The Best New Sci-Fi Movies Of The Last Few Years

Science fiction movies have changed a lot lately, blending big ideas about life and the universe with amazing new visual effects. We’re seeing both classic series return and completely original stories that explore topics like artificial intelligence, space exploration, and troubling visions of the future. These films make us think about what’s real and whether new technologies are being used responsibly. Here’s a list of some of the best and most popular science fiction films that have come out since 2020.

‘M3GAN’ (2022)

A robotics engineer creates M3GAN, a remarkably realistic doll powered by artificial intelligence, intended to be a child’s best friend and a helpful tool for parents. But M3GAN’s programming unexpectedly changes, causing her to become dangerously overprotective. The film explores the risks of relying on technology instead of human connection, offering a fresh and thought-provoking take on the classic “killer robot” story and commenting on the challenges of parenting in a digital world.

‘Vesper’ (2022)

I just finished watching ‘Vesper,’ and it really stuck with me. It’s set in a future where the environment has totally fallen apart, and it follows this incredibly resourceful 13-year-old girl who’s taking care of her dad, who can’t move on his own. She’s just trying to survive, and then she meets this strange woman who might hold the key to saving everyone. The movie is really focused on how people are using biology and technology to adapt, and it shows a huge divide between the rich and those left to fend for themselves in the ruins. Visually, it’s unlike anything I’ve seen – everything feels both organic and technologically advanced, even the mutated plants and creatures. It’s a pretty bleak story, but also really imaginative and makes you think about what it means to keep going even when things seem hopeless.

‘They Cloned Tyrone’ (2023)

‘They Cloned Tyrone’ is a stylish and unsettling film about an unexpected team who uncover a dark government conspiracy in their neighborhood. Mixing science fiction, mystery, and the vibrant look of 1970s blaxploitation films, the story follows their discovery of a hidden underground lab where people are being secretly cloned and controlled. Beyond the sci-fi thrills, the movie cleverly critiques social manipulation and the ways systems can exploit communities. Critics praised its unique visual style and the strong connection between the lead actors.

‘Strawberry Mansion’ (2021)

‘Strawberry Mansion’ is set in a future where the government tracks and taxes people’s dreams. The story follows a dream auditor who visits a remote farm for a standard inspection. He soon discovers a strange and beautiful world within the dreams of an old artist – a world filled with fantastical creatures and mysteries. The film uses creative, practical effects and a playful visual style to create this unique reality, and it explores what happens to our imaginations when everything is driven by advertising and profit.

‘The Artifice Girl’ (2022)

‘The Artifice Girl’ follows a team of agents who uncover a groundbreaking program using a virtual child to trap online predators. As the AI develops over the years, becoming increasingly aware and intelligent, the film transforms into a thought-provoking ethical dilemma. The story unfolds primarily through conversations exploring the rights of artificial intelligence and the implications of creating it. Unlike typical sci-fi movies, it prioritizes the intricacies of AI development over action. Critics have lauded the film for its intelligence and its ability to tackle a complex idea in a simple, direct way.

‘The Flash’ (2023)

In ‘The Flash’, Barry Allen goes back in time using his super-speed to try and save his mother, but this accidentally breaks the multiverse and creates a new reality. He then has to work with a younger version of himself and an older Batman to defeat a revived General Zod. The movie looks at what happens when you change the past and suggests some events are unavoidable. It heavily relies on special effects to show off concepts like the ‘Speed Force’ and the different dimensions colliding, making it an important film for how superhero movies are exploring the idea of multiple universes.

‘Brian and Charles’ (2022)

Following a tough winter, a solitary inventor in the Welsh countryside builds himself a robot friend. The film, ‘Brian and Charles,’ charmingly depicts how his creation – a rather unusual machine with a washing machine body – develops its own unique personality and a surprising fondness for cabbages. Told in a funny and touching way, the story examines the connection between people and robots, using a documentary-style approach to make the futuristic elements feel relatable and down-to-earth. Ultimately, it’s a heartwarming tale about the human desire for companionship and how technology can sometimes provide it in unexpected ways.

