experimental science fiction films

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3. Un chien andalou

5. The Seventh Seal

6. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

8. Upstream Color

9. The Turin Horse

10. The Lighthouse

11. Open Your Eyes

12. Rashomon

13. Enter the Void

14. Irreversible

15. Timecrimes

18. Possession

21. Ex Drummer

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24. Russian Ark

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The 13 Best Movies About Scientists and Experiments

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Scientific exploration represents the intellectual pursuit of the unknown. It's a quest for knowledge that has driven many to obsession or even madness, especially when failure looms increasingly overhead.

All kinds of films have been made about enigmatic characters who dedicate their lives to science and experiments. Such films tend to be sci-fi thrillers, but there are also compelling dramas and hilarious comedies that bring fresh energy to the premise.

Here are my picks for the best movies about scientists and their experiments, spanning the gamut of genres but all still worth watching for their own special reasons.

13. Junior (1994)

Directed by Ivan Reitman

Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Danny DeVito, Emma Thompson

Comedy, Romance, Sci-Fi (1h 49m)

4.7 on IMDb — 39% on RT

Directed by one of the best comedic directors in history, Junior is a cautionary tale of scientific experimentation if there ever was one.

Our story finds two scientists, Dr. Alex Hesse (played by Arnold Schwarzenegger) and Dr. Larry Arbogast (played by Danny DeVito), who have created a new pregnancy drug to cure infertility.

Unfortunately, bureaucratic red tape threatens to derail the duo's experiment: due to ethical reasons, they can't test the drug on real human subjects. So, Alex decides to take the drug himself—and despite precautionary measures, even he couldn't predict what happens next.

Yes, that's right: we're kicking off this list with a movie about Arnold Schwarzenegger impregnating himself! Don't worry, as most of the other films on this list will be more serious. But if you're looking for an easy-to-watch comedy, don't let Junior 's poor critical reception deter you.

12. The Andromeda Strain (1971)

Directed by Robert Wise

Starring James Olson, Arthur Hill, David Wayne

Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller (2h 11m)

7.2 on IMDb — 67% on RT

Directed by Robert Wise, The Andromeda Strain is a classic film to watch if you're interested in movies about scientific experiments.

Dr. Jeremy Stone (played by Arthur Hill) is tasked with leading a team of scientists to contain the spread of an extraterrestrial organism that lands on Earth. However, it soon becomes clear throughout their experiments that they're way out of their depth...

Based on the phenomenal novel by sci-fi extraordinaire Michael Crichton, the film adaptation was lauded for its suspense and its creative use of split-screens long before it was widely used.

11. I Origins (2014)

Directed by Mike Cahill

Starring Michael Pitt, Steven Yeun, Astrid Bergès-Frisbey

Drama, Mystery, Romance (1h 46m)

7.3 on IMDb — 52% on RT

PhD student Ian Gray (played by Michael Pitt) is studying the evolution of the human eye. One day, while attending a college party, he meets a woman with the most beautiful eyes he has ever seen.

Later, several years in the future, what begins as a purely scientific study turns into something much more: an experimental investigation into the origins of the human soul.

Directed by the unconventionally meditative Mike Cahill, I Origins is an underrated sci-fi drama that's well worth your time.

10. A Beautiful Mind (2001)

Directed by Ron Howard

Starring Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly

Biography, Drama (2h 15m)

8.2 on IMDb — 74% on RT

Directed by Ron Howard, A Beautiful Mind follows the life of Nobel Prize-winning mathematician John Forbes Nash Jr. (played by Russell Crowe), who was a real person and commonly known as John Nash.

Demonstrating himself to be a brilliant scientist and economist, Nash not only gains the attention of the CIA, but eventually starts working there to help advance the field of cryptography.

However, paranoid delusions gradually start to blur the lines between his personal life and reality. Russell Crowe went on to win the Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role for A Beautiful Mind .

9. The Nutty Professor (1996)

Directed by Tom Shadyac

Starring Eddie Murphy, Jada Pinkett Smith, James Coburn

Comedy, Romance, Sci-Fi (1h 35m)

5.7 on IMDb — 64% on RT

The second (and last) comedy on our list is another terrific adaptation of a classic piece of literature: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde , which was written by Robert Louis Stevenson back in 1886.

Exactly 110 years after publication, Stevenson's novella was given a comedic spin with The Nutty Professor .

In a bid to win the heart of his dream woman, Sherman Klump (played by Eddie Murphy) is desperate to lose weight. So, he conducts an experiment using his vast knowledge of biochemistry.

While he does successfully lose an enormous amount of weight, it comes at a terrible cost... The Nutty Professor stars Eddie Murphy in an impressive seven roles, and it's a laugh-out-loud affair.

8. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

Directed by Rupert Wyatt

Starring James Franco, Freida Pinto, John Lithgow

Action, Drama, Sci-Fi (1h 45m)

7.6 on IMDb — 82% on RT

Planet of the Apes started as a novel in 1963, which was turned into a film series in 1968, then rebooted into another film series in 2011 starting with Rupert Wyatt's acclaimed Rise of the Planet of the Apes .

Will Rodman (played by James Franco) is a chemist who's experimenting on chimpanzees with an innovative new serum that's one step closer to finding a cure for Alzheimer's disease. However, the serum has unforeseen effects on the primates...

Featuring Andy Serkis as ape leader Caesar using revolutionary performance capture technology, Rise of the Planet of the Apes is one of the best cautionary tales of science gone awry.

Remaking this iconic franchise was a risky decision given that there was a previous reboot attempt in 2001 with Planet of the Apes , which went nowhere due to all kinds of production difficulties. Fortunately, Wyatt pulled it off and the resulting series is just fantastic.

7. Hidden Figures (2016)

Directed by Theodore Melfi

Starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe

Biography, Drama, History (2h 7m)

7.8 on IMDb — 93% on RT

Directed by Theodore Melfi, Hidden Figures is a biographical film that brings us an incredible story that should've been told long ago. Fortunately for us, we get to experience it now.

The narrative follows three women scientists: Dorothy Vaughan (played by Octavia Spencer), Katherine Goble Johnson (played by Taraji P. Henson), and Mary Jackson (played by Janelle Monáe).

Despite their instrumental contributions to America's success during the Space Race, these women were buried and remained unrecognized for years. Why? Simply for being African-American.

Hidden Figures is the tough but inspiring journey of how these women worked to gain the respect that they deserved without ever giving up even in the face of constant discrimination and harassment.

6. The Theory of Everything (2014)

Directed by James Marsh

Starring Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Tom Prior

Biography, Drama, Romance (2h 3m)

7.7 on IMDb — 80% on RT

Stephen Hawking is a man who needs no introduction, but in case you've been living under a rock for the past several decades, suffice it to say that he was one of the most brilliant minds of modern science.

In The Theory of Everything , we get to see his genius on display as he excels at the University of Cambridge, where he published all kinds of groundbreaking works on theoretical physics.

However, perhaps more interestingly, we're given insight into his tumultuous personal life and the challenges he faced as a victim afflicted by ALS (a neurodegenerative disease that affects muscle control).

With a heart-melting score and stunning performances from Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones, The Theory of Everything truly encapsulates the human desire to understand the world we're born into.

5. Contact (1997)

Directed by Robert Zemeckis

Starring Jodie Foster, Matthew McConaughey, Tom Skerritt

Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi (2h 30m)

7.5 on IMDb — 68% on RT

Based on the 1985 novel by Carl Sagan, Robert Zemeckis adapted the grounded sci-fi drama to great success.

Dr. Eleanor "Ellie" Arroway (played by Jodie Foster) is a SETI scientist who makes a breathtaking discovery: an alien transmission.

After establishing contact with extraterrestrials using radio waves, Arroway leads an experiment to create a machine according to the instructions of said extraterrestrial communicators.

While Contact is mostly interesting for its thought experiment of a premise than its characters, the result is still one of the most intriguing movies about a scientific experiment. If you're in search of a realistic take on sci-fi concepts, you can't miss this one.

4. Annihilation (2018)

Directed by Alex Garland

Starring Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tessa Thompson

Adventure, Drama, Horror (1h 55m)

6.8 on IMDb — 88% on RT

When writer-director Alex Garland is at the helm of a film, you know you're in for an experience unlike any other. He's had his ups and downs, but when he's hot, the results are unforgettable.

Annihilation follows a group of women scientists of varying fields who are tasked with investigating the origins of a supernatural entity that has arrived on Earth. The thing is, previous explorers either haven't returned or have come back changed in some way...

Starring Natalie Portman and Jennifer Jason Leigh, they venture into the enigmatic quarantined zone called "The Shimmer" to collect data and uncover what's causing the mutation of plants and animals.

With Annihilation , Alex Garland successfully crafted another worthy entry into his filmography and the cosmic horror canon.

3. The Imitation Game (2014)

Directed by Morten Tyldum

Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode

Biography, Drama, Thriller (1h 54m)

8.0 on IMDb — 90% on RT

Cryptanalyst Alan Turing is well-known today as the father of theoretical computer science and artificial intelligence, but that wasn't always the case. In fact, he was ostracized while he was alive for being gay.

In this superb film directed by Morten Tyldum, we get to see the fantastic legacy he left behind, as well as his role in ending one of the most gruesome conflicts in history: World War II.

During WW2, the Nazis communicated using messages that were encrypted by their Enigma machine. Alan Turing was approached by British intelligence officers in 1939 and hired to break the Enigma codes, as he was the only one with enough expertise to do it.

Benedict Cumberbatch's performance as the man who almost single-handedly decided the fate of World War II with his brilliant brain is both insightful and gut-wrenching.

2. Awakenings (1990)

Directed by Penny Marshall

Starring Robert De Niro, Robin Williams, Julie Kavner

Biography, Drama (2h 1m)

7.8 on IMDb — 84% on RT

Penny Marshall's drama Awakenings isn't just well-written, well-acted, and emotionally affecting—it's based on a true story.

Dr. Malcolm Sayer (played by Robin Williams) is a neurologist studying catatonia. When he begins implementing a new treatment of L-DOPA in coma patients, he's initially disappointed by the results. However, there's eventually a breakthrough when one patient suddenly wakes up.

For the first time in years, Leonard Lowe (played by Robert De Niro) is able to see the world through his own eyes again.

As Dr. Sayer uncovers the reason behind Leonard's sudden awakening, the two of them fear that this experiment may not last. In fact, it may very well be a race against the clock. In the end, Awakenings is an underrated gem that will absolutely have you in tears.

1. Oppenheimer (2023)

Directed by Christopher Nolan

Starring Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon

Biography, Drama, History (3h)

8.5 on IMDb — 93% on RT

Why is Oppenheimer at the top of this list? Maybe it's recency bias. Or maybe it's the massive cult-like following the film had pre-release. Or maybe it's the glowing reviews that came after its release.

All combined, Oppenheimer still sticks out in my mind as the best film about a scientist and his experiments.

J. Robert Oppenheimer (played by Cillian Murphy) is a brilliant theoretical physicist who's headhunted to lead a team of scientists tasked with creating the world's first atomic bomb.

Oppenheimer is tense and suspenseful as director Christopher Nolan employs his trademark nonlinear narrative style to create total immersion in Oppenheimer's race against time and persecution.

The film is doubly effective as a cautionary tale, which is why I'm ranking it at number one. Oppenheimer is cinema's best depiction of a scientist haunted by his greatest achievement and tormented by his own legacy.

Oppenheimer's most impressive experiment came at massive cost: the fate of the entire world. Few films have managed to establish stakes so monumental and deliver a climax worthy of said stakes.

15 Great Sci-fi Movies in The Criterion Collection

Discovery and imagination is as inherent in human beings as breathing, and our anticipation to experience what lies ahead has been a part of our creative endeavors as long as people have been documenting work, with elements of science fiction dating as far back as ancient Mesopotamia, ancient India, and ancient Greece.

In 1818, Mary Shelley changed the literary world with Frankenstein, a novel about a mad scientist creating a human being from the body parts of the dead. In 1826, Shelley would follow Frankenstein with a more overtly sci-fi, but lesser known novel, The Last Man, about an apocalyptic world in the aftermath of a deadly plague.

Years later Jules Verne would take us 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and bring us on a Journey to the Center of the Earth. H. G. Wells would introduce us to The Invisible Man as well as Dr. Moreau.

With the prominence of the motion picture camera in the early 1900’s, the world would get to see short and silent adaptations of their favorite science fiction stories, as well as original ideas from filmmakers with a desire to explore beyond the realm of reality.

In 1902, George Melies took us on A Trip to the Moon, and in 1925 the world saw dinosaurs walk for the first time in Harry Hoyt’s The Lost World. In 1924, Yakov Protazanov would take us to Mars in Aelita, and in 1927 Fritz Lang would show us a dystopian future in Metropolis.

