FTC Forum
ENGLISH => GENERAL => Topic started by: MysteRy on November 20, 2014, 07:49:28 AM
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The 25 Best Sci-fi Movies of The 21st Century
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Since the beginning of storytelling, man has always sought out new ways to give wisdom and understanding through mediums of entertainment. All genres have a different purpose; we have comedies to make us laugh, dramas to make us cry etc. One genre stands out as the most cerebrally connected with our true being however, and that is the genre of science fiction.
Science fiction, like most genres, has grown exponentially more immersive over the years with the emergence of video games and 3D film. In recent years, we’ve seen stunning visual effects in films like Gravity and Interstellar, a progressed sense of intelligence in the genre with films like Upstream Color, and an overall revitalized sense of kinship between sci-fi and humanity. This relationship is truly meta, seeing as it is the strongest link between science and aesthetics in existence.
Through science fiction, one is given freedom to not only lose themselves in a thought-provoking story, but also learn more about their own nature through the genre. The content of a sci-fi story may all be theoretical, but ultimately it opens the minds of humanity to understanding the connection between ethos and pathos by carrying a story about logic, although with relatable characters that have emotion.
The genre has not only shaped humanity’s artistic side to be more exploratory of our being, but also opened up many minds to very idea of science itself. It is unfortunate that we live in a world where some people truly shun out science as theory rather than a search for truth, but we all know this is a fact. Science fiction has shown many lost hearts the wonder of the stars above them.
It was reported in 1980 that almost 20% of astronauts at that time had either been completely influenced, or at least nudged a bit, into science by the first Star Trek series. Nowadays, about half of all scientists and astronauts claim science fiction has had some kind of effect on them over the years that have influenced their endeavors into both the known and unknown.
Today, science fiction is more popular than ever. In fact, the father of science fiction, Jules Verne, has gained a millennial cult following in the modern style called ‘steam-punk’. These die-hard Verne-heads dress in attire that resembles the landscapes and clothing worn by the characters in Verne’s sci-fi classics like 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Around the World in 80 Days.
There has also been a massive uprising in the rate of scientific discovery, resulting in the past ten years being the most scientifically productive decade since the beginning of time. This has yielded a grown interest in scientific findings among not just the youth, but adults as well.
A lot of this can be traced back to the convenience of the internet. People no longer have to subscribe to a monthly science mag or hope that recent discoveries are mentioned in the most recent newspaper. Now, people can simply get online and search for true scientific facts and recent findings. We are truly living in the golden age of discovery.
The modern era has directly shown us the excitement and emotional reaction to this influx of scientific knowledge through the various entertainment mediums of today. Nowhere is this more apparent than at the movies.
Over the past 15 years, we have seen some of the best science fiction since the beginnings of film. The content has grown bolder, the effects have become hyper-real, and the overall effect of a modern great science fiction film has become undeniably breathtaking. There have been several titles each year that shake both the box office and the world of scientific theory itself. Here are some of the best science fiction films of the post 2000’s.
25. Primer
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As Shane Carruth’s directorial debut, this movie has been considered one of the most challenging sci-fi films ever made. The characters in the movie accidentally stumble upon a means of time-travel and what ensues is pure cerebrally challenging story-telling.
The movie has been noted for its well use of an extremely low budget, and Shane Carruth’s writing/directing talent. This one may not be for everyone, but if you’re ever willing to take the ride, you might want to be ready to take notes in order to not have to watch it 10 times over before the story makes sense… But that’s why fans of the film love it so much.
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24. Metropolis
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Despite the title, this film is not based on Fritz Lang’s 1927 classic of the same name. In fact, it’s actually based on a manga that was based on the imagery of the classic silent film. In no way is the film derogatory of the original, though; in fact, it’s one of the most original anime films we’ve seen in decades.
The film’s plot is slightly cliché, but is made up for by the film’s visceral and eccentric visuals. Metropolis is a mandatory addition to any sci-fi, or anime, fan’s collection.
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23. Time Crimes
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Time Crimes is a Spanish sci-fi horror/thriller released in 2008 in the States. The movie uses a time-loop device that writer/director, Nacho Vigalodo, gives quite the twist-y treatment as the plot progresses. The ultimate result of the film resembles early episodes of Twilight Zone, but its dark, droll tone makes it a truly unique achievement.
