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Certainly! In the realm of sci-fi films, the prevailing narrative often leans towards a dystopian future, where humanity grapples with bleak circumstances. Movies like Blade Runner, The Matrix, and A Clockwork Orange exemplify this trend. However, not all sci-fi flicks adhere to this narrative. Some take a more optimistic approach, offering a positive glimpse into the future of humanity. Examples include Metropolis, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, and Jetsons: The Movie, which defy the dystopian norm. Children’s movies, such as Meet the Robinsons and Big Hero 6, also contribute to this optimistic outlook. While dystopian themes dominate the genre, these rare films provide a refreshing perspective on a potentially brighter future for humanity. The updated list, as of December 20th, 2023, features even more movies that embrace a positive vision of what lies ahead.
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10 Sci-Fi Movies With a Positive Outlook on the Future
Metropolis (1927)
In the futuristic world of Metropolis, societal divisions between the privileged city planners and the laboring class form a central theme. The son of the city’s mastermind defies these boundaries by falling in love with a working-class woman. As the narrative unfolds, he unravels the hidden truth behind the city’s prosperity, achieved at the expense of the working class.
Fritz Lang’s masterpiece, while containing dystopian elements, departs from an overly optimistic portrayal of the future. Instead, it delves into the complex dynamics between the elite and the working class. Despite the inherent flaws in this society, the film’s aesthetic allure sparks a desire for an idealized future. Metropolis is available for streaming on Tubi or Hoopla.
Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989)
Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure follows the escapades of two laid-back high school students who utilize time travel to gather historical figures for a crucial school presentation. Despite causing disruptions in the time continuum, the duo remains unfazed and works to save the world while thoroughly enjoying the experience.
In this film set in 1989, the destiny of the future rests unexpectedly in the hands of Bill and Ted, teenage slackers from San Diego. To secure a passing grade in their high school history class, they embark on a journey through time, recruiting iconic figures like Napoleon Bonaparte, Socrates, Joan of Arc, and Abraham Lincoln. The stakes are high because, without passing the class, they won’t go on to create music so extraordinary that it becomes the savior of humanity in the year 2688. Watch Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure on Fubo.
Jetsons: The Movie (1990)
In “Jetsons: The Movie,” George Jetson secures the long-awaited promotion that prompts his family to move to outer space. However, he discovers that his work is negatively impacting the lives of the “Grungies,” a friendly group of subterranean creatures on the asteroid where he now works. The responsibility falls on the Jetson family to rescue these adorable beings. Despite grappling with the repercussions of progress, the film maintains the idyllic vision of the future that “The Jetsons” series instilled in viewers, featuring flying cars, robot assistants, and a utopian portrayal of advanced technology. Although the movie delves into more substantial themes, it upholds the picturesque depiction of a futuristic world. You can watch “Jetsons: The Movie” on Apple TV.
Meet the Robinsons (2007)
Disney’s “Meet the Robinsons” revolves around Lewis, a 12-year-old inventor, who finds himself transported to the year 2037 by Wilbur Robinson, a time-traveler. Together with Wilbur and his family, Lewis confronts the villainous “Bowler Hat Guy,” determined to thwart Lewis’s destined future as a renowned inventor.
The film celebrates the potential of future technology within the context of a heartwarming story centered on family and friendship. In contrast to more cynical adult-oriented sci-fi films, animated family movies like “Meet the Robinsons” offer an optimistic perspective on humanity’s future. The 2007 film invites audiences to enjoy a day of youthful adventures amid a backdrop of benevolent and advanced futuristic technology. Watch “Meet the Robinsons” on Disney+ to experience this tale of optimism and innovation.
