7 Great Sci-Fi Movies Set Entirely On Earth

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It might surprise you, but many excellent science fiction movies are actually set entirely on Earth. While sci-fi often takes us to outer space – think of classics like 2001: A Space Odyssey and Interstellar, or franchises like Alien and Avatar – a lot of great stories unfold right here on our planet. Films like Blade Runner, The Terminator, and the Planet of the Apes series are popular examples of Earth-based sci-fi, and there are even more fantastic movies that fit the bill.

These seven sci-fi movies are amazing, and they take place entirely on Earth.

7) Snowpiercer

In the future, a new ice age has frozen the Earth, and the last of humanity survives on a perpetually moving train called Snowpiercer. The film follows a rebellion by the train’s lower-class passengers, which uncovers shocking truths about their world and the society built within the train. Bong Joon-ho’s adaptation is a tense and thrilling ride, filled with exciting action and heartbreaking losses. Ultimately, Snowpiercer is a powerful and engaging story about injustice and the struggle to overcome it, and its themes feel relevant even without a far-off setting.

6) Back to the Future

When it comes to fun, family-friendly sci-fi movies set right here on Earth, Back to the Future is still a top pick. This Robert Zemeckis film tells an exciting story about a teenager who accidentally travels back to the 1950s and prevents his parents from meeting. Now, he has to find a way to get them to fall in love so he isn’t erased from existence! Back to the Future is a truly heartwarming and funny sci-fi adventure, and it’s easy to get caught up in its entertaining story and powerful messages about family and taking responsibility. It’s still considered a classic today, and remains an excellent choice for anyone looking for a great Earth-bound sci-fi film.

5) District 9

District 9 is a compelling and unique dystopian film set on Earth. Unlike typical alien invasion stories, it focuses on the harsh treatment of aliens forced into an internment camp in South Africa. The film draws clear parallels to real-world events, specifically the apartheid regime in South Africa, and powerfully examines themes of segregation and prejudice. With its unsettling story and unexpected turns, District 9 is a truly captivating watch. If you’re searching for a smart and well-made alien film grounded on Earth, look no further.

4) Jurassic Park

Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park is a truly classic science fiction film. The movie tells the story of a disastrous attempt to create a dinosaur theme park, filled with thrilling scares and spectacular action. It immerses viewers in the scientists’ experiences as they come face-to-face with these incredible creatures, and the on-screen encounters are often genuinely frightening. A groundbreaking technical accomplishment, Jurassic Park remains essential viewing for any sci-fi enthusiast. While several sequels have been made, none have matched the quality of the original, which expertly blends entertainment with a thought-provoking cautionary message. By bringing dinosaurs to the modern world, Jurassic Park delivers a captivating sci-fi experience without relying on typical alien tropes.

3) Arrival

Not all alien invasion stories are about destruction and fear. The movie Arrival offers a thoughtful and moving story about humanity’s first encounter with extraterrestrial life. The film follows a linguist trying to find a way to communicate with the aliens before misunderstandings lead to war. It’s filled with suspense and presents aliens unlike those typically seen in science fiction. But what truly stays with you is the personal story at its core. Arrival beautifully connects themes of time and language to the main character’s experiences, and the ending is deeply emotional. It’s a unique sci-fi film that places Earth and humanity at the center of the alien encounter.

2) Ex Machina

The movie Ex Machina is a gripping, twisty thriller centered around artificial intelligence. It follows a tech CEO and his employee as they try to determine if a remarkably human-like robot is truly conscious. Almost the entire story unfolds within the confines of the CEO’s secluded home, which emphasizes the robot’s growing need for freedom. While Ex Machina offers a chilling look at the potential risks of unchecked AI, it can also be seen as a story about the robot gaining power and control. With its many layers of meaning, Ex Machina is considered one of the best science fiction films set on Earth.

1) A Clockwork Orange

Stanley Kubrick’s film, A Clockwork Orange, is unsettling yet strangely fascinating. The story takes place in a bleak, futuristic England and follows a violent gang leader who is imprisoned and subjected to an experimental treatment aimed at reforming him. The film is a powerful commentary on the flaws of prisons and the dangers of oppressive governments, skillfully exploring questions about what makes us human and whether we truly have free will. Beyond its thought-provoking themes, A Clockwork Orange is visually stunning and often disturbing, leaving a lasting impression on viewers long after the credits roll.

What science fiction movies do you enjoy that take place on Earth? Share your thoughts in the comments and discuss them with other fans in the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-12-03 19:43