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22. A Scanner Darkly
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Based off of Phillip K. Dick’s novel of the same name, Richard Linklatter’s adaptation of A Scanner Darkly serves as just another reminder in the writer/director’s filmography that reminds us he’s one of the most important filmmakers of our era.
The film uses the same animation stylizing, called ‘roto-scoping’, as used in Waking Life. The dystopian story stays quite respectful to the original, but Linklatter’s vision is endlessly unique and riveting. It may be hard to compare to some of Linklatter’s more dramatic and dialogue-driven film treatments, but A Scanner Darkly remains a gem in the world of sci-fi.
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21. Cloverfield
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Inspired by J.J. Abrams’ idea that America needs ‘its own monster’, Cloverfield is the unforgettable found-footage style film about a group of friends who are co-experiencing a terrifying monster attack on New York City.
As one of the films to come out during an era not too long ago when ‘found footage’ movies were growing immensely popular, Cloverfield remains one of the best. It uses the shooting style to its advantage in every way, leading to a series of effectively thrilling sci-fi scares. Cloverfield is a must-have for any Abrams fan, or science fiction fan in general.
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20. Source Code
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As Moon director, Duncan Jones’, second shot at the big screen, Source Code provides an equally satisfying view as Moon. Jake Gylenhaal assumes the main role in this time-travel thriller that I must say is the closest film to this years Edge of Tomorrow that I have ever seen.
In the movie, Gylenhaal’s character keeps repeating the same events, but doesn’t know why. He soon finds himself in a loop and slowly uncovers the truth behind the events. If you’ve seen Edge of Tomorrow, that does sound quite familiar, doesn’t it? Well, just wait until the final act. The resolution to this movie is what makes it truly rewarding and unique, and is an essential addition to any sci-fi fan’s collection.
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19. Edge of Tomorrow
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The unofficial sister plot of the movie, Source Code, Edge of Tomorrow is Starship Troopers meets Groundhog Day meets awesome. Enough said.
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18. Super 8
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Following the success of Cloverfield and Star Trek, director, J.J. Abrams and his production company, Bad Robot, decided to create this nostalgic masterpiece. Super 8 was produced by the master of the ‘summer blockbuster’ himself, Steven Spielberg.
The movie draws elements from classics like Close Encounters of the Third Kind and E.T., but does so with a modernized reverence for these kinds of films. It also uses modern cinematic technicalities, effects, and plot devices that help revitalize the genre. Super 8 may be just one of the films In Abrams’ amazing filmography, but before he was working in a ‘galaxy far, far away’, he was reminiscing on the sci-fi classics of old with Super 8.
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17. District 9
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Easily one of the most popular films of our era, District 9 took over theaters in 2009 to critical acclaim. District 9 was director, Neill Blomkamp’s directorial debut, and quickly proved him to be a worthy talent. The movie is unique in that its one the first films since Spielberg’s classics that portrays extra-terrestrials as innocent and helpless.
The movie has a lot of heart… And a lot of blue blood. Since District 9, Blomkamp has released Elysium and is currently working on what looks like may be his finest since District 9, a film about an innocent AI unit going through this life searching for itself called Chappie. Due to the explosion and aftershock of District 9, it looks like Blomkamp is here to stay.
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16. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
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As the most recent film on this list, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is fresh in all of our heads. Following its predecessor, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Dawn had a lot to live up to in order to do its great sequel justice. To all Ape fans’ delight, the movie turned out receive even greater acclaim than the previous film.
Besides the emotional storytelling and breathtakingly hyper-real effects, Andy Serkis as Caesar has to be the most enticing part of these films. His movements and demeanor nail every corner of the acting grid when it comes to a role like this, making his performance the entrancing centerpiece of these movies. Hopefully, this series of good response to the film, its prequel, and universe created within them will continue to increase as the films continue their reign of sci-fi genius.
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15. Coherence
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As James Ward Bykit’s directorial debut, Coherence serves as an experiment with a great result in minimalistic science fiction. The film focuses mostly on dialogue, but has a dark and challenging plotline that emphasizes parallel universes and ‘coherence’, a state of reality where other realities can seamlessly intersect with one another.
Eerie in tone, yet brilliant and thought-provoking in story, Coherence is easily not just one of the best science fiction films of the post 2000’s, but one of the best movies of the recent years in general.
