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Delving into the mysterious and uncharted realms of space, science fiction stories often stretch the boundaries of possibility. Ever since “A Trip to the Moon” was screened in 1902, sci-fi films have been pushing limits and whisking audiences away to strange new worlds or parallel dimensions brimming with advanced technology. If you’re a fan of science fiction, chances are you’ve caught up on recent blockbusters like the “Dune” series and “Alien: Romulus”. However, there might be some hidden gems streaming on Max that have slipped under even the most discerning viewers’ radar. Streaming platforms often acquire rights to films that can easily escape notice, even for die-hard fans. That’s where we come in.

Max’s collection of science fiction films, ranging from lesser-known treasures to timeless classics that shaped the genre, offers an abundance of entertainment for a couple of relaxed weekends. As every devoted film enthusiast understands, there are movies so captivating that they slip from our immediate recall. While these may not always be top-of-mind, they linger somewhere in your mental storage. Similarly, there are sci-fi films we become enamored with, but over time they can get misplaced in the chaos of our movie collection. This list aims to reintroduce those movies back into your active memory.

2001: A Space Odyssey

It’s not surprising if someone didn’t know that the classic sci-fi film “2001: A Space Odyssey,” directed by Stanley Kubrick and released in 2023, made it onto Max’s library. The movie is adapted from several works by Arthur C. Clarke, such as “The Sentinel” and “Encounter in the Dawn.” The story revolves around two astronauts, Dave Bowman (Keir Dullea) and Frank Poole (Gary Lockwood), who embark on a mission to explore Jupiter and encounter an alien monolith. Along their journey, they are accompanied by the intelligent computer HAL 9000, whose actions create tension between them.

Regardless of its age, approximately 60 years old, the film “2001: A Space Odyssey” remains the most impactful science fiction movie in contemporary Hollywood, a fact often overlooked by the Oscars. It’s challenging to watch other space-themed films without detecting traces of “2001: A Space Odyssey.” From the design of Discovery One to the innovative portrayal of Hal, Stanley Kubrick’s sci-fi masterwork continues to influence the film industry. Moreover, several iconic scenes from this movie have been repeatedly parodied, and it’s likely that many moviegoers who haven’t seen “2001: A Space Odyssey” have encountered its influence in other movies and TV shows.

RoboCop

Having a robot is quite exciting, but having one that tackles serious crimes and delivers witty remarks makes it even more thrilling. Directed by Paul Verhoeven, this 1987 science fiction-thriller offers a satirical perspective on the culture of corporations in the 1980s, police militarization, sensationalist media, and more, through its dark humor, mock advertisements, and overly violent action scenes. The film was a massive success at the box office, earning over $50 million, and paved the way for two sequels and a live-action television adaptation.

In a Detroit teetering on the brink of catastrophe, lawlessness rules, and citizens live in constant dread as they navigate their daily lives. Gang violence is rampant, making even a simple trip to the grocery store a perilous endeavor. The powerful corporation Omni Consumer Products secures a profitable deal with the government to restructure the police force, aiming to restore order on the streets. When Officer Alex Murphy (Peter Weller) meets a gruesome fate at the hands of ruthless criminal Clarence Boddicker (Kurtwood Smith), his damaged body becomes the blueprint for Omni’s first RoboCop prototype. As this new law enforcer takes to the streets, Detroit seems to have found salvation; however, a more sinister force is at play within the halls of Omni Corporation’s boardroom.

Stalker

The movie, titled “Stalker,” follows a journey orchestrated by a guide called the Stalker (Alexander Kaidanovsky), who navigates people through a perilous landscape known as the Zone, despite it being forbidden. This area is shrouded in myth and allegedly possesses extraordinary characteristics with its terrain continuously transforming. At the heart of the Zone lies a unique space called the Room, which is said to fulfill one’s most heartfelt desire. Notably, Andrei Tarkovsky, often considered one of the greatest filmmakers ever, directs this thought-provoking film.

Just like “2001: A Space Odyssey,” “Stalker” is one of the most groundbreaking films in cinema history, transcending the boundaries of the sci-fi genre. The movie’s themes, atmosphere, and unique minimalistic approach have not only inspired other films but have also found their way into video games such as S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl. This game, released in 2007, was loosely based on the movie and is set in a treacherous and unstable post-apocalyptic landscape. Although “Stalker” lacks the fast-paced action found in other sci-fi films, it is an essential watch for any sci-fi enthusiast.