Although the mainstream public’s enthusiasm for science fiction in film has varied from decade to decade, the genre has remained a constant force. With the Criterion Collection’s passion for all things cinema, and with a no-genre-left-behind mentality, they have shown us some of the greatest science fiction films in the history of movies. Below is a list of 15 essential Criterion Collection movies worth your time.

1. The Blob (1958)

Independently produced in 1958 by a filmmaker whose prior credits consisted mainly of educational and religious films, The Blob was a science-fiction hit grossing around $4 million on a mere $110,000 budget – a staggering profit even by today’s standards.

The films follows a young Steve McQueen as he and his main squeeze attempt to save their town from utter annihilation after a country bumpkin, who should really know better, pokes a meteorite with a stick, releasing a jelly-like killer amoeba that must feed on the bodies of man!

The Blob is culturally significant due to the fact that it was made completely outside of the Hollywood system long before giant corporations with no ties to art and filmmaking were sponsoring entire festivals dedicated to independent films (i.e JPMorgan Chase and Hewlett Packard at Sundance this past year).

Not only that, but it paved the way for a sequel released in 1972, a surprisingly credible remake starring Kevin Dillon in 1988, and inspired a slew of other films such as The Stuff (1985), Street Trash (1987), and Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988), as well as a rumored second remake to be released sometime in the near future.

The Blob doesn’t operate with the same sense of urgency that most contemporary sci-fi/horror films do, and there’s no reason it should. It was a product of a different time, when people were in a lot less of a hurry, and a glob of killer strawberry jam was understandably scary.

It’s okay to laugh with this film, because the spirit of which it was made probably lead to plenty of laughs behind the camera. There’s no way these guys were taking themselves too seriously when they open their movie with a tongue-in-cheek credit sequence to the tune of a Burt Bacharach pop song about a killer blob of goo.

2. Videodrome (1983)

In 1983, coming off the success of the thematically similar Scanners and The Brood, director David Cronenberg released Videodrome, the magnum opus of his science-fiction-body-horror films. An exceptionally bleak, grotesque, and ultra-weird commentary on the power of sex and violence in the media, Andy Warhol once described Videodrome as “the Clockwork Orange of the 1980’s.”

The film stars James Woods as Max Renn, the sleaze ball president of a lowbrow television station in Toronto, specializing in exploitative and sensationalistic content.

After developing a relationship with a sexy psychiatrist radio host with sadomasochistic tendencies (portrayed by Debbie Harry of Blondie in a truly enigmatic performance), and discovering a snuff television program depicting scenes of torture and murder entitled Videodrome, Renn finds himself in the middle of a socio-political revolution as the line between reality and fantasy begin to blur. What follows is a series of mutations, hallucinations, government conspiracies, and a human torso that functions as a Betamax player. No kidding.

With stellar cinematography by Mark Irwin, makeup effects by seven-time Academy Award winning makeup artist Rick Baker, and a superbly crafted script by Cronenberg himself, Videodrome is a disgustingly surreal sci-fi trip into the dark corners of mankind’s psyche. Long live the new flesh!

3. La Jetee (1962)

Constructed almost entirely out of still photographs, and clocking in just under 30 minutes, La Jetee is easily the most experimental science fiction film on this list. Made in 1962 by French multimedia artist, Chris Marker, La Jetee has, over time, become one of the most well respected and influential sci-fi films in cinematic history, despite its short running time.

Dialogue free, an omniscient narrator tells the story of a prisoner living underground in a post-apocalyptic society in the aftermath of a nuclear war, who is chosen to participate in an experiment in time travel in the hope of rescuing the present. The prisoner is specifically chosen because of an obsessive memory he has of a beautiful woman he saw as a child and the death of a man immediately after.

If this premise rings a bell for you, it should. La Jetee was used as the basis for the critically acclaimed and commercially successful 12 Monkey’s, directed by Monty Python alum, Terry Gilliam, and starring Bruce Willis and Brad Pitt (for which he received his first Oscar nomination), as well as the recently released spin-off television program.

Currently, La Jetee can be viewed as a standalone piece on Hulu’s Criterion collection as well as a companion piece to Criterion’s DVD and Blu-ray release of Marker’s, Sans Soleil.

4. Island of Lost Souls (1932)

The Island of Lost Souls is Paramount Picture’s first-rate 1932 adaptation of one of H.G. Wells’ most famous novels, The Island of Dr. Moreau. While there have been several adaptations and inspirations of Wells’ novel, The Island of Lost Souls was the first and easily the best to date.

When a shipwrecked Edward Parker inadvertently finds himself on an island owned by the elusive Dr. Moreau, he quickly learns that the location serves as grounds for Moreau’s scientific experiments in turning wild animals into human beings through vivisection.

With the island populated by Moreau’s experimentations at varying levels, all under the control of his laws, he makes Parker an unwilling prisoner of his island in the hope that his most perfect creation, Lota, a near complete woman derived from a panther, will take the next step in her human evolution by falling in love with Parker. With his life and the love of his fiancée at stake, Parker must find a way to escape the island.

While at it’s core, The Island of Lost Souls is a science fiction film, but it also incorporates a heavy influence of horror, and on its initial release was met with a large amount of controversy in the United Kingdom, who has a history of censorship in horror cinema (see 20 Great Video Nasty Movies Worth Your Time). Because of the scenes of anesthetic-free vivisection, the film didn’t pass censorship until 1958, and even then it was given an X rating. The Island of Lost Souls really pushed the limits of taste in 1932.

In 1996, John Frankenheimer made another adaptation of the story, taking its title from the book. It’s watchable in a so-bad-it’s-good sort of way, and it’s a trip to see Marlon Brando’s lethargic and uninspired performance. Rumor has it his lines were fed to him through an earpiece because by that time he had given up on pretty much everything.

5. Robocop (1987)

While the Criterion release of RoboCop has been discontinued for some time now, there are plenty of used copies out there you can obtain for cheap, and the hunt is well worth the kill. Criterion’s release far surpasses any other release of the film with the rarely seen X rated cut and enough special features to make even the lightest of fanboys weep.

Released in 1987, RoboCop marked Dutch filmmaker Paul Verhoeven’s second American produced film. An ultra-violent satire on American capitalism, RoboCop was cut, recut, and submitted to the MPAA a staggering 11 times before the X rating was lifted for a more marketable R. But underneath scenes of rapists getting their penises shot off, henchmen being melted with toxic sludge, and cops losing limbs to shotgun blasts lies an existentialist film about the human condition.

Verhoeven, who is known for his religious imagery, paints to story of Robocop as a Christ figure: a cop who is brutally murdered by a drug lord in a futuristic crime-ridden Detroit, and resurrected by a privatized police force as the prototype for a line of crime-fighting cyborgs. But when memories from his previous life begin to interfere with his programmed consciousness, RoboCop finds himself fighting for his life and his humanity.

The critical and commercial success of RoboCop eventually spawned a franchise including two forgettable sequels, an insulting remake, four avoidable television series, and a plethora of toy and comic tie-ins. Verhoeven disassociated himself with the production of all RoboCop entities (understandably so) after making the first film and instead focused his efforts on new projects. He would follow RoboCop with the thematically similar Total Recall and Starship Troopers, Basic Instinct, and the crowning achievement of bad taste that is Showgirls.

6. Fiend without a Face (1958)

Science must have been really scary to common moviegoers in the 1950’s as the majority of science fiction films of the era seem to paint a cautionary tale of scientific experimentation – that the unknown is something to be feared and best left unknown. But then again, maybe that’s simply what makes captivating sci-fi.

Fiend Without a Face, like The Blob, was an independently made sci-fi/horror film from 1958, but with a fraction of the budget and fraction of the success of The Blob. It was a British production about the United States military set in Canada, which pretty much caters to all countries with English as a primary language – a rather advantageous strategy on the part of its producers.

Based on a short science fiction pulp story by Amelia Reynolds Long entitled, The Thought Monster, Fiend Without a Face tells the story of a series of bizarre murders occurring at a United State Air Force base in Canada, in which the victims are killed when their brains and spinal cords are sucked out of their bodies by invisible creatures brought into existence by a combination of radiation and a scientist experimenting in thought projection. Lets catch our breath.

With a miniscule budget equal to the cost of a luxury car by today’s standards, the filmmakers of Fiend Without a Face had to get creative when it came to scares. While invisible monsters sound like the least scary thing possible for a film, Fiend Without a Face is surprisingly effective primarily due to it’s use of sound design.

Just because the audience can’t see the creatures doesn’t mean that they can’t hear them, and in the tradition of horror icon Val Lewton, Fiend Without a Face cashes in on the power of imagination, that nothing on screen can be scarier than what the audience can imagine.

If you’re interested in this film but worried about a lack of payoff, fear not, the ending may be the goriest, most shocking finale at the time of its release. We’re talking something close to the ending of The Evil Dead (1980). For a film with an hour of invisible monsters, the ending gives you more than you bargained for.

7. Seconds (1966)

In 1966, reveling in the success of the three most influential films of his career (Birdman of Alcatraz, The Manchurian Candidate, and Seven Days in May) , director John Frankenheimer released one of the most maverick and bizarre films to hit the silver screen: Seconds.

With the help of the black-and-white, deep focus photography of two-time Academy Award winning and 10 time nominated cinematographer, James Wong Howe, as well as a stellar and layered performance by Rock Hudson, Seconds is a film about a man in the midst of paranoid identity crisis that is as genuinely effective today as it was in 1966.

When Arthur Hamilton, a middle-aged banker, finds his role in the world unfulfilling and his daily life a dreary bore, an old friend, who Arthur believes has long since died, calls to inform him of The Company: a secret organization who can give wealthy men and women new lives after faking the deaths of their old ones.

Arthur visits The Company and agrees to the procedure, but when his new life as a youthful artist fails to provide the happiness he believed he would achieve, Arthur finds that his relationship to The Company is more complex than he initially thought, and the price he has paid is more than monetary.

Despite it’s initial theatrical run being a box office bomb, Seconds has developed a cult following over the decades, largely in part to its fully restored Criterion release in 2013, which includes a sequence deleted from its American theatrical run that depicts an orgy of sorts at a wine festival with plenty of full frontal nudity – a rather bold move on Frankenheimer’s part considering the time it was made.

In addition to an orgy scene, Seconds also features actual footage from a rhinoplasty, and has been reported that Brian Wilson from The Beach Boys watched this film during the midst of his own paranoid breakdown and was so affected by what he saw he didn’t enter a movie theater for 16 years.

6 Replies to “15 Great Sci-fi Movies in The Criterion Collection”

Forgot “Blade Runner” which was released on Criterion Collection Laserdisc.

Laserdisc doesn’t count.

Nice list. I really don’t think Fiend Without a Face merits a mention, though: the creatures are nifty, but the movie is nothing very special. I do think Franju’s Les Yeux Sans Visage should be mentioned, however, even though it fits more neatly into the horror genre.

The Man who Fell to Earth + Videdrome (y) ! ! !

Only seen one of these. With good reason.

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The Best Avant-garde / Experimental Movies of All Time

Rank This Chart

Persona https://www.flickchart.com/movie/51477FA9A2 1966 , 85 min.

Ingmar Bergman   •    Starring: Bibi Andersson ,  Liv Ullmann ,  Margareta Krook

Avant-garde / Experimental    •    Drama    •    Foreign Language Film

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Woman in the Dunes https://www.flickchart.com/movie/64B8483026 1964 , 123 min.

Hiroshi Teshigahara   •    Starring: Eiji Okada ,  Kyoko Kishida ,  Hiroko Ito

Avant-garde / Experimental    •    Based-on-20th-Century-Literature    •    Drama

The Mirror https://www.flickchart.com/movie/5AF38E0152 1975 , 106 min.

Andrei Tarkovsky   •    Starring: Margarita Terekhova ,  Oleg Yankovskiy ,  Filipp Yankovsky

Avant-garde / Experimental    •    Based-on-a-True-Story    •    Biopic

The Holy Mountain https://www.flickchart.com/movie/BE984A7F57 1973 , 114 min.

Alejandro Jodorowsky   •    Starring: Alejandro Jodorowsky ,  Horacio Salinas ,  Zamira Saunders

Adventure    •    Avant-garde / Experimental    •    Media Satire

Last Year at Marienbad https://www.flickchart.com/movie/441EAFCC25 1961 , 94 min.

Alain Resnais   •    Starring: Delphine Seyrig ,  Giorgio Albertazzi ,  Sacha Pitoeff

The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie https://www.flickchart.com/movie/15A7167D59 1972 , 102 min.

