The ideal mix for a heart-pounding and mind-bending film experience is science fiction and thriller. While dystopian and futuristic scenarios are frequently emphasised in science fiction, the addition of thriller elements aids in the development of suspense and increases reader interest in the narrative. The continued societal ambivalence towards technology is what makes this a match made in heaven.
You may find the top science fiction thriller films ever filmed on this list. Your hunger for reality-bending tales and enigmatic storylines will be totally sated, from independent treasures like Sorry To Bother You and Primer to classic masterpieces like Children of Men and Brazil. These films serve as evidence of the seventh art’s capacity for magic and its capacity to never cease to surprise.
12 Monkeys
Terry Gilliam directed the David and Janet Peoples-written film 12 Monkeys. The short film La Jetée by Chris Marker served as an inspiration for the feature. In the far future, after a virus nearly wiped out the entire human population, James Cole (Bruce Willis), a prisoner, is sent back in time to learn how the virus first emerged.
The British director’s natural talent to create a compelling and vivid apocalyptic environment is on display in 12 Monkeys. Nonetheless, Gilliam does not lose sight of his visual perception. Willis is a unique character.
A Scanner Darkly
Based on Philip K. Dick’s eponymous novel, Richard Linklater wrote the screenplay and directed the movie A Scanner Darkly. The lead actor, Keanu Reeves, plays undercover police officer Bob Arctor. The film also depicts a dystopian world in which 20% of Americans prefer to use the mystery substance D.
The interpolated rotoscope animation layer that covers the pictures in A Scanner Darkly particularly emphasises the continual hallucinating state of heavy drug use. The concepts of identity and technological dystopia in the narrative give the film weight.
Alien
The movie Alien, which was written by Dan O’Bannon and directed by Ridley Scott, is regarded as one of the best films ever produced. The crew of the spaceship Nostromo is awakened by the computer after it picks up a signal from a nearby undiscovered planet. The crew will discover the unexpected while tasked with studying the signal.
Authentic cinema is Alien. Through his use of deliberate camera movements and frozen tracking shots, the British director excels at creating tension. The ultra-dark cinematography by Derek Vanlint also emphasises the suspenseful atmosphere. A classic sci-fi thriller that is still brilliant.
Aliens
James Cameron wrote and directed Aliens, which is the sequel to the Alien film series. Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), who has been in sleep for 57 years aboard the Nostromo’s escape shuttle, is woken by her Weyland-Yutani Company coworkers and given the assignment of looking into the lack of touch in a terraforming colony.
In contrast to the slow-moving horror mood of the previous film, Aliens paired the thriller aspects with a quicker rhythm and more action scenes. The movie also stands out for Weaver’s flawless performance and Cameron’s skills as a director.
Anon
Anon, a sci-fi blockbuster written, co-produced, and directed by sci-fi heavyweight Andrew Niccol, depicts a privacy nightmare in which every citizen is obliged to wear an ocular device that continuously captures all they view. Police detective Sal Friedland (Clive Owen) meets Amanda Seynfield, a lady without a recording implant. Colm Feore, Sonya Walger, and Joe Pingue are also featured in the film.
A dismal future presented in Anon doesn’t seem implausible or far-fetched. A visual design that mimics the futuristic setting matches its examination of the role of technology.
Brazil
Brazil, a surrealist and black humorous take on the dystopian genre with an anti-totalitarian twist, was co-written and directed by Terry Gilliam. A low-level bureaucrat named Sam Lowry (Jonathan Pryce) lives in a society where consumerism rules and the government is oppressive and totalitarian. He’s looking for the woman he dreams of all the time.
Roger Pratt’s mind-blowing cinematography and lavish production design make Brazil a visually stunning film. Moreover, Gilliam makes his best film yet and is at the peak of his game. Fantastic actors Pryce and DeNiro.
Children of Men
Children Of Men, which Alfonso Cuarón co-wrote and directed, is a powerful and politically charged sci-fi thriller. Theo Faron, played by Clive Owen, is an ex-activist who finds himself assisting Kee, played by Clare-Hope Ashitey, an asylum seeker. Julian Moore, Michael Cane, and Chiwetel Ejiofor are also featured in the film.
