Buzz
Science fiction is celebrated for its vast and diverse themes. From interstellar exploration and encounters with alien life to time travel, futuristic technology, and parallel universes, the genre offers limitless creative possibilities. If you've exhausted the classics and popular titles but crave more, this list is tailor-made for you.
These overlooked treasures span various sub-genres and were released between 2011 and 2021. Despite earning over 80% on Rotten Tomatoes, they either underperformed at the box office, debuted at indie festivals, or got buried in the vast catalog of streaming platforms. Nevertheless, these 10 films are deserving of greater attention and are well worth your time.
10. Prospect (2018)
Prospect, the first full-length film by writers and directors Zeek Earl and Chris Caldwell, expands on their earlier short film. The story revolves around a father (Jay Duplass) and his teenage daughter (Sophie Thatcher) as they hunt for precious gems on a hazardous alien moon, crossing paths with other treasure seekers, including Pedro Pascal's character. The moon features a perilous toxic forest reminiscent of Endor from Star Wars, and the gemstones evoke the surreal imagination of David Lynch.
The film's aesthetic is shaped by its characters' struggle to survive on the edges of their universe. A Variety critic notes that the visual approach “stands in stark contrast to the polished, futuristic designs of mainstream space epics like 2001: A Space Odyssey or Passengers, which resemble Apple-engineered perfection.” Instead, the film embraces an analog, almost handmade quality, with spaceships, suits, and weapons appearing rugged and improvised. Earl and Caldwell are currently developing a sci-fi TV series for Amazon, maintaining the same retro, DIY aesthetic.
9. Attack the Block (2011)
Attack the Block marks Joe Cornish's debut as both writer and director, featuring John Boyega (prior to his Star Wars fame) and Jodie Whittaker (before her Doctor Who role). The story unfolds in a South London housing estate, where a group of teenagers bands together to fend off an alien attack. This unique setting and premise set Attack the Block apart from conventional alien invasion narratives.
Den of Geek highlights the talented cast, the “clever subversion of the Amblin-inspired kids-on-an-adventure trope, and the nuanced exploration of class dynamics,” as well as the film's “distinctly London vibe.” Although it underperformed at the box office, critics lauded Attack the Block. A decade after its release, a sequel has been confirmed, with Cornish and Boyega both returning. If you missed it in 2011, now is the ideal time to discover this hidden gem.
8. Midnight Special (2016)
Midnight Special combines the thrill of a chase movie with the depth of intelligent science fiction. Directed by Jeff Nichols, it follows a father (Michael Shannon) fleeing both a religious cult and the FBI with his son (Jaeden Martell), who has extraordinary powers. While the premise might suggest a flashy X-Men-style film, Nichols crafts a grounded, gritty atmosphere. Offering a refreshing take in a genre dominated by superhero blockbusters, the film unfortunately underperformed at the box office.
Though Midnight Special has a premise that seems universally appealing, its ending has sparked debate. The narrative steadily builds tension, culminating in a final act revelation (which we won’t spoil). One critic observes that “after years of overwhelming Hollywood spectacle, this scene reignites belief in the ability of special effects to convey genuine elegance, wonder, and beauty.” While the reveal may not resonate with everyone, it’s worth discovering whether it captivates you.
7. See You Yesterday (2019)
See You Yesterday, adapted from a short film of the same name, marks Stefon Bristol’s debut as a feature-length writer and director. The story centers on two teenage science geniuses, C.J. (Eden Duncan-Smith) and Sebastian (Danté Crichlow), who create a time-travel device to prevent the murder of C.J.’s brother. The film adheres to the time-travel logic established in Back to the Future (1985), even paying homage with a cameo by Michael J. Fox, one of his final roles before retiring.
Time-travel narratives often feature multiple attempts to alter events, and See You Yesterday uses this concept as “a powerful metaphor for systemic social injustices.” While the film balances moments of adventure and humor, it also delivers emotionally intense scenes. Bristol transforms a well-worn sci-fi trope into a poignant, reality-driven story that resonates deeply.
6. Coherence (2013)
Coherence is a challenging film to describe without revealing too much, but it revolves around a dinner party that takes a bizarre turn. Imagine an episode of The Twilight Zone infused with the mind-bending science of Schrodinger’s Cat. Instead of delving into the plot, understanding how the film was crafted offers deeper insight.
