Posted on 07/06/2023 4:06:26 PM PDT by sphinx
Yes, science fiction is rooted in profound origins, examining humanity’s deep-seated fear of itself and the intimidating possibility of worlds unknown. But the last two decades have seen a metaphoric rush on sci-fi storytelling that’s left the once niche subgenre a supersaturated movie market. On the one hand, that’s produced an onslaught of sci-fi(ish) titles that aren’t always up to snuff. But on the other, it’s prompted some of the best sci-fi films ever made. Masterworks like “Everything Everywhere All at Once” and “Nope” both arrived this year, and top our list at number five and number eight respectively....
Simply put: In determining the 50 best sci-fi movies of the 21st century, you must draw a line in the sand — even if that’s the sands of Arrakis. To that end, a few rules have been set.
No fantasy-centric superhero movies will appear here, and the same goes for those space-borne fantasy franchises “Star Wars” and “Star Trek.” For an action, horror, or animated movie to make it onto this list, it needs to be firmly rooted in sci-fi origins and make notable use of the tropes and themes therein.
(Excerpt) Read more at indiewire.com ...
Whoever wrote the headline was an idiot for highlighting "Nope" and "Everything Everywhere All at Once" -- two ok but second-tier sci-fi films, IMHO -- at the top. But the overall list is pretty solid, so if you are looking for something you've missed, it's a place to start. Fwiw, of those I've seen, none are objectionable on the sex/nudity issues, at least as far as I recall. That probably has something to do with sci fi films generally having something to say -- or at least having an idea, whether or not the filmmakers manage to stick the landing -- as opposed to trying to attract viewers with frantic action and soft core porn.
Btw, this article was published last year. Why it popped up today on IMDB, I don't know.
A lot of us like sci fi movies. My questions for you cinephiles:
(1) What are the biggest omissions, recent sci fi films not on the list that you would recommend to other freepers?
(2) What are your favorites on the list -- bearing in mind that many of us will not have seen most of these films and can use your recommendations.
(3) While I prefer to steer the discussion to good films, are there any movies here that you would cut?
NOTE THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT on this list: films must have been released in the 21st century. That's a time frame that crops up often in FR movie discussions: "Hollywood hasn't made anything good since 2000." Well, here is a proposed list of what Hollywood (actually, the international film industry) has done for us lately.
The compilers of the list also rule out "fantasy-centric superhero movies" and franchises like Star Wars and Star Trek. You are not bound by that restriction, but give the compilers a little credit for trying to break out of the tentpole box.
Of this list of 50, I've seen 19.
Of movies that I really liked, the biggest omission that comes to mind is I'm Your Man, a very funny, very thoughtful AI film. If you are currently boycotting Hollywood, it is a German film starring Dan Stevens, who speaks fluent German.
My vote for most intelligent, thoughtful, and humane: After Yang, Arrival, Her, and, a distant fourth, Blade Runner 2049.
Engaging romps of the kill-the-alien/bad guy/monster variety: Looper, Edge of Tomorrow.
Engaging romps of the quirky-but-hilarious-character/social commentary variety: Safety Not Guaranteed, Palm Springs.
Movies with the best cameo appearances by a freeper-type character: After Yang, Palm Springs. Ok, ok, these two characters aren't labelled freepers. But they should be. You will love both of them, whatever you think of the rest of the movie.
There are several films on the list that I thought were pretentious and massively overhyped, but my New Year's resolution is still holding. I want to accentuate the positive. And I don't want to throw stones at something that just might be one of your favorites.
For the movie ping list.
This last version of Dune blows.
I dislike sci-fi.
But “Everything...Once” was loathsome.
I love threads like this.
There are so many great older films that didn’t make the list, but being limited to movies in this millenium will have to make me really think.
I HATED A.I. Couldn’t stand it and wanted to walk out but I was with a date. When we were talking about it in the car she wanted to walk out to but thought I wanted to stay.
Snowpiercer was another stinker. Made no sense at all.
Children of Men was another stinker.
I liked “Interstellar”.
How did Interstellar not make the list?
I’m always happy to get freeper recommendations. We all have our Golden Oldie favorites, but what have you seen lately?
The Wrath of Kahn
Nothing else is even in the same ball park
Interstellar is long and somewhat tedious, but the space/time aspect is fascinating although it loses me at times not being a physicist. Arrival I can watch any time. Again, space/time including some clairvoyance. Very cool movie.
I just watched a nice Japanese movie called “Tang”. Safe for kids and some good humor.
“Ken Kasugai has been deserted by his wife, because he was absorbed in a game. One day, missing child robot Tang appears in front of him.”
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19845354/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_8_tt_4_nm_4_q_tang
When you get old enough, they all sort of run together. It doesn’t help that the 21st century so far hasn’t been known for original works of genius.
Was Nope really that good? Was Annihilation any good at all? Wasn’t Inception one of the very best? Surely Gravity ought to be on the list.
I thought The Children of Men was ruined by being turned into a pro-illegal immigration tract. Did it make any sense sense? If no children were being born, wouldn’t Britain be more inclined to take in immigrants, rather than less.
I’m also surprised that Hard to Be a God was a 21st century movie. I figured it was a rediscovered classic.
Aniara not on the list? The list seems very English-centric for a time when SF movies are being made all over the world.
Mostly cow pie.
“Couldn’t stand it and wanted to walk out but I was with a date. When we were talking about it in the car she wanted to walk out to but thought I wanted to stay.”
Wow, you guys were on the same wavelength and each being courteous to the other. That sounds like a keeper.
The Fifth Element, the most recent Dune, Ender’s Game, Intersteller, Total Recall,
I am S1m0ne didn’t make the list. Other movies that were as much fantasy as sci-fi did.
Also, no I, Robot?!
My favorite action sci-fi movie will always be Armageddon. Every part of that movie worked. The story, the plot, the direction, the acting, the music. It just all came together for a fun sci-fi action movie.
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