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The 2010s witnessed a significant expansion of the sci-fi genre, with narratives ranging from innovative approaches to time travel to epic space odysseys through our solar system. While the history of sci-fi in cinema traces back to 1902 with George Méliès’ groundbreaking “A Trip to the Moon,” the genre has transformed over the decades.
Fast forward to the 2010s, and space exploration remains a captivating theme, but the genre has grown more diverse and ambitious. During this decade, sci-fi films pushed the boundaries, challenging conventional notions of time and space. These movies delved into the realms of dreams, the complexities of the human mind, and encounters with enigmatic extraterrestrial entities.
Below, we explore the standout sci-fi movie from each year in the 2010s.
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The Best Sci-Fi Movie of Every Year in the 2010s
2010: Inception
Inception stands out as a cinematic marvel with its mesmerizing visuals and impressive practical effects that intricately enhance the exploration of the subjective realm of dreams. In this Christopher Nolan masterpiece, Leonardo DiCaprio portrays Cobb, a skilled thief adept at delving into the subconscious to pilfer valuable ideas. When tasked with the unusual mission of implanting an idea, Cobb is presented with an opportunity for self-discovery and reconciliation with his troubled past.
While the film is often lauded for its stunning visuals and the enigmatic conclusion that continues to spark passionate debates, equal recognition should be given to the unique choreography of the action sequences and the compelling chemistry among the cast. Inception exemplifies Nolan’s ability to fully embrace a compelling concept, delving into the intricate layers of the human mind and the surreal nature of dreams.
2011: Source Code
Movies featuring a recurring day often adhere to a familiar formula, making noteworthy entries infrequent. Examples like Groundhog Day and Palm Springs excel in the comedic realm, but Source Code takes a daring approach by integrating the concept into a sci-fi narrative. Set in a near-future with a clandestine program, the film follows soldier Colter Stevens, tasked with revisiting the last eight minutes of someone’s life repeatedly to uncover the perpetrator behind a train disaster.
Director Duncan Jones skillfully weaves a intricate mythology with unexpected melodrama. The film skillfully treads the fine line between romance and sci-fi, infusing humanity and depth into characters, despite their technically deceased status. This delicate balance gradually constructs a unique world within those crucial eight minutes of fate.
2012: Chronicle
Chronicle brings the found footage concept into the realm of science fiction, embarking on a captivating journey that initially unfolds as a light-hearted coming-of-age tale but takes a dark and gripping turn. The film follows three high school students who chance upon a mysterious object granting them telekinetic powers, propelling them into a chaotic spiral with dire consequences.
The narrative of Chronicle cleverly navigates the superhero/supervillain origin story, presenting characters whose moral compass becomes blurred, transforming their extraordinary abilities into a curse due to their recklessness. The film offers an immersive experience for viewers, initially sharing the characters’ exhilaration as they explore their newfound powers, only to shatter expectations with a series of tragic events.
2013: Coherence
“Schrödinger’s cat” serves as a foundational concept in quantum mechanics, evolving into a thought-provoking paradox. In the film Coherence, this idea unfolds during a gathering of friends as they experience unusual events following the passage of a comet. The storyline takes these characters on a journey through multiple dimensions, creating a cinematic puzzle that maintains an enigmatic atmosphere. With a budget of under $50,000, Coherence transforms into a mind-bending narrative, teetering on the edge of transitioning into a horror film.
2014: Predestination
“Predestination” delves into the story of a Temporal Agent assigned to his most challenging task: hunting down a criminal who has eluded him across various timelines. While the initial premise seems like a typical sci-fi thriller, the film goes beyond surface-level expectations, offering a complex narrative with multiple timelines and diverse iterations of the central character.
This sci-fi masterpiece not only embraces but also satirizes conventional time travel tropes. It meticulously deconstructs every time paradox associated with temporal journeys, pushing the boundaries of the concept to unprecedented levels. As the narrative unfolds, the movie skillfully introduces numerous plot twists, reinforcing a consistent theme: time travel erodes one’s sense of identity, a concept explored with depth and intricacy throughout the film’s final act.
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2015: World of Tomorrow
Renowned for his animated masterpiece “It’s Such A Beautiful Day,” Don Hertzfeldt has a knack for transforming ordinary existence into a mind-bending odyssey. In the Oscar-nominated short film “World of Tomorrow,” a young girl named Emily encounters her older self, embarking on a journey through centuries into the future.
Hertzfeldt, known for his flirtation with avant-garde techniques, maintains simplicity, employing the same minimalist animation seen in his other works. However, he introduces vibrant bursts of color and weaves an ambitious narrative contemplating the essence of humanity in a world where its meaning has eroded.
The choice to narrate the story through a child’s perspective is pivotal, as the innocence of a child offers a unique lens through which to perceive the world. Watching a sci-fi film set in the distant future is always captivating, allowing for imaginative freedom beyond the confines of our familiar reality.
2016: Arrival
Denis Villeneuve’s initial foray into science fiction with “Arrival” hinted at his adeptness in handling ambitious sci-fi ventures like “Blade Runner” and “Dune.” The film follows a skilled linguist enlisted to communicate with extraterrestrial visitors whose intentions on Earth remain uncertain.
Breaking away from the conventional portrayal of aliens as green humanoids, “Arrival” presents these beings as intricate species defying easy comprehension or prediction. The sci-fi elements seamlessly intertwine with the intense drama surrounding the main characters. As the narrative delves into existential themes such as Nietzsche’s eternal return, viewers are treated to a surprising twist that elicits both solace and anguish.
2017: Okja
“Okja” serves as a critique of an excessively capitalist society and highlights the United States’ tendency to intervene in global matters. Directed by the Oscar-winning Bong Joon-ho, the film tells the story of a young Korean girl who, abandoning her peaceful mountain life, strives to rescue her enormous super pig companion, Okja, from the clutches of profit-driven American executives.
Bong skillfully exposes and condemns societal issues while maintaining his unique blend of humor and humanism. The movie effectively satirizes the cynicism of corporate greed and so-called “environmentalist” organizations, revealing their ulterior motives beneath seemingly noble intentions. The narrative continually explores humanity’s relentless pursuit of exploiting nature’s precious resources.
2018: Sorry to Bother You
“Sorry to Bother You” marks Boots Riley’s remarkable directorial debut, showcasing a bold willingness to take comedic risks. The film, led by an outstanding performance from LaKeith Stanfield as Cassius Green, follows a telemarketer’s journey into the cutthroat world of the American upper class after stumbling upon a secret to success. Riley fearlessly explores controversial societal issues with a sharp and humorous edge. The movie embraces its own absurdity, and the unexpected shift into sci-fi satire plays a crucial role in delivering its powerful message.
2019: Ad Astra
Only James Gray could take a traditional father-and-son drama to the expansive realms of space, following Brad Pitt as a resolute astronaut on a mission to uncover the truth about his father’s disappearance on Neptune 30 years ago. Ad Astra skillfully maneuvers through various genres, refusing to take the easy route.
Unlike typical space journeys, the movie doesn’t indulge in conventional space travel. Characters and viewers alike are consistently reminded of the potential dangers, creating a constant atmosphere of tension and suspicion. The film includes moments of intense violence alongside poignant reflections on the protagonist’s relationship with his father. Ad Astra presents a vast universe, its ethereal conclusion serving as a poignant reminder that, amidst the overwhelming expanse of the cosmos, having someone to depend on is always crucial.
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