Science fiction is a genre that continues to bring cinema to new horizons. The stories are fascinating, and most of them bring along innovative special effects and cinematography. When Stanley Kubrick directed 2001: A Space Odyssey, the world was introduced to a brilliant story with groundbreaking special effects, and not to mention, a masterful score. Since then, we have seen many prominent filmmakers take on the genre including Christopher Nolan, Ridley Scott, and Steven Spielberg. One of the greatest aspects of a science fiction film is that it can give audiences a glimpse into what life will be like in the distant future.

The 2010s was a spectacular decade for cinema, and we were given several sci-fi films that took place in futuristic storylines. Denis Villeneuve took on the sequel for Blade Runner with his award-winning film Blade Runner 2049. The movie showcased some of the best cinematography to ever hit the silver screen by Roger Deakins. At the same time, George Miller showed us, with Mad Max: Fury Road, the true capabilities of practical effects and stunts. Science fiction is a genre that goes back to the beginning of story-telling, and it has delivered several thought-provoking and brilliant films. Let’s dive into the best futuristic science fiction movies of the 2010s.

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9 In Time

     20th Century Fox

Andrew Niccol’s In Time has a fascinating premise that takes place in a futuristic world where time is a currency. The film follows Will Salas (Justin Timberlake) who is introduced into a world of danger and corruption after receiving a substantial amount of the currency. It is a great movie filled with action, heart, and fantastic cinematography from Roger Deakins.

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

8 Edge of Tomorrow

     Warner Bros. Pictures

In this futuristic sci-fi film, Tom Cruise plays a soldier who is introduced to a science that lets him relive each day after he dies. At the same time, he is on a quest to win a war against a deadly alien invasion. The film is a fascinating take on the time-loop story that has amazing special effects and alien creature design. Edge of Tomorrow is exciting from beginning to end and the chemistry between Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt was top-notch. Many have been clamoring for a sequel since the film’s release, but, per Cinema Blend, it doesn’t look like it will be happening anymore.

7 Ad Astra

Acclaimed filmmaker James Gray’s Ad Astra gives us a realistic look into space travel in the future. Brad Pitt stars as an astronaut sent on a quest to the distant realms of space to solve a mystery set in place by his father (Tommy Lee Jones). Although the film is a slow-burn, it is a very thought-provoking story that features fine performances and special effects. Gray proved with this film that he is a prominent filmmaker capable of handling all types of genres.

6 Prometheus

Although Ridley Scott’s Prometheus may not be a direct sequel to Alien, it does offer many familiar storylines and creatures similar to the original film. The movie follows a group of space travelers searching for the “architects” of human life. From beginning to end, there are interesting concepts about life and death as well as creepy alien life-forms. At the same time, the film has a top-notch cast, including Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, and Idris Elba.

5 Looper

     TriStar Pictures

Rian Johnson wrote and directed the epic futuristic sci-fi film Looper. The story follows a “looper” named Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), who executes people sent back from the future, and he eventually is put to the task of killing his future self (Bruce Willis). Johnson proved that he was an excellent filmmaker with Looper, and both Willis and Gorden-Levitt give great performances. It is a fascinating look into the future and time travel.

4 Ex Machina

     A24

Alex Garland’s Ex Machina brings us to the not too distant future where artificial intelligence is almost indistinguishable from human beings. Alicia Vikander gives an excellent performance as an A.I. named Ava, opposite Domnhall Gleeson and Oscar Isaac. The film is filled with suspense, claustrophobia, and several thought-provoking themes about artificial intelligence. Per Vox, the exploration of Ex Machina’s themes of original sin continues in Garland’s newest film Men.

3 Blade Runner 2049

Acclaimed filmmaker, Denis Villeneuve’s sequel to Blade Runner was epic and extremely innovative. Roger Deakins delivered some of the greatest work of his career, bringing cinematography to new levels. Blade Runner 2049 gives a fascinating look into the future filled with new types of genetic science and artificial intelligence. Ryan Gosling delivers the good in as K, and it was a lot of fun to see Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) return.

2 Mad Max: Fury Road

George Miller came back to the Mad Max franchise with a bang, introducing us to several great new characters in Fury Road. Tom Hardy takes the role as Max with a subtle, yet effective, performance. Furiosa (Charlize Theron) leads a group of young women to freedom with an evil army on her tail. The film has some of the greatest special effects and stunts of all time, and the story was top-notch.

1 Interstellar

Chistopher Nolan’s Interstellar brings us to the edge of the solar system in epic fashion. The film follows a crew of astronauts on a quest to find a new Earth for humanity. Matthew McConaughey leads the cast as a rebellious space traveler destined to save the people of Earth. The movie offers a glimpse into the effects of climate change and pollution as well as a potential solution. The film was certainly Nolan at his best.