The 10 Worst Sci-Fi Movies of the Last 10 Years

Modern blockbuster films frequently draw inspiration from science fiction genres, as seen by numerous movies based on comic books, video games, and toys. It’s fascinating to note that many of these same mediums often incorporate science fiction elements, such as characters who receive experimental injections, extraterrestrial bounty hunters, or robots disguised as everyday objects like trucks or radios.

Many comics, games, and action figures have sparked ideas for sci-fi films, including some featuring robots that transform into boomboxes. However, it’s uncommon to find works of Shakespeare in these sub-genres, and they rarely deliver such literature. (Still, I imagine Shakespeare might have enjoyed writing a play about a robot boombox … “To pulse or not to pulse. That is the question.”)

Over the past 10 years, some truly dreadful science-fiction movies have emerged – here are ten that might be the worst sci-fi films of the last decade. These movies involve scientists trying to prevent climate catastrophes, fighting off alien invasions, and even struggling against their own transformation into vampires. Nowadays, I’m almost always wary when a film centers around a scientist.

The worst sci-fi films of recent years are…

The 10 Worst Sci-Fi Movies of the Last 10 Years (2016-2025)

10. Infinite (2021)

Many excellent films were released straight to streaming platforms or directly to home video during the pandemic, including my top pick for 2021. Even without a global health crisis, a streaming release would have been more fitting for this film. Regardless, “Infinite,” with Mark Wahlberg in the lead role as a directionless young man seeking meaning in his seemingly empty life, would have deserved a better fate than a streaming release. The film, which revolves around Wahlberg’s character discovering he is an “Infinite” with the ability to remember all of his past lives and their associated knowledge and skills, felt more like a cheap imitation of “The Matrix.” Despite a blockbuster budget, “Infinite” fell short in terms of its underwhelming screenplay. Wahlberg appeared more disinterested than I was while watching it. It’s understandable why he might feel that way; “Infinite” is reminiscent of a B-movie produced by The Asylum.

9. Borderlands (2024)

In a potential future book chronicling Cate Blanchett’s illustrious career, her transition from composing the score for ‘Monster Hunter’, a movie that seems to be the last resort for paycheck, to the uninspiring video game adaptation will certainly create an intriguing contrast. Interestingly, despite the poor quality of the ‘Borderlands’ film adaptation (and I use this term loosely), it was somewhat refreshing to witness such a consistently subpar production after several recent video games turned into movies or TV series. It seems that nature is slowly restoring balance in the realm of film adaptations.

8. The Electric State (2025)

In this review, it’s pointed out that the Netflix movie “The Electric State” by the Russo brothers, which cost $320 million, seems to have been overpriced, even if half of that budget was spent. Criticism includes unimpressive character designs, dull visuals, and a lackluster appearance overall. The film follows a young woman (Millie Bobby Brown) as she travels through a robot-ridden wasteland in search of her brother, with Chris Pratt lending his action movie persona and an odd haircut to the story. However, the central mythology is confusing, and while it could be excused for being strange on a narrative level if the visuals were compelling, they are not. In essence, the movie fails to deliver visually, even though the story itself might be peculiar.

7. Geostorm (2017)

Why did filmmaker Dean Devlin, famous for co-writing hit disaster movies like Independence Day, fail with Geostorm, another disaster flick about a devastating storm destroying Earth? The reason is straightforward: The skills of Dean Devlin as a director don’t match his talents as a screenwriter. Geostorm unfolds at a snail’s pace, with the most entertaining action sequences all packed into the final 30 minutes. Most of the movie consists of Gerard Butler, portraying a brilliant scientist, working to unravel a mystery on a space weather satellite (a bit far-fetched, but let’s go with it). Not even Ed Harris wielding a rocket launcher could rescue this disaster.

This version maintains the original meaning while using simpler language and more natural sentence structures.

6. Rebel Moon — Part Two: The Scargiver

The Scargiver,” was nothing but a lengthy battle scene, made even more dull by Snyder’s excessive slow-motion cinematography. It was almost like a lullaby; I had to watch it three times to finish because the artistic violence kept putting me to sleep. Nevertheless, the Scargiver left quite an impact on its scars. I assume that the R-rated director’s cut, titled “Rebel Moon – Chapter Two: Curse of Forgiveness,” is significantly better (though I have yet to attempt watching it).

5. Independence Day: Resurgence (2016)

The first “Independence Day” may not have been a cinematic masterpiece, but it did boast some outstanding performances and groundbreaking special effects for its time. It also had a gritty edge; the deaths were shown in vivid detail as characters burned or were buried under debris. However, in “Resurgence”, most of society is destroyed off-screen, reducing the immense destruction to mere statistics. The computerized chaos is so vast that it lacks any human connection; the destruction of half the world feels insignificant and leaves us emotionally detached. This is worsened by the fact that Will Smith, the original film’s star, did not return for “Resurgence”, and the actors who replaced him failed to deliver the charm needed for their roles. To add insult to injury, the ending of “Resurgence” sets up another sequel, leaving us hoping that this franchise doesn’t experience a second resurgence.