Children of Men features some of Cuarón’s best filmmaking work, particularly in the vehicle chase scene. By keeping the sci-fi components grounded in our reality, the screenplay is also quite good at capturing the chaos and anxiety of a dystopian society.
Coherence
In his feature film debut, James Ward Byrkit wrote and directed Coherence, a clever sci-fi thriller with a strong psychological component. During Miller’s Comet’s passage, a group of friends get together in Northern California; the experience will forever alter their lives. Emily Foxler, Maury Sterling, Elizabeth Gracen, and Nicholas Brendon all appear in the film.
Coherence is a superb illustration of why a fantastic plot must be written when working with low-budget production. The actors, who only had notes from the director outlining the details of their roles, improvised the majority of the dialogue in the film. This organic farming was profitable.
Contagion
Contagion features an all-star cast that includes Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Laurence Fishburne, Jude Law, and Kate Winslet. It was written by Scott Z. Burns and directed by Steven Soderbergh. The film depicts the tale of a highly contagious virus that spreads around the world and the battle to stop it.
The sci-fi aspects of the thriller Contagion are largely connected to its dystopian setting. The perfect visual aesthetic, which was made possible by Soderbergh’s precise cinematography while using an alias, is what stands out at first glance. The complex and stressful storyline takes care of the rest as the movie moves forward.
Cube
The ensemble cast of Cube, which Vincenzo Natali co-wrote and directed in his feature film debut, includes Andrew Miller, David Hewlett, Nicole de Boer, and Maurice Dean Wint. The story takes place in a jail that is entirely made up of rooms that resemble cubes. Due to its distinctive atmosphere and graphic elements, Cube quickly gained cult status after its release.
The screenplay for Cube is thought-provoking and entertaining, brilliantly enhancing the suspense of the plot and providing us with compelling dialogue. The cast is impressive in their delivery and ability to shine despite the basic environment.
District 9
Neil Blomkamp co-wrote and directed the film District 9, which features Sharlto Copley as the government agent Wikus van de Merwe who works in Johannesburg. The extraterrestrial refugees from District 9, an internment camp, must be moved to another district as his next job. Jason Cope, David James, and Eugene Wanangwa Khumbanyiwa are also present in the film.
Blomkamp, a true film aesthete, directs District 9 brilliantly. The film also excels for its socially conscious and politically critical narrative, which provokes thought while keeping you interested all the way to the credits.
Ex Machina
Ex Machina, written and directed by Alex Garland in his feature film debut, stars Oscar Isaac as Nathan Bateman, a CEO, and Domhnall Gleeson as Caleb Smith, a programmer who is invited to spend a week with him in his remote home. He is unaware that Bateman created an artificial person named Ava (Alicia Vikander).
Ex Machina is the ideal film that flawlessly blends form and content. On the one hand, the breathtaking cinematography of Rob Hardy and Garland’s impeccable eye for composition captivate our attention. On the other hand, the screenplay explores intellectual ground.
High-Rise
High-Rise, a film directed by Ben Wheatley and written by Amy Jump, is based on the J. Ballard, G. The 1970s film is set in a tower block outside of London, where the action takes place. The building’s layout mirrors that of the surrounding society, with the wealthy residing on the upper floors and the less fortunate in the lower ones.
Without the superb ensemble cast that includes Tom Hiddleston, Sienna Miller, and Jeremy Irons, High-Rise wouldn’t be as outstanding. Furthermore, Wheatley keeps demonstrating his extraordinary visual talent as a director.
Inception
Christopher Nolan wrote and directed the film Inception, which features Leonardo DiCaprio as the exceptionally gifted burglar Dom Cobb. The expert gains access to his targets’ subconscious minds through dreams with the aid of his team in order to steal crucial information. Robert Michael Fischer’s kid is requested to plant an idea rather than steal one by businessman Saito (Ken Watanabe) (Cillian Murphy).
There is never a moment to catch your breath or unwind as the story thickens and thickens in Inception, which masterfully captures the suspense through bizarre plot twists and an immensely complex screenplay. In addition, Inception has outstanding technological aspects.
Looper
The outstanding cast of Rian Johnson’s written and directed film Looper includes Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, Emily Blunt, Paul Dano, and Jeff Daniels. Technology has advanced to the point where it is now impossible to dispose of a body in 2074. Because of this, the Kansas City mafia sends their victims back in time so that paid killers can kill them.