Luis Buñuel   •    Starring: Fernando Rey ,  Jean-Pierre Cassel ,  Stéphane Audran

Avant-garde / Experimental    •    Black Comedy    •    Comedy

Pierrot le fou https://www.flickchart.com/movie/9E50B9C505 1965 , 110 min.

Jean-Luc Godard   •    Starring: Jean-Paul Belmondo ,  Anna Karina ,  Graziella Galvani

My Life to Live https://www.flickchart.com/movie/141B741C6D 1962 , 85 min.

Jean-Luc Godard   •    Starring: Anna Karina ,  Guylaine Schlumberger ,  Eric Schlumberger

Man with a Movie Camera https://www.flickchart.com/movie/63B3024A94 1929 , 68 min.

Dziga Vertov   •    Starring: Mikhail Kaufman

Avant-garde / Experimental    •    City Symphony film    •    Culture and Society

F for Fake https://www.flickchart.com/movie/C9F96645FE 1973 , 85 min.

Orson Welles   •    Starring: Joseph Cotten ,  Richard Wilson ,  Orson Welles

Avant-garde / Experimental    •    Biography    •    Con Artist / Hustler

Possession https://www.flickchart.com/movie/044AF02050 1981 , 123 min.

Andrzej Zulawski   •    Starring: Isabelle Adjani ,  Sam Neill ,  Margit Carstensen

Avant-garde / Experimental    •    Body Horror    •    Drama

La jetée https://www.flickchart.com/movie/8A66EDB3DF 1962 , 28 min.

Chris Marker   •    Starring: Jean Négroni ,  Hélène Chatelain ,  Davos Hanich

Avant-garde / Experimental    •    Foreign Language Film    •    French New Wave

Eraserhead https://www.flickchart.com/movie/185269423E 1977 , 89 min.

David Lynch   •    Starring: Jack Nance ,  Jeanne Bates ,  Judith Anna Roberts

Avant-garde / Experimental    •    Body Horror    •    Dystopian Film

House https://www.flickchart.com/movie/E24174DEBB 1977 , 88 min.

Nobuhiko Ôbayashi   •    Starring: Kimiko Ikegami ,  Kumiko Ohba ,  Yôko Minamida

Avant-garde / Experimental    •    Comedy    •    Fantasy Comedy

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas https://www.flickchart.com/movie/BA1CE92A58 1998 , 118 min.

Terry Gilliam   •    Starring: Johnny Depp ,  Benicio Del Toro ,  Tobey Maguire

Absurd Comedy    •    Avant-garde / Experimental    •    Based-on-20th-Century-Literature

El Topo https://www.flickchart.com/movie/F83F7F7114 1970 , 125 min.

Alejandro Jodorowsky   •    Starring: Alejandro Jodorowsky ,  Alfonso Arau ,  Brontis Jodorowsky

Adventure    •    Avant-garde / Experimental    •    Foreign Language Film

Koyaanisqatsi https://www.flickchart.com/movie/258F656841 1982 , 86 min.

Godfrey Reggio

Avant-garde / Experimental    •    Culture and Society    •    Documentary

Mulholland Dr. https://www.flickchart.com/movie/C35401EBF0 2001 , 147 min.

David Lynch   •    Starring: Naomi Watts ,  Laura Harring ,  Ann Miller

Avant-garde / Experimental    •    Drama    •    Mindbender

Jeanne Dielman, 23, Quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles https://www.flickchart.com/movie/EDA0904CC2 1975 , 201 min.

Chantal Akerman   •    Starring: Delphine Seyrig ,  Jan Decorte ,  Henri Storck

Avant-garde / Experimental    •    Drama    •    Female-Directed Film

Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me https://www.flickchart.com/movie/9FE579D217 1992 , 135 min.

David Lynch   •    Starring: Sheryl Lee ,  Chris Isaak ,  Ray Wise

Avant-garde / Experimental    •    Based-on-Television    •    Mystery

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The 15 Best Arthouse Sci-Fi Movies, Ranked

Arthouse movies aim to challenge and provoke viewers, giving those brave enough to check them out an experience they're unlikely to have felt before, with certain experimental or unusual elements being contained within. What can be considered "arthouse" is therefore quite broad, with certain movies pushing boundaries more than others. The broadness also allows various films of differing genres to be considered arthouse in nature, and so it follows that one sub-genre is arthouse science fiction.

Sci-fi movies can get pretty strange already, when not also trying to be arthouse, given they depict stories often set in the future and/or revolving around otherworldly creatures/beings/technologies. The following films go one step beyond the bounds of "standard" sci-fi and instead become arthouse sci-fi , also being examples of films that are more or less great, in any event. They're ranked below, starting with the very good and ending with the all-time classics.

15 'Alphaville' (1965)

Director: jean-luc godard.

Image via Art Theatre Guild

Few filmmakers have earned the title of “arthouse director” quite like Jean-Luc Godard did during his lengthy career spent making movies. The vast majority of his output pushed boundaries in one way or another, and indeed, watching a Godard film often proves to be a confusing or even alienating experience. That being said, he didn’t branch out into the science fiction genre all that often, but put his own spin on sci-fi at least once, as Alphaville demonstrates.

This odd and patiently paced film takes place in the future, and its loose narrative follows a private detective as he embarks on a series of strange missions within the city of Alphaville. It takes certain film noir tropes and blends them with sci-fi elements in a way that’s typically unusual, as one might expect from Godard. It’s not an easy film to watch, but it’s interesting and unique; those qualities are hard to deny .

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14 'The Falls' (1980)

Director: peter greenaway.

Running for a brazen 195 minutes, the novelty of The Falls ’ runtime is dwarfed by the oddity of its structure, to the point where calling it a feature film feels potentially inaccurate. It’s made up of almost 100 snippets/sequences that each explore a different individual and their reaction to a mysterious catastrophic event that apparently killed much of the world’s population, and impacted the survivors in unexpected ways.

It's very much representative of Peter Greenaway at his most boundary-pushing , though once one gets past the runtime of The Falls , a good deal of it can actually prove pretty entertaining. Like Godard, Greenaway is a noteworthy arthouse filmmaker who doesn’t tend to make movies within the sci-fi genre, which ensures The Falls is valuable for demonstrating just what he can do within the realms of science fiction.

Watch on Kanopy

13 'High Life' (2018)

Director: claire denis.

It’s reasonable to call High Life one of the more underrated sci-fi films in recent years , but at the same time, it’s understandable why a movie like this might not resonate with a huge number of people. Its premise makes it sound simple enough, given it’s about a man and his infant daughter getting by as the last survivors of their crew while stuck in outer space, but the structure, pacing, and some of the content within High Life can prove to be uncomfortable.

It's relatively slow and grim, too, with various flashbacks showing how the two survivors ended up in the unenviable position they find themselves in. Anyone not turned off by such qualities who wants to see a non-traditional story about survival and enduring set in space , however, might find something like High Life to be worth checking out.

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12 'Upstream Color' (2013)

Director: shane carruth.

Upstream Color is one movie that’s genuinely very hard to describe, and even if it might not be “arthouse” in the way some classic arthouse films are, it nevertheless retains the feeling of being mysterious, vague, perplexing, and compelling. It’s all very expressionistic, broadly and seemingly being about two people drawn together while they both deal with past traumatic events from each of their histories that continue to impact them.

Its director was Shane Carruth , who’s best known for making another confounding piece of science fiction: 2004’s Primer , which is a sci-fi film with a famously low budget . Upstream Color does feel a little more artful and open to interpretation, as while Primer, at its core, deals with time travel, Upstream Color places its sci-fi elements on the sideline, and feels most interested in exploring the human condition in all its unwavering complexity.

Upstream Color

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11 'Melancholia' (2011)

Director: lars von trier.

Like the aforementioned Upstream Color , Melancholia is another somber yet hard-to-forget blend of sci-fi and drama that’s more concerned with exploring human emotions than science fiction concepts/ideas, necessarily. Various characters are shown dealing with grief and strained relationships, all the while the sci-fi elements come about because this is all happening while a strange new planet approaches Earth, threatening to collide with it and destroy all life in the process.

Lars von Trier often makes heavy and troubling films , and Melancholia is no exception to this … though it’s perhaps a little more approachable and digestible than some of his other works. The titular emotion – which can make one feel as though one’s life is ending – is consistently contrasted to a broader event that has the chance of genuinely being world-ending. As such, Melancholia challenges its viewers to feel sad and nervous for most of its 135-minute runtime, but in the end, provoking emotions that are difficult to sit with is something that arthouse films often aim to do.

Melancholia

Two sisters find their already strained relationship challenged as a mysterious new planet threatens to collide with Earth.

10 'Poor Things' (2023)

Director: yorgos lanthimos.

Yorgos Lanthimos ' directorial output so far has been defined by its strangeness and the filmmaker's trademark eccentricity, as though none of his films feel derivative or repetitive, they've all lately been carrying his distinct mark. Poor Things , already up there as one of the better movies of the 2020s so far , sees Lanthimos making what might be his most fantastical/sci-fi movie yet , as well as - perhaps more subjectively - his funniest film. It's also a weird one. This is Lanthimos, after all.

It's a colorful, sometimes psychedelic, sexually explicit, and surprisingly funny take on a Frankenstein -esque story, revolving around a woman being brought back to life and going on a strange adventure filled with self-discovery, wonder, and occasional terror. It certainly counts as a work of arthouse cinema from the strange yet gorgeous visuals alone, and that it's also out-there with its subject matter while having a consistently strange tone just makes it feel all the more artsy (in a good way).

Poor Things

9 'the man who fell to earth' (1976), director: nicolas roeg.

The Man Who Fell to Earth presents David Bowie as you’ve never seen him before, and the legendary musician (and occasional actor) gives one of his best-ever performances here. The film’s narrative is simple, though the ideas it explores end up being complex, with it broadly depicting what happens when an alien being comes to Earth on a mission to save his home planet, yet finds himself slowly brought down physically and morally by all the terrible human beings he meets.

It's a cynical piece of science fiction, observing the world and its cruelty through the eyes of someone unfamiliar with Earth, and consistently brought down by what the planet contains. Perhaps appropriately for a movie about an alien, The Man Who Fell to Earth does feel otherworldly and even alienating at times with its visual language and approach to storytelling, but these risky creative decisions do ultimately serve to give the film a haunting and memorable atmosphere/narrative.

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8 'Solaris' (1972)

Director: andrei tarkovsky.

Some might argue that 2001: A Space Odyssey would qualify as an arthouse sci-fi movie, but then a few years on from that one’s release, Andrei Tarkovsky came out with something that’s even artsier and stranger. Solaris and the aforementioned Stanley Kubrick film do sometimes get compared, owing to their similarly ambitious narratives/themes, the fact both are quite long, the slow yet purposeful pacing found in each, and the fact that Tarkovsky was very publicly not a fan of 2001 .

Solaris is perhaps more of a psychological drama than it is a science fiction film, following a psychologist as he goes to a space station to help the cosmonauts there, all of whom are suffering from some mysterious mental condition. It’s a perplexing and eerie film, and looks deep within the human mind and the insurmountable secrets and mysteries contained within ; arguably as vast and daunting as outer space itself.

7 'Memoria' (2021)

Director: apichatpong weerasethakul.

Demonstrating well and truly the notion that you can have a great film with minimal plot , Memoria is one of the most perplexing yet fascinating sci-fi movies in recent memory. It revolves around a woman who begins hearing strange voices in the night, and becomes increasingly concerned about finding their origin. As things go on, she slowly comes to terms with the fact that there might not be answers at the end of the road, and so too might the audience have to accept such a notion.

Memoria is very, very slow-paced, and insistent on providing a uniquely immersive atmosphere more than telling a traditional story or even showcasing much by way of character arcs. Yet when watched with the right mindset, Memoria is hypnotic in all the best ways, owing to Apichatpong Weerasethakul ’s unique directorial style and Tilda Swinton ’s understated and compelling lead performance.

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6 'Hard to Be a God' (2013)

Director: aleksey german.

One of the dirtiest and most brutal sci-fi films of all time, Hard to Be a God takes place on a planet other than Earth, yet the population’s medieval-like lifestyles make it feel like a particularly dark fantasy/drama at times. Running for almost three hours, much of the premise involves a group of scientists tasked with going to the planet and advancing the population living there, only for things to go wrong when said scientists find themselves preferring to play god instead.

It's an extremely difficult and exhausting experience by design, and Hard to Be a God offers essentially nothing by way of easy answers or even a hint of optimism for human nature itself. It goes to some remarkably dark places and showcases a series of horrifying sights , making it one of the most challenging and singular pieces of science fiction cinema of all time.

5 '2046' (2004)

Director: wong kar-wai.