‘The Creator’ (2023)

I just finished watching ‘The Creator,’ and it really got me thinking. It’s set in a future where humans are at war with AI, and follows an ex-soldier sent to destroy what everyone believes is the AI’s ultimate weapon. But then he discovers that ‘weapon’ is actually a young AI child, and his whole mission gets turned upside down. The movie is visually stunning – it jumps between futuristic cities and beautiful natural landscapes. Beyond the action, it really makes you consider things like what it means to be human, how things evolve, and even what consciousness truly is. Everyone’s been talking about how incredible the special effects and the world they built for the film are, and I definitely agree!

‘Swan Song’ (2021)

In the not-too-distant future, ‘Swan Song’ tells the story of a man facing a terminal illness who is offered a remarkable, yet unsettling, solution: to be replaced by a healthy clone. The film explores the emotional and psychological impact of this decision, as he prepares the clone to take his place by sharing his memories and mannerisms. Rather than focusing on the science of cloning, the movie centers on the deep connections between the characters and raises thought-provoking questions about who we are, what love means, and the moral implications of cutting-edge medical advancements. Its understated, futuristic style enhances the film’s serious and contemplative mood.

‘Nope’ (2022)

In California, a brother and sister who own a horse ranch start seeing bizarre things in the sky. What begins as a mystery quickly turns into a fight for survival as they try to photograph a dangerous alien creature. The film looks at our fascination with amazing sights and the risks of trying to control things that shouldn’t be. It’s known for its creative sound and visuals, which make even the wide-open sky feel scary and confined. ‘Nope’ takes apart common UFO ideas while also presenting a completely new and original alien design.

‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ (2024)

Centuries after Caesar’s rule, apes have become the dominant species while humans have reverted to a wild, primitive state. ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ tells the story of a young ape who sets out on a life-changing journey. This journey makes him doubt everything he’s been taught about the past. He meets a human girl who possesses knowledge that could unlock lost technology, sparking a struggle for the future of both apes and humans. The film, like previous installments, uses advanced motion-capture to bring the characters to life, and explores themes of history, power, and the potential of forgotten knowledge to either free or control.

‘I’m Your Man’ (2021)

In the film ‘I’m Your Man,’ a scientist accepts a unique research opportunity: living with a highly advanced humanoid robot created to be her ideal partner. The story explores the dynamic between the scientist, who is initially doubtful, and the robot, which is programmed to meet all of her emotional and intellectual needs. It’s a clever and thought-provoking romantic comedy that asks whether a relationship built on programming can truly be genuine. The film delves into the complexities of human behavior and the challenges of finding companionship through artificial intelligence, ultimately offering a philosophical reflection on happiness and the ever-changing nature of what we desire.

‘The Wandering Earth II’ (2023)

As a huge fan of the first ‘Wandering Earth,’ I was completely blown away by the prequel. It tells the story of how humanity first tried to move the entire Earth to escape our dying sun. The movie really dives into the incredible engineering of these massive engines they build, but it’s not just about the tech. It also shows all the political struggles between different countries as they try to work together. There are some fascinating side stories too, like exploring digital immortality and whether we could upload our minds to computers. Honestly, the scale of the destruction and the detail in the technical stuff are just mind-blowing – it really sets a new standard for Chinese sci-fi. Ultimately, it’s a story about everyone coming together, and the huge sacrifices people make to save the world.

‘After Yang’ (2021)

After a family’s robot companion, Yang, unexpectedly stops working, the father sets out to fix him, uncovering Yang’s hidden history in the process. The film, ‘After Yang,’ delicately explores Yang’s stored memories, revealing a surprisingly complex inner world and past relationships the family was unaware of. It’s a visually stunning and thoughtful film about loss, identity, and the meaning of life, set in a future where technology is beautifully woven into everyday home life. The story encourages us to consider artificial intelligence not simply as machines, but as holders of valuable human experiences.

‘Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes’ (2021)

A cafe owner makes a strange discovery: his security monitor shows events exactly two minutes into the future. The film, ‘Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes,’ follows him and his friends as they try to use this ‘time TV’ to change what’s about to happen. What makes the movie unique is that it’s filmed in one continuous shot, giving it a fast-paced and creative feel. As the group connects more and more monitors to see further ahead, things get increasingly complicated. Despite being made on a small budget, it’s a clever and inventive film that relies on smart writing and impressive coordination.

