Science fiction films have been at an all-time high as of recent, especially thanks to the popularity of superhero films. However, while many sci-fi films include elements of other genres, others have done a lot to put their own unique twist on the genre. Thanks to films like A Quiet Place (2018), Arrival (2016) and Interstellar (2014), the genre has been putting out a lot of innovative content.
However, as popular as some of these films have been, others have arguably been cheated out of their spot among the greats. To help recognize some of the more underappreciated sci-fi films as of recent, here is our list of 10 underrated sci-fi films from the last 5 years.
Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
Based on the manga series of the same name, Alita: Battle Angel is centered around a cyborg with no memory of her past as she struggles to find who she is. Though the film was met with relatively mixed critical reception, audiences were very receptive to the film, giving it high praise and making it one of the few good manga-to-live-action adaptations out there.
While the film bombed domestically, it did manage to make a substantial profit overseas. Furthermore, Alita: Battle Angel, though not a perfect film, is still very underrated as its action sequences and overall story are very well pieced together. Considering how popular anime and comic book films are in today’s time, Alita: Battle Angel really got the short end of the stick, especially domestically.
Blade Runner: 2049 (2017)
As the sequel to the wildly popular sci-fi classic, Blade Runner (1982), Blade Runner: 2049 is arguably one of the best sci-fi stories of the modern era. Not only does it build off of the original in a great way that still honors it, but 2049 introduces a whole new side of the world, giving audiences glimpses and hints of what happened in the years since.
Furthermore, with an incredible cast such as Ryan Gosling, Ana de Armas, and a reprise from Harrison Ford himself, it is truly surprising that Blade Runner: 2049 failed. Despite the generally positive reviews, Blade Runner: 2049 barely managed to turn a profit, not even doubling the $150mil it cost to make it (Box Office Mojo). With such a large fan base around the original as well, this fantastic sequel will hopefully get the recognition it deserves over time.
High Life (2018)
High Life is a truly great sci-fi film that many people haven’t even heard of. Starring Robert Pattinson, High Life is a very dark story centered around a prisoner and his daughter as they are the last survivors on a ship heading towards a black hole. While that may sound like a lot in terms of plot, the story manages to balance out almost every aspect in a truly great way.
Likewise, Pattinson’s performance as Monte is superb and really shows just what the actor is capable of. Though the film bombed in terms of profit, it is truly one of the more underappreciated gems in sci-fi in recent years, making it worthy of its spot on this list.
Freaks (2018)
Like High Life, very few people have likely even heard of Freaks. However, this incredibly dark sci-fi/horror story is a wondrous experience, especially for those who enjoyed 10 Cloverfield Lane. Centered around a young girl and her overprotective father, Freaks manages to capture a lot of the same terrifying suspense that made 10 Cloverfield Lane such an enjoyable film.
While this film also failed miserably at the box office, there are many things about Freaks that make it well worth a watch. Furthermore, any fan of the sci-fi/horror genre is especially going to want to check this one out.
Life (2017)
When then trailers were initially released, many believed Life to be a prequel film to Sony’s Venom (2018). When the film was officially released though, it was very clear that wasn’t going to be the case. Focused on a group of astronauts, Life actually plays up the horror in a very clever way, helping it to feel a bit like a modern take on Alien (1979).
Even with a big cast like Ryan Reynolds, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Rebecca Ferguson, Life struggled at the box office. With some less-than-stellar reviews as well, it is easy to see why it underperformed. However, even with its flaws, Life is still a very underrated film that many audiences have still enjoyed.
Valerian and the City of A Thousand Planets (2017)
In all honesty, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is far from the best sci-fi film ever. Despite its flaws, though, the film is still a very fun experience and very visually stunning. While it is clear that most of the effort went into the special effects, the film is still a great celebration of the sci-fi genre, which was probably the cause of its downfall.
In trying to include so many different things, it is understandable that some felt that the film was weighed down. Likewise, as an adaptation of the comics, the film didn’t quite live up to the same measure. Even with its many flaws though, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is still a very fun film that hardcore fans of sci-fi can still appreciate.
Spectral (2016)
For those unfamiliar, Spectral is one of Netflix’s own science fiction films. Similarly to movies like Battle: Los Angeles (2011), Spectral takes a more action-packed approach that also features the military. While the film has been praised for its action and approach to science fiction, the biggest criticism is in regards to its very fast pace.
Though the film could stand to slow down in certain moments, it really isn’t fast enough to kill the entire movie. Even though some of the films on this list are arguably far better, Spectral still deserves much more credit than it has received.
Hardcore Henry (2015)
Hardcore Henry is an incredibly fast-paced action thrill ride that also happens to be filmed in first-person. This means that the audience is watching the film from inside Henry’s perspective, giving the film the same aesthetic as a Call of Duty video game. While the story itself is relatively shallow, there are still some pretty great moments that have earned the film a nice following.
Thanks to how it was filmed, Hardcore Henry’s biggest issue tends to be whether viewers can watch a movie like it in the first place. While it isn’t the most innovative sci-fi film either, its uniqueness provided an incredibly fun experience that many fans can still enjoy about it.
Midnight Special (2016)
As yet another sci-fi film with an all-star cast, Midnight Special actually received mostly positive reviews. The story itself focuses on a father and son as they try to hide from the government and a cult who are after the young boy after discovering he has special abilities. Starring Michael Shannon, Joel Edgerton, and Adam Driver, the film actually has a lot of strong elements within it.
In terms of sci-fi, the elements are arguably subtle enough for it to feel like any other superhero film. However, Midnight Special truly succeeds in the emotional journey between the father and son, capturing a great dynamic between them and delivering a powerful sense of emotion to the audience. Overall, this is one film that puts its own unique twist on the genre and is well worth a watch for any sci-fi fan.
Chappie (2015)
Director Neill Blomkamp is most known for films like District 9 (2009). However, shortly after, the director released this film, Chappie, about a robot that is capable of learning like a human. Like District 9, Chappie made an effort to explore real, human themes. Unfortunately, the film’s message wasn’t quite realized to the same extent as the themes of District 9, which earned it some negative criticisms.
While the story and action are both great, Blomkamp falls just short of realizing Chappie’s full potential. Yet, even though the moral of the story isn’t as recognizable as it is in District 9, Chappie still does a good job of getting the point across. With a stellar cast as well, it is hard to believe that Chappie’s few missteps would hurt it so much.