Wong Kar-wai is one of the best-known arthouse filmmakers working today, and perhaps even of all time, given how frequently beautiful his films are and how intoxicating they tend to feel. 2046 saw him continue exploring dreamlike romance stories, though here, it’s also done within the confines of the sci-fi genre… at least to some extent, seeing as Wong Kar-wai putting his unique spin of science fiction does make it feel different to most other sci-fi movies.

Set in both the future and the past, 2046 jumps around between different stories, and it might just be better to let the experience wash over you, as a viewer , rather than try to break down and figure out how they’re all connected. Even more interestingly, 2046 also manages to function as a Christmas movie, making it one of the more offbeat picks to watch in December for anyone tired of all the more standard holiday favorites .

Rent on Google Play

4 'Until the End of the World' (1991)

Director: wim wenders.

Like the aforementioned Wong Kar-wai, Wim Wenders is no stranger to arthouse cinema , and has worked as a filmmaker for more than 50 years now, developing and honing his singular style over the decades. He specializes in making road movies and character-focused dramas, which does ultimately ensure Until the End of the World stands out within his filmography, what with it being a nearly five-hour epic and also a work of science fiction.

Sure, Until the End of the Worl d is also a road movie, and there are long stretches of the film where narrative is de-emphasized over characters. But the film does also have fascinating insights into technology and its complex relationship with humanity , giving viewers the best of both worlds when it comes to Wenders, given this retains the feel of an exciting and introspective road movie while also having a grand, international scope as it additionally plays around with various sci-fi concepts.

3 'Brazil' (1985)

Director: terry gilliam.

A comedic science fiction film that’s also incredibly dark, sometimes disturbing, and always very satirical, Brazil sees filmmaker Terry Gilliam at his most uncompromising and compelling. The main character in Brazil is thrown into a nightmarish situation where dreams and reality collide, his life spiraling out of control thanks to mistaken identities, endless red tape, bureaucratic nonsense, and a futuristic world that’s seemingly gone mad.

Viewers who don’t mind the intense and borderline overwhelming nightmarish atmosphere of Brazil will likely find it thrilling and intriguing in equal measure. As far as arthouse sci-fi movies go, it might still downplay those arthouse qualities a little compared to the really strange stuff , but taken on its own and assessed as a sci-fi movie, Brazil is still plenty weird and distinctive, all the while being unlike much else out there.

2 'Under the Skin' (2013)

Director: jonathan glazer.

Though it’s still fairly recent in the overall scheme of things, Under the Skin already feels like it could rank among the greatest science fiction films of all time . It’s even easier to argue that it’s one of the oddest and most unsettling sci-fi movies released during the 21st century so far, following a mysterious alien lifeform that disguises itself as a woman and hunts various men, seducing them and then doing something truly alien – and hard to even describe – to them.

It's an odd film that feels incredibly arthouse, understandably thrilling and blowing away some viewers while leaving others perplexed and frustrated . However you end up feeling about the film, it’s hard to deny the boldness of Under the Skin and the unique way it’s presented. And, for better or worse, few films about alien lifeforms have ever felt quite this alien and inhuman.

Under the Skin

1 'stalker' (1979).

For as good as Solaris was, Andrei Tarkovsky’s Stalker tends to be held up as the filmmaker’s greatest achievement, and indeed, it’s also one that could count itself among the greatest arthouse films ever made . It follows three men who go on a dangerous mission to locate a strange area called the Zone, intrigued and drawn to it – despite the risks – because it’s said to grant wishes to anyone who’s able to locate it.

Stalker unfolds slowly and surely, always something of a destination/end-point in mind, even though it’s never easy to work out how the film and its characters are going to get there… nor what specifically is waiting at the end of it all. Along the way, Tarkovsky uses the film to ponder aspects of human nature, investigate desire, and work out what keeps people searching for meaning in a harsh and confusing world . It’s haunting, understated, and engrossing, overall feeling like a classic, no matter how you specifically want to define it genre-wise.

NEXT: Great Movies That Didn’t Receive a Single Oscar Nomination

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Welcome to the captivating realm of films that challenge conventions, play with form and substance, and provoke discussion. Our expertly-curated Ranker list serves as your guide to the best controversial experimental films that captivated the audience and redefined cinematic storytelling. Wielded by visionary directors, these films push the boundaries, disrupt common tropes, and invoke powerful reactions. 

Rooted in an experimental and provocative ethos, these films are loaded with unique narrative styles, expressive visual language, and characters that defy the mainstream cinema. From surreal dreamscapes to disquieting realities, the chosen films encapsulate a wide range of topics and themes, making this a versatile list that caters to diverse tastes. 

Compare films and dive into the nuances by leveraging our user-friendly interface. Learn about each film's vivid descriptions, key cast members, and notable facts. Enrich your movie watching experience and engage in enlightening conversations as you explore the world of controversial experimental cinema.

Gain instant access to your preferred films with our integrated streaming service buttons. Whether you are a subscriber of Netflix, Disney+, Max, Hulu, Paramount+, or Amazon Prime, our website offers seamless navigation to your streaming platform of choice. Each film entry harbors clickable buttons redirecting to the movie on the above-mentioned platforms, ready to be streamed at your convenience.

Revel in the rich diversity this list offers, from psychological dramas to outlandish horror, each film's distinct style and daring narrative brings something new to the table. Connect with the Ranker community, gather insights, and join the ongoing debate on these ground-breaking films. 

Our Ranker list stands as a testament to cinema's transformative power. Unveiling stories that stay with the audience, these controversial experimental films beckon to the curious and the adventurous. Join others in discovering unexplored cinematic territory and find your next watching experience here on Ranker. Delve deeper, explore further, and embrace the power of experimental films.

Seven Servants

Seven Servants is a masterclass in experimental cinema that effortlessly melds together unconventional storytelling techniques with striking visual aesthetics to create an unparalleled viewing experience. The film's intricate story structure challenges traditional notions of linear storytelling, taking viewers on an immersive journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. Its breathtaking cinematography further accentuates the captivating atmosphere created by this remarkable piece of artistry. Combining these elements with thought-provoking themes exploring power dynamics and human relationships, Seven Servants truly transcends cinematic norms to stand as an extraordinary example of innovative filmmaking.

• Released : 1996
• Directed by : Daryush Shokof

Flushers is an avant-garde masterpiece that skillfully pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling and filmmaking techniques. This experimental gem showcases a bold vision, utilizing daring themes and innovative visual styles to challenge viewers' perception of cinema. With its striking imagery and unconventional story structure, Flushers takes audiences on a surreal journey through uncharted territories, constantly defying expectations while leaving an indelible mark on the world of film. The groundbreaking directorial approach ensures that this enigmatic work stands as a testament to the limitless potential for artistic expression within the medium.

• Released : 2013

Breathful is an enthralling tour de force in experimental cinema that successfully marries exceptional visual innovation with audacious thematic explorations. The film's distinct style lends itself to a hypnotic viewing experience, as viewers are drawn into the labyrinthine story that defies traditional expectations. The daring directorial choices and sublime cinematography create an unparalleled atmosphere of intrigue, ensuring that Breathful remains a fascinating example of boundary-pushing cinema. This artistic triumph is sure to captivate film aficionados and casual viewers alike with its unyielding ambition and visionary execution.

• Released : 2007

Asudem presents an intriguing amalgamation of visceral horror elements and provocative thematic underpinnings. This visionary piece redefines genre conventions by employing cutting-edge visual styles and story devices to create an immersive experience like no other. Through its evocative blend of nightmarish imagery, disturbing symbolism, and thoughtfully constructed plotlines, Asudem offers a startling exploration into the darkest recesses of human nature. With its unrelenting intensity and masterful filmmaking prowess, this standout work leaves a lasting impact on viewers long after the credits have rolled.

• Released : 2006

An Andalusian Dog

An Andalusian Dog remains an undisputed classic within the realm of experimental cinema, boasting an impressive legacy that continues to inspire filmmakers today. As one of the earliest examples of surrealist film, this groundbreaking masterpiece effortlessly blurs the lines between reality and fantasy through its dreamlike imagery and unconventional story structure. Its provocative themes exploring human desire, fear, and obsession are expertly woven throughout each frame, sustaining a palpable tension that leaves viewers enthralled long after their initial viewing experience has ended. Timeless in its avant-garde vision, An Andalusian Dog undeniably remains an essential piece within any cinephile's collection.

• Released : 1929
• Directed by : Luis Buñuel

The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie

The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie stands tall as a groundbreaking entry in experimental cinema, thanks to its inventive blend of biting social commentary and surreal storytelling techniques. This acclaimed work showcases masterful craftsmanship in both its screenplay and visual presentation, resulting in an unforgettable cinematic journey that keeps viewers riveted from start to finish. With its subversive exploration of bourgeois society's hypocrisies and contradictions, this scathing satire delves deep into the human psyche while challenging long-held societal norms. The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie undoubtedly serves as a shining example of experimental filmmaking at its finest.

• Released : 1972

Eraserhead is widely regarded as a seminal work within the annals of experimental filmmaking history due in large part to David Lynch's singular vision and artful execution. This surrealistic nightmare masterfully combines vivid imagery with a hauntingly atmospheric soundtrack, creating an immersive experience that delves deep into the anxieties of parenthood and modern life. The film's innovative story structure and striking visual design ensure that it remains as captivating today as when it first made waves in the cinematic world. A bold testament to the power of imagination, Eraserhead continues to captivate audiences with its otherworldly allure.

• Released : 1977
• Directed by : David Lynch

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La Jetée stands as a shining example of experimental cinema's limitless potential, combining groundbreaking storytelling techniques with awe-inspiring visual innovation. Comprised entirely of still images, this avant-garde masterpiece skillfully utilizes unconventional methods to weave a complex story exploring themes of time travel, memory, and human existence. Its haunting atmosphere is further accentuated by a masterful use of sound design, ensuring that La Jetée remains an enduring classic within the realm of experimental film. With its imaginative approach and thought-provoking themes, this landmark work serves as an inspiration for filmmakers seeking to break new ground in cinematic storytelling.

• Released : 1962
• Directed by : Chris Marker

Tetsuo: The Iron Man

Tetsuo: The Iron Man is indisputably one of the most iconic entries within experimental cinema history thanks to its distinctive visual style and uncompromising thematic exploration. This cyberpunk cult classic pushes boundaries with its raw portrayal of urban decay, violence, and humanity's relationship with technology while employing inventive filmmaking techniques that challenge traditional expectations. Its frenetic pace and visceral imagery combine to create an unforgettable experience that has left an indelible mark on both genre cinema and experimental film alike. For those seeking a thrilling and daring cinematic journey into uncharted territory, look no further than Tetsuo: The Iron Man .

• Released : 1989
• Directed by : Shinya Tsukamoto

Pierrot le Fou

Pierrot le Fou is widely celebrated as Jean-Luc Godard's magnum opus within experimental cinema, seamlessly blending his signature stylistic flair with a thought-provoking exploration of love, politics, and art. The film's unconventional story structure keeps viewers captivated from start to finish while showcasing Godard's mastery over visual storytelling techniques such as jump cuts, handheld camera work, and bold color palettes. Pierrot le Fou ultimately serves as a prime example of the French New Wave movement's indelible impact on cinematic history while standing tall among experimental cinema classics.

• Released : 1965
• Directed by : Jean-Luc Godard

Man with a Movie Camera

Man with a Movie Camera represents not just an important milestone in experimental cinema but also a groundbreaking achievement in documentary filmmaking. This non-story visual symphony employs innovative directorial techniques and masterful editing to showcase the bustling everyday life of a city while simultaneously exploring the relationship between man and machine. Its impact on future generations of filmmakers cannot be overstated, as Man with a Movie Camera's revolutionary approach to storytelling continues to resonate within the world of contemporary cinema. A true testament to creativity and artistic vision, this avant-garde masterpiece remains essential viewing for cinephiles and casual film enthusiasts alike.

• Directed by : Dziga Vertov

Koyaanisqatsi

Koyaanisqatsi is undoubtedly one of the most important works in experimental cinema, functioning as a mesmerizing visual poem that explores humanity's impact on the natural environment through stunning images and an evocative score by Philip Glass. This unique cinematic experience transcends traditional story structures, focusing instead on conveying its powerful themes through artful cinematography and expertly crafted montages. Imbued with a sense of both wonder and urgency, Koyaanisqatsi remains an enduring reminder of our connection to the Earth and our responsibility as stewards of its delicate balance.

• Released : 1982
• Directed by : Godfrey Reggio

The Color of Pomegranates

The Color of Pomegranates reigns supreme as one of the most visually arresting entries within experimental cinema history, offering a feast for the senses with its breathtaking cinematography, lush color palette, and evocative imagery. This poetic biopic of Armenian troubadour Sayat-Nova draws upon rich cultural symbolism to weave an intricate tapestry exploring themes such as spirituality, love, and artistic expression. The film's innovative structure and director Sergei Parajanov's keen attention to detail ensure that The Color of Pomegranates remains a vital contribution to the experimental film canon.

