10 Best Sci-Fi Crime Thrillers With Lots of Twists

As a cinephile who has spent countless hours delving into the realms of cinematic time-travel narratives, I must say that these films have left an indelible mark on my memory. Each one offers a unique perspective on the concept of time and its manipulation, providing thought-provoking narratives that challenge our understanding of reality.

As a cinephile, I’ve found that the fusion of science fiction and crime narratives is more successful than it flops. After all, advanced scientific discoveries can make life easier for criminals, while also presenting opportunities for heroes to either halt the chaos or uphold law and order in our world. Introduce a handful of unexpected plot twists, and you’ve got a captivating film that promises to enthrall a broad audience, even those who might typically have little interest in these genres.

Over the course of many years, I’ve come across numerous outstanding science fiction thrillers that are truly worth praising for their inventiveness. These films initially present seemingly straightforward ideas, but they skillfully draw you into a complex, intricate world that leaves you slightly disoriented yet satisfied with the journey. Interestingly, most of these movies were quite visionary when they debuted, which means they’ve aged exceptionally well.

10 Looper (2012)

In the sci-fi movie Looper, set in the year 2044, we meet Joe, a 25-year-old hitman earning a good living for the Kansas City mafia. His task is to terminate individuals sent back from 2074. The reason for this unusual practice becomes clear when it’s disclosed that law enforcement in the 2070s has become so sophisticated that disposing of bodies without detection has become nearly impossible, hence the need to send them back in time to be eliminated. However, things take a turn when Joe himself becomes a marked man by those who initially hired him.

The Battle of the Joes

In “Looper”, director Rian Johnson (most recognized for the “Knives Out” movie series) presents an unconventional film filled with turmoil and unexpected twists. One such twist is the disclosure that any assassin who survives until the 2070s gets sent back in time to be eliminated by their younger self, ensuring all unresolved matters are tidied up.

Gordon-Levitt fits the oddball and obsessive-compulsive Joe like a glove, but it is Bruce Willis who steals the picture as the careworn, world-weary older version of the character. Also, check out Emily Blunt in a dominant turn as Joe’s love interest. Willis might have picked a lot of wrong scripts in recent years, but this right here is something he will forever be thankful for.

9 Upgrade (2018)

The concept of Upgrading can be associated with the numerous offshoots inspired by James Cameron’s film, The Terminator. The narrative begins on a somber note as auto-mechanic Trace (Logan Marshal Greene) and his spouse experience a car accident on their way home in an autonomous vehicle. Misfortune continues to haunt them, taking the form of muggers who not only rob Trace but also murder his wife, leaving him physically incapacitated.

Despite the grim outlook, hope emerges in the shape of a wealthy tech innovator, offering Trace a cutting-edge AI implant. This device is designed to augment all his physiological abilities, granting him extraordinary strength.

Beware of A.I.

This film is part of the recent trend of movies predicting doom by AI, yet it manages to stand out due to Logan Marshall-Green’s exceptional portrayal of the lead character, Trace. Unlike typical AI-controlled characters that are often overbearing punishers, Trace is a self-aware individual who has lost everything he cherishes. The film’s unique allure lies in its unexpected plot twists, particularly the revelation that it was not the human inventor but the AI itself that had control. As the story unfolds, it becomes increasingly ominous.

8 Inception (2009)

Inception showcases Leonardo DiCaprio’s character, Dom Cobb, a dream thief who specializes in penetrating people’s subconscious and stealing secrets. This skill puts him at the top of his game in the realm of corporate espionage, but it comes with a price – he often loses cherished possessions. The most intriguing opportunity arrives when he is offered to implant an idea into someone’s mind, with the condition being that his criminal past will be wiped clean. However, things don’t proceed as planned during this complex operation.

