Science fiction movies offer endless possibilities with the kind of stories that can be told. A perfect example of this is the top rated sci-fi movies of 2021 which show how different one great movie in the genre can be from another.
2021 delivered sci-fi films that took audiences to distant planets and some that explored intimate stories on Earth. Some made the audience laugh and applaud while others shocked them. There was something for everyone to enjoy among this year’s best sci-fi movies and many of them rank among the best movies of 2021.
ten Eternals (6.8)
Little-known group of overpowered beings are brought to the MCU in Eternals. History spanning centuries follows these ancient beings who come to Earth to protect themselves from deadly deviants and remain hidden among humanity for countless years.
Directed by Oscar winner Chloé Zhao, Eternals is one of the MCU’s most ambitious and daring films to date. Her massive story makes Marvel’s other adventures seem rather small in comparison, but she still manages to tell an intimate story of these complex characters.
9 Finch (6.9)
For a film about trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic world, Tom Hanks is one of the few actors who can turn it into a charming story. Hanks plays Finch, one of the last humans on a Scorched Earth who sets out in search of safety with his beloved dog and a newly designed robot.
Bullfinch allows Hanks to be his usual lovable self while being quite heartbreaking at times. Despite the world-ending sci-fi premise, this is a very intimate story of these three companions who learn from each other throughout their journey.
8 Ron has gone bad (7.1)
Disney’s latest animated adventure, Ron was wrong, takes a look at the company’s social media obsession while telling a charming story about friendship. It follows Barney, a socially awkward kid who gets the latest popular gadget, a best friend robot named Ron. However, when Ron begins to malfunction, the two new friends must make their strange bond work.
The film is a smart and fun take on modern technology, but never forgets to tell about an enjoyable family adventure with a beautiful message of friendship at its center.
seven Free guy (7.2)
One of the biggest surprises of the year was the video game-inspired action comedy free guy. Ryan Reynolds stars as a background character in a video game who begins to see his world in a new way and seeks to change his social life.
The film presents a hugely entertaining sci-fi world inside a video game with so many references and Easter eggs for game fans. It embraces the fun of a story where anything is possible and delivers great moments that appeal to the crowd.
6 Do not search (7.3)
While sci-fi comedies are rare, Do not seek fits well in this category while delivering a timely message. Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence take on the roles of two scientists who discover a world-ending comet heading towards Earth, but face indifference and inaction from politicians and the public.
The film uses its frustrating story to tell an absurd and hilarious story of the apocalypse. Besides the two stars, countless big names join the comedy from Jonah Hill to Cate Blanchett to Meryl Streep.
5 The Suicide Squad (7.3)
that of James Gunn The suicide squad is another movie that has a lot of fun embracing all the outrageous possibilities in its world. The film follows a group of supervillains who are forced on a dangerous mission to prevent a science operation from falling into the wrong hands.
The movie in which a talking shark and an alien starfish play big roles really goes all the way with its more wacky concepts. Gunn’s humor and crazy ideas help make The suicide squad one of the most entertaining DCEU movies.
4 Mitchell vs. Machines (7.7)
There was another animated film with a sci-fi story of technology unleashed with The Mitchells vs. the Machines. When a rogue AI program takes control of every machine in the world, the titular family must unite to survive and save the world.
While there have been many sci-fi movies about the machines that take over the world, none have been so funny and savage as The Mitchells vs. the Machines. The film is a fast-paced family comedy with a premise that allows for truly entertaining sets and action sequences.
3 Zack Snyder Justice League (8.1)
It is interesting to note that with all the discussion on Zack Snyder Justice League, its epic execution, and the superhero characters involved, it’s still essentially an alien invasion movie. Much like the theatrical cut, Snyder’s vision for the film follows the team of heroes trying to stop Steppenwolf from leading an invasion.
The premise and characters are where the similarities between the theatrical cut and Snyder’s cut end. The original version is a grand and gripping story that explores these powerful characters in exciting ways and expands the mythology of this world.
2 Dune (8.2)
that of Frank Herbert Dune is one of the most influential science fiction novels of all time and a very dense source to adapt. However, Denis Villeneuve’s ambitious first part of his two-part take on the story turns out to be one of the most discussed films of the year.
With a cast of stars and a master filmmaker at the helm, Dune was an unforgettable cinematic experience. Its epic feel and intricate story of intergalactic betrayal and intrigue have made a huge hit with fans and set the stage for an exciting conclusion.
1 Spider-Man: No Path Home (8.9)
With multiverses and life-saving science experiments, Spider-Man: No Path Home delves into the science fiction tropes of history more than most of its predecessors. The story follows Peter Parker’s attempts to take control of his life only to result in unwanted guests.
While fans expected big things from the third MCU Spider-Man adventure, few could have predicted just how much Spider-Man: No Path Home would. Not only did this make a Spider-Man story that will be popular with the crowd, but also one of the best MCU movies of all time.
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