• Released : 1968
• Directed by : Sergei Parajanov

Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me

Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me serves as both a prequel to David Lynch's iconic television series "Twin Peaks" and an engrossing entry within experimental cinema in its own right. The film delves deeper into the dark undercurrents of the titular town, exploring themes of violence, duality, and otherworldly forces that remain a hallmark of Lynch's oeuvre. Its surreal visuals and enthralling story structure contribute to an immersive atmosphere that keeps viewers on edge until the very end. As a vital extension of the Twin Peaks universe and a showcase for Lynch's experimental filmmaking prowess, Fire Walk With Me remains a must-see for fans of all film genres.

• Released : 1992

Pi is an outstanding entry within experimental cinema that finds writer-director Darren Aronofsky deftly combining elements of psychological drama, existentialism, and mathematical mysticism to create an unforgettable viewing experience. The film follows a paranoid mathematician as he uncovers hidden patterns in numbers with potentially world-altering implications. Shot in high-contrast black-and-white with dizzying camera work and innovative editing techniques, Pi represents an impressive debut from Aronofsky that showcases his mastery over visual storytelling while expertly exploring deep philosophical themes.

• Released : 1998
• Directed by : Darren Aronofsky

Begotten is an undeniably polarizing entry within experimental cinema due in large part to its stark visual style and provocative thematic explorations. This avant-garde horror opus employs grainy, high-contrast black-and-white visuals to depict a nightmarish landscape imbued with symbolism and mystique. Its haunting atmosphere is further enhanced by a minimalist soundtrack that keeps viewers fully immersed within the world created by writer-director E. Elias Merhige. Challenging yet rewarding in equal measure, Begotten ultimately serves as an unforgettable example of experimental filmmaking at its most audacious.

• Released : 1991
• Directed by : E. Elias Merhige

The Last of England

The Last of England is a powerful work within experimental cinema that stands as director Derek Jarman's visceral response to the social upheaval experienced during 1980s Britain. Incorporating found footage alongside newly filmed segments featuring symbolic imagery reflecting themes such as decay, rebellion, and loss, this impressionistic journey offers viewers a captivating meditation on national identity in times of crisis. With its uncompromising vision and evocative visuals, The Last of England remains an enduring example of Jarman's mastery within the realm of experimental filmmaking.

• Released : 1987
• Directed by : Derek Jarman

Inland Empire

Inland Empire stands as a testament to David Lynch's unyielding dedication to pushing boundaries in experimental cinema. This sprawling, three-hour odyssey delves deep into themes such as identity, dream logic, and Hollywood's dark underbelly while showcasing Lynch's signature blend of surreal imagery and atmospheric sound design. Employing groundbreaking digital filmmaking techniques that lend a distinctively raw visual style to the piece, Inland Empire represents a daring artistic departure for Lynch while simultaneously affirming his mastery over the medium.

El Topo is a pioneering work within experimental cinema that combines elements of Westerns and Eastern mysticism with visually arresting imagery to create an unforgettable cinematic experience. Writer-director Alejandro Jodorowsky infuses this avant-garde masterpiece with dense symbolism exploring themes such as spirituality, violence, and redemption while offering viewers a hallucinatory journey unlike any other in film history. Regarded as one of the first "midnight movies" due to its cult following during late-night screenings at New York City's Elgin Theater, El Topo remains essential viewing for fans of both experimental cinema and genre-defying artistry.

• Released : 1970
• Directed by : Alejandro Jodorowsky

The Testament of Orpheus

The Testament of Orpheus is a mesmerizing entry within experimental cinema that deftly combines stunning visuals, surreal storytelling techniques, and deeply philosophical themes exploring man's relationship with art. As the final installment in Jean Cocteau's Orphic Trilogy , this enigmatic film serves as both a capstone to his body of work and a brilliant exploration into the intersection between reality and fantasy. Simultaneously poetic and self-reflexive in its execution, The Testament of Orpheus remains an important milestone within experimental filmmaking history that continues to inspire artists across multiple disciplines.

• Released : 1960
• Directed by : Jean Cocteau

Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives

Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives is a spellbinding entry within experimental cinema that transports viewers into a dreamlike realm filled with mythical creatures, spiritual exploration, and meditations on the nature of existence. Winner of the prestigious Palme d'Or at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival, this masterful work effortlessly weaves together elements of magical realism with traditional Thai folklore to create an atmospheric experience that lingers in the minds of viewers long after their initial introduction to this enchanting world. With its captivating visual style and thoughtfully constructed story, Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives stands as an exceptional example of contemporary experimental cinema.

• Released : 2010
• Directed by : Apichatpong Weerasethakul

Last Year at Marienbad

Last Year at Marienbad is a seminal entry within experimental cinema due in large part to Alain Resnais's masterful direction and innovative story structure. This enigmatic film challenges viewers' perceptions of time, memory, and the human experience by weaving together multiple storylines that blur the line between reality and illusion. Its stunning visuals and evocative atmosphere add further depth to this labyrinthine journey through the mindscape of its characters. As a shining example of the French New Wave movement, Last Year at Marienbad remains an enduring classic within experimental filmmaking.

• Released : 1961
• Directed by : Alain Resnais

Performance

Performance represents a bold and innovative foray into experimental cinema that continues to captivate audiences with its daring story structure, striking visual aesthetics, and thought-provoking themes. Co-directed by Donald Cammell and Nicolas Roeg, this groundbreaking work charts new territory within the realm of crime films while expertly delving into concepts such as identity, duality, and the transformative power of art. Boasting standout performances from James Fox and Mick Jagger in their respective roles as an enforcer and reclusive rock musician, Performance remains essential viewing for fans of both experimental cinema and classic British filmmaking.

• Directed by : Donald Cammell

My Winnipeg

My Winnipeg is a fascinating entry within experimental cinema that seamlessly combines elements of documentary filmmaking, autobiography, and surrealistic storytelling techniques to explore director Guy Maddin's complex relationship with his hometown. This evocative journey through memory and myth offers viewers an immersive glimpse into both the personal and cultural aspects of life in Winnipeg while showcasing Maddin's unique artistic vision. With its striking visuals and introspective themes, My Winnipeg stands as an essential work within contemporary experimental cinema.

• Directed by : Guy Maddin

Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story

Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story represents a unique foray into experimental cinema that employs unconventional storytelling methods to explore themes such as celebrity, addiction, and media manipulation. Director Todd Haynes utilizes Barbie dolls in place of live actors to recount the tragic story of pop singer Karen Carpenter's battle with anorexia nervosa. This enigmatic film examines societal expectations surrounding body image while offering a haunting meditation on the darker aspects of fame. As an early example of Haynes' innovative approach to filmmaking, Superstar remains an important milestone within experimental cinema history.

• Directed by : Todd Haynes

Poison is an audacious work within experimental cinema that combines three disparate storys spanning various time periods and genres to examine themes such as desire, fear, and societal taboos. Writer-director Todd Haynes employs inventive storytelling methods using both nonlinear plot structures and groundbreaking visual techniques to create an immersive atmosphere filled with intrigue and tension. With its daring exploration of controversial subject matter and artful execution, Poison remains an essential piece within any experimental film enthusiast's collection.

Meshes of the Afternoon

Meshes of the Afternoon is widely regarded as one of experimental cinema's foundational works thanks to its innovative blending of surrealist imagery and avant-garde story techniques. This influential short film by Maya Deren and Alexander Hammid immerses viewers within a dreamlike atmosphere filled with recurring motifs, symbolism, and psychological underpinnings. Heralded for its groundbreaking approach to visual storytelling that would later influence filmmakers such as David Lynch and Stan Brakhage, Meshes of the Afternoon remains an essential piece within any cinephile's collection.

• Released : 1943
• Directed by : Maya Deren, Alexandr Hackenschmied

The Element of Crime

The Element of Crime is an enthralling entry within experimental cinema that finds visionary director Lars von Trier deftly combining elements of film noir with philosophical meditations on human nature, crime, and redemption. This visually stunning work employs a distinct color palette dominated by sepia tones to create an atmospheric backdrop for its labyrinthine exploration into the psyche of a detective tasked with solving a series of murders. With its innovative story structure and thought-provoking themes, The Element of Crime remains an enduring classic within both genre cinema and experimental filmmaking.

• Released : 1984
• Directed by : Lars von Trier

Sunless is a groundbreaking entry within experimental cinema that combines elements of documentary filmmaking with dreamlike imagery to create an immersive exploration into memory, history, and human experience. Writer-director Chris Marker masterfully weaves together stunning visuals from various locations around the globe alongside thought-provoking voiceover narration in this captivating meditation on time's passage and collective consciousness. Sunless remains a vital contribution to both documentary and experimental film genres due in large part to its artful execution and timeless themes.

• Released : 1983

Gummo is a deeply affecting entry within experimental cinema that serves as both writer-director Harmony Korine's debut feature and a stark portrait of rural American life on the fringes. Employing nontraditional story structures and strikingly raw visuals, this provocative work delves into themes such as alienation, poverty, and the transient nature of human existence. With its unflinching examination of society's underbelly and commitment to innovative filmmaking techniques, Gummo remains an essential piece for fans of boundary-pushing cinema.

• Released : 1997
• Directed by : Harmony Korine

The Saddest Music in the World

The Saddest Music in the World is a dazzling example of experimental cinema that showcases director Guy Maddin's signature blend of melodrama, surrealism, and visually sumptuous aesthetics. Set during the Great Depression in a fictionalized Winnipeg, this inventive work tells the story of a beer baroness who sponsors a contest to find the world's most melancholy music. With its innovative story structure and atmospheric visuals, The Saddest Music in the World remains an unforgettable viewing experience for fans of both avant-garde cinema and darkly comic storytelling.

• Released : 2003

Black Moon is a daring foray into experimental cinema from renowned French filmmaker Louis Malle that captivates viewers with its dreamlike imagery, allegorical story structure, and provocative exploration into societal norms surrounding gender roles and power dynamics. This enigmatic film immerses audiences within a fantastical world fraught with symbolism as it follows the journey of a young woman who finds herself traversing a post-apocalyptic landscape inhabited by strange creatures and an enigmatic family engaged in their own psychological battles. With its innovative storytelling methods and visually arresting aesthetics, Black Moon remains an essential work within the canon of experimental cinema.

• Released : 1975
• Directed by : Louis Malle

Gelateria is an intriguing entry within experimental cinema that pushes boundaries with its innovative story structure and thought-provoking exploration into themes such as memory, loss, and human connections. This visually stunning film employs surrealistic imagery alongside expertly crafted sound design to create an immersive atmosphere that keeps viewers enthralled from start to finish. As it delves deep into the complexities of human relationships and our ever-evolving understanding of reality itself, Gelateria remains an essential work for fans of avant-garde filmmaking.

• Released : 2019
• Directed by : Arthur Patching & Christian Serritiello

Cowards Bend the Knee

Cowards Bend the Knee is an engrossing entry within experimental cinema that showcases director Guy Maddin's signature blend of visual innovation, melodramatic storytelling, and darkly comic sensibilities. This silent film-inspired work tells the tale of a hockey player entangled in a web of family secrets, revenge, and betrayal while exploring themes such as desire, guilt, and human frailty. With its striking visuals and captivating story structure, Cowards Bend the Knee stands as yet another testament to Maddin's prowess as one of contemporary cinema's most imaginative filmmakers.

Franz Kafka's It's a Wonderful Life

Franz Kafka's It's a Wonderful Life is a delightful foray into experimental cinema that combines elements of absurdist comedy with literary adaptation to create a unique viewing experience centered on famed author Franz Kafka struggling to complete his seminal work The Metamorphosis . This Academy Award-winning short film from writer-director Peter Capaldi employs innovative storytelling techniques alongside whimsical visuals to explore themes such as creativity, existentialism, and the transformative power of art. With its captivating blend of humor and introspection, Franz Kafka's It's a Wonderful Life remains a standout example of experimental filmmaking at its most imaginative.

• Released : 1993
• Directed by : Peter Capaldi

Cremaster 3

Cremaster 3 is an ambitious entry within experimental cinema that serves as the final installment in Matthew Barney's visually stunning and conceptually dense "Cremaster Cycle." This enigmatic work utilizes surrealistic imagery, elaborate set pieces, and unconventional story structure to explore themes such as creation, destruction, and transformation while presenting viewers with an immersive journey through time and space. With its unique blending of performance art, sculpture, and filmic techniques, Cremaster 3 remains an essential entry within the experimental film canon that challenges viewers' perceptions of both art and cinema itself.