Still as Confusing as When It First Came Out

Several movies exist whose stories might confuse viewers, and “Inception” is one of them that stands out. This film was made at an impressive cost of $160 million, making it the most intellectually challenging production by Christopher Nolan. The protagonist, Cobb, is captivating due to his morally gray character, struggling for self-liberation against overwhelming determinism. Nolan skillfully blends elements of film noir and heist genres, resulting in a cinematic piece that’s as intriguing as a science course.

7 Gattaca (1997)

In the not-too-distant future, society is structured around genetic superiority in the film titled “Gattaca“. Here, individuals are categorized as either ‘valids’ or ‘in-valids’, with those born through eugenics enjoying privileged lives, while the genetically inferior face limited opportunities. Desiring to join an elite space program, a hardworking janitor named Vincent Freeman (Ethan Hawke) acquires the genetic makeup of a valid. However, his life takes an unexpected twist when he becomes a suspect in a murder investigation.

Striving for the Best

In this captivating movie directed by Andrew Niccol from New Zealand, important topics like ambition and discrimination are thoughtfully explored in both plot and environment. The story also serves as a warning about the potential dangers of unchecked progress in reproductive science. Moreover, the performances by the actors are remarkable. Uma Thurman shines as the love interest of the protagonist, but Ethan Hawke truly embodies the spirit of the film.

A top-notch, convolution-packed, script by the director himself then completes this winning package. Watch out for the moment where it’s revealed that Vincent has been posing as a valid all along. Will he be punished?

6 Total Recall (1990)

Paul Verhoeven’s film titled “Total Recall” narrates the thrilling escapades of Douglas Quaid (portrayed by Arnold Schwarzenegger), a construction worker in the year 2084, yearning for excitement beyond his mundane life and longing to explore Mars, a planet colonized by humans. He seeks the services of “Rekall,” a unique company that implants false memories into people’s minds, enabling them to feel like they’ve been to Mars without actually traveling there. However, an unexpected malfunction occurs, and Quaid uncovers the shocking truth: his life up until this point has been nothing but a fabricated memory.

The Best Philip K. Dick Adaptation

In the movie Total Recall, there’s an unending barrage of shocking twists for the audience, with the most jaw-dropping one being that Quaid was actually a Martian undercover agent in his real life. Those who had deceived him with false memories now wish him dead because of these revelations. Given that the film is based on a work by Philip K. Dick, an author renowned for spinning complex and non-linear stories, it’s no surprise that the plot takes such unexpected turns.

As a die-hard fan, I’d say that Sharone Stone, in her captivating portrayal of Quaid’s wife (later unveiled as a covert agent), truly stole the show. However, it was none other than Arnold Schwarzenegger, with his exceptional performance as the enigmatic lead character, who walked away with the highest accolades. Rachel Ticotin gave a commendable performance as a Martian freedom fighter, and Ronny Cox, as the governor of the Martian colony, added depth to the cast. In essence, this raw, thought-provoking science fiction masterpiece stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Robocop as Director Paul Verhoeven’s most outstanding work.

5 Timecrimes (2007)

In the role of a movie critic, I’d rephrase it as follows: “As the curious onlooker Hector (Karra Elejalde), I find myself drawn to peek at a woman baring her chest near my property in the thrilling Timecrimes. I presumed this would offer a brief glimpse of softcore entertainment. However, my assumptions prove misguided as I’m suddenly set upon by a masked man with bandaged head. Fleeing for safety, I stumble upon a research facility and inexplicably find myself propelled an hour back in time, trapped within a baffling temporal loop.

Hector Is Both the Protagonist and the Antagonist

In a different take on the original text: The man bandaged up, who confronts Hector, turns out to be a counterpart from another timeframe on the same day. Can you imagine how that occurs? Experiencing it for yourself would definitely be intriguing. Notably, Spanish director Nacho Vigalondo’s Timecrimes stands as one of his most captivating and intimate productions yet. Besides showcasing a knack for creating suspenseful atmospheres and narratives, he also excels in the visual realm.

