In 2024, the science fiction genre was somewhat hit-or-miss at the movies, but on television, there were plenty of outstanding choices such as Dark Matter, Parasyte: The Grey, Constellation, Silo, Sugar, Fallout, X-Men ’97, Outer Range, 3 Body Problem, From, Dune: Prophecy, Terminator Zero, and Resident Alien. However, when it comes to cinema, there weren’t as many top-notch options available. While there were some grand sci-fi productions that might appeal to some (Kalki 2898 AD, The Empire, Megalopolis, the Rebel Moon series), they didn’t quite meet our expectations.
2024 hasn’t seen the release of some remarkable science fiction films from the festival circuit yet, and if they do get released this year, here’s our list excluding titles like “The Assessment,” “The Silent Planet,” “Daniela Forever,” “All of You,” and “Can I Get a Witness?” We can’t include the film “2073,” a fascinating documentary-sci-fi hybrid, in our list of the best sci-fi films for 2024 either. However, you should definitely check out “ME,” an extraordinary short film by Don Hertzfeldt that you can rent or buy. Although it’s not officially part of the list, this short is a must-see. Now, let us present to you the 20 best science fiction films of 2024!
20
I.S.S.
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A compelling idea and convincing acting make “I.S.S.” an intelligent, confined sci-fi thriller. The story unfolds on the titular International Space Station where cooperation between Americans and Russians prevails. However, things become tense when an American receives word that a nuclear war has erupted, and they’re instructed to seize control of the station forcefully. The outcome is as suspenseful and thought-provoking as you might expect, and Ariana DeBose demonstrates that she’s not just musically gifted.
19
Tim Travers and the Time Traveler’s Paradox
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This low-key, slightly quirky movie, brimming with creative concepts and settings, offers plenty of chuckles and entertaining appearances, making “Tim Travers and the Time Traveler’s Paradox” a distinctly enjoyable journey. The narrative revolves around a grumpy (and somewhat despairing) mad scientist on a quest to decipher the time travel paradox – if you go back in time and kill your grandfather, wouldn’t that mean you never existed to do the deed? Sci-fi enthusiasts and science aficionados will undoubtedly find this intriguing, as it challenges and reworks established rules, while subtly delivering a surprisingly heartfelt message.
18
Meanwhile on Earth
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In a fresh and intriguing shift for filmmaker Jérémy Clapin, the film titled “Meanwhile on Earth” showcases his talent honed over years of creating exceptional animated shorts and features. The movie starts with an animated sequence before transitioning into live-action, veering away from Clapin’s typical work and diving into the realm of sci-fi. The story revolves around Elsa, who receives news from her astronaut brother, presumed lost in space. It transpires that he is being held captive by extraterrestrials, requiring something sinister from Elsa – the use of human host bodies. Megan Northam delivers an outstanding performance in this thought-provoking, tension-filled movie.
17
Transformers One
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Among the recent Transformers series, arguably the most outstanding is “Transformers One,” which offers an origin story and explores themes of friendship and betrayal. Notably, it’s the first animated film in the franchise for many years, and it underscores the potential of this intellectual property when fully animated rather than combining live-action with CGI. The animation is visually stunning and gives the franchise a fresh update. The voice acting is top-notch. Although Chris Hemsworth might not be the perfect fit, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Steve Buscemi, Laurence Fishburne, and Jon Hamm all deliver exceptional performances.
16
Molli and Max in the Future
Stepping out on a limb to create a heartwarming interstellar rom-com with minimal budget and no CGI might seem like a risky venture, but Michael Lukk Litwak skillfully executes this endeavor with a delightful touch of quirkiness. This success can be largely attributed to the captivating performances from Zosia Mamet (from Girls) and Aristotle Athari, an underestimated SNL performer. Together, they bring to life two ordinary human hybrids living a billion years into the future, whose paths cross after a fateful car accident, only to intersect again across various timeframes. In this unique production titled Molli and Max in the Future, the chaos of the cosmos harmoniously coexists with more relatable concerns, such as career-related anxieties.
15
The Becomers
Read Our Review of The Becomers
Zach Clark is an exceptionally creative figurehead within the American independent film scene, known for works such as White Reindeer that showcase his distinctive style. He ventures fearlessly into the realm of science-fiction with The Becomers, a genre-blending (and body-merging) production that combines elements of romance, comedy, and body horror in its sci-fi concoction. This film tells the story of two extraterrestrial lovers navigating life in the United States, who must adopt new human hosts to survive. Whether perceived as a warped love story or a grim reflection on transgender rights, The Becomers offers a one-of-a-kind viewing experience.