• Released : 2002
• Directed by : Matthew Barney
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The 50 Greatest Science Fiction Movies of All Time

About this gallery:

For this gallery, we focus on the science fiction genre: that strange blend of philosophy and technology that makes us question certain ethical issues. Therefore, no space operas like Star Wars (remember, if someone tells you that Star Wars is their favorite science fiction movie, don’t trust that person).

We also focus only on live-action films, as animated ones could have their own list. We also decided not to include more than one movie from the same franchise (we could have easily included all the Alien or Blade Runner films). And remember that every ranking list is subjective. If you think we missed one, leave us a comment! | © A24

50. Equilibrium (2002)

Equilibrium , directed by Kurt Wimmer, is a dystopian action film that combines elements of science fiction with high-octane martial arts sequences. Set in a future where emotions are suppressed through mandatory medication to maintain societal control, the film explores themes of conformity, rebellion, and the human spirit.

While it draws heavily from other dystopian works like 1984 and Fahrenheit 451 , Equilibrium distinguishes itself with its unique “Gun Kata” fighting style and a compelling narrative about the power of emotions and individual freedom. Despite some familiar tropes, the film has gained a cult following for its stylistic action and thought-provoking premise. | © Dimension Films

49. A Boy and His Dog (1975)

A Boy and His Dog , directed by L.Q. Jones, is a darkly humorous post-apocalyptic film that blends science fiction with black comedy. Based on the novella by Harlan Ellison, the film follows a young man and his telepathic dog as they navigate a desolate world after World War IV. It offers a satirical take on survival and the human condition, with a stark critique of post-apocalyptic society and its moral decay. With its blend of cynicism, wit, and a unique narrative voice, A Boy and His Dog stands out as a provocative and unconventional entry in the science fiction genre, and a clear inspiration for the Fallout videogames. | © LQ/JAF Productions

48. Logan's Run (1976)

Logan's Run , directed by Michael Anderson, is a quintessential 1970s sci-fi film that explores the dangers of a utopian society that imposes a mandatory death at age 30 to maintain balance and control. The film’s imaginative depiction of a futuristic world, complete with hedonistic pleasures and hidden horrors, critiques the quest for eternal youth and societal complacency.

Though some of its effects and aesthetics may feel dated, Logan's Run remains a thought-provoking exploration of rebellion, freedom, and the search for truth beyond manufactured reality. | © MGM

47. Upstream Color (2013)

Upstream Color , directed by Shane Carruth, is an experimental science fiction film that delves into themes of identity, connection, and the cycles of life. Known for its non-linear storytelling and abstract narrative, the film challenges viewers to interpret its complex exploration of mind control and symbiosis.

Carruth’s use of visuals, sound, and symbolism creates a unique and immersive cinematic experience that goes beyond traditional sci-fi storytelling. Upstream Color stands out for its artistic ambition and its willingness to push the boundaries of what science fiction can explore, especially in the realm of human consciousness and interconnectedness. | © ERBP

46. The War of the Worlds (1953)

The War of the Worlds , directed by Byron Haskin, is a seminal science fiction film that adapts H.G. Wells’ classic novel about a Martian invasion of Earth. Known for its groundbreaking special effects and its intense depiction of an alien apocalypse, the film captures the fears of the Cold War era, reflecting anxieties about invasion and existential threats.

Its use of Technicolor and innovative sound design helped set the standard for future alien invasion films. The War of the Worlds remains a foundational work in science fiction, celebrated for its impact on the genre and its enduring narrative of humanity’s struggle against the unknown. | © Paramount Pictures

45. The Time Traveler's Wife (2009) -

If I had a nickle for every time Rachel McAdams played a woman married to a man who can travel trough time, I would have 2 nickles. Which is not a lot, but it is weird that it happened twice, right?

And although we love About Time , we have to choose The Time Traveler's Wife, a romantic science fiction film that explores the complexities of love and fate through the lens of time travel. Based on the novel by Audrey Niffenegger, the film focuses on the relationship between a man who involuntarily travels through time and the woman who loves him despite his uncontrollable condition.

While it leans heavily on its romantic elements, the film raises intriguing questions about predestination, free will, and the challenges of maintaining a relationship across different timelines. The Time Traveler's Wife stands out for its emotional depth and its unique take on time travel as a narrative device for exploring human connections. | © Plan B Entertainment

44. Alphaville (1965)

Alphaville , directed by Jean-Luc Godard, is a groundbreaking film that merges science fiction with film noir aesthetics and avant-garde cinema. Set in a dystopian future where emotion and poetry are forbidden by a totalitarian supercomputer, the film critiques the dehumanization caused by technological control and blind rationality.

Godard’s use of stark black-and-white cinematography, surreal imagery, and philosophical dialogue challenges conventional genre boundaries. Alphaville is celebrated for its bold stylistic choices and its exploration of themes related to individuality, freedom, and the conflict between logic and emotion. | © Athos Films

43. Tron (1982)

Tron , directed by Steven Lisberger, is a pioneering film that introduced audiences to the concept of virtual reality and the digital world long before it became a common theme in science fiction. The film follows a computer programmer who is transported into a digital universe and must navigate a world controlled by a tyrannical AI.

Its innovative use of computer-generated imagery (CGI) and groundbreaking visual effects paved the way for future explorations of cyberspace in cinema. Despite its straightforward narrative, Tron is a visually iconic film that has had a lasting influence on the depiction of digital worlds and virtual environments in science fiction. | © Walt Disney Productions

42. Predestination (2014)

Predestination , directed by the Spierig Brothers, is a mind-bending science fiction film that intricately weaves time travel with themes of identity, fate, and self-discovery. Based on Robert A. Heinlein’s short story "—All You Zombies—", the film follows a temporal agent tasked with stopping a terrorist, but its narrative takes unexpected turns that challenge the viewer’s understanding of causality and existence.

With its clever use of paradoxes and a strong central performance by Ethan Hawke, Predestination stands out for its bold exploration of time loops and the philosophical implications of predestination versus free will, making it a standout entry in the time-travel subgenre. | © Pinnacle Films / Sony Pictures Worldwide

41. Timecrimes (2007)

Timecrimes , directed by Nacho Vigalondo, is a clever and tightly plotted time-travel thriller that explores the paradoxes and unintended consequences of meddling with time. The film's low-budget, minimalist approach emphasizes storytelling over spectacle, focusing on the psychological tension and moral dilemmas faced by its protagonist as he becomes trapped in a loop of his own making.

With its innovative narrative and tight pacing, Timecrimes stands out for its ability to turn a seemingly simple concept into a complex, mind-bending experience that keeps viewers guessing until the end. | © Karbo Vantas Entertainment

40. Starship Troopers (1997)

Starship Troopers , directed by Paul Verhoeven, is a satirical take on militarism, fascism, and propaganda wrapped in the guise of a bombastic sci-fi action film. The film’s futuristic setting, where humanity is at war with a race of giant alien insects, provides a backdrop for its critique of blind patriotism and authoritarianism.

Through its over-the-top violence, sleek special effects, and satirical tone, Starship Troopers deconstructs the glorification of war, making it a subversive and thought-provoking piece that cleverly uses science fiction to comment on society. | © TriStar Pictures

39. They Live (1988)

They Live , directed by John Carpenter, is a cult classic that combines science fiction with social commentary and a touch of horror. The film’s premise—a drifter discovers sunglasses that reveal the hidden alien control over society—serves as a biting critique of consumerism, media manipulation, and the power structures that govern society.

With its iconic one-liners and a memorable fight scene, They Live delivers its message with a blend of humor and dread. The film remains relevant for its exploration of the ways in which societal control can be hidden in plain sight. | © Universal Pictures

38. The Fifth Element (1997)

The Fifth Element , directed by Luc Besson, is a vibrant and visually stunning sci-fi adventure that blends action, comedy, and romance. Set in a futuristic world full of eccentric characters and dazzling special effects, the film explores themes of good versus evil through the story of a reluctant hero who must save the world.

Its unique aesthetic, imaginative world-building, and quirky characters have made it a beloved entry in science fiction cinema. The Fifth Element stands out for its bold visual style and its ability to balance epic storytelling with humor and heart. | © Gaumont

37. Coherence (2013)

Coherence , directed by James Ward Byrkit, is an inventive psychological thriller that uses science fiction to explore themes of reality, identity, and the multiverse. Set during a dinner party that spirals out of control after a comet passes by Earth, the film delves into quantum mechanics and parallel realities without relying on heavy special effects.

Its low-budget, character-driven narrative focuses on how ordinary people react to extraordinary, mind-bending events. Coherence stands out for its ability to create tension and intrigue using minimalist filmmaking techniques, proving that great science fiction can be made with limited resources. | © Oscilloscope Laboratories

36. Primer (2004)

Primer , directed by Shane Carruth, is an ultra-low-budget indie film that takes a cerebral approach to the concept of time travel. Known for its complex narrative and realistic portrayal of scientific discovery, the film delves into the technical and ethical ramifications of time manipulation.

Its dense dialogue, nonlinear storytelling, and minimalist style challenge viewers to piece together the puzzle-like plot. Primer is celebrated for its commitment to intellectual rigor, making it a favorite among fans of hard science fiction who appreciate its uncompromising approach to time-travel theory. | © THINKFilm

35. Videodrome (1983)

Videodrome , directed by David Cronenberg, is a disturbing and provocative exploration of technology, media, and the nature of reality. The film follows a television executive who becomes obsessed with a mysterious broadcast signal that induces violent hallucinations, serving as a metaphor for society's addiction to media and its dehumanizing effects.

Cronenberg's signature body horror elements are used to question the boundaries between reality and virtual reality, making Videodrome a deeply unsettling and intellectually stimulating entry in science fiction. Its exploration of technology’s impact on the human psyche remains hauntingly relevant. | © Universal Pictures

34. The Fly (1986)

The Fly , another masterpiece from David Cronenberg, is a potent mix of science fiction and horror that explores the consequences of scientific hubris. The film tells the story of a scientist who becomes his own experiment's victim when a teleportation mishap causes him to merge with a fly at the genetic level.

The Fly uses its grotesque transformation scenes as a metaphor for disease, aging, and the fragility of human existence. It remains a powerful exploration of body horror and the darker side of scientific curiosity, grounded by strong performances and emotional depth. | © 20th Century Fox

33. Dark City (1998)

Dark City , directed by Alex Proyas, is a visually stunning neo-noir science fiction film that blends existential themes with a gripping mystery. The film’s premise, in which an amnesiac protagonist discovers a city controlled by mysterious beings who manipulate time and memory, serves as a commentary on identity and free will.

Its striking visual style, reminiscent of German Expressionism, and its exploration of reality manipulation make it a unique entry in science fiction. Dark City is celebrated for its atmospheric world-building and thought-provoking narrative, which challenges the nature of reality and self. | © New Line Cinema

32. The Thing (1982)

The Thing , directed by John Carpenter, is a science fiction horror classic that masterfully combines paranoia, isolation, and extraterrestrial terror. Set in an Antarctic research station, the film explores themes of trust and survival as a shape-shifting alien parasite invades the crew.

Its groundbreaking practical effects and claustrophobic atmosphere create an intense sense of dread, making it a high point in both horror and science fiction. The Thing remains a benchmark for tension-building and creature design, and its exploration of the unknown and the fear of the other continues to resonate. | © Universal Pictures

31. RoboCop (1987)

RoboCop is a classic of 1980s science fiction that combines action, satire, and dystopian themes. Directed by Paul Verhoeven, the film explores themes of corporate control, privatization, and the loss of humanity through its story of a police officer who is transformed into a cyborg law enforcer.

Its biting social commentary and imaginative vision of a crime-ridden, near-future Detroit are complemented by its memorable blend of dark humor and intense action. RoboCop remains a landmark in science fiction for its ability to balance entertainment with sharp political critique. | © Orion Pictures

30. Sunshine (2007)

Sunshine is a visually stunning and psychologically intense science fiction film that delves into themes of survival, sacrifice, and the unknown. Directed by Danny Boyle, the film follows a group of astronauts on a mission to reignite the dying sun, confronting both physical and psychological challenges.

The film's tension and sense of impending doom are enhanced by its spectacular visuals and a haunting score. Sunshine stands out for its blend of hard science fiction and existential reflection, creating an atmospheric and thought-provoking narrative that explores humanity's relationship with the cosmos. | © Fox Searchlight Pictures

29. Minority Report (2002)

Minority Report , directed by Steven Spielberg, is a thought-provoking science fiction thriller that explores themes of free will, privacy, and the ethics of preemptive justice. Based on a story by Philip K. Dick, the film presents a dystopian future where a specialized police unit uses precognitive technology to prevent crimes before they happen. Its slick visual style, futuristic technology, and moral dilemmas make it a compelling exploration of the implications of technological advancement on society and individual rights.