Her (2013)
Spike Jonze’s film “Her” follows the journey of Theodore Twombly, played by Joaquin Phoenix, in his relationship with Samantha, an artificially intelligent virtual assistant voiced by Scarlett Johansson. Initially, the pairing appears ideal, but as Samantha gains sentience, her thoughts and emotions complicate the dynamics of their relationship. The film explores a future where humans are deeply intertwined with technology, even engaging in romantic relationships with AI. Ultimately, as Samantha becomes too advanced for a meaningful connection with Theodore, the story reinforces Theodore’s belief in genuine human connections. The movie reflects on the evolving relationship between humans and technology.
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Big Hero 6 (2014)
In the futuristic setting of San Fransokyo depicted in Big Hero 6, the storyline revolves around Hiro, a young robotics prodigy, and his lovable robot companion, Baymax. Unlike the typical sci-fi narrative where robots or artificial intelligence pose a threat to humanity, Baymax breaks the mold. Rather than turning against humans, Baymax’s main purpose is to safeguard Hiro, even when they become entangled in the sinister plans of a villainous mastermind. The film’s positive portrayal of technology diverges from the common trope of machines going rogue. You can catch the heartwarming and heroic tale of Big Hero 6 on Disney+.
Interstellar (2014)
Interstellar, directed by Christopher Nolan, depicts a future where Earth is ravaged by irreversible climate change, with scarce crops and intensified storms. In a quest for a new habitable planet, a team of astronauts, led by Matthew McConaughey’s character, Cooper, faces numerous challenges, including colossal waves. Despite the time dilation and proximity to black holes, Cooper successfully finds a new home. However, upon his return, he discovers that future humans have abandoned Earth and now reside in a self-sustaining space station, shaped like a cylinder. Watch Interstellar on Paramount+ to experience this intergalactic epic.
Tomorrowland (2015)
Tomorrowland, directed by Brad Bird, follows the story of Casey Newton, a scientifically gifted teenager portrayed by Britt Robertson. The narrative unfolds as Casey sneaks into a closing NASA station and discovers a pin that grants her glimpses into the future, setting her on an extraordinary adventure. In her time-traveling journey, Casey seeks assistance from Frank Walker, a seasoned inventor played by George Clooney, to navigate an alternate universe and confront malevolent animatronic androids. Ultimately, humanity prevails, paving the way for a new generation of interdimensional travelers tasked with safeguarding Tomorrowland. The movie is available for streaming on Disney+.
Arrival (2016)
In Denis Villeneuve’s 2016 sci-fi drama Arrival, set in a contemporary yet somewhat ambiguous time, an optimistic view of humanity’s future emerges amid an alien invasion. Amy Adams’ character, Louise Banks, is tasked with deciphering the alien language and understanding the purpose behind the extraterrestrial visit. Despite facing numerous challenges, Louise successfully decodes the alien code.
One noteworthy revelation is that, in the future, humans play a crucial role in saving the octopus-like aliens from potential destruction. This suggests that humanity is on a positive trajectory in the years to come. The film also conveys a broader message of optimism, as Louise undergoes a transformation in the process of learning the alien language. This newfound ability allows her to glimpse into her own future. Despite being aware of forthcoming challenges, Louise chooses to embrace the journey, highlighting the resilience and joy inherent in human experience. Arrival provides a hopeful perspective on humanity’s potential, making it a noteworthy addition to the genre of alien invasion films.
Belle (2021)
Taking inspiration from Beauty and the Beast, Mamoru Hosoda puts a futuristic twist on the classic tale, setting it in a near future where an alternate reality allows individuals to manifest their desires. In this context, a young girl named Suzu gains confidence by transforming into the renowned singer Belle. However, her encounter with a ‘beast’ disrupting the tranquility of the online world intrigues her, despite condemnation from others.
The film, titled Belle, envisions a plausible future given the rapid progress of virtual reality. It offers a romanticized portrayal of how this technology might be utilized, emphasizing it as a means of celebrating different facets of oneself rather than a mere escape from reality. The idea of selecting avatars that mirror one’s personality and congregating in a picturesque virtual world with like-minded individuals on a journey of self-discovery aligns with our idealized vision of VR advancement. Belle is available for streaming on Apple TV.
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