10 Best Sci-fi Movies of the 2010s, Ranked

In the 2010s, science fiction movies really shone, with an impressive mix of big-budget blockbusters and smaller independent films. The genre was a significant part of the decade’s best offerings, and it didn’t disappoint! Established franchises like Star Wars, Planet of the Apes, Alien, The Hunger Games, and Mad Max continued their stories, while movies like The Martian, Gravity, and Edge of Tomorrow provided something new and exciting for fans. For anyone who loves tales set in space, a dystopian future, or fantasy realms, the 2010s was a treasure trove of fantastic science fiction films!

For another ten years or so, it’ll be tough to surpass the 2010s as the most remarkable decade for science fiction in recent history, given its impact. It’s delightful to revisit and cherish the numerous outstanding science fiction productions that graced our screens during this era. Here are ten sci-fi movies from the 2010s that left an indelible mark on cinema and continue to be impressive cinematic achievements today.

10) High Life

2018’s lesser-known yet masterfully made science fiction film titled “High Life” revolves around a band of convicts dispatched on an interstellar journey to explore a black hole and engage in assorted experiments. The narrative, which unfolds in a non-chronological manner, takes several grim twists, culminating in tragic conclusions for many characters. Simultaneously, the film exudes an enchanting ambiance that keeps viewers hooked. The stellar acting of the cast, led by Robert Pattinson as the protagonist Monte and supported by exceptional performances from Juliette Binoche and Mia Goth, is what breathes life into “High Life”. Sci-fi enthusiasts should definitely watch “High Life” as it stands among the genre’s finest.

9) 10 Cloverfield Lane

The 2016 film “10 Cloverfield Lane” deviates significantly from the broader scope of its precursor “Cloverfield,” instead focusing on an intimate, confined narrative about an alien invasion. The story revolves around Michelle (played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead), a woman who awakens in an underground shelter belonging to a mysterious man, accompanied by another guest. They assert that the outside world is dangerous, but Michelle’s growing mistrust and strange discoveries lead her to search for a means of escape. Throughout the movie, John Goodman’s character elicits both amusement and fear from the audience, while Winstead delivers a captivating performance as the protagonist. “10 Cloverfield Lane” is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi story that keeps audiences guessing from start to finish, revealing its secrets gradually without giving too much away. It’s a gripping tale that remains etched in one’s memory.

8) The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

In the 2010s, dystopian sci-fi reached its zenith, and nothing surpasses 2013’s “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”. This film adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ novel, a sequel to “The Hunger Games”, further unfolds the tale of Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), compelled to engage in Panem’s deadly annual contest once more. To this day, “Catching Fire” remains the finest movie within the Hunger Games series. It stands out as an extraordinary blend of action, emotion, and thought-provoking social critique that stays true to its literary roots. Jennifer Lawrence continues to embody a powerful Katniss, while the supporting cast delivers captivating performances in this tense chapter of The Hunger Games. “Catching Fire” demonstrates a level of excellence that goes beyond the franchise, solidifying it as one of the top sci-fi films of the decade.

7) Arrival

In 2016, a remarkable, one-of-a-kind alien encounter movie hit the big screen. In the movie Arrival, when extraterrestrial entities touch down on Earth, a linguist is tasked with establishing communication with them. The storyline of Arrival is both moving and profound, offering an intimate perspective. This film swaps the usual action and brutality found in alien films for a rich exploration of language, existence, and time. Furthermore, the representation of aliens as tentacle-like sea creature-like beings in Arrival offers a stark contrast to similar productions. Director Denis Villeneuve crafted an exceptionally unique film that will leave audiences pondering and tearing up over the course of two hours.

6) Interstellar

Stepping into the realm of cinema, I find myself compelled to express my admiration for Christopher Nolan’s masterful creation, “Interstellar” (2014). In a not-so-distant future where Earth is struggling under the weight of famine, a band of brave astronauts embarks on a cosmic journey in search of a new home for humanity. This cinematic spectacle boasts breathtaking visuals and an exceptional ensemble cast. The narrative weaves intriguing twists that keep you hooked, culminating in a fittingly satisfying climax. Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, and others lend their talents to Nolan’s gripping direction, resulting in an unforgettable sci-fi experience that will undoubtedly leave its mark on the genre for years to come.