14
The Wild Robot
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In the enchanting DreamWorks movie titled “The Wild Robot“, a Universal Dynamics ROZZUM robot finds itself stranded on an isolated island following a shipwreck. This visually stunning film, directed by Chris Sanders, is more than just a tale about a robot; it’s a heartwarming journey filled with empathy and compassion. The robot, despite its mechanical nature, develops beyond its programming and takes on a nurturing role, caring for a gosling named Brightbill, which leaves viewers with more than a few teary eyes. The movie also boasts an exceptional voice cast, featuring stars like Lupita N’yongo, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, Catherine O’Hara, Bill Nighy, Stephanie Hsu, Matt Berry, Ving Rhames, and Mark Hamill, who deliver captivating performances.
13
Monolith
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In a subtle and intriguing manner, Monolith offers a profound exploration into the art of storytelling through the eyes of its protagonist, portrayed brilliantly by Lily Sullivan (Evil Dead Rise), who is a journalist grappling with her deteriorating mental health as she delves into enigmatic occurrences recounted in her interviews. The film skillfully and progressively escalates the suspense, keeping viewers guessing about what lies ahead. After making its rounds on the festival circuit in 2022, it took a few years for this captivating movie to finally reach audiences, and it’s a testament to its quality.
12
The Invisibles
The Unseen – A Poignant Tale on Heartbreak and Separation
The Unseen, an exceptional metaphor for the heartache of breakups and divorces, avoids the conventional narrative and overt emotionality found in many romance movies to delve into the aftermath of a relationship’s end. The film tells the story of a man whose marriage is coming apart, and as a result, he begins to disappear physically – becoming invisible.
As he vanishes, he discovers a parallel world existing alongside our own, populated by other Invisibles, including himself. In this alternate reality, he gains the ability to perceive his wife and child in a refreshing light. The film is a melancholic yet stunning piece with an exceptional performance from Tim Blake Nelson that showcases him in a way we’ve not seen before.
11
Alien: Romulus
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Despite my personal affection for the movie Prometheus, many devotees of the Alien saga have been dissatisfied with it for years. However, the release of Alien: Romulus has managed to win back their favor by returning to the core elements of the film series, drawing heavily on the claustrophobic terror that characterized the original. Although certain aspects may seem far-fetched, the movie delivers an intense, nerve-wracking suspense for nearly an hour. The direction and production design are commendable, as is the effective use of jump scares, making this a heart-pounding, non-stop rollercoaster ride. Furthermore, the film’s Easter eggs serve as a heartfelt homage to fans of the franchise.
10
It’s What’s Inside
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What Lies Beneath is a hilarious, captivating jumble of amusement. It centers around a group of pals gathering for one of their weddings and inviting an impulsive, brilliant acquaintance they previously wronged. Amazingly, he accepts the invitation, even bringing a unique party trick – a body-swapping gadget. As the night unfolds, they all mysteriously swap bodies without knowing who is who, leading to a guessing game. Hidden truths and deep desires emerge, escalating the chaos throughout the evening. However, it’s Greg Jardin’s direction that makes this production truly binge-worthy and unforgettable. The clever lighting, strategic use of music, creative editing, and compelling storyline combine to create an audiovisual experience that is nothing short of exhilarating.
9
Mars Express
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As a dedicated fan, I can attest that Mars Express stands out as a remarkable piece of science fiction, meticulously crafting a captivating distant future ripe for expansion into an entire series. Blending elements of Japanese anime with the classic French animation from the ’70s, Mars Express offers a unique blend. The voice acting and mannerisms in this production are remarkably realistic, setting it apart distinctly.
The storyline kicks off with a narrative reminiscent of Blade Runner, focusing on a hard-boiled detective and their android companion as they traverse a criminal underworld teeming with cybernetics. By the end, it morphs into an I, Robot-style scenario. It’s nothing short of cool, and despite the somber finale, it leaves you craving for more.
8
Robot Dreams
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Title rephrased: “Dreams of a Robot” is a profoundly touching, straightforward, and heart-wrenching silent film about a dog constructing a robot companion. Their friendship blossoms beautifully, but when the dog takes the robot to the beach, his mechanical ally corrodes and becomes trapped. The movie lives up to its name, delving into the dreams of the robot on the beach he can’t escape from, while the dog waits in his apartment for a more suitable season to rescue him. It’s the subtle nuances that make “Dreams of a Robot” so enchanting, ranging from the intricate and imaginative aspects of the dreams to the detailed and slightly exaggerated depiction of 1980s Manhattan.