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14. Serenity
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A spin-off film of the beloved, yet short-lived series, Firefly, Serenity opened in 2005 to positive reviews. Although it didn’t make back its budget until its home video release, the film is incredible in that it takes an extremely intricate universe and makes it appealing for novices instead of just ‘brown-coats’ (Firefly fans).
Firefly was one of Joss Whedon’s first efforts, and opened the door for him to the recognition and success he’s gotten to today. Serenity is also one of Whedon’s first cinematic outings, which helped his reputation in the movie world to get him to the ‘king of Comic-Con’ role he carries in the present.
Serenity will always be a beloved sci-fi film of the post 2000’s not only because of it’s die-hard fan base, but also because of its perfectly light atmosphere that opens up the viewing demographic for the film to those besides devoted ‘brown-coats’.
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13. Star Trek
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Never has a film been rebooted with such brilliance and reverence for the original franchise. Not only did this film induct a new, millennial group of Trekkies; it also used the cerebral elements of the classic episodes to its advantage by crossing over the new Trek universe with the one from the original series.
This achievement not only thrilled audiences as an amazingly exciting achievement, but as a truly loyal and talented reboot of such a beloved world. This film definitely ‘boldly went where no man has gone before’.
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12. Gravity
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Thirteen years after Children of Men, Alphonso Cuaron released Gravity. Seeing as this is one of the most popular science fiction achievements in recent years, it’s easy to call this one an important film, but how long will it hold up? Many people criticized Gravity for its thin plot, but the technical progressiveness and astounding special effects make the movie hard to dismiss.
The movie may not have a lot of dialogue, but the dialogue it does have is poetic and strong. Some would call this movie an experiment, but many have concluded that is a science fiction classic and will remain just that for years to come.
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11. The Man from Earth
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As one of the most cerebral movies ever, Man from Earth is unique sci-fi in that focuses mostly on dialogue versus heavy effects or action. Man from Earth was conceived as a script by Jerome Bixby in 1968 until being completed on his death bed 30 years later. Bixby is credited as a writer for the original Star Trek series as well as Twilight Zone and the original blueprint for Issac Asimov’s Fantastic Voyage. The film was directed by Richard Shcheknman and released in 2007.
The film was widely shared amongst internet users via peer-to-peer networks, which Scheknman later thanked the fans for. Following a man who does not age as he begins to move to a new city, which he does every ten years so people will not recognize his unique ability to not age, the story mostly focuses on the man, John Oldman played by David Lee Smith, as he converses and opens up about his true nature to a group of people.
As one of the most minimal, yet beautiful sci-fi stories ever told, Man from Earth will remain an absolute masterpiece.
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10. Sunshine
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As Danny Boyle’s only attempt at sci-fi, this movie has remained a cult classic since its release in 2007. Although Cillian Murphy is the centerpiece to this flim, Boyle had quite an ambitious vision for all of the acting in this movie. He actually had all of the actors live together for a short period of time to study the knowledge that their characters in the film should be aware of.
The film follows a group of scientists who are on a mission to the sun in order to keep it from burning out. The movie has some of the breathtaking effects of the 21st century, and although it has been ridiculed for its harsh change in tone during its final act, this one remains a beautiful piece of work, and most likely will hold its position as a sci-fi cult classic for years to come.
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9. Inception
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Based off of the cult anime hit, ‘Paprika’, Inception was Nolan’s first cinematic endeavor after his major success with the Batman franchise.
Many people have called the film’s plot uneven and pointed out several holes in the story, but Nolan’s intentions with this film seem to be the most idealistic of all of his films, so you can’t blame him for letting loose his whimsies with Inception. Serving as a multi-layered meta-experiment in cinematic continuity, Inception holds a strong place in the hall of fame of science fiction.
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8. Donnie Darko
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As the earliest film on this list, Donnie Darko remains remarkably appreciated and honored to this day. As Richard Kelly’s directorial debut, Donnie Darko shook audiences and critics with its bold, original vision and extremely intelligent plot. It’s also one of Jake Gylenhaal’s first big performances, and he shines as the title character.
Even the biggest fans of the movie still debate the truths of the universe created within the movie, which I’m pretty sure was Richard Kelly’s exact intention. Long live Frank the bunny.
