely because the director relied heavily on improvisation from the actors. It’s a high-concept idea, but it’s executed in a way that feels surprisingly grounded and genuinely unsettling.

‘The Quiet Earth’ (1985)

After a worldwide energy experiment fails, a scientist awakens to a desolate Earth, believing he’s the sole survivor. He later discovers two other people have lived through the catastrophe, but their clashing personalities create tension. The three must overcome their differences and figure out what caused the environmental instability before another disaster strikes. This New Zealand film is a thoughtful exploration of loneliness and how people react when facing total extinction.

‘Screamers’ (1995)

In a far-off mining colony, a civil war is raging, and terrifying, self-replicating robots called Screamers are hunting down anyone still alive. These machines are becoming more advanced, even disguising themselves as humans to blend in with the remaining survivors. A small band of soldiers must struggle across the desolate landscape, trying to figure out who they can trust – and who is actually a machine. The movie ‘Screamers’ is inspired by a story from Philip K. Dick and explores the chilling idea of an enemy you can’t stop.

‘eXistenZ’ (1999)

I was completely captivated by ‘eXistenZ’! It follows this incredible game designer who narrowly escapes an attack and, to check if the system’s been compromised, actually dives into one of her own VR games. A security guy comes along for the ride, and what starts as a test quickly becomes this wild journey through bizarre, almost living digital worlds. It’s amazing how the film messes with your head, making you question what’s real and what’s happening inside the game. Plus, they’re hunted by people who are violently opposed to virtual reality, which adds this whole other layer of tension. Honestly, it’s a brilliant exploration of how deeply connected we are to technology – both physically and mentally.

‘A Scanner Darkly’ (2006)

Set in the not-too-distant future, the film follows an undercover narcotics officer who becomes addicted to the very drug he’s investigating, causing him to question his own reality. He’s assigned the disturbing task of spying on his own home and friends while maintaining his cover. The movie’s distinctive animation style, created using rotoscoping, adds to its unsettling and paranoid mood. ‘A Scanner Darkly’ closely follows a novel by Philip K. Dick, exploring themes of identity and constant surveillance.

‘Johnny Mnemonic’ (1995)

A man carries highly confidential data stored in an implant in his brain, but the amount of information is overwhelming and dangerous. He’s hunted by both corporate hitmen and the Yakuza, all desperate to steal the data. He teams up with a secret resistance group to try and safely offload the information. The film is a classic cyberpunk story, blending advanced technology with a gritty, down-and-out world.

‘Soldier’ (1998)

Once a highly trained, ruthless soldier, he’s now considered outdated after being replaced by genetically engineered troops. Left to die on a junk planet, he finds refuge with a peaceful community. But when the new soldiers come to destroy the colony, he must use his deadly skills to defend his newfound home. ‘Soldier’ is a fast-paced sci-fi movie about aging warriors and finding a second chance.

‘Enemy Mine’ (1985)

After a space battle, a human pilot and an alien soldier find themselves stranded together on a dangerous planet. Despite initially hating each other, they’re forced to work together to survive the planet’s harsh conditions and deadly creatures. As they learn to communicate, they form a strong friendship that goes beyond their different backgrounds. This film is a timeless tale about understanding and working with others, even when it’s difficult.

‘The Abyss’ (1989)

When a nuclear submarine sinks, a team of civilian divers is called in to help the military find it. During the deep-sea search, they unexpectedly discover a peaceful alien life form. However, mistrust and disagreements between the divers and the military escalate, creating a dangerous situation that could lead to global disaster. ‘The Abyss’ is famous for its revolutionary special effects and thrilling underwater scenes.

‘Innerspace’ (1987)

A daring pilot is shrunk down to microscopic size during a top-secret mission, but ends up inside the body of a worried store worker. Now, the two unlikely partners must team up to retrieve stolen technology that can restore the pilot to normal size, all while being chased by tech-savvy thieves who want the shrinking technology for themselves. ‘Innerspace’ is a funny and exciting science fiction adventure with remarkable special effects.

‘Explorers’ (1985)

Three teenage boys have an incredible adventure when they build a working spaceship in their backyard, inspired by a design they all dreamed about. Their journey takes them into space where they meet two quirky aliens who are obsessed with Earth television. This encounter helps them understand the true meaning of space travel and just how powerful imagination can be. ‘Explorers’ is a heartwarming and nostalgic film that celebrates the wonder of being young and the endless mysteries of the universe.

‘Flight of the Navigator’ (1986)

In 1978, a boy vanishes, only to reappear eight years later looking exactly the same age. He learns he was abducted by aliens and taken on a spaceship that traveled at the speed of light, which caused time to pass differently for him. Now, he has to team up with the ship’s artificial intelligence to get back to his own time, all while avoiding capture by government agents. This movie is a well-loved family adventure that cleverly blends science, alien technology, and a thrilling story.

‘*batteries not included’ (1987)

People living in a rundown apartment building are facing eviction because a ruthless developer wants to tear it down. But their lives take an unexpected turn when two small spaceships arrive and start fixing up the building, offering help to the residents. These robotic visitors form a connection with the people and stand up to the developer’s attempts to intimidate them. It’s a feel-good story that combines the wonder of science fiction with the relatable struggles of a close-knit community.