Minority Report remains a standout for its combination of action, mystery, and philosophical inquiry. | © 20th Century Fox / DreamWorks Pictures

28. The Prestige (2006)

While often categorized as a thriller, The Prestige incorporates significant science fiction elements, particularly with its exploration of Tesla's experiments and the boundaries of scientific discovery. Remember, guys: It doesn't have to be from the future to be classified as a science fiction movie.

Directed by Christopher Nolan, the film follows two rival magicians whose obsession with outdoing each other leads to a deadly game of deception and sacrifice. The inclusion of speculative science, such as the idea of cloning and teleportation, adds a unique twist to the narrative, making The Prestige a fascinating exploration of obsession, ethics, and the cost of ambition. | © Warner Bros.

27. District 9 (2009)

District 9 , directed by Neill Blomkamp, is a fresh and socially conscious take on the alien invasion genre, blending science fiction with a stark critique of apartheid and xenophobia. Set in a slum-like district of Johannesburg, where extraterrestrials are segregated and oppressed, the film uses the sci-fi setting to explore themes of racism, segregation, and humanity's capacity for cruelty.

Its documentary-style approach, combined with powerful visual effects and a compelling narrative, makes District 9 a standout film that uses science fiction to reflect on real-world social issues. | © TriStar Pictures

26. Tenet (2020)

Christopher Nolan's Tenet is a bold and ambitious exploration of time manipulation that challenges viewers with its complex narrative structure and high-concept science fiction. The film introduces the concept of "inversion," where time flows backward for certain objects and individuals, creating a unique take on time travel.

With its intricate plot, impressive action sequences, and thought-provoking ideas about causality and entropy, Tenet pushes the boundaries of traditional science fiction storytelling. While it demands attentive viewing, its innovative approach makes it a notable entry in the genre. | © Warner Bros.

25. Moon (2009)

Moon , directed by Duncan Jones, is a minimalist science fiction film that explores themes of identity, isolation, and corporate exploitation. Set on a lunar base, the film follows a lone worker who discovers disturbing truths about his existence.

With its claustrophobic setting and a powerful performance by Sam Rockwell, Moon creates a deeply human story that questions what it means to be alive and the ethics of cloning and corporate greed. Its introspective nature and emotional depth make it a standout in contemporary science fiction. | © Sony Pictures Classics

24. Looper (2012)

Looper , directed by Rian Johnson, is a smart, inventive time-travel thriller that examines the consequences of one's actions and the nature of free will. The film’s premise involves hitmen ("loopers") who execute targets sent back from the future, creating a paradox that challenges both the characters and the audience.

By blending noir elements with speculative fiction, Looper provides a fresh take on time travel, characterized by its fast-paced narrative, strong performances, and moral complexity. It stands out as a thought-provoking and original entry in the genre. | © TriStar Pictures / FilmDistrict

23. Children of Men (2006)

Children of Men , directed by Alfonso Cuarón, is a dystopian masterpiece that combines science fiction with a deeply human story of hope and survival. Set in a future where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to global infertility, the film explores themes of immigration, societal collapse, and the power of hope.

Its innovative long takes, gritty realism, and powerful narrative create a compelling vision of a near-future dystopia. Children of Men is celebrated for its emotional impact and its exploration of the fragility of civilization. | © Universal Pictures

22. Metropolis (1927)

Metropolis , directed by Fritz Lang, is a pioneering science fiction film that set the standard for the genre with its grand vision of a futuristic dystopia. The film's portrayal of a city divided between the wealthy elite and oppressed workers serves as a critique of social inequality and the dehumanizing effects of industrialization.

With its groundbreaking special effects, innovative set design, and epic scope, Metropolis has had a profound influence on the aesthetics and themes of science fiction cinema. Its exploration of class struggle and the human condition continues to resonate nearly a century after its release. | © Universum Film (UFA)

21. Stalker (1979)

Stalker is a profound exploration of existential themes wrapped in a science fiction narrative. Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky, the film uses the idea of a mysterious "Zone" where the laws of physics do not apply to delve into questions about human desire, faith, and the search for meaning.

Its slow pacing, long takes, and philosophical dialogues make it a deeply introspective work that challenges viewers to contemplate the unknown. The "Zone" itself becomes a metaphor for the human mind, and the film's ambiguous nature invites endless interpretation, making Stalker a unique and thought-provoking piece of science fiction cinema. | © Mosfilm

20. Planet of the Apes (1968)

Planet of the Apes stands out as a landmark in science fiction for its sharp social commentary and twist ending that has since become iconic. The film uses a dystopian future where intelligent apes rule over humans to explore themes of race, class, and the fragility of human civilization.

Its allegorical narrative, combined with groundbreaking makeup and special effects, created a thought-provoking and entertaining experience that resonates with contemporary audiences. Planet of the Apes has become a classic that continues to influence and inspire discussions on human society and our place in the world. | © 20th Century Fox

19. Total Recall (1990)

Total Recall , directed by Paul Verhoeven, is a high-octane blend of action and science fiction that explores the nature of reality and identity. Based on Philip K. Dick's short story "We Can Remember It for You Wholesale," the film introduces the concept of memory implants and raises the question of what is real and what is fabricated.

With its mix of practical effects, thought-provoking concepts, and relentless pace, Total Recall remains a highly engaging and entertaining sci-fi thriller that challenges viewers to question the nature of their own reality. | © TriStar Pictures

18. Gattaca (1997)

Gattaca is a visionary work of speculative fiction that addresses themes of genetic engineering, eugenics, and the ethical dilemmas of a society obsessed with genetic perfection. Andrew Niccol’s film creates a dystopian world where one’s genetic profile dictates their fate, exploring the consequences of a society driven by technological determinism.

With its sleek, minimalist aesthetic and strong performances, Gattaca offers a compelling narrative about the human spirit's resilience against discrimination and predestination, making it a standout in science fiction cinema. | © Columbia Pictures

17. Annihilation (2018)

Annihilation is a haunting and visually arresting exploration of alien intelligence and human self-destruction. Directed by Alex Garland, the film blends psychological horror with science fiction, as a group of scientists ventures into an ever-changing, mysterious area known as "The Shimmer."

The film's ambiguous storytelling and stunning visuals create an eerie atmosphere that provokes deep questions about identity, change, and the unknown. Its bold approach to the sci-fi genre, combined with a focus on character psychology and transformation, makes Annihilation a modern classic. | © Paramount Pictures / Netflix

16. Donnie Darko (2001)

Donnie Darko is a cult classic that melds science fiction with psychological thriller elements, exploring themes of time travel, mental illness, and existential dread. Richard Kelly’s film presents a complex narrative involving a troubled teenager who experiences bizarre visions and learns of a potential apocalypse.

Its exploration of alternate realities and time loops, coupled with surreal imagery and a haunting atmosphere, has resonated with audiences, making Donnie Darko a beloved entry in the science fiction genre. | © Pandora Cinema / Newmarket Films

15. Her (2013)

Her is a touching and introspective science fiction romance that explores the evolving relationship between humans and artificial intelligence. Spike Jonze’s film delves into the emotional and ethical implications of AI through the story of a man who falls in love with his operating system.

Its sci-fi premise serves as a poignant metaphor for human connection, loneliness, and the nature of love in a digital age. With its futuristic yet grounded vision of AI, Her offers a fresh perspective on how technology impacts our emotions and relationships. | © Warner Bros.

14. Solaris (1972)

Andrei Tarkovsky's Solaris is a meditative science fiction film that examines the human psyche and the nature of reality. Adapted from Stanisław Lem’s novel, the film focuses on a space station orbiting a mysterious planet that can manifest the deepest fears and desires of its visitors.

Solaris challenges conventional sci-fi storytelling by prioritizing introspection and psychological depth over spectacle, making it a profound exploration of grief, memory, and the human soul. | © Mosfilm

13. Arrival (2016)

Arrival , directed by Denis Villeneuve, is a deeply intelligent science fiction film that revolves around language, time, and human connection. The film’s premise of a linguist attempting to communicate with an alien species serves as a springboard for exploring determinism, memory, and the limits of human perception.

Its non-linear narrative structure and strong emotional core provide a fresh take on first-contact scenarios, making Arrival a standout in modern science fiction. | © Paramount Pictures

12. Back to the Future (1985)

Back to the Future is a beloved science fiction adventure that uses time travel as a vehicle for both comedic and dramatic storytelling. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, the film’s engaging narrative, memorable characters, and innovative use of the time travel concept have made it a staple of the genre.

While it is lighthearted and entertaining, Back to the Future also explores themes of fate, family, and the consequences of altering the past, cementing its place as a timeless classic in science fiction cinema. | © Universal Pictures

11. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a standout in science fiction for its imaginative exploration of memory and identity. The film uses a speculative procedure to erase memories as a metaphor for lost love and emotional healing, posing deep questions about the value of memories in shaping who we are.

Michel Gondry’s visually inventive direction and Charlie Kaufman’s complex screenplay create a film that is both emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating, making it a unique and thought-provoking entry in the science fiction genre. | © Focus Features

10. Interstellar (2014)

Christopher Nolan's Interstellar stands as a towering achievement in science fiction, blending hard science with emotional storytelling. The film is grounded in real scientific theories, particularly those related to black holes, time dilation, and interstellar travel. With the assistance of physicist Kip Thorne, Nolan crafted a film that is both scientifically accurate and visually spectacular.

The science fiction elements are presented with a sense of wonder and authenticity, creating a space epic that examines humanity's quest for survival and the boundless possibilities of exploration. The film’s depiction of black holes and wormholes is not just speculative; it’s a visual and intellectual exploration that pushes the boundaries of what science fiction cinema can achieve. | © Paramount Pictures / Warner Bros.

9. 12 Monkeys (1995)

12 Monkeys is a compelling science fiction thriller that masterfully blends time travel with dystopian themes. The film’s unique narrative structure, which involves time loops and paradoxes, creates a sense of tension and unpredictability. It delves into the psychological effects of time travel and the unreliability of memory, which are core elements of its science fiction premise.

Terry Gilliam’s direction adds a surreal, almost dreamlike quality that underscores the film’s exploration of determinism and free will. 12 Monkeys is celebrated for its gritty, dystopian vision and its thought-provoking commentary on the human condition, making it a standout in time-travel science fiction. | © Universal Pictures

8. Inception (2010)

Inception revolutionized the science fiction genre with its concept of shared dreaming and the exploration of the subconscious. Christopher Nolan’s film presents a layered narrative structure where dreams within dreams are used as a canvas to explore human psychology, perception, and reality.

The science fiction aspect is deeply intertwined with the narrative, as the technology to manipulate and navigate dreams raises questions about the nature of reality and the power of the subconscious mind. Its groundbreaking visual effects, mind-bending plot twists, and philosophical undertones have established Inception as a modern science fiction classic that challenges the audience's understanding of what is real and what is imagined. | © Warner Bros.

7. Ex Machina (2014)

Ex Machina is a minimalist yet profoundly impactful exploration of artificial intelligence and the ethical dilemmas surrounding its creation. Alex Garland’s film focuses on the Turing Test, a concept rooted in real-world AI research, and takes it further by exploring consciousness, free will, and the morality of creation. The film's sleek, modern aesthetic and intense dialogue-driven narrative create an atmosphere of tension and intrigue.

By confining the story to a single, isolated setting, Ex Machina forces viewers to confront the ethical implications of AI development and the potential consequences of playing god, making it a thought-provoking contribution to the science fiction genre. | © A24

6. Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

Everything Everywhere All at Once is a recent addition to the science fiction canon that boldly explores the concept of the multiverse with a refreshing blend of humor, action, and philosophical depth. The film’s innovative use of parallel universes and alternate realities creates a unique storytelling canvas that allows for both absurd comedy and profound reflections on identity, purpose, and the human experience.

By using science fiction as a backdrop for a deeply personal story about family and self-acceptance, it breaks new ground in how genre films can be used to tell deeply human stories. The movie's kinetic energy, coupled with its thematic richness, makes it a standout in modern science fiction. | © A24

5. The Matrix (1999)

The Matrix is a groundbreaking science fiction film that explores the concept of simulated reality with philosophical and action-packed flair. The Wachowskis created a rich cyberpunk world that questions the nature of reality, freedom, and human consciousness. Its use of “bullet time” and other revolutionary special effects set a new standard for action in science fiction.

The film's central premise—that our reality could be a simulation created by intelligent machines—has sparked countless philosophical debates and discussions, cementing The Matrix as a touchstone of science fiction cinema. It masterfully combines high-concept sci-fi with intense action, creating a film that is both intellectually stimulating and viscerally thrilling. | © Warner Bros.

