The first twenty-five years of the 21st century have been excellent for science fiction in television and film. Shows like Battlestar Galactica, Firefly, Lost, and The Expanse have really raised the bar for TV sci-fi. In movies, we’ve seen fantastic stories, whether they’re new ideas, remakes, or based on existing properties. Advances in technology have allowed for more impressive visuals, and while the focus on established franchises isn’t always ideal, it’s given us great films like Blade Runner 2049.
Look, there have been so many great sci-fi films this century – you could easily make a case for something like Children of Men or Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and most people would agree. But for me, the absolute best sci-fi movie of the 21st century is Denis Villeneuve’s Arrival. I love Blade Runner 2049 and Dune: Part Two – seriously, they’re incredible – but Arrival is the one that’s really stuck with me, the one I keep thinking about, even after all these years. It’s been over 25 years of new releases, and nothing else has had quite the same impact.
Why Arrival Is Such A Great Sci-Fi Movie
The film Arrival, inspired by Ted Chiang’s story Story of Your Life, offers a fresh take on the familiar alien invasion trope. Instead of portraying aliens as enemies to be fought, the movie explores the possibility of communication and learning from them. This innovative approach to a classic science fiction idea is a key reason to enjoy the film, but it’s just one of many strengths, and not even the most significant.
That could very likely be Amy Adams. As one of the best actresses of this century, she delivers a career-defining performance as Louise Banks, a linguist tasked with communicating with alien visitors. The world’s fate depends on her success. Adams is remarkable in the role, portraying a quiet strength and sincere compassion that makes the story feel real and is essential to the film’s impact.
For me, a truly great science fiction movie isn’t just about cool concepts – it’s about combining those ideas with genuine emotion. While exciting plots are fun, they’re even better when they help us understand what it means to be human, and Arrival excels at this. The film explores something deeply important – the power of communication – in a way that feels unique, even compared to movies outside the sci-fi genre.
Many sci-fi films feel distant, but this one is surprisingly moving. Its emotional core beautifully complements the ambitious story and big ideas. It’s also visually spectacular – the alien creatures are unlike anything seen before, the visuals are stunning, the global crisis is genuinely exciting, and the time travel element is incredibly clever. However, all of this serves to enhance the film’s emotional impact, using the aliens to help us explore what it truly means to be human. This elevates it above most other sci-fi movies of the last twenty years, making it both powerful and memorable.
Arrival is available to stream on Paramount+.
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2025-11-11 20:10