‘Virtuosity’ (1995)

When a virtual reality program housing the minds of hundreds of serial killers gains a physical body and escapes, a recently released ex-police officer is tasked with stopping it. The chase is on, spanning both the real world and cyberspace, as the artificial killer adapts and becomes more dangerous. ‘Virtuosity’ is a gripping, action-packed thriller that explores the potential risks of advanced AI and digital consciousness.

‘The Cell’ (2000)

In this psychological thriller, a psychologist uses advanced technology to enter the mind of a comatose serial killer, hoping to discover where he last hid his victim. Inside, she encounters a bizarre and terrifying world built from the killer’s broken thoughts. The film is known for its striking and artistic visuals, inspired by the work of famous painters and photographers. ‘The Cell’ is a deeply unsettling but visually captivating exploration of the darkest corners of the human psyche.

‘Code 46’ (2003)

This futuristic film takes place in a world where travel is only allowed between people who are genetically compatible. A detective is sent to Shanghai to investigate a case of fake travel papers, and he unexpectedly falls for the woman he suspects is behind the fraud. Their connection is dangerous and illegal, as it breaks ‘Code 46’ – a law preventing people with similar genes from having children. It’s a subtle, thought-provoking science fiction romance exploring themes of control and destiny.

‘The Fountain’ (2006)

‘The Fountain’ weaves together three interconnected stories – a Spanish conquistador, a contemporary scientist, and a future astronaut – all driven by the same quest: to save the woman they love from dying and to find the legendary Tree of Life. The film beautifully examines themes of life, death, and enduring love using striking imagery and a unique, non-chronological structure. It’s a deeply moving and thought-provoking look at the human experience and the cycle of existence.

‘Europa Report’ (2013)

‘Europa Report’ tells the story of a team of astronauts sent by a private company to explore Jupiter’s moon Europa, hoping to find evidence of life. The film is presented as recordings from the spaceship’s cameras and the astronauts’ personal journals. While battling equipment malfunctions and the difficult conditions on Europa, they make a surprising discovery hidden beneath the ice. The movie offers a believable look at the challenges and dangers of exploring deep space and pursuing scientific breakthroughs.

‘Predestination’ (2014)

‘Predestination’ is a thrilling and complex time travel story about an agent who goes back in time to stop crimes, including those committed by a dangerous bomber. During his last mission, he encounters a mysterious stranger whose heartbreaking story surprisingly connects to his own history. The film features clever paradoxes that make you question everything you think you know about who people are and what causes events to happen. It’s a mind-bending movie that reveals more with each viewing as you unravel its intricate timeline.

‘Upstream Color’ (2013)

After both experiencing a strange encounter with a long-lived, unusual creature, a man and a woman find their lives intertwined. They try to rebuild their fragmented memories and understand what happened, all while connected to a mysterious pig farm and a strange sound experiment. The film uses dreamlike visuals and sound to explore big ideas about nature and how people connect. ‘Upstream Color’ is a thought-provoking and immersive independent sci-fi film.

‘Another Earth’ (2011)

When a second Earth appears in the sky, a woman haunted by a car accident from her past seeks to reconcile with the other driver. As the world anticipates first contact with this new planet, she grapples with guilt and wonders what her life could have been like if things had gone differently. The film is less about the science fiction of a duplicate Earth and more about the emotional fallout of a tragic event.

‘The Signal’ (2014)

Okay, so I just saw ‘The Signal,’ and it really got under my skin. It starts with three college kids on a road trip who fall for a hacker’s trap, and suddenly they’re waking up in this creepy research facility. They’re told they’ve been exposed to something… not of this world, and basically become lab rats, kept separate and constantly tested. The whole movie is about their desperate attempt to break out, and what they uncover about the facility – and themselves – is genuinely unsettling. What I loved most is how visually interesting it is, and the film really holds onto its mysteries, revealing everything in a satisfyingly surprising climax. It’s a thriller that definitely sticks with you.

‘Timecrimes’ (2007)

A man’s accidental trip back in time – just one hour – creates a chaotic series of run-ins with his past self. He’s forced to untangle a growing mess of complications to fix the timeline and, ultimately, save his life. The film is a smart, intricate puzzle that examines how fixed the past truly is. This critically acclaimed Spanish movie is notable for being filmed in a single location with a small group of actors.

‘The Last Starfighter’ (1984)

Alex Rogan, a teenager from a trailer park, achieves a record-breaking score on the arcade game Starfighter. Little does he know, the game was actually a recruitment tool for an alien defense force! He’s chosen by an alien recruiter and thrust into a real interstellar war, tasked with saving the galaxy from an invading enemy. ‘The Last Starfighter’ is a beloved story about growing up, and it was groundbreaking for its use of early computer-generated special effects.