5) Annihilation

Watching 2018’s “Annihilation” may require multiple viewings for audiences to truly appreciate it, but the effort spent unraveling its captivating plot is certainly rewarded. Directed by Alex Garland, this movie follows a group of scientists venturing into a mysterious area called the Shimmer, where strange mutations in plants and animals have occurred. Visually stunning and intellectually gripping, “Annihilation” unfolds one surprising twist after another. Natalie Portman delivers a standout performance as the lead character, while the rest of the cast holds their own. It’s hard to find a science fiction film quite like “Annihilation,” as its tense atmosphere, thrilling action sequences, and symbolic storyline make for a compelling movie with a depth of meaning.

4) Snowpiercer

2013’s “Snowpiercer” masterfully adapts the graphic novel “Le Transperceneige” by Jacques Lob, Benjamin Legrand and Jean-Marc Rochette. Directed by Bong Joon Ho, this film presents a chilling vision of the future where climate change has driven humanity to live on a continuously moving train divided by class. The mounting conflict between the impoverished inhabitants at the rear of the train and the affluent passengers in the front reaches its climax as rebellion ignites in “Snowpiercer”, offering an exhilarating spectacle filled with profound themes exploring class struggle and humanity. Noteworthy performances from Chris Evans, Tilda Swinton, and Ed Harris highlight this must-see dystopian tale for fans of stories like “The Hunger Games”.

3) Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

In 2014, Matt Reeves’ “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” remains the peak of the franchise. Ten years after Caesar’s (Andy Serkis) rebellion, apes have overtaken humans on Earth, controlling land and resources. A group of human survivors confronts Caesar and his kingdom, leading to a brutal conflict that challenges the moral limits of both parties in stressful conditions. With stunning action sequences and visuals, “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” continues to impress more than a decade after its premiere. The film is ranked as the third-best science fiction movie of the 2010s due to its significant narrative advancements over its predecessor and its incomparable suspense and emotion.

2) Mad Max: Fury Road

2015’s film “Mad Max: Fury Road” is a cinematic gem that appears scarcely once in a generation. Filmmaker George Miller rekindled his Mad Max series with an impressive comeback, casting Tom Hardy as the new incarnation of Max Rockatansky. In “Fury Road”, Max finds himself imprisoned in a post-apocalyptic wasteland before joining forces with Imperator Furiosa (played by Charlize Theron) and others to wage a road war against the oppressive leader Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne). The acting is top-notch, but it’s the movie’s stunning action sequences and visual effects that make “Fury Road” stand out amongst most sci-fi films of its time. Despite its visually captivating nature, “Fury Road” never sacrifices a strong narrative for aesthetics, as each character contributes significantly to the storyline. A tale of redemption and unity, “Fury Road” continues to be one of the best action movies ever made, undeniably the greatest of the 2010s.

1) Ex Machina

In his first directorial attempt, Garland’s masterpiece remains Ex Machina (2014). The film centers around a computer programmer named Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson), who is invited to test the human-like qualities of an advanced android named Ava (Alicia Vikander) at the secluded home of tech CEO Nathan Bateman (Oscar Isaac). As Ava develops and Caleb forms a relationship with her, these elements become the heart-gripping core of Ex Machina. This thought-provoking movie delves into artificial intelligence and human consciousness while delivering unexpected narrative twists throughout. The climax brings an astounding turn of events. Vikander’s performance as Ava is magnetic, arguably the best of her career and one of the greatest in a 2010s sci-fi film. Since its release, a movie of such mesmerizing and contemporary relevance to science fiction has yet to be replicated, and it’s hard to imagine another matching its greatness anytime soon.

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2025-07-21 19:45