10 2000s Movies Sci-fi Fans Love That Actually Hold Up Now

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For generations, there’s been an enduring fascination with science fiction, and the abundance of sci-fi literature, television series, and movies has only served to reinforce this. Science fiction provides a thrilling escape, whisking audiences away to alien landscapes or alternative time periods. Each decade brings forth fresh cinematic gems that leave lasting impressions on young viewers. The 2000s were particularly noteworthy in this regard, with numerous groundbreaking films emerging from popular franchises. Sci-fi in the 2000s explored a variety of themes and motifs but also dabbled with innovative animation and CGI techniques, giving rise to an array of captivating new tales that won the hearts of many.

One captivating aspect of science fiction from the 2000s was the numerous franchises that joined the fray. The Marvel Cinematic Universe made its debut in 2008, while the Star Wars Prequel trilogy was still unfolding. Even Disney dipped their toes into sci-fi, producing a gem that’s mostly forgotten today. It was an exhilarating era for moviegoers, particularly those eagerly anticipating the next chapter of their beloved stories.

1) WALL-E (2008)

WALL-E is likely the sweetest science fiction movie on this selection. It’s a post-apocalyptic Pixar film that focuses on WALL-E, the beloved and famous character in its title. The narrative unfolds years after humanity has deserted Earth, leaving behind small cleaning robots like WALL-E. This charming robot has been diligently tidying up the planet while watching his fellow bots deteriorate over time. However, everything shifts dramatically when EVE, who is sent to evaluate the situation for her spaceship, Axiom, shows up.

WALL-E is a charming and romantic movie that carries a somewhat melancholic mood. It’s known for its sparse dialogue, particularly between the film’s most memorable characters. Although humans are included in the narrative, they often take a backseat to the main storyline. Alongside Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin, John Ratzenberger, Kathy Najimy, and Sigourney Weaver, WALL-E is the star of the show.

WALL-E is available to stream on Disney+.

2) The Matrix Reloaded (2003)

In 1999, the groundbreaking movie “The Matrix” made quite an impact on the film industry. Consequently, fans were eagerly waiting for its sequel, “The Matrix Reloaded,” which arrived three years later. Interestingly, the third installment, titled “The Matrix Revolutions,” was released just six months after the second one. This rapid succession might have been due to the high anticipation that surrounded the films. As a result, “The Matrix Reloaded” initially faced some disappointerment from fans.

In retrospect, it’s now more apparent what The Matrix Reloaded was aiming for. It boasted some breathtaking action scenes and made an effort to preserve the essence of the franchise. What stood out most was its reunion of beloved characters such as Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Hugo Weaving.

The Matrix Reloaded is available to stream on Pluto TV.

3) Serenity (2005)

The 2005 film “Serenity” was made possible by a devoted fan base who were extremely dedicated and loyal. The story continues from where the television series, “Firefly,” had ended, which had unfortunately been canceled before its time. Fans had to put in effort to get this movie produced, but it proved to be worth their time and energy. It offers an engaging Sci-fi Western narrative filled with corrupt corporations, relentless assassins, and a strong sci-fi family dynamic that is unparalleled in the genre.

Anticipation for the movie “Serenity” was high, but viewers weren’t prepared for the unique narrative journey they’d experience throughout the film. It delved deeper into its lore and provided a heartfelt farewell to its fanbase. Despite this, fans couldn’t get enough and continued to ask for more! The movie boasted a large cast, featuring Nathan Fillion, Alan Tudyk, Adam Baldwin, Summer Glau, and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

Serenity is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

4) Treasure Planet (2002)

During the 2000s, even Disney ventured into sci-fi territory. One such exploration was “Atlantis: The Lost Empire,” while another was “Treasure Planet.” Released in 2002, “Treasure Planet” is an animated adventure that draws inspiration from Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island.” Despite sounding unusual, it’s one of Disney’s finest novel adaptations and is often overlooked, making it one of their less recognized films.

The movie boasted a distinctive (albeit costly) fusion of various animation techniques to achieve its visual and tactile effect. In essence, it presented a blend of Victorian steampunk and space odyssey aesthetics, showcasing majestic vessels that appeared seaworthy but were actually designed for the cosmos. To add to this, Treasure Planet boasts an illustrious voice cast, featuring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Brian Murray, Emma Thompson, David Hyde Pierce, Martin Short, and numerous others.

Treasure Planet is available to stream on Disney+.

5) Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005)

When the initial Star Wars Trilogy debuted, George Lucas made it clear that he required advanced technology to materialize the Prequels. This technological advancement occurred during the late 90s and early 2000s. Notably, Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith were both unveiled in the 2000s, making it appropriate to include them on this list!

As a die-hard cinema enthusiast, I’d say Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith was my personal favorite from the epic trilogy. It offered a gripping narrative that shed light on Anakin Skywalker’s transformation into the ominous Darth Vader. Interestingly, it ranked as the second-highest-grossing Star Wars film (back then). The movie featured stellar performances by Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christensen, Natalie Portman, Samuel L. Jackson, and a host of other unforgettable characters. It’s worth noting that upon its release, there was a wave of criticism towards the Prequel Trilogy from fans. However, over time, the stories have been more warmly received by many.

Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith is available to stream on Disney+.

6) Star Trek (2009)

In 2009, there was a fresh exploration of the Star Trek Universe with the debut film simply named “Star Trek”. This movie managed to strike a balance between the original series and new material by placing the series in an alternate timeline. Consequently, it introduced several new characters such as Chris Pine, John Cho, Zoe Saldaña, and Zachary Quinto.

The narrative kicks off with the characters still studying at Starfleet Academy, but things swiftly take a turn for the worse as tension grows. In stark contrast to the crew of the USS Enterprise, there’s a Romulan mining vessel present. What unfolds next is both stunning and indelible. It serves as the foundation for the first of three movies, which undeniably sparked the creation of the more recent Star Trek series.

Star Trek is available to stream on Paramount+.

7) Minority Report (2002)

Minority Report is a thought-provoking cyberpunk movie that showcases a Precrime unit with the ability to apprehend individuals before they’ve actually committed a crime. This film, adapted from Philip K. Dick’s novel, doesn’t shy away from making viewers ponder complex ethical dilemmas and boundaries. The narrative revolves around John Anderton (played by Tom Cruise), the head of Precrime, who finds himself in a precarious situation when the precogs predict he’ll be responsible for a murder in the near future.

Following this peculiar chain of incidents remains etched in our memories. “Minority Report” features performances by Colin Farrell, Samantha Morton, and Max von Sydow as well. With Steven Spielberg at the director’s chair, it carries that timeless yet comfortably familiar vibe.

Minority Report is available to stream on Tubi or Paramount+.

8) 28 Days Later (2002)

Fans of horror blended with sci-fi likely recall “28 Days Later,” released in 2002. It’s a post-apocalyptic horror story that revolves around a terrifying virus that bears a striking resemblance to the classic zombie archetype in horror movies. The movie sparked a series, with fans having to exercise great patience for the latest addition.

In simpler terms, the movie “28 Days Later” features Cillian Murphy in the lead role. Notable supporting actors include Naomie Harris, Christopher Eccleston, Megan Burns, and Brendan Gleeson. The title of the film is significant because Jim (Cillian Murphy) regains consciousness 28 days after a coma, only to discover that the world has spiraled into turmoil.

28 Days Later is available to stream on Pluto TV.

9) Equilibrium (2002)

In the film titled “Equilibrium”, we delve into a future-oriented law enforcement narrative. In this universe, any form of self-expression is prohibited, including for the enforcers themselves. Enter John Preston (played by Christian Bale), an officer in charge of upholding these laws, who accidentally skips his dosage of emotional suppressants, thus gaining the ability to perceive clues and signals he had previously ignored.

The movie “Equilibrium” didn’t perform exceptionally well at the box office initially, however, it has developed a small yet dedicated fanbase over time. Among its star-studded cast are Christian Bale, Emily Watson, and Taye Diggs.

Equilibrium is available to stream on Pluto TV.

10) The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (2005)

Towards the end, let me not forget to mention “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”. This movie is an adaptation from Douglas Adams’ beloved science fiction novel series, with the author playing a significant role in its development. “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” stands out as one of the more endearing science fiction comedies due to its intricate storyline that combines alien species, human nature, existential questions, and absurd humor.

The narrative centers around Arthur Dent, a man preoccupied with saving his house from demolition until quite recently. Unbeknownst to him, the same fate threatened his entire planet. His loyal friend Ford Prefect orchestrated their escape into the cosmos, embarking on an extraordinary journey. This journey is depicted in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, featuring performances by Martin Freeman, Yasiin Bey, Sam Rockwell, Zooey Deschanel, and Bill Nighy.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is available to stream on Hulu and Disney+.

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2025-07-19 01:43