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Top 10 must-watch Sci-fi movies of all time.

Every single movie on this list is a masterpiece.

By Nandini SinghPublished about a year ago 6 min read

1. Inception (2010)

Christopher Nolan's Inception follows the story of a talented burglar named Dom Cobb, who is charged with pulling off an impossibly difficult heist: planting a thought in the head of a successful businessman by penetrating his dreams. The idea of shared dreaming, in which a group of individuals can enter a dream simultaneously and influence it to their benefit, is explored in the movie. Cobb must put together a team to guide them through several dream levels, each of which has its own special difficulties and barriers. They run into peril, betrayal, and unforeseen turns along the route.

The film was praised for its intricate and inventive plot, breathtaking graphics, and outstanding ensemble performances. Four Academy Awards were among the numerous nominations and victories that Inception went on to receive. It is regarded as one of the best science fiction films ever made and a contemporary classic.

IMDb Rating: 8.8/10

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video

2. The Matrix (1999)

The Matrix is a 1999 science fiction action film directed by the Wachowskis, starring Keanu Reeves as Thomas Anderson, a computer programmer who discovers that the world he lives in is a simulated reality created by intelligent machines to distract humanity while they are used as an energy source. With the help of a group of rebels led by Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), Neo learns to use his newfound abilities to fight against the machines and break free from the Matrix.

The film is known for its groundbreaking visual effects, including the use of "bullet time" slow-motion shots and the creation of a dystopian, futuristic world. It also explores complex philosophical themes, including the nature of reality and free will. The Matrix remains a beloved classic of the science fiction genre and a testament to the power of innovative storytelling and filmmaking.

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video

3. Blade Runner (1982)

Harrison Ford plays Rick Deckard, a former police officer tasked with tracking down and "retiring" rogue androids known as replicants, in Ridley Scott's 1982 science fiction picture Blade Runner. The movie, which is set in a dystopian future, examines difficult subjects including what it means to be human and the morality of artificial intelligence.

With its futuristic representation of Los Angeles and use of neon lighting and rain-soaked streets, the movie's visual aesthetic and production design have had a significant impact. Numerous reviews have also praised the cast's performances, particularly Rutger Hauer's as the charming replicant Roy Batty. The film's impact can be seen in numerous subsequent works of science fiction, with its themes and visual style continuing to influence filmmakers today.

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Where to Watch: Rent on Youtube/AppleTV

4. Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)

Star Wars: A New Hope is a 1977 space opera film directed by George Lucas that tells the story of Luke Skywalker, a farm boy who joins a rebellion against the evil Empire, aided by a rogue smuggler and a wise old Jedi knight. The film features iconic characters such as Darth Vader, Princess Leia, and Han Solo, and is known for its epic space battles, thrilling action sequences, and timeless storytelling.

The film's innovative special effects, memorable soundtrack, and timeless themes of good versus evil, heroism, and redemption have made it one of the most beloved and influential films of all time. Its impact can be seen in the countless books, films, and TV shows that followed, as well as the countless fans who have been captivated by the Star Wars universe for over four decades.

With its thrilling action, unforgettable characters, and timeless story, Star Wars: A New Hope remains a cultural phenomenon that has captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences around the world.

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Where to Watch: Disney+Hotstar

5. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

In his 1968 science fiction film 2001: A Space Odyssey, Stanley Kubrick explores the impact of a mysterious black monolith on human evolution. The movie is renowned for its breathtaking cinematography, which features famous vistas of the monolith, the spacecraft Discovery One, and the far depths of space. Awe and wonder are evoked in the audience by Kubrick's use of long takes, slow motion, and breathtaking visual imagery, which encourages them to reflect on the wonders of the cosmos. The film's place as a masterpiece of science fiction cinema has been solidified by its magnificent vistas, sophisticated plot, and innovative use of music.

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video

6. Interstellar (2014)

A crew of astronauts set out on a quest to locate a new home for humanity in the 2014 science fiction picture Interstellar, directed by Christopher Nolan, as Earth faces a serious food crisis. Complex topics like time, space, and the nature of human life are all explored in the movie. In quest of a habitable planet, the movie follows Matthew McConaughey's character Cooper as he leaves behind his family and the only place he has ever known to journey through a wormhole. T

he film's complex plot, beautiful vistas, and moving performances give it a sense of epic scope and deep significance. The aesthetically breathtaking and thought-provoking film Interstellar takes viewers on a trip through the vastness of space and the human soul.

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video

7. Arrival (2016)

Denis Villeneuve's 2016 science fiction thriller Arrival follows the tale of a linguist who is employed by the US military to speak with alien visitors to Earth. The film is renowned for its breathtaking cinematography, which feature fantastical and otherworldly landscapes as well as the sophisticated alien spacecraft. The film's distinctive visual aesthetic, which places an emphasis on a subdued colour scheme and a feeling of grounded realism, evokes amazement and wonder while also emphasising the gravity and seriousness of the situation.

The film's sophisticated storytelling and challenging topics of communication, language, and the essence of time are beautifully complemented by the visual effects. Arrival is a visual masterpiece that invites the viewer to contemplate the mysteries of the universe and the potential for human connection.

IMDb Rating: 7.9/10

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video

8. Alien (1979)

A commercial spacecraft and its crew are confronted by a lethal extraterrestrial lifeform on a distant planet in Ridley Scott's 1979 science fiction horror picture Alien. Along with its intricate set design and ground-breaking visual effects, the movie's tense and suspenseful atmosphere has captivated audiences for more than 40 years. One of the greatest movie monsters of all time, the "xenomorph" from the title of the film has become a cultural symbol thanks to its unique design. The science fiction and horror genres have been greatly influenced by the genre-defining masterpiece Alien, which is still regarded as a classic in the field.

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Where to Watch: Disney+Hotstar

9. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

The third and concluding entry in the Lord of the Rings film series, The Return of the King is an epic fantasy movie from 2003 that was directed by Peter Jackson. As the armies of good, led by Aragorn, Gandalf, and the hobbits Frodo and Sam, clash with the dark forces of Sauron and his armies of orcs and Uruk-hai, the film depicts the dramatic final battle for Middle-earth. The film's amazing action scenes, intricate character arcs, and breathtaking special effects lead up to a climactic fight that puts everyone's bravery and selflessness to the test. The Lord of the Rings trilogy was solidified as a milestone achievement in epic storytelling and production after the movie received eleven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

IMDb Rating: 9/10

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video

10. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

The fourth installment in the Mad Max series, Mad Max: Fury Road is a post-apocalyptic action movie that George Miller directed in 2015. The movie is renowned for its amazing visuals, which feature elaborate vehicle designs, vast desert vistas, and breath-taking practical actions. The viewer is drawn into the ruthless and violent world of the movie by Miller's use of vivid colours and kinetic camera movements, which evoke a sense of frenzied energy and mayhem. The film has gained praise from critics and a place among the best action films of all time thanks to its complex world-building, rich characters, and amazing visual design. A visually spectacular and exhilarating journey through a mad universe is Mad Max: Fury Road.

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video

HistoricalSci FiHorrorFantasyAdventure

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    NSWritten by Nandini Singh

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