Shot in just five days in director James Ward Byrkit’s living room, the film was made without a traditional crew or script. Byrkit aimed to capture natural dialogue, stating, “I get frustrated with movies and TV shows that feel artificial because the conversations don’t flow naturally. I wanted to see what would happen if we avoided that.” Instead of a full script, actors received daily notes about their characters’ backstories and motivations. This approach resulted in a film where interactions feel authentic, and the characters’ reactions to the unfolding chaos are genuinely compelling.
5. Colossal (2016)
Despite featuring Anne Hathaway in the lead role, Colossal didn’t generate much attention upon its release. This is a shame, as it’s a genre-blending film with a unique message. Hathaway portrays Gloria, an alcoholic, unemployed writer who returns to her hometown and reconnects with her childhood friend Oscar, played by Jason Sudeikis. The sci-fi twist emerges when a kaiju begins attacking Seoul, and Gloria discovers an inexplicable link to the creature.
Director Nacho Vigalondo draws heavily from the visual style of Godzilla films, to the extent that Toho, Godzilla’s copyright holder, sued him for copyright infringement. Although the case was resolved, Colossal’s homage to Godzilla remains unmistakable. However, the film transcends being a mere monster movie. At its core, it explores Gloria’s struggles with alcoholism and her complicated dynamic with Oscar, adding a layer of depth and darkness to the narrative.
4. Oxygen (2021)
Alexandre Aja, known for his gruesome horror films like The Hills Have Eyes (2006) and Piranha 3D (2010), takes a different approach with Oxygen. This marks his first French-language film in years, and instead of relying on gore, it delivers a tightly wound sci-fi thriller.
The plot follows a woman (Mélanie Lauren) who awakens in a cryogenic pod with no memory of her identity or why she’s there. To make matters worse, her oxygen supply is dwindling rapidly. The film unfolds in near real-time, primarily set within the confines of the pod, immersing viewers in its suffocating atmosphere.
Though a departure from his earlier work, Aja expertly builds and maintains tension throughout. The film hinges on Lauren’s performance, as most other characters exist only as voices (notably Mathieu Amalric as the AI system M.I.L.O.). Lauren’s portrayal, shifting between bewilderment, fear, and resolve, keeps the audience riveted. As one critic notes, “It will make you put your phone across the room—or at least appreciate having the space to do so.”
3. The Vast of Night (2019)
Claiming the top position on this list is The Vast of Night, a low-budget indie film that channels the spirit of 1950s B-movies. Set in a New Mexico town, the story unfolds in real-time, following teenagers Everett (Jake Horowitz), a radio DJ, and Fay (Sierra McCormick), a switchboard operator. When they detect unusual activity in their town, possibly of extraterrestrial origin, they join forces to uncover the truth.
Director Andrew Patterson blends the nostalgic vibe of ’50s classics like Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) with sharp dialogue and dynamic modern cinematography. While the plot may feel familiar to sci-fi enthusiasts, its execution is mesmerizing. The film’s extensive walk-and-talk sequences immerse viewers, making them feel like they’re part of the investigation. A standout moment is a four-minute tracking shot that seamlessly traverses the town, appearing as a single take (though it’s cleverly stitched together). The Vast of Night is a heartfelt tribute to vintage sci-fi and a must-watch.
2. The Endless (2017)
Similar to Annihilation, the sci-fi horror film The Endless ventures into uncharted territory. It centers on two brothers who fled a cult as children but return after discovering an old videotape, hoping to unravel the mysteries of their past. The film stars Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, who also directed, produced, and edited it. Benson wrote the script, while Moorhead handled cinematography. As the credits suggest, this is a labor of love and a testament to indie filmmaking.
Den of Geek praises The Endless, stating it’s “one of those festival gems that should reach a broader audience.” The bond between the brothers provides emotional grounding, keeping viewers engaged as the story grows increasingly bizarre. The film’s eerie tone echoes H. P. Lovecraft’s horror style, even referencing his short story “The Colour Out of Space” (1927). The Endless demonstrates how a compelling idea can shine without needing a massive budget.
1. Annihilation (2018)
Directed and written by Alex Garland (known for Ex Machina in 2014), Annihilation adapts Jeff VanderMeer’s novel. The story centers on Lena (Natalie Portman), a biologist and former soldier, who embarks on a covert mission into a mysterious zone where natural laws are distorted. Previous teams, including Lena’s husband, have entered this area but never returned.
The Verge calls Annihilation “a profound, thought-provoking film that delves into human nature and our driving instincts rather than focusing on survival.” While it demands close attention, the movie offers more than philosophical depth. It delivers chilling moments and increasingly surreal visuals, making it a perfect pick for sci-fi fans who enjoy a touch of horror.
