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 ...
Love that one.
Right before your post.
The indie sci-fi movie I saw a few years ago, that stars Lawrence Fishburne, that I found interesting was, “The Signal.”
It went in directions I was not expecting and the ending surprised me.
The author thought it was stupid too. Even though I hate just about every actor and actress in that movie, it was a pretty good movie. But it was a better book.
Oops!
Thought we were making our own list.
Well you and I agree on the movie.👍🙂
The book ending was fine, I think the movie ending was okay.
Zathras could tell you but then you probably already know.
I love the first two-thirds of Blade Runner 2049, mainly for the visuals and the vibe, but then it loses me once the Joi character exits.
I should have known this, but I just realized that Syd Mead did the art design for 2049. He famously did the original and now I see they brought him back for the sequel, which explains why it looks so awesome.
https://www.fastcompany.com/90149520/how-blade-runner-artist-syd-mead-envisioned-the-city-of-2049
My fave is Buckaroo Banzai.
If we can include series there was a great sci-fi series on Prime called The Expanse. Also a good on BBC called Utopia which seemed to predict the whole Covid experience.
Wizards is another quirky fun one 👍
District 9 is definitely a good one. I was thinking about it the other day after watching a documentary about current conditions in the city of Johannesburg, SA.
I also loved Zardoz. And also while not sci-fi, Videodrome.
I thought the Endless was more Cthulhu-ian than ufo/alien abduction oriented. Beyond the Black Rainbow was really neat. I haven’t seen Possessor yet but I will give that a chance eventually just on it being from Cronenburg’s son.
Freegards
EE All At Once is trash. Unwatchable
The Alien movies, after Aliens I thought they were forgetable—including Prometheus.
The Cell, was released in 2000. I enjoyed it and loved the cinematography, but it reminded me too much of the plot from Silence of the Lambs to really stand on its own.
Solaris, I liked even if a bit dry even for sci-fi.
If you liked “A Scanner Darkly”, you might enjoy:
“Jesus Shows You the Way to the Highway” with a main character whose name is Palmer Eldritch. Makes no sense, but is entertaining.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8550514/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_q_jesus%2520shows%2520
Let’s not overlook The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
Forbidden Planet holds up.
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