Top 5 Greatest Sci-Fi Movies of 21st Century

As we all know, science fiction is a film genre that has unlimited potential. From exploring dystopian futures of artificial intelligence to the simulated reality created by machines to trap human beings, great filmmakers have always used this genre to develop cinematic masterpieces.

In fact, as time went by, many of these sci-fi classics have became realities. For example, Spike Jonze’s idea in the film Her, that individuals will start falling in love with AI, is happening right in front of our eyes. Without further ado, let’s dive into some of the greatest films in this genre that influenced cinephiles as deeply as the fall of a comet.


This 2004 sci-fi romantic drama written by the legend Charlie Kaufman and directed by Michel Gondry, tells the story of Clementine and Joel who decide to erase each other from their memories through a special medical procedure after break up.

What sets this mesmerising movie apart is the seamless mixture of elements from science fiction, psychological drama and nonlinear narrative techniques to understand the true nature of love and memory. During the medical procedure both of them have to relive their memories together. Thus, the movie literally flows like a collection of surreal dream sequences that we usually experience in our minds. As Joel goes through each of their memory together, he begins to slowly comprehend the depth of their love. At the end of the day, the movie teaches us the eternal nature of love and longing and the fact that no artificial intelligence or technological advancement can erase this fundamental aspect of humanity.

Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet have gifted many beautiful moments of warmth and intimacy that may not leave our hearts for years. If you haven’t seen this cult classic yet, don’t waste time indulging in second thoughts, go for it. It’s totally worth your time.


Directed by Spike Joanze and starring Joaquin Phoenix, Her, is a heart-warming romantic sci-fi film. This movie recounts the story of Theodore, a lonely writer who falls in love with Samantha, an advanced AI operating system. The way Theodore falls in love with Samantha is portrayed so humanely that we may even forget that the relationship is actually happening between a human and a machine. The film interlinks the modern dilemmas of loneliness or the deep longing for real world intimacy with the influence of Artificial Intelligence in regulating even the basic human needs such as love.

The deep red colour tone that is consistently used in the film represents the inner, unmanifested passion of the hero. Finally we will see Theodore finding an intimate partner in Amy, his friend, instead of the programmed simulation of a machine. The prophetic nature of this wonderful film released in 2013 is intriguing, when we consider the fact that numerous cases of human beings falling in love with AI are being reported all over the world today.


These two dystopian futuristic masterpieces contain a storyline that takes place almost 20,000 years into the future and revolves around a whole galaxy, not just earth. Indeed, earth belongs to a distant history and humans have moved far beyond it, spreading across the galaxy and colonising hundreds of planets.

Filled with a lot of creativity, these two films directed by the ace director Dennis Villeneuve, is a must watch if you are into the sci fi genre. Furthermore, the third part of the series is on the way and is scheduled to be released by the end of 2026.


This epic science fiction modern classic came from the masterful brain of Christopher Nolan. It tells the story of Cooper, a former NASA pilot turned farmer. In the mid 21st century, earth is on the verge of destruction due to dust storms and crop failure. Therefore, a group of astronauts have to travel across galaxies to explore distant worlds.

Made with meticulous research, scientific accuracy and artistic humanity, this film is a masterclass in showing us how to mix the empathetic touch of an artist with the objective curiosity of a scientist. The docking scene and Cooper’s communication with his daughter inside the tesseract through gravity are two of the greatest sci-fi moments that were ever filmed. Hans Zimmer’s legendary background score and the sheer visual scale will make your movie-going experience unforgettable.


Directed by the four time Academy-Award-winning director Alfonso Cuaron, Children of Men, portrays a bleak, distant future when human beings have become infertile. When the whole world is collapsing, Theo- a disillusioned former activist, sets on a mission to help protect Kee who is the first pregnant woman in 18 years.

Filled with a number of long shots; all the adventurous, action sequences spread throughout the movie feels like a seamless single shot. The much celebrated one-take shot by cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki from inside a moving car is unanimously considered as one of the greatest action sequences of all time.

In short, Children of Men is an uncompromisingly grim film that centres around a future which is infected by catastrophic terrorism, dictatorship and mass infertility, where it feels like a ray of hope is an impossibility. However, following the tense journey of Theo and Kee, the film ends with a delicate and hopeful possibility that human life will begin again in this world.

These are five essential classics of world cinema that must be experienced not only by sci fi lovers, but everyone. These films teach us important lessons about maintaining human autonomy and control over technological advancements and the significance of empathy and other benevolent values through the worst of circumstances.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is there a 100% rated movie?
   The 100% rating is vulnerable to a film critic intentionally giving a review for attention. In Rotten Tomatoes, the film Lady Bird has a 99% rating with 398 positive reviews and 4 negative reviews.
2. What is the 1 greatest movie of all time?
   There is no 1 "greatest movie" of all time. Avatar (2009) is highest grossing film of all time. Critics often cite Citizen Cane, Godfather Part 1 and 2 as three of the greatest movies.
3. What is the highest grossing sci-fi film?
   Avatar (2009) is the highest grossing sci-fi film of all time.