Space is central to science fiction, offering filmmakers creative freedom because so much about it remains unknown. James Cameron is exploring this with the Avatar franchise, which depicts humans invading and exploiting a distant planet. Steven Spielberg, known for space-themed films like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and War of the Worlds, is returning to the genre with his new movie, Disclosure Day.
Space movies are entertaining, but they often overshadow the broader scope of science fiction. Sci-fi explores all areas of science, not just what happens in outer space, and it’s easy to lose sight of that. Luckily, many films demonstrate that the genre offers much more than just aliens and spaceships. Here are seven excellent sci-fi movies that don’t take place in space.
7) The Terminator
Cameron’s The Terminator initially stood out because it depicted humanity destroying itself, rather than another world, like many other sci-fi films. While the premise is now incredibly well-known, the later Terminator movies haven’t diminished the impact of the original. The first film cleverly handles its complex time travel plot by having its main character experience the same confusion as the viewers, and it’s also packed with exciting action.
6) Companion
A film that gains recognition over many years often earns a spot on lists like this, but it’s not the only way. The 2025 movie Companion tells the story of Iris, who happily anticipates a trip with her boyfriend. Once they arrive, things change drastically when she discovers she’s not a person, but a robotic companion he bought. Iris accepts this surprising truth, but she doesn’t give up easily. Companion leaves audiences questioning what truly defines being human – is it simply having a physical body?
5) Snowpiercer
Bong Joon Ho is a highly acclaimed director, famous for winning three Academy Awards – including Best Picture and Best Director – for his film Parasite. While Parasite is excellent, some consider his film Snowpiercer to be even better. Snowpiercer is a futuristic thriller set on a train where passengers are segregated by wealth. The lower classes eventually rebel against this unfair system, fighting for control of the train. The film offers a powerful commentary on the divide between the rich and the poor.
4) RoboCop
At the beginning of RoboCop, Detroit is a city in decline, overrun by crime and a struggling police force. Things change when officer Alex Murphy is fatally wounded, but instead of dying, he’s reborn as the RoboCop. While the idea sounds far-fetched, RoboCop embraces its over-the-top nature, resulting in a surprisingly compelling and unforgettable film.
3) Jurassic Park
Steven Spielberg is known for his interest in both aliens and dinosaurs. His film, Jurassic Park, explores what would happen if scientists successfully resurrected dinosaurs, and, predictably, wealthy individuals turn them into a commercial attraction. As you might expect, things quickly fall apart, but Jurassic Park expertly manages its complex story. Spielberg has a unique ability to create a film that’s both awe-inspiring and terrifying.
2) War for the Planet of the Apes
Several films in the Planet of the Apes series involve space travel, with at least two featuring astronauts who land on a planet ruled by apes. War for the Planet of the Apes focuses directly on Caesar and his ape community, showing their difficult struggle to survive. While often intense, the film is ultimately hopeful, as it portrays the apes as maintaining their humanity despite being seen as monsters by their enemies. Interestingly, despite limited screen time for human characters, War for the Planet of the Apes is a surprisingly moving and human story.
1) Inception
Any discussion of great science fiction films needs to include at least one Christopher Nolan movie. While Interstellar doesn’t quite fit the bill here, Inception certainly does. This film follows a team of thieves who steal secrets from people’s dreams, but they soon find the boundaries between reality and illusion becoming unclear, and are forced to confront their personal histories. Featuring a truly unforgettable ending, Inception is a unique and exceptional sci-fi experience.
What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!
Read More
- Best Controller Settings for ARC Raiders
- Ashes of Creation Rogue Guide for Beginners
- Meet the cast of Mighty Nein: Every Critical Role character explained
- Bloober Team launches ‘Remosd Neul Serorehso Ovam Ceyerd’ countdown website
- Arc Raiders Guide – All Workbenches And How To Upgrade Them
- Kit Keenan Slams Claim Mom Cynthia Rowley Helped Buy Her NYC Apartment
- Avengers: Doomsday Finally Gives The X-Men What Fox Refused To
- 7 Fantasy Movies That Aged Incredibly Poorly
- Beyond Spin: Exploring Quantum Entanglement in Particle Collisions
- Sad the Battlefield 6 Open Beta is over? I am, too, but hey — Battlefield 2042 just got a surprise new Update 9.2, and it has BF6 rewards for everyone that plays it
2026-01-02 23:13