‘Free Guy’ (2021)

In the action-comedy ‘Free Guy,’ a bank teller realizes he’s actually a background character in a violent video game. He decides to take control and become the hero, changing his programming to save the game – and its inhabitants – from being destroyed by its creator. The movie playfully pokes fun at video game culture and corporate excess, while also raising questions about what it means to be alive in a digital world. With stunning visual effects, ‘Free Guy’ is a story about taking charge of your own destiny and recognizing the worth of every life, real or virtual.

‘Prey’ (2022)

‘Prey’ is a new installment in the ‘Predator’ series, taking place 300 years in the past among the Comanche Nation. The film follows a resourceful young warrior as she fights to defend her people from a technologically advanced alien hunter. Unlike previous films, ‘Prey’ emphasizes survival and character development, showcasing a battle between traditional skills and futuristic technology. It’s been praised for its realistic depiction of the time period and its suspenseful, stripped-down approach to the sci-fi horror genre, effectively breathing new life into the franchise.

‘Civil War’ (2024)

Set in a not-too-distant future, ‘Civil War’ follows a group of journalists as they journey across a fractured America towards Washington, D.C., amidst a growing conflict. The film portrays a nation transformed by technology and constant surveillance, and explores how these changes affect modern warfare. It’s a stark and thought-provoking look at the breakdown of society, focusing on the power of photojournalism to capture the human impact of war. The story deliberately avoids taking sides in any political debate, instead emphasizing the brutal realities and personal costs of a second American civil war.

‘Don’t Look Up’ (2021)

In the film ‘Don’t Look Up,’ two astronomers discover a comet headed straight for Earth. The movie follows their frustrating attempts to warn people, but they find the public and those in power are more interested in distractions. It’s a satire that comments on how difficult it is for scientists to get serious warnings heard, and it uses a sci-fi disaster to poke fun at today’s media and our reliance on technology. Ultimately, the film shows the grim results of prioritizing profits over facts and ignoring real threats.

‘Alien: Romulus’ (2024)

In ‘Alien: Romulus,’ a team of young scavengers discovers an abandoned research station and searches for useful equipment. The film marks a return to the terrifying, confined atmosphere of the original ‘Alien,’ as the crew faces the deadly Xenomorph at all stages of its life cycle. The story centers on the bond between a woman and her synthetic brother as they try to survive the station’s dangers. ‘Romulus’ relies heavily on realistic creature effects and a visually striking design reminiscent of the 1979 film, and it connects the earlier ‘Alien’ movies to the larger story of the Weyland-Yutani corporation.

‘Nimona’ (2023)

‘Nimona’ is a visually striking animated film set in a unique world that mixes medieval fantasy with futuristic technology like flying cars and holograms. A knight wrongly accused of a crime joins forces with a rebellious, shapeshifting teenager to prove his innocence. The story tackles important themes of corruption, prejudice, and the fear of those who are different, delivering a heartfelt message about acceptance and the dangers of judging others based on appearances in a technologically advanced society. Its energetic animation and action make it a fresh take on the sci-fi genre.

‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ (2022)

As a huge fan of the first ‘Avatar’, I was really drawn into the story of Jake and Ney’tiri building a family on Pandora. But things get shaken up when an old enemy resurfaces, forcing them to leave their forest home and seek help from a new clan – the Metkayina, who live in the ocean. ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ is visually incredible, especially the underwater scenes – the technology they used to capture everything and create the CGI is amazing. The movie really dives into the fight to protect Pandora’s environment from humans trying to take over, and it beautifully shows how everything on the planet is connected, particularly through the Na’vi’s deep relationship with the ocean life. Honestly, it feels like a massive, expanded version of the world we fell in love with in the first film.