4. Transformers: The Last Knight (2017)

In Michael Bay’s last “Transformers” film, titled “The Last Knight,” released in 2017, the series’ continuity was drastically altered in a way that mirrored our collective anticipation for the franchise. A character portrayed by Sir Anthony Hopkins delivered an unusual monologue, suggesting that human characters from previous films (notably Shia LaBeouf’s Sam Witwicky) belonged to a secret society that had been working with the Transformers for centuries. It was also revealed that these transforming robots had been living on Earth for hundreds of years, even serving as members of King Arthur’s Knights of the Round Table. While the movie hinted at this backstory through a few flashbacks, it failed to fully explore these intriguing revelations, seemingly saving them for potential future “Transformers” movies. However, Bay left the series after “The Last Knight,” and subsequent films mostly disregarded this background story. Consequently, viewers were left pondering the role of the Transformers in the War of 1812.

3. Star Trek: Section 31 (2025)

As a dedicated Star Trek fan, I must admit that while I haven’t watched every single episode across all the television series, I’ve made it a point to catch each and every feature film this franchise has ever produced. However, Star Trek: Section 31, in my opinion, falls flat among them. The visuals are lackluster, the dialogue is uninspired, and the action sequences leave much to be desired. What irks me most, though, is its misguided belief that alien races, spaceships, phasers, and tricorders are what make Star Trek. In reality, it’s the optimistic themes and intellectual exploration that have always defined this franchise—or at least did when it was at its best. Is it too much to ask for a Star Trek series that doesn’t resemble most other sci-fi in terms of intelligence?

There was a period when Star Trek set the standard in science fiction; other franchises looked up to it, eager to emulate its original characters, intriguing storylines, and innovative production designs. But after witnessing Section 31—a blatant imitation of Guardians of the Galaxy on a TV budget—it’s clear that those days are long gone.

2. Morbius (2022)

On April 1, 2022, the release of Morbius turned out to be a massive practical joke on moviegoers. The final product barely resembled its trailers; several scenes and storylines seemed to have been omitted, leaving audiences wondering if it had undergone significant changes in post-production, as it became evident that the film was intended to be set outside of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Unfortunately, this was one of the few things that were clear about Morbius. The movie felt like a Frankenstein’s monster of a vampire story – pieced together haphazardly from disparate plotlines and characters that didn’t seem to belong together, then brought to life in an awkward, disjointed manner.

1. Artemis Fowl (2020)

Reflecting on the early days of the Covid pandemic, Disney’s decision to release Artemis Fowl exclusively on Disney+ instead of delaying it like their other blockbusters now seems like a warning sign. This cinematic adaptation attempted to condense approximately ten books worth of material into just 90 minutes, resulting in a confusing and almost unbearable viewing experience. If you can discern the transition from Josh Gad’s character invading Artemis Fowl’s home to joining forces with him to thwart another character without any dialogue between them, then you possess a level of intelligence that surpasses mine. It’s remarkable how this streaming film managed to make one feel cheated even when no additional money was spent beyond the existing subscription fee – and Artemis Fowl achieved just that.

Notable Recommendations: Chappie, Don’t Worry Darling, Eternals, Fantastic Four, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Jupiter Ascending, Jurassic World, Jurassic World Dominion, Passengers, Pixels.

The 10 Best Comic Book Movies of the Last 10 Years (2015-2024)

10. The Batman (2022)

In Matt Reeves’ dark and intelligent film, Batman starts anew as the detective figure in DC Comics. Robert Pattinson portrays Bruce Wayne, who is only two years into his role as Gotham City’s Caped Crusader when he confronts Paul Dano’s Riddler, a villain murdering influential members of Gotham City high society to complete a twisted riddle that only the Dark Knight can unravel.

Unlike other Batman films, this one seems to delve deeply into what the character symbolizes for both his comic book followers and the fictional citizens of Gotham City. This level of thoughtfulness is perhaps unparalleled until the intricate, multi-layered conclusions of The Batman, which bear similarities to the epic finale of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.

9. Nimona (2023)

In contrast to the blockbuster live-action superhero films that often command the largest budgets and garner the most attention, some of the finest comic book adaptations in recent years are animated productions. For instance, the sharp and humorous “Nimona,” which is adapted from a graphic novel by Noelle Stevenson. This film features Chloë Grace Moretz as the shape-shifting Nimona, an outcast in a quasi-futuristic medieval realm who teams up with another pariah (Riz Ahmed) to overthrow the villains who have taken over their kingdom. With its mischievous sense of humor, vibrant character animation, and powerful message encouraging self-acceptance for young viewers, “Nimona” serves as a delightful reminder that heroes can take on various forms – even within a single body.

8. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

James Gunn expertly concluded his “Guardians of the Galaxy” trilogy, blending Marvel elements flawlessly in a film that offers an exhilarating blend of epic action, quirky sci-fi visuals, and characters we deeply care about. For instance, Rocket Raccoon, once a C-list character with limited comic book appearances, was transformed by Gunn into one of Marvel’s most profound and emotional heroes in “Guardians Vol. 3.” Following a series of underwhelming MCU productions, Gunn effortlessly recaptured the essence of classic Marvel storytelling. Unfortunately for Marvel enthusiasts, he later returned to DC.

7. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

Without a doubt, “Homecoming” stands out among the most enjoyable re-watches in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It boasts captivating characters, thrilling Spider-Man sequences, and an unexpected street vendor requesting Spider-Man to perform a flip (which he graciously does). Aren’t you hooked?! Tom Holland has been a blessing for Spider-Man enthusiasts; he shines as both the witty, acrobatic Spider-Man and the heartbroken Peter Parker. Among his Marvel films, “Homecoming” showcases his finest performance to date.

6. Logan (2017)

On the third try, Hugh Jackman’s solo Wolverine films found their mark with “Logan.” This film fully showcased its title character in all his brutal, sorrowful grandeur. The series’ first R-rating led to a much darker and intense journey, fitting for the tale of a hero nearing the end of his days. It also addressed the overpopulation issue common in many main X-Men movies by focusing on only a few key characters. Among them was an outstanding Patrick Stewart as an aging Professor X, losing his grip on reality and thus control of one of the most powerful weapons worldwide. Marvel wisely chose not to reverse “Logan’s” ending in “Deadpool & Wolverine.” That climactic scene with the “X”… it’s a truly memorable moment.

5. The LEGO Batman Movie (2017)

During a stretch of time, my eldest daughter particularly enjoyed watching “The LEGO Batman Movie.” We must have seen it countless times across a two-year span. To put it simply, this movie ranks among the most enjoyable films from the last ten years. It’s packed with visual jokes, puns, and references to lesser-known Batman trivia, not to mention Will Arnett’s brilliantly arrogant portrayal of LEGO Batman. I’ve endured many children’s movies over the past decade; some were amusing, others less so. However, “The LEGO Batman Movie” stands out as the funniest. Rather than making fun of the character or comics, it is a heartfelt tribute to all that defines the Dark Knight.

4. Avengers: Endgame (2019)

In terms of complexity, no superhero film surpasses the challenge faced by “Avengers: Endgame”. It needed to provide a fitting resolution to one of cinema’s most significant cliffhangers, tie up numerous storylines from over 20 Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movies, and still be enjoyable on its own. Remarkably, they managed it. Remarkably, the abundance of Easter eggs didn’t hinder the narrative, action, or the emotional culmination of Robert Downey Jr.’s journey as Tony Stark.

3. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

In the expansive continuation of “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” this daring sequel introduces Miles Morales to Spider-Man 2099 and his “Spider Society,” a group dedicated to guarding the multiverse against threats such as Spot, a new villain capable of opening dimensional gates at will. While “Into the Spider-Verse” was visually stunning, “Across the Spider-Verse” promises an even more impressive and bold depiction. For instance, Gwen Stacy’s world is like a vibrant watercolor painting come to life, and Spider-Man India originates from a bustling cityscape known as “Mumbattan,” a whirl of yellows and greens. The criticism for “Across the Spider-Verse”? It’s the first installment of a two-part story, and at times, it feels like just that.

2. Black Panther (2018)

The cinematic world of Wakanda in “Black Panther,” initially captivating in 2018, now resonates even more profoundly for several distinct reasons. This exceptional Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) production owes much to the vision and skill of director Ryan Coogler, who masterfully crafted this extraordinary Wakandan realm and filled it with an array of exceptionally talented actors. The late Chadwick Boseman brought an unforgettable portrayal of Black Panther, embodying a character that was both tough and sensitive, burdened by responsibility yet steadfast in his commitment to safeguard his kingdom. Unfortunately, Boseman’s passing means we won’t get to witness the future journey of King T’Challa, or learn what choices he would have made when faced with adversaries like M’Baku (Winston Duke) and Erik “Killmonger” Stevens (Michael B. Jordan). Still, we can take comfort in knowing that this compelling, action-packed film will endure for posterity.

1. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

In a departure from the norm where quantity does not always equate to quality, “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” could very well be the most exceptional Spider-Man movie – at least until “Across the Spider-Verse” was released. This film is more than just a superhero tale; it’s arguably the best. The diverse ensemble of web-slingers, such as Miles Morales, Gwen Stacy, and the relatable Peter B. Parker (an overweight, middle-aged version), adds depth to the narrative. Moreover, the film masterfully incorporates the moral perspective of Stan Lee and Steve Ditko from the original “Amazing Spider-Man” comics, emphasizing their idea that anyone can be a hero in a powerful yet subtle way. The movie transforms this concept into a vibrant, animated tribute to their noble ideals.

2025-06-03 00:26