As a movie enthusiast, let me tell you that even though this low-budget sci-fi film might seem unassuming, it’s visually captivating in an extraordinary way. To top it off, the exceptional cast, led by Nacho as a scientist, masterfully convey the harrowing essence of the forest and its surroundings. Don’t dare to miss out on this!

4 Dark City (1998)

In the film titled “Dark City,” John Murdoch, portrayed by Rufus Sewell, finds himself waking up in a hotel room with a troubling realization – he’s wanted for multiple murders. Unfortunately, he suffers from amnesia, leaving him uncertain whether he is the perpetrator or not. Just like anyone else in his situation, he embarks on a quest to uncover the truth. Along the way, he encounters an unusual subterranean society inhabited by a mysterious group of men with pale complexions and wearing coats, often referred to as the Strangers.

It Gets Darker

The movie can be seen as a comprehensive exploration, almost to excess, of Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, leaning heavily on intellectual themes. Scattered throughout are intriguing details that prove quite rewarding, particularly the revelation about the true identities of the Strangers and their unique appearances. In essence, Dark City demands patience and careful attention, but for viewers who are open to its enigmatic and melancholic atmosphere, the payoff is an unforgettable, awe-inspiring journey that lingers long after the credits roll.

3 Source Code (2011)

The movie Source Code features Jake Gyllenhaal portraying U.S. Army captain Colter Stevens, who is transported into an eight-minute simulation of a train bombing incident before it actually takes place. His mission is to identify the perpetrator by reliving these moments repeatedly within a loop. As Colter goes through this experience over and over, he grows increasingly certain that he can find a means to prevent the initial explosion from occurring, provided he adheres to the time constraints.

What’s Real and What’s Not?

Duncan Jones’ brilliant work tells a deeply moving story about routine being upended by fear. The director skillfully portrays this terrifying ordeal using repeated scenarios with subtle differences, and gets outstanding performances from every actor involved. Keep an eye out for the shocking revelation where we discover that it’s not just a virtual world. Things aren’t always what they seem when it comes to Colter Stevens. He may appear as a dedicated soldier on the surface, but there are hidden forces manipulating him from the shadows.

2 Minority Report (2002)

The movie “Minority Report” unfolds in Washington D.C., 2054. In this scenario, law enforcement can prevent crimes from occurring by employing advanced psychic technology called pre-crime detection. However, the narrative takes an intriguing twist as the protagonist, Chief John Anderton (played by Tom Cruise), who oversees Precrime, is unexpectedly charged with a murder he has not yet committed in the future, involving someone he has never encountered before.

Predicting the Future

In the movie “Minority Report“, Steven Spielberg blends together a substantial mixture of tech noir, thriller, mystery, and science fiction, creating an engaging film experience. The storyline, remarkably, features technologies that were once merely speculative but have since become reality. At the time of its release, self-driving cars, tailored advertisements, and voice-activated homes didn’t exist; however, they are commonplace today.

Beneath the surface and strange, unsettling thrills of the movie lies an intelligent commentary on police brutality. This critique, in turn, leads to another surprising development. Initially, it appears that Anderton might end up in prison, but things unexpectedly change course.

1 Predestination (2014)

In Robert A. Heinlein’s 1959 short story “All You Zombies,” the film Predestination delves into the struggles of a Temporal Bureau agent (Ethan Hawke) who is tasked with stopping a bombing incident in 1975 by a notorious figure known as the Fizzle Bomber. However, what the officer doesn’t realize is that he himself will ultimately become the Fizzle Bomber.

Time Travel Like It Has Never Been Seen Before

In the intriguing film titled Predestination, it boasts numerous captivating theories that set it apart from other time-travel films. For instance, an individual can reach a certain boundary, often encountered by the main character, which leaves him with the compulsion to select one timeline to reside in (he picks the ’70s). His temporal adventures are facilitated through an ordinary violin case.

Even better, the exposing of Hawke’s character as the Fizzle Bomber only makes up a tiny percentage of the movie’s twists. There is a lot more, and at some point, it all gets completely dizzying, but it’s worth it.

2024-09-21 03:02