The success of Looper lies in its inventive treatment of the time travel premise and its aptitude at using its science fiction roots to further the thriller undertones. Rian Johnson’s direction is also without a doubt excellent.
Minority Report
Steven Spielberg directed the film Minority Report, which Scott Frank and Jon Cohen co-wrote and adapted from the Philip K. Dick novel of the same name. In the film, Tom Cruise plays the role of John Anderton, the head of a police initiative called Precrime that employs psychics to apprehend criminals before they commit a crime.
One of the most important writers in the sci-fi genre, Philip K. Dick’s works are frequently adapted into successful films. Another fantastic illustration of the American author’s creative might is Minority Report.
Moon
Nathan Parker penned the script for Moon, and Duncan Jones made his feature film debut as a director. Sam Rockwell, who plays Sam Bell, a man tasked with mining helium-3 alone on the dark side of the moon, gives an outstanding performance. Sam encounters a problem near the end of the three-year shift that has the potential to completely alter his life.
Moon masterfully exploits the constricted tension of living by oneself in a single place. The film also enlightens the spectator with its insightful scientific material and philosophical undertones. Sam Rockwell radiates.
Open Your Eyes
The sci-fi thriller Open Your Eyes, co-written by Mateo Gil and directed by Alejandro Amenábar, stars Eduardo Noriega, Fele Martinez, and Penélope Cruz. César (Noriega), an affluent young guy, meets Sofia and falls in love with her (Cruz). Everything is altered by his accident.
With its constant collision of dreams and reality, as well as its powerful psychological undertone, Open Your Eyes is principally produced through a sophisticated and multilayered screenplay. The film also benefits from Noriega and Cruz’s great performances and Amenábar’s simple yet elegant style.
Predestination
Predestination, a film written and directed by Michael and Peter Spierig, is based on Robert A. Heinlein’s short tale All You Zombies. Agent Doe, played by Ethan Hawke, is the main character and a time-traveling agent entrusted with catching criminals in the future. Stopping a bomber on his final mission might save many lives. In Predestination, Sarah Snook and Noah Taylor are also present.
Predestination is still in theatres today because of its intricate and captivating screenplay and outstanding performances by Hawke and Snook. Ben Nott’s exquisite cinematography, which effectively depicts both the scenes in the past and the future, is the icing on the cake.
Primer
One of the most adaptable artists in the American independent industry, Shane Carruth’s directorial debut, Primer, demonstrates his exceptional talent. It was written, produced, edited, and directed by Carruth, who also played the engineer Aaron, who meets his friend Abe (David Sullivan) for tech experiments after work. On one of these study endeavours, a surprising finding is made.
The screenplay for Primer’s outstanding indie aesthetic complements its densely philosophical and meticulously scientific content well. The progression of the story is more compelling since it gives the impression that you are personally experiencing the experiment.
Prometheus
Ridley Scott directed the movie Prometheus, which was written by Jon Spaihts and Damon Lindelof. It is the first prequel in the Alien series, and Alien: Covenant, the second, was released after it. CEO of Weyland Corporation Peter Weyland (Guy Pearce) assembles a team of explorers to pursue a strange star chart discovered in Scotland. They’ll find something upsetting.
With Prometheus, Ridley Scott makes a return to the director’s chair for an Alien-related production. The film is expertly crafted, a tasteful visual extravaganza. The movie’s script strikes the appropriate balance between tension and philosophy.
Sorry To Bother You
In his first film as a director, Boots Riley wrote and directed Sorry To Bother You. In order to make ends meet, Cassius “Cash” Green, played by Lakeith Stanfield, obtains a job as a telemarketing. His support for his class may soon be in jeopardy. Tessa Thompson, Danny Glover, and Omari Hardwick all appear in the film.
The Coup’s Boots Riley is familiar with the creative explosion that is Sorry To Bother You. The screenplay is distinguished by an eclectic blend of dark comedy situations, fantastical and dystopian twists, and a background of political drama. Essential.