7
The End
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One of two notable science fiction films featuring George Mackay in 2024, titled “The End“, is indeed peculiar. Hailing from one of the renowned experimental documentarians of today, Joshua Oppenheimer, this film encapsulates his contemplations and emotions regarding humanity’s disastrous trajectory towards climate change into a grand musical drama. The story unfolds in a colossal underground bunker and chronicles the life of an extremely wealthy family, with their patriarch being an oil baron whose company contributes to the uninhabitable state of our planet. Similar to Yorgos Lanthimos’ Dogwoof, this movie carries a dreamlike quality that deviates from reality, confining these aloof billionaires within a self-constructed prison.
6
Things Will Be Different
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Things Will Change” showcases exceptional independent filmmaking, demonstrating how less can often be more. Given its creators, Justin Benson and Aaron Moorehead (of Rustic Films), who are renowned American indie directors, this comes as no surprise. The narrative revolves around a pair of sibling thieves attempting to utilize a portal to an alternate world as their exit strategy. While I won’t reveal any further details about the plot, it’s essential to mention that its intricate, thoughtful storyline leads to a satisfying climax.
5
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
Read Our Review of Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
As a die-hard cinema enthusiast, I must confess that while “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” didn’t quite create the same splash as “Fury Road,” it undeniably kept me gripped to the very edge of my seat throughout its thrilling, heart-pounding journey. Some fans may have had mixed feelings about Anya Taylor-Joy’s role in this film, but I found George Miller’s grandiose, awe-inspiring action sequences just as breathtaking as they were in “Fury Road,” and the storyline has a deeper layer of complexity. Chris Hemsworth’s portrayal of the villain was particularly compelling in this installment, offering a performance that I believe we won’t see equaled from him again in the future.
4
The Animal Kingdom
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The Animal Kingdom is simply extraordinary, encompassing every aspect of the term. The movie uses the collective pain of the COVID-19 pandemic as a backdrop, transforming it into a surreal landscape where humans have undergone genetic mutations due to human interference throughout history. These mutations have led to the evolution (or devolution) of people into hybrid animal forms, and society is struggling to cope through isolation, hospitalization, enclosures, and other measures. The narrative revolves around a father and son searching for a cure for the woman they care about, all while navigating this fable-like apocalypse. Stunning visuals and inventive practical and digital effects contribute to this thought-provoking examination of a world spiraling out of control.
3
The Substance
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Many found “The Substance” to be one of the most unexpected blockbusters of the year, as no major studio showed initial interest in the movie until the renowned art-house streaming service and distributor MUBI stepped in. Since then, it has become one of the highest-grossing independent horror films of 2024 and is among the scarce horror movies to receive awards recognition. The film’s success was not entirely unexpected, given its talented ensemble cast who deliver exceptional performances in this outrageous body horror parody of Hollywood, self-help, and beauty ideals.
2
Dune: Part 2
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The sequel to “Dune,” titled Dune: Part 2, has significantly surpassed its predecessor in quality. Given the right context, it stands as one of the finest films of 2024. Building on the impressive visual effects and production design of Denis Villeneuve’s initial “Dune,” this film avoids being weighed down by excessive explanations and introductions. With the background established, “Dune: Part 2” offers a grand, thrilling experience that deftly manages its numerous plotlines. It portrays how Paul Atreides eventually rises to lead the Fremen’s uprising against the Imperial Houses, providing a profound exploration of war, free will, religion, and politics. The film also offers an awe-inspiring reflection on these themes. To add, the special effects are truly spectacular.
1
The Beast
Read Our Review of The Beast
The standout science-fiction film in 2024 was “The Beast,” an expansive production that defies easy categorization yet boasts a level of creativity and vision surpassing countless other sci-fi films. Léa Seydoux and George MacKay grace the screen as two lovers navigating a future where artificial intelligence has the power to mitigate climate change and economic crises, but also exerts control over global markets. The duo, along with many others, must undergo a DNA purification process for certain jobs, an ordeal that transports them through their genetic makeup and into their past lives. As captivating, emotional, and unnerving as it promises to be, the film features stunning performances and groundbreaking writing. It’s a contemporary masterpiece not to be missed.
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2025-02-03 07:04