Fantastic Planet

Under the direction of René Laloux, Fantastic Planet is an innovative and dreamlike animated science fiction movie set on the unusual planet of Ygam. This world is populated by the towering, blue-skinned Draags, a superior and highly intelligent alien race. They maintain humans, or Oms, as pets. However, life for free Oms isn’t easy; they are relentlessly hunted down and eliminated. The narrative centers around Terr, a young Om who is nurtured by a Draag child but eventually breaks free into the wild. He then unites with a band of wild Oms in their ongoing struggle against Draag tyranny. As the number of Oms grows, they prepare for a revolution that could potentially alter the destiny of Ygam forever.

Similar to “Stalker” and “2001: A Space Odyssey,” “Fantastic Planet” is often hailed as one of the most impactful science fiction films ever made. Its dreamlike quality and profound exploration of themes like oppression and power make it a unique viewing experience that stands out from other movies. Produced over a decade before its 1973 release, this film’s creation began in the 60s, drawing inspiration from the 1957 novel “Oms en série.” Given the legendary status of the final product within sci-fi cinema, it seems that all the hard work was worth it.

Godzilla

Under the guidance of director Ishirō Honda, the seminal Japanese movie titled Godzilla stands out as a trailblazing kaiju film, establishing one of the most enduring franchises in cinematic history. Despite its entertaining portrayal of destruction and 1950s ambiance, the film serves as a poignant allegory for the perils of nuclear weapons and the aftermath of war following World War II’s conclusion. Though later films in the series might be larger or more stylish, the original Godzilla remains indispensable when evaluating its influence and impact on the genre. Admittedly, it may seem elementary that the monster is merely a man in a suit demolishing a scaled-down city; however, the raw power of this classic presentation cannot be disputed when compared to today’s digitally generated special effects (CGI).

The story unfolds following a string of enigmatic maritime disasters that keep everyone on edge. However, the citizens are caught off guard when a humongous ancient sea creature surfaces from the ocean and assaults Japan. A team of researchers under Dr. Yamane (Takashi Shimura) endeavor to decipher the monster’s nature, while the military strives to halt Godzilla’s seemingly relentless devastation. As both parties work tirelessly to devise a strategy to subdue the beast, they brace themselves for the potential catastrophe ahead.

Splice

The film focuses on two innovative geneticists, Clive Nicoli (Adrien Brody) and Elsa Kast (Sarah Polley), who focus on combining DNA from various species to produce unique hybrid organisms. Facing potential loss of funding for their research, they surreptitiously exceed ethical limits by incorporating human DNA into one experiment. The outcome is Dren (Delphine Chanéac), a swiftly developing, exceptionally intelligent humanoid being with animalistic characteristics such as a tail, wings, and even amphibious capabilities. As Dren keeps evolving, Clive and Elsa discover that they may have bitten off more than they can chew, and soon encounter the repercussions of meddling with divine creation.

2009’s sci-fi film “Splice,” directed by Vincenzo Natali, could be one of the top underrated movies on Max right now. The movie gradually instills a chilling foreboding, much like witnessing a tragic accident in slow motion. Despite knowing that Clive and Elsa’s fate will be grim, it’s an engaging experience to watch them spiral deeper and deeper into a seemingly bottomless abyss of despair and destruction.

Dredd

In this rephrased version, Judge Dredd, portrayed by Karl Urban, is the main character, a stern and unyielding figure upholding justice. Accompanying him is rookie Judge Cassandra Anderson (Olivia Thirlby), who boasts psychic powers that amplify her potential as a judge. Their duty takes them to Peach Trees, a colossal 200-story slum tower under the control of the vicious drug lord Ma-Ma (Lena Headey). She peddles a novel narcotic known as Slo-Mo. When Judge Dredd and Anderson apprehend one of Ma-Ma’s high-ranking allies, she seals off the entire structure, trapping them in a relentless, continuous battle for life as they combat through heavily armed gangs to ascend to the top floor and eliminate her.

Dredd, a movie in the sci-fi genre, is an absolute must-watch for fans of high-octane action and gruesome visual effects, even if it lacks deeper or thought-provoking themes. The credit for this film undeniably goes to Karl Urban. He never took off his helmet during the entire 95 minutes, but managed to convey a constant grim expression throughout. His portrayal is remarkably contrasted by Anderson’s Judge character, played by Olivia Thirlby, who exudes a fresh and compassionate energy. Lena Headey’s depiction of Ma-Ma is also noteworthy, making the lack of a sequel to this well-executed film all the more disappointing.

2025-03-19 02:11