Source Code
Jacob Gyllenhaal plays the U.S. in the Duncan Jones-directed film Source Code, which was written by Ben Ripley. Colter Stevens, an army captain. The soldier’s assignment is to track down the terrorist who detonated a bomb on a train bound for Chicago, and he employs a cutting-edge technical tool to do so. Vera Farmiga, Jeffrey Wright, and Michelle Monaghan are also included in the film.
With the exception of its sci-fi tone, the screenplay of Source Code is strong and resembles a traditional thriller. This gives the whodunit formula a modern touch. Jones has a motivating and enjoyable demeanour.
Soylent Green
Charlton Heston portrays Robert Thorn, an NYPD investigator who is looking into what he believes to be the murder of a wealthy executive of the Soylent Corporation, in the Stanley R. Greenberg–penned and Richard Fleischer–directed film Soylent Green. In the meantime, overcrowding and pollution have brought the planet to a dystopian state.
Because to Heston’s portrayal and its spectacular blend of eco-conscious topics and dramatic scenes, Soylent Green has over the years developed into a cult favourite. In actuality, the film frequently highlights the negative effects of our current socioeconomic system and its catastrophic course.
Tenet
Tenet, which Christopher Nolan wrote, co-produced, and directed, is a brilliant deconstruction of the action genre with excellent sci-fi and thriller elements. Tenet stars Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, Kenneth Branagh, and John David Washington as an unnamed CIA agent caught up in a chaotic situation that could spark a third world war.
Tenet is a film that is occasionally misconstrued. In films like these, Nolan creates theatric experiences that take advantage of their visually appealing imagery and outstanding sound production. The end outcome is how easily He captures the audience’s attention.
The Platform
Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia directed the David Desola and Pedro Rivero-penned drama The Platform, in which Iván Massagué plays Goreng, a prisoner. A platform at the top of the prison’s tower-like construction distributes food to two inmates on each level.
The Platform darkens sci-fi thrillers by depicting the corruption of a recent societal structure on television. As we follow Goreng’s plunge into “the pit,” gorgeously shaded scenes, sharp sound design, and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack all contribute to drawing the audience into the lunacy.
The Prestige
One of Christopher Nolan’s best films, The Prestige serves as co-writer, co-director, and co-producer. The conflictual dynamic between rival magicians Alfred “The Professor” Borden and Robert “The Great Danton” Angier is the main theme of the film, which is based on Christopher Priest’s eponymous novel. Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale, respectively, portray the magicians.
The Prestige is the ideal subject for Nolan’s grandiose, operatic direction. The grandiose work of cinematographer Wally Pfister aids the British-American director in recreating an enthralling and hypnotising flow of great visuals. A future masterpiece perhaps.
They Live
They Live, starring Roddy Piper as a working-class nomad named Nada, was written and directed by John Carpenter, who also co-composed the soundtrack with his classic synths. He starts working for a construction company when he first gets to Los Angeles, where he makes a new friend named Frank (Keith David). He soon becomes involved with a shadowy group and some weird eyewear.
They Live combines a science fiction idea with a tremendously alluring political thriller screenplay that is both interesting and thought-provoking. Carpenter is simultaneously filming one of his most visually impressive works. eternal cult.
Timecrimes
Nacho Vigalondo wrote and directed the movie Timecrimes, which features Karra Elejalde as Héctor, a guy who is remodelling the house he and his wife Clara (Candela Fernández) live in. Héctor’s life takes an unexpected turn after he spots a woman in the woodland behind the house. Together with Vigalondo himself, the film also stars Barbara Goenaga, Juan Inciarte, and others.
The basic setting of Timecrimes contrasts with the sophisticated and nuanced narrative. Vigalondo is a creative and imaginative writer who produces a sci-fi thriller with black comedy elements. Less can sometimes be more.
Westworld
Yul Brynner, Richard Benjamin, James Brolin, and Victoria Shaw star in Michael Crichton’s sci-fi film Westworld, which was also written and directed by him. Buddies Peter (Benjamin) and John (Brolin) take a trip to Delos, a future theme park with replicas of the Old West, the Middle Ages, and Pompeii created by androids. Brynner portrays a gunfighter android.
Westworld is distinguished by a flexible screenplay that is both enjoyable in its progression and thought-provoking in its concepts. The film also stands out for its stunning photography and believable acting, particularly from Brynner.