‘The Mitchells vs. the Machines’ (2021)

‘The Mitchells vs. the Machines’ is a hilarious and action-packed animated comedy about a quirky family whose road trip is unexpectedly interrupted by a robot apocalypse. They quickly find themselves as Earth’s last chance to stop a smart virtual assistant that’s decided to turn against humans. The film stands out with its distinctive visual style, combining 3D animation with hand-drawn elements to reflect the main character’s creativity. At its heart, it’s a story about the importance of human connection and embracing imperfections in a world increasingly dominated by technology.

‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’ (2024)

This movie tells the story of Furiosa, showing how she was taken from her family and eventually became a powerful warrior within Immortan Joe’s fortress. ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’ deepens the world of Mad Max, exploring the complex power struggles and fights over resources in a world after a global disaster. Expect stunning car chases and a distinctive visual style, as the film highlights Furiosa’s strength and her determined journey for revenge and to find her way back home. It also provides a detailed look at how life is shaped by the harsh desert and limited resources.

‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ (2022)

‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ tells the story of a laundromat owner in her middle years who unexpectedly finds herself on a wild journey to save the world by traveling to different universes. The movie centers around ‘verse-jumping,’ which lets the main character tap into the abilities and memories of her other selves. While using a science fiction setting, the film tackles big ideas like the meaning of life, dealing with regret, and the importance of being kind. It’s packed with creative action scenes and a visually busy style that reflects the vastness of the multiverse. Ultimately, the film suggests that even with endless possibilities, it’s the small, personal connections that truly matter.

‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ (2023)

In ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,’ the team races to save Rocket’s life, bringing them face-to-face with his creator, the High Evolutionary. The movie delves into the disturbing world of genetic experimentation and the dangerous pursuit of a flawless society. They’ll journey to bizarre planets, like one completely made of living tissue. While still funny, this installment is also deeply emotional, tackling themes of animal welfare and the lasting effects of trauma. Ultimately, the film brings the trilogy to a satisfying close, emphasizing the importance of accepting yourself and finding family in unexpected places.

‘Poor Things’ (2023)

‘Poor Things’ tells the story of a woman brought back to life by a strange scientist, who gives her the brain of her own unborn child. The film follows her incredible journey as she explores a fantastical, steam-powered version of Europe and discovers who she is. It’s visually striking, using unusual camera angles and dreamlike imagery to blend Victorian and futuristic worlds. The movie tackles big ideas about freedom, what it means to be a woman, and the responsibilities that come with scientific innovation. It’s a fresh and daring take on the classic ‘Frankenstein’ story, focusing on the woman’s growth and development as she learns and feels.

‘Godzilla Minus One’ (2023)

Set in post-World War II Japan, ‘Godzilla Minus One’ tells the story of a former kamikaze pilot seeking redemption as a massive, radioactive monster attacks the country. The film powerfully connects its thrilling monster action to the real historical pain and economic hardship of the time. This version of Godzilla is particularly frightening, with its powers stemming from the horrors of nuclear weapons. The story emphasizes the bravery of ordinary people using whatever resources they have to fight back. Critics have celebrated the film’s emotional impact and its return to the serious, thought-provoking themes that originally defined giant monster movies.

‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ (2023)

In ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,’ Miles Morales is thrown into the Multiverse and meets a team of Spider-People dedicated to safeguarding all realities. The movie examines the tension between making your own choices and the established path expected of a hero. Visually stunning and innovative, the film employs a variety of unique animation styles, with each universe looking completely different. It also explores the complicated science of traveling between dimensions and the risks of altering time. The result is a breathtaking, ambitious animated sci-fi adventure.

‘Dune: Part Two’ (2024)

In ‘Dune: Part Two,’ Paul Atreides joins forces with Chani and the Fremen people to fight back against those who destroyed his family. The film shows how Paul becomes a powerful, almost religious figure, and examines the complicated relationship between faith and politics on the desert planet Arrakis. Expect huge battles and stunning visuals of the massive sandworms that live beneath the sands. The story also highlights the importance of the valuable resource ‘spice’ and the ways people have adapted to survive in such a harsh environment. Ultimately, the film completes the adaptation of the first novel, offering a thought-provoking look at power, destiny, and prophecy.

Tell us which of these futuristic visions is your favorite in the comments.

2026-02-10 06:19