Are you tired of scrolling endlessly through streaming platforms only to find the same old sci-fi blockbusters being recommended for decades? Fear not, because a treasure trove of underrated gems is waiting to be discovered. In the ever-expanding universe of science fiction cinema, some truly exceptional films are being missed and overshadowed because they need a vast budget. Look at some of these masterpieces, which are guaranteed to ignite your imagination and leave you craving more.
1. Dredd (2012)
Although this comic-turned-movie had gained cult status and is much beloved by those who enjoy a bit of ultra-violence, when Dredd first came out in 2012, the movie did not do well at the box office. However, critical and audience reactions remained positive. From Karl Urban's near-permanent frown underneath his helmet to Lena Headey's scarred and deadly drug kingpin Ma-Ma, the movie is drenched in aesthetic indulgence and post-apocalyptic perfection.
2. Predestination (2014)
Predestination is a complicated and compelling drama hiding out in a twisty, time-travel thriller. Written and directed by Peter and Michael Spierig, based on Robert A. Heinlein's 1959 short story “All You Zombies,” this little-seen indie stars Ethan Hawke as a time-travelling agent struggling to stop a bomber in 1970s New York. But the bomber's identity, and that of a bartender with a mysterious past (and future), threatens to unravel our reality as the movie rockets to one hell of a twist ending. The result is a complex tale about defining one's existence when one can exist across multiple timelines and places.
3. Colossal (2016)
A monster movie starring Anne Hathaway and Jason Sudeikis. From director Nacho Vigalondo, Colossal asks, “What if a Godzilla-sized monster brawl was a projection of our emotional issues and insecurities?” This premise is what alcoholic Gloria (Hathaway) finds herself in the middle of, as her struggles manifest themselves in the form of a monster in South Korea that terrorizes people. This big creative swing requires significant buy-in from the audience, which Vigalondo makes surprisingly easy to do thanks to how he grounds the ridiculous nature of his conceit in a relatable world.
4. Prospect (2018)
Among the most criminally overlooked sci-fi movies, Prospect transports viewers to a distant planet where a memorable father-daughter duo (masterfully played by Pedro Pascal and Sophie Thatcher) searches for valuable minerals. When the two encounter a mysterious and potentially dangerous figure, they must make tough decisions. Directed by Zeek Earl and Chris Caldwell, Prospect is a masterclass in world-building, as it manages to present a limited yet believable environment that makes its story more immersive. Of course, Pascal and Thatcher's compelling performances can't be discounted either, as they bring out the best in the flawed yet relatable characters that make it easier to feel invested in their wild journey.
5. Looper (2012)
In one of the best unknown sci-fi movies, Looper, victims are sent back in time to 2044 by a criminal organization from 2074 so that they can be murdered and disposed of by the “loopers” hired by that group. Joe is one of the loopers who has difficulty killing his future self when he emerges in the present. The conflict between the two is fascinating as Joe's future self strives to alter his present. Written and directed by Rian Johnson, the film has a unique and disturbing perspective on the societal consequences of time travel, making it a true standout in the genre. Looper has a more intimate and exhilarating take on the concept, with a truly explosive and unforgettable ending that isn't afraid to tackle a paradox.
6. Source Code (2011)
Director Duncan Jones's Source Code follows the soldier Captain Colter Stevens, who one day wakes up on a moving train with no idea who he is or how he got there. Soon, he learns that he's part of the titular government experiment, which lets him take control of a stranger's mind for eight minutes before they're killed in a bombing on that train heading to Chicago. He has to find the bomber and stop the attack before it's too late. With an intriguing and novel premise, the character was performed by Jake Gyllenhaal. Source Code easily engrossed audiences as the protagonist jumps from one mind to another.
7. Cube (1997)
Cube is a sci-fi horror movie that blends the genres well. It's centered on six people who wake up in a strange maze-like structure and are forced to work together to escape. They soon learn how dangerous their prison is, as there are a lot of horrific surprises in store for the victims with each new room they discover. There's no denying that its dated special effects and unlikable characters haven't aged well, but director Vincenzo Natali's masterpiece has predictably gained a cult following.
8. The Fountain (2006)
Director Darren Aronofsky's The Fountain is an ambitious film centered on two lovers linked across three different points in time. Each version of the couple is tragic in some manner, as the man is fated to lose the woman he loves in one way or another. The riveting movie attempts to deliver a philosophical message about love and mortality, which is done so in an otherworldly way that can be both intriguing and hard to connect with. That said, its gorgeous visual effects and brilliant use of match cuts to further emphasize connections make it easy to appreciate how much work and effort went into making the underrated film.
9. A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)
Initially started by director Stanley Kubrick before being passed on to Steven Spielberg, A.I. Artificial Intelligence follows a childlike android programmed to know how to love. When human parents adopt him, it's soon clear that he doesn't quite fit into the family like an average human should. This same strength can make the film fall short. Enjoy it; the protagonist's journey can be philosophic for those who enjoy it and heartbreaking for those who enjoy it.
10. Ad Astra (2019)
Brad Pitt has been in various movies and handled vastly different genres throughout his illustrious career. That said, his filmography contains relatively few science-fiction films. Despite being nominated for an Oscar for his supporting role in Terry Gilliam's Twelve Monkeys, it took 25 years for Pitt to appear in another actual sci-fi film. An astronaut who travels across the solar system to learn the truth about his missing father. While Ad Astra was well received on the critical front, it failed to impact the box office. Regardless, Ad Astra is a visually stunning film with some excellent direction from James Gray and yet another Pitt powerhouse performance.
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