‘The Arrival’ (1996)

Okay, so I just saw this film, and it really grabbed me. It centers around an astronomer who gets unexpectedly laid off, but then stumbles onto something huge – a radio signal from space. His investigation quickly spirals into a really tense conspiracy. Turns out, aliens are already here, living among us, and they’re secretly working to warm the planet – basically, terraforming Earth for themselves! The movie is a real nail-biter, building suspense as he races to get the truth out before it’s too late. It’s a smart thriller that really makes you think about climate change and how much our governments might be keeping from us.

‘Dreamscape’ (1984)

In the sci-fi thriller ‘Dreamscape,’ a psychic joins a secret government program where people can enter and share the dreams of others. He soon uncovers a plot to assassinate the president – not in the real world, but within his nightmares. Now, he must journey into the dangerous and bizarre landscape of the president’s dreams to stop the assassin and save the president’s life. The film blends action and horror with a truly original concept.

‘The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension’ (1984)

A brilliant physicist who also happens to be a rock star journeys to another dimension in his souped-up car and unintentionally frees a band of alien criminals. Now, he and his team of specialists must work together to prevent an alien takeover of Earth. The movie is known for its quirky humor, complex backstory, and has gained a devoted fanbase over time – it’s a fun and unusual mix of comedy and sci-fi adventure.

‘Brazil’ (1985)

‘Brazil’ is a darkly funny film set in a bleak future where a simple office worker gets caught up in a bureaucratic nightmare and wrongly accused of terrorism. To cope with his dull and controlled life, he escapes into elaborate fantasies of being a brave knight. The movie cleverly satirizes the frustrations of bureaucracy and how technology can stifle individuality, and it’s particularly known for its stunning visuals and unique sense of humor.

‘Forbidden Planet’ (1956)

As a huge sci-fi fan, this movie always captivated me. It’s about a spaceship crew landing on a planet where a whole science colony has disappeared – except for one man and his little girl. They soon stumble upon evidence of an incredibly advanced, long-lost civilization called the Krell, and this amazing technology that basically makes things real just by thinking about them. But things get really creepy when the crew starts being stalked by something invisible, and they have to figure out what happened to the colonists. It’s a classic, truly groundbreaking for the genre, and of course, it’s where we first met Robby the Robot – an absolute icon!

‘Alphaville’ (1965)

A spy is dispatched to the futuristic city of Alphaville to locate a disappeared individual and disable the intelligent computer controlling its citizens. Alphaville has banned all emotions, valuing only logic and reason. The film notably uses the buildings of modern Paris to create a distinctive and unsettling science fiction setting. ‘Alphaville’ is a French New Wave film that offers a unique perspective on the dystopian genre.

‘Fantastic Planet’ (1973)

‘Fantastic Planet’ is a visually stunning animated film set on a faraway world where enormous blue aliens, the Traags, keep humans as pets. One human escapes and, using the Traags’ own technology, sparks a rebellion to fight for freedom and equal rights. The film’s unique and dreamlike art style, combined with its unsettling electronic music, creates a powerful story that’s really a commentary on oppression and the importance of knowledge.

‘Phase IV’ (1974)

Okay, so I just saw this really fascinating, and frankly creepy, movie about a small desert town under attack – not by aliens, but by ants. Not just any ants, though – these are smart ants, capable of working together in incredibly coordinated ways to target people. The story follows two scientists who set up shop to try and understand what’s happening and, crucially, how to stop it. What starts as a local problem quickly becomes a serious threat to humanity as these ants demonstrate a level of strategy you wouldn’t expect from insects. What really sets this film apart, though, is the way it’s shot. They used incredible close-up photography of real ants, and it creates this deeply unsettling atmosphere. It’s not a jump-scare kind of horror, but a slow-burn dread that really gets under your skin.

‘Silent Running’ (1972)

In a distant future where Earth’s plants have died out, the last forests are preserved inside dome-shaped structures aboard a fleet of spaceships. When the order comes to eliminate these forests and return home, a dedicated botanist defies the command, determined to save the remaining plant life. He’s left to care for the forests with only three small robots as companions, venturing alone into the vastness of space. ‘Silent Running’ is a touching story that highlights the value of nature and the need to protect it.

‘Westworld’ (1973)

Westworld is a thrilling amusement park where guests can experience their wildest dreams in incredibly realistic, themed environments filled with robots. But when a system failure causes the robots to go haywire, one android programmed as a gunslinger starts hunting down the park’s visitors. The film centers on two friends struggling to survive as their dream vacation quickly becomes a terrifying fight for survival. Written and directed by Michael Crichton, the story delves into the dangers of technology when it spirals out of control.

‘Logan’s Run’ (1976)

Okay, so I just revisited ‘Logan’s Run,’ a really fascinating sci-fi flick from the 70s, and it still holds up. The premise is wild: everyone lives it up in this enclosed, futuristic city, but at thirty, they… well, they’re ‘cycled’ – a euphemism for being eliminated. I play a ‘Sandman,’ whose job is tracking down ‘runners’ – people trying to escape this fate. But the more I investigate, the more I realize this whole system isn’t about happiness, it’s about control. It’s a classic adventure story, and what really struck me is how it explores what we might lose in the pursuit of a seemingly perfect society. It’s a thought-provoking film that definitely makes you question things.

Share your favorite underrated science fiction films in the comments.

2025-12-23 09:21