Since its introduction over a century ago, the science fiction genre has been a mainstay in film. Throughout the years, it has become beloved through franchises likeStar WarsandStar Trek.Today, with topics like AI, societal changes, and alien life becoming mainstream staples, the sci-fi genre has plenty to build on in 2023.
From dinosaur survival to evil AI dolls, sci-fi fans got to enjoy a wide variety of movies this year. While not all of 2023’s sci-fi movies were big hits, this is a list of some of the year’s most interesting films in the genre, that are sure to keep fans entertained.
565
65features Adam Driver as the main character, who does a sufficient job at carrying the film. This movie contains a handful of action sequences that are quite tense and thrilling. It’s not every year that fans get a high-budget dinosaur movie that’snot from theJurassic Parkfranchise, so fans of Earth’s old inhabitants will enjoy this flick. While it wasn’t received well by critics, it did get a respectable fan reception, and it’s worth a watch for fans of sci-fi action.
With a heavy emphasis on action,65follows Mills, a human who crash lands on Earth 65 million years in the past. After finding a young girl who also survived the crash, Mills realizes that an intact escape pod from their ship landed on a nearby mountain. The unlikely duo must set off on a thrilling adventure to escape the hostile planet and return home.
1 hour, 33 minutes
34%
65%
40
4No One Will Save You
The alien abduction storyis a classic and terrifying concept, and is certainly nothing new in the sci-fi world. However,No One Will Save Youbrings a fresh approach to the storied topic. The movie is centered around themes of paranoia, guilt, and social isolation, by following a grieving young woman as she experiences inexplicable encounters throughout the movie.
Refreshingly, the movie presents its extraterrestrial visitors as more just one-dimensional bad guys. Instead of simply invading the planet or torturing their abductees, the alien characters are used as a narrative tool for the main character’s issues to unfold. Their motives are unclear for most of the film, and it’s vague as to whether they fall on the “good guy” or “bad guy” side of things. This ambiguity creates an engaging experience that is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
81%
56%
60
3Asteroid City
As a Wes Anderson film,Asteroid Cityfeatures the director’s distinct style. The movie has a vibrant, whimsical aesthetic. It’s set to an idealistic backdrop of an alternate, utopian universe set in 1950s America. Even if the viewer is unfamiliar with this era, they are sure to experience a feeling of nostalgia thanks to Anderson’s skill. The film features an ensemble cast of Hollywood heavyweights, including Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Tilda Swinton, Bryan Cranston, and more. These talented actors portray an assortment of quirky, memorable characters that convey a sense of longing for the movie’s unique backdrop.
Taking place in a retro-futuristic timeline,Asteroid Cityfollows the production of a play that takes place in an unnamed western Americandesert. The play involves various science fiction elements that will keep the viewer thinking long after the movie is over.
1 hour, 45 minutes
75%
62%
75
2They Cloned Tyrone
This unique sci-fi flick blends elements of science fiction, comedy, and horror to create a memorable viewing experience. The movie uses its comedic scenes to excellent effect, which helps to offset the somewhat bizarre subject matter. It also offers meaningful commentary on relevant social issues such as identity, race, and class. The movie sports a charismatic cast led by John Boyega andJamie Foxx.
They Cloned Tyronefollows a drug dealer who is shot and killed, but somehow wakes up the next morning. After learning that he’s actually a clone being housed in a secret government facility, he teams up with other clones to escape the nightmare that they’ve found themselves in.
2 hours, 2 minutes
95%
100%
74
1M3GAN
M3GANtakes theclassic horror story of a killer dolland injects it with a modern twist. Instead of being possessed by some sort of demon, the film’s evil doll is powered by a malfunctioning artificial intelligence. The concept is scarily believable, and probably not far off from being an actual possibility. The movie provides commentary on prevalent themes such asthe effects of advancing technology, the nature of human connection, and the complexities of parenting.M3GANis suspenseful, thrilling, and often straight-up unsettling, but it balances these characteristics with well-executed dark humor. The movie does a great job at not taking itself too seriously, despite its bizarre and disturbing subject matter.
M3GANfollows the story of Gemma and her recently orphaned niece Cady. After Gemma helps develop an advanced, AI-powered doll at work that is meant to provide children with companionship, she realizes she has the perfect opportunity to test her company’s groundbreaking product. But as the doll begins to befriend Cady, Gemma realizes that its AI nature might not properly understand the situation, to an extreme effect.
1 hour, 42 minutes
93%
78%
72