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7. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
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Michel Gondry may be a common name in the cinematic universe nowadays, but back in 2004, he was hardly recognized. After directing and co-writing his second film, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Gondry saw himself taking home the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.
The film holds all of Gondry’s trippy technicalities such as a non-linear dialogue, poetically cartoon-like visuals, and challenging dialogue, but what truly makes this film stand out from Gondry’s other outings is its emotional core. Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet’s chemistry is entrancing and combined with Gondry’s signature style makes this film a science fiction classic with an uncommonly emotional center.
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6. Looper
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Done by Rian Johnson, who has recently been passed Abram’s Star Wars director torch, Looper is a true example of modernized science fiction at its finest. Joseph Gordon Levitt plays a criminal who is sent back in time to assassinate individuals. Bruce Willis plays the character’s future self, and their chemistry is fantastic.
One of the movie’s best elements is its refreshingly pulpy tone, which one rarely sees in sci-fi nowadays. As one of the most well received movies of recent years, Looper is a fantastic entry in the log of sci-fi history.
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5. Interstellar
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No spoilers here. If you’ve seen the movie, great. If you haven’t, great. You’re still a part of the inescapable realities of the vast cosmos we call life. This film explores the boundaries of our modern scientific knowledge, and in doing so, unleashes a string of thought-provoking sci-fi cinema that makes it not only a classic of the genre, but one of the best films of the 21st century.
Nolan’s vision is big… But like the expanding cosmos, this vision will only get bigger as history progresses and new, fresh minds enter the world of science fiction to put their imprint on the genre, the cinematic world, and the universe itself.
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4. The Congress
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This film may be one of the most overseen masterpieces of science fiction ever. The Congress is an Israeli-French film done by Ari Folman and starring Robin Wright that one could call ‘Citizen Kane on psychedelic drugs’. In no way is the plot similar to Citizen Kane, but its attack on the rulers of Hollywood who abuse their power does bring back memories of the social impact that Orson Welle’s classic had on the public.
In the movie, Robin Wright, who plays herself in the movie, gives her DNA to a production company called Miramount so she no longer has to act and can simply let an advanced algorithm provide her with a cinematic avatar. The film transcends into a lush, animated landscape when Robin Wright ultimately revisits the studio she sold her DNA to in order to renew her contract and speak at the Futorological Congress, which is also the name of the book that the movie is based on.
What ensues is one of the most intriguing and rewarding final acts in a movie. With an ensemble cast, mesmerizing animation, and a beautifully meta-layered story, The Congress might forever be diamond in the rough of science fiction history, but its brilliance is undeniable.
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3. Moon
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As Duncan Jones’ first attempt at a major feature film, Moon was an unexpected hit when it came to American theaters in mid 2009. The story follows Sam Rockwell’s character, who is on a brief mission to the moon in order to mine a resource fuel being used on Earth. Upon arriving there, though, he soon finds a clone of himself, and realizes the scale of time-travel technicality involved in the mission.
Moon is an amazing directorial debut from Duncan Jones as well as a challenging, albeit rewarding piece of science fiction from the late 2000’s.
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2. Children of Men
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Alfonso Cuaron, who most people would identify with his most recent film, Gravity, got his American filmmaking start with this masterpiece back in 2005. Based on P.D James’ 1992 novel of the same, this film follows Clive Owens’ character as he struggles through a world gone mad due to the fact that women can no longer become pregnant.
The movie’s realistic atmosphere makes the dystopian landscapes feel all too real, resulting in a movie that truly rivets both the heart and the mind. Children of Men will remain a classic for generations to come.
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1. Her
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Seeing as this movie is quite recent and won Best Original Screenplay at the Oscars this year, it is most likely fresh in all of our minds.
Joaquin Phoenix’s character is a man in the near future who falls in love with a new interactive form of AI on his OS. The film explores many themes of love, independence, and connection to the world around us. What I find truly fascinating about this film, though, is the man it came from.
Spike Jonze was well-known in the early 90’s skateboarding world as one of the first people to make ‘artsy’ skate videos. After making quite a few classic skateboarding videos, Jonze went on to help produce and direct Jackass: The Movie, as well as the Jackass series. Less than a decade later, he releases Where the Wild Things Are, and proved himself as a truly universal and humble artist.
A few years later, he did Her, winning him Best Original Screenplay, and proving that skateboarders should run the world.