4. Brazil (1985)

Brazil is a darkly satirical science fiction film that takes a dystopian view of a bureaucratic future. Terry Gilliam's visually stunning work critiques the absurdities of government control, surveillance, and the dehumanizing effects of technology.

The film’s unique style—a blend of Orwellian dystopia, Kafkaesque nightmare, and dark comedy—creates a distinct place within science fiction. Its surreal visual design and narrative inventiveness highlight the dangers of unchecked technology and totalitarianism, making Brazil a timeless piece that remains relevant to discussions about freedom, individuality, and the future of society. | © Embassy International Pictures

3. Alien (1979)

Ridley Scott's Alien is a masterpiece that combines science fiction with horror, creating one of the most terrifying and atmospheric films ever made. Set in the claustrophobic environment of a spaceship, the film explores themes of survival, corporate exploitation, and the unknown.

Its science fiction elements—advanced space travel, artificial intelligence, and alien life—are seamlessly integrated with horror, resulting in a genre-defining experience. The film's iconic design, especially H.R. Giger's Alien, and its exploration of space as a dangerous and isolating frontier, have made it a classic that redefined both the sci-fi and horror genres

| © 20th Century Fox

2. Blade Runner (1982)

Blade Runner is a quintessential science fiction film that delves deep into themes of identity, humanity, and what it means to be alive. Ridley Scott’s neo-noir vision of a dystopian future is visually mesmerizing, filled with rain-soaked cityscapes, towering skyscrapers, and neon lights. The film’s exploration of artificial intelligence and bioengineering presents a world where the line between human and machine is blurred, raising existential questions about the nature of consciousness and the soul.

The film has had a profound impact on science fiction, inspiring countless works and remaining a critical touchstone for discussions on AI, ethics, and humanity. ¡And the sequel, Blade Runner 2049 is great too!

| © Warner Bros.

1. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

2001: A Space Odyssey is not only considered one of the greatest science fiction films of all time but also a landmark in cinema history. Directed by Stanley Kubrick, the film’s slow, methodical pace, groundbreaking special effects, and philosophical narrative are unmatched in their ambition and scope. It explores the evolution of humanity, artificial intelligence, and the vast unknowns of space with an unparalleled depth and visual style.

The HAL 9000’s depiction as a sentient AI grappling with human flaws and its eerie calmness remains one of the most iconic representations of AI in film. "2001" is revered for its audacity to pose profound questions about existence and the future of human evolution, making it the ultimate science fiction masterpiece. | © MGM (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)

Science fiction is a genre that pushes the boundaries of imagination, exploring the unknown, questioning reality, and delving into the ethics of technology and human existence. From dystopian futures to mind-bending explorations of time and space, sci-fi films challenge us to think beyond the present and confront profound possibilities. In this list, we rank the 50 greatest science fiction movies ever made—films that have defined the genre and left a lasting impact on cinema. Spanning decades and styles, these movies offer unforgettable journeys into the realms of the extraordinary and the thought-provoking.

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10 Sci-Fi Arthouse Movies That Elevated The Genre

Science fiction speculates about the impact of existing or imagined technology, alternative realities, or the future of humankind. When the genre meets the art film aesthetic, these topics are approached with density and depth. Classic movies that follow the Hollywood formula for the genre such as Star Wars and The Matrix are among the most innovative of all time. However, there's also a multitude of bold arthouse movies that go far beyond the viewer's expectations and turn sci-fi into a truly unique experience.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Donnie Darko are based on mind-blowing fictional science on Earth, while Under the Skin gets scary with Scarlett Johansson's mysterious protagonist from another planet. These movies put a twist on overused sci-fi tropes like evil aliens, time loops, and dangerous scientific discoveries. The inventive stories told in highly stylized and often experimental cinematography result in ground-breaking science fiction that takes cinema to an eccentric place of unpredictability and wonder.

10 Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet Shine in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

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Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is the beautiful result of outstanding acting in a Chalie Kaufman - Michel Gondry collaboration. Its central premise is a medical treatment that allows people to erase the memory of another person from their brain, and how that impacts Joel and Clementine. The dramatic romance is depicted through Joel's perspective, blending his dreams with his reality when he decides to do as Clementine and have his memory tweaked.

When released in 2004, Kaufman was already praised for prior scripts like Being John Malkovich and Adaptation , while Gondry is still mostly known for directing Björk music videos. But this movie propels all artists involved and brought the science fiction genre to new audiences. The movie represents a turning point in both main actors' careers: Kate Winslet steps into her first and only manic pixie dream girl and Jim Carrey gives one of his all-time best performances outside comedy. The supporting cast is just as great, featuring Mark Ruffalo, Kirsten Dunst, Elijah Wood and the late Tom Wilkinson.

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Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

When their relationship turns sour, a couple undergoes a medical procedure to have each other erased from their memories for ever.

9 Almodóvar's The Skin I Live In Puts Antonio Banderas in a Creepy Role

Pedro Almodóvar's 2011 Spanish psychological thriller The Skin I Live In (La Piel Que Habito) is based on the 1995 French novel Mygale by Thierry Jonquet. Antonio Banderas embodies its mad scientist plastic surgeon fixated on inventing an artificial human skin after his wife is severely burned in a car crash and eventually dies. This unsettling movie is not easy to categorize because it blends suspense, drama and science fiction with Almodóvar's incomparable imagination.

The nonlinear narrative addresses ethical and moral dilemmas to the point where it gets uncomfortable, which is a great feat for a psychological thriller. The social critique, complex plot, vibrant colors and other Almodóvar trademarks are seen in a completely new light in The Skin I Live In, as his work tends towards comedy and realism. With several awards and nominations in film festivals, it's one of the best Spanish thrillers of all time.

8 Delicatessen Makes Post-Apocalyptic Cannibalism Musical and Mesmerizing

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The 1991 French dark comedy Delicatessen is a unique spin on a very popular sci-fi theme: life after the end . In this post-apocalyptic world, a decaying building's landlord is also a murderous butcher who's selling human meat. The main character is a quirky former clown called Louison. He rents an apartment and falls in love with the butcher's daughter Julie, going on an eventful journey while clueless about what's going on in the building.

The unconventional camera angles and overpowering yellow color are perfect photography choices for the strange script that blends romantic comedy with science fiction. Residents of the building adapt to the new reality in different ways, and their synchronized movements across apartments bring a fantastic scene that adds musical surrealism to the mix. There's also an old sci-fi trope that is used very creatively in Delicatessen when Julie decides to ask an underground colony of unhinged survivors for help.

7 Cronenberg's Videodrome Is a Terrifying and Provocative Critique of the Media

David Cronenberg is one of the most innovative science fiction directors. A pioneer when it comes to the body horror subgenre, Cronenberg's movies like 1986's The Fly are influential among filmmakers that explore the grotesque. But his previous canon movie Videodrome is unlike any other 1980s horror. The heavily sexualized moments, nauseating gore, and biological horror caused by television brainwashing are a few reasons why.

1983's Videodrome is an unforgiving critique of mass media that foreshadows current discussions on the consequences of unchecked and excessive media consumption. It distances itself from the bloody slashers with masked villains of its decade by weaving a complex and truly disturbing plot. The protagonist Max becomes obsessed with snuff footage on TV, which is a relatable premise for horror audiences. Videodrome is often praised for its visual impact, yet its psychological side is also remarkable.

6 Donnie Darko Developed a Cult Following for Being Thought-Provoking

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Donnie Darko is among the best 2000s indie films . The low-budget thriller follows Jake Gyllenhaal's character Donnie as he's pushed by a creepy bunny into committing crimes and ultimately fulfilling his destiny. A jet engine falls from the sky one day and almost kills apathetic teen Donnie. That moment opens a portal that links universes where different realities unfold. Donnie may or may not hallucinate a rabbit-suited man named Frank who tells him what to do after the engine incident. Frank warns of a puzzling reality shift Donnie will experience in 28 days.

The 2001 cult movie Donnie Darko does something very unusual for a science fiction movie by focusing on the consequences of a freak scientific event felt by only one character in a very particular way. It questions the boundaries of reality with pseudo-scientific theories of parallel universes and time travel through wormholes. The bizarre plot twists and the emblematic costume contribute to the movie's status as one of a kind.

Donnie Darko

After narrowly escaping a bizarre accident, a troubled teenager is plagued by visions of a man in a large rabbit suit who manipulates him to commit a series of crimes.

5 High Life Delves Into Existential Crisis, Criminality and Reproduction in Space

In Claire Denis's English-language debut High Life , a group of criminals serving death sentences are sent on a deep space exploration mission to extract alternative energy from a black hole. This is surprisingly backed by a physicist's theory: the Penrose process. Starring Robert Pattinson and Mia Goth among other great performers as the guinea pigs, it's a scary sight of a lawless spaceship. Juliette Binoche brilliantly plays Dr. Dibs, a mad scientist devoted to reproduction in space that rapes and impregnates characters while they're asleep.

Claire Denis's narrative style is often called elliptical and enigmatic, which are perfect adjectives to describe this masterpiece. It's interesting to note how solitude and power dynamics are used in High Life to form a critique of prison systems. Taking inspiration from Andrei Tarkovsky's Solaris , the hypnotic dystopian movie shows different aspects of desperate people in a dehumanizing situation.

4 Under the Skin Follows Scarlett Johansson as a Mysterious Humanoid Luring Men to Death

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Under the Skin is one of the weirdest sci-fi movies ever. It's based on the novel by Michael Faber, but it offers far fewer explanations for the female humanoid's motives than the book. With a cryptic script and mesmerizing visuals, Under the Skin proposes an astonishing twist on the evil alien trope.

Scarlett Johansson is usually seen in conventionally sexy roles, so her creepy version of seduction is certainly refreshing. The minimalistic storytelling relies heavily on Johansson's acting, and she steps up to deliver an alluring performance. The narrative raises philosophical questions about what it means to be human and what alien species would see in humankind.

Under the Skin

A mysterious young woman seduces lonely men in the evening hours in Scotland. However, events lead her to begin a process of self-discovery.

3 A Clockwork Orange Is Stanley Kubrick's Most Controversial Movie

The dystopian movie A Clockwork Orange is a book adaptation that explores the dark tendencies of human nature and the potential consequences of a nightmarish government. The movie's antihero Alex commits a series of crimes and causes unfortunate events before undergoing aversion therapy to recondition his behavior. A Clockwork Orange is one of the most controversial sci-fi movies of all time, with its share of copycat crimes and Stanley Kubrick himself petitioning for it to be pulled from theaters.

But the movie stands out as a genre-defying arthouse classic for other reasons. One of them is that it follows a violent criminal with no redeeming qualities and puts him through situations so terrible that they evoke sympathy. The pessimistic ending also comes as a shock to those used to formulaic sci-fi scripts. The intricate set design, the unconventional music choices, and the sharp social satire are all Kubrick's distinctive signature style elements that are seen uniquely in this movie, which is his second attempt at science fiction.

A Clockwork Orange

In the future, a sadistic gang leader is imprisoned and volunteers for a conduct-aversion experiment, but it doesn't go as planned.

2 Andrei Tarkovsky's Stalker Stuns Without Traditional Special Effects

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This soviet classic is a sci-fi set design jewel, which contributes to its status as a masterpiece. Andrei Tarkovsky transforms beautiful foggy landscapes and surreal sandy rooms into dangerous settings in his 1979 film Stalker. A stalker in the story is a professional specialized in entering an area where unexplained phenomena happen called The Zone. The Stalker, The Writer, and The Professor are the main characters who go into The Zone to look for The Room, a place that grants wishes.

Stalker is an allegory of human consciousness and the inability to comprehend desire. It raises difficult philosophical questions rarely intertwined with sci-fi such as the meaning of life. Along with other Tarkovsky films that purposefully avoid special effects, it's proof that a well-written script is key to great cinema.

1 Kubrick Set a High Bar With His 1968 Movie 2001: A Space Odyssey

Impressively ahead of its time with ground-breaking special effects and terrifying artificial intelligence, 2001: A Space Odyssey is a genre pioneer released in 1968. It speculates a future that is also ahead of things since the technology for a human mission to Jupiter isn't possible yet. The epic plot embraces an enormous window of time, from the dawn of humankind to space exploration.

The enigmatic developments of the movie are increasingly intense and visually overwhelming. With challenging plot twists, it breaks script formulas and sets the bar high for all future science fiction authorial productions. 2001: A Space Odyssey's cryptic ending is up for debate to this day, but many agree that it's an ambiguous take on human insignificance.

2001: A Space Odyssey

After uncovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, a spacecraft is sent to Jupiter to find its origins: a spacecraft manned by two men and the supercomputer HAL 9000.

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