The 1990s were a fantastic decade for science fiction films, delivering many now-classic movies like Terminator 2: Judgment Day, The Matrix, Stargate, and Men in Black. Alongside these hits and cult favorites such as The Faculty and 12 Monkeys, there were also a number of excellent sci-fi movies from the 90s that didn’t get as much attention and may have been overlooked by today’s audiences, even among dedicated sci-fi fans.
Looking for some hidden sci-fi gems from the ’90s? Here are a few underrated movies – from those featuring rock stars to stories about aliens, the apocalypse, and people with extraordinary abilities – that deserve a watch.
7) Freejack (1992)
The 1992 sci-fi film Freejack is worth watching, especially for its interesting cast. Set in the year 2009, the movie depicts a future where the wealthy have achieved immortality by using time travel to snatch people from the past moments before their natural deaths. These people are used as replacement bodies, as the general population suffers from widespread illness in a bleak, dystopian world. Those who manage to escape this fate are known as “freejacks” and are considered outlaws with no legal rights.
In the sci-fi film Freejack, Emilio Estevez plays Alex, a Formula One driver who survives a fatal crash by being transported to the future. Mick Jagger plays Victor Vacendak, a man sent by a powerful client to bring Alex back. The movie also features a strong supporting cast including Rene Russo, Anthony Hopkins, and Amanda Plummer. Despite negative reviews, Freejack is still an enjoyable film for science fiction enthusiasts.
6) Tank Girl (1995)
Though it’s a beloved cult film, Tank Girl isn’t as widely discussed as other movies from the same era, like The Crow. Starring Lori Petty as the rebellious Tank Girl, the film is based on the comic book created by Alan Martin and Jamie Hewlett. The cast also included Naomi Watts, Ice-T, and Malcolm McDowell, who played the villain.
Set in a drought-stricken future – ten years after a comet hits Earth in 2033 – the movie follows Tank Girl as she fights back against a powerful water company that kidnaps and enslaves people for labor. The film has gained a dedicated following over the years and is celebrated for its empowering message about women.
5) Strange Days (1995)
Released in the 90s, Strange Days is a compelling sci-fi film with a strong creative team – the script was written by James Cameron and directed by Kathryn Bigelow. The story unfolds over the final 48 hours of 1999 in a Los Angeles on the brink of chaos, fueled by police misconduct, widespread violence, and public unrest. Adding a unique twist, the film centers on a black market dealer who trades in a device that lets people relive the memories and feelings of others.
Despite flopping in theaters, the movie has gained a dedicated following and is now considered a cult classic. It’s a shame it wasn’t initially successful, as it’s a really smart and well-made science fiction film. Fortunately, its quality was recognized by awards shows focused on the genre – Angela Bassett won Best Actress at the Saturn Awards, and Kathryn Bigelow made history as the first woman to win Best Director there.
4) Screamers (1995)
Released in the 90s, Screamers is a science fiction film inspired by the work of Philip K. Dick. Though it doesn’t quite reach the heights of movies like Total Recall and Minority Report, it’s still a compelling watch, packed with Dick’s signature themes of paranoia and conspiracy. The film, based on his short story ‘Second Variety’, takes place in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by war between the Soviet Union and the United Nations.
Dan O’Bannon, the writer of Total Recall, adapted Philip K. Dick’s story by setting it on a distant planet in the future. This world is on the brink of destruction due to conflict between competing mining companies. The film’s title, Screamers, refers to the robots that pose a major threat to all life. Starring Peter Weller (known for RoboCop), the movie explores similar ideas to Blade Runner about the nature of humanity.
3) The City of Lost Children (1995)
The City of Lost Children is a little-known but beloved sci-fi film. Directed by Marc Caro and Jean-Pierre Jeunet (known for Amélie and Alien Resurrection), it was a collaborative effort between film studios in France, Germany, and Spain. The story centers around strange beings created by a scientist who has disappeared. They reside on a deserted oil rig and include a cunning villain named Krank, six childlike duplicates, a woman named Martha, and even a brain kept alive in a tank.
This 90s sci-fi film is definitely strange and dreamlike, but it’s packed with interesting concepts. Featuring Ron Perlman as a carnival strongman named One, it’s one of the most unsettling and puzzling sci-fi movies of the decade. While it’s confusing, it’s full of ideas that will stick with you and spark plenty of discussion about its meaning.
2) Dark City (1998)
Dark City is a fantastic science fiction film from the 1990s, directed by Alex Proyas, also known for his work on the original Crow movie. It’s a neo-noir sci-fi thriller about a man named John Murdoch (Rufus Sewell) who wakes up with amnesia in a hotel bathtub and quickly learns he’s being hunted. This pursuit leads him to uncover a hidden world that exists beneath the surface of everyday life.
This movie has a dark, unsettling look inspired by classic film noir and German Expressionism, using shadows and unusual camera angles to mirror the main character’s disorientation. Kiefer Sutherland plays a doctor assisting the hero, and you’ll also recognize William Hurt and Jennifer Connelly in the cast. While it received generally good reviews, this 90s sci-fi film deserves more attention and rediscovery.
1) Event Horizon (1997)
As a movie fan, I’ve noticed Paul W.S. Anderson often gets a bad rap for his video game adaptations – a lot of people see them as just flashy action with not much substance. But what’s really interesting is that he started his career with two genuinely fantastic films that seem to get overshadowed now. I’m talking about his Mortal Kombat movie and the seriously creepy sci-fi horror film, Event Horizon. They’re both amazing and deserve more recognition!
The movie showcased Anderson’s talent, featuring genuinely frightening and disturbing scenes. Event Horizon is widely considered one of the best sci-fi horror films of the 1990s, achieving cult classic status. It’s particularly notable considering the criticism Anderson later faced for his video game adaptations, and it hints at the potential his career once held.
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2025-11-30 23:16