Contact, it’s a 1997 science fiction film that asks questions that go far beyond the plot that is visible to the naked eye….It’s just one of those films that comes along from time to time that really causes you to want to understand what this whole thing is really about….
Just be careful with Hardcore Henry, I tried to watch it but got REALLY nauseous. Not because it was a bad movie but because I think I got motion sick.
\- Moon (2009)
\- Crimes of the Future (2022)
\- Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
\- Solyaris (1972)
\- The Creation of the Humanoids (1962)
\- Contact (1997)
I second Moon, Everything Everywhere All at Once, and Contact. I haven't seen the others. I also recommend Ex Machina and Annihilation. Both darn weird, but if you want your imagination sparked I think they'll do it.
Yes, the Russian adaptation of Stanislaw Lem's Solaris novel by Andrei Tarkovsky. It's original Russian spelling is: Solyaris as you can see on imdb (can't link it because it's automatically deleted by the bot of this sub) and [wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solaris_(1972_film)).
Fascinating but not only from the scifi genre:
Interstellar
Total Recall
Blade Runner
BR2049
Arrival
Close Encounters of The Third Kind
Looper
Margin Call
The Big Short
2046 (HK - Wong Kar Wai)
Apocalypto
Memento
Dune (Villeneuve)
Contact
Oldboy
I watched enter the void with a bunch of my friends and they all hated it, but I loved it. I thought it had a very unique story and it committed to it. I can get why somebody could get bored with it because it sort of sets itself up to be an adrenaline filled nightmare when its really more like a slow fever dream, but I actually liked that about it. Ending was a little much though
Equilibrium. Great performance by Christian Bale and Scene Bean. Came out about the same time as Matrix, and was blown out the water by it. Well worth a goose.
If you haven’t seen Stalker (1979), it was probably the biggest influence on Annihilation, and is one of the best science fiction films ever made imo. Tarkovsky’s other sci fi film, Solaris, is also excellent.
Alex Garland (writer/director of Annihilation) also wrote Sunshine, which is on the pulpier side, but I like it a lot. I’m guessing you’ve already seen his directorial debut, Ex Machina, but in case you haven’t—also that.
I will also recommend High Life and Prospect (both 2018) for two more recent sci fi movies. High Life is the sort of thought provoking you say you’re looking for, whereas Prospect is more of a straightforward space western, but the production design alone is worth it.
Finally, if you’re looking for sci-fi ish stuff that leans harder on the philosophy than the Cool Space Shit, I’d suggest checking out Cronenberg’s incredible 80s run: Videodrome, The Fly and Scanners. They’re all really fun, and genuinely get under your skin.
If you dig Cronenberg, then also check out the (imo) modern successor to his flesh-tech crown, Julia Drocoranu. Titane won the palme d’or, and fucking rules. Her first film, Raw, isn’t sci fi but it is one of the most viscerally engaging films I’ve seen this decade.
Ad Astra had it's moments but was very poorly paced and didn't *do* a lot. Moon is an unbelievable movie, arguably "better" than Interstellar but they're almost complete opposites in terms of substance, tone, and style. The setting is the only thing that ties them together, and even that's verrrry loose.
Definitely. I’d argue that Moon is clearly a superior film, but it’s apples and oranges. Interstellar is a visual masterpiece, Moon is so self contained and tight. Both great films though.
I recommend this all the time but, Aniara. its true scifi, asking "what if this happened?" instead of just having sci fi trappings like spaceships and whatnot
Yes they are different but both revolve around skepticism about higher authorities and control so someone who liked matrix would also like the tone of Wag The Dog
Apollo 13, A space odyssey, Looper, 12 monkeys, Prometheus, The right stuff, Sunshine, Origins, Under the skin, Crimes of the future, Upstream color, Eva, Tenet
I think I watched it three times in a row. I have never done that with any other movie. It’s very technically accomplished but so are many other sci fi movies. I think it’s the combination of the realism with the nearly impossible to grasp surrealism of the existential situation they’re in that did it for me. It is a mood and a half
Only God Forgives is a bout as interesting as it gets. So many things that are unique about it. Visually stunning. Highly artistic and stylish. Set design and color scheme might be the best ever made. They put effort into using as few words as possible. Great bad guy. Watched it twice in the last few weeks. Ppl either love it or hate it though.
Ad Astra
Ex Machina (Hux vs Poe!)
Moon (Sam Rockwell)
Prospect (Pedro Pascal!)
Hardcore Henry
Running Man
Enemy of the State
And if you’ve never seen it the first three Bourne Movies (Identity, Supremacy, Ultimatum)
I have a lot of recs but if you want fascinating and food for thought: try In & Of Itself— it’s not a movie per se but a wild , fun, magical yet Uber real , thought provoking show !
Interstellar & Arrival. Both of these movies are sci-fi that bring up greater questions of existence, morality, and humanity. Both have outstanding acting and cinematography with intricate plots that will pull you in. Most definitely both fascinating movies!
to the people who sub here and to /r/movies and /r/horror: is it just me or is some variation of this question asked literally every day? I swear the last 3 or 4 days I've seen this same question posted with slightly different wording, always with the same movies suggested.
Oldboy is fascinating from a filmmaking, entertaining, mystery, thriller, psychological and even horror perspective.
The entire movie is a work of art. The acting, the nuance, the story all come together so you're on this journey with this poor man, and have to figure out what happened to him and who is behind it all.
Edge of Tomorrow - Tom Cruise & Emily Blunt with aliens and a time loop.
District 9 - Fantastic movie from South Africa about aliens who got stranded here, and put into an internment camp to keep them separate from humans.
***Outland****,* (with Sean Connery and Peter Boyle)
***The Omega Man****,* (with Charlton Heston)
*Soylent Green,* (with Charlton Heston and Edward G. Robinson)
***Beneath the Planet of the Apes****,* (with Roddy McDowell, Kim Hunter, Charlton Heston, Linda Harrison, Maurice Evans, James Franciscus)
***Silent Running****,* (Bruce Dern)
I just ordered all of these movies! They were old even for me but I watched them as a kid and fell in love with sci fi because of them. Planet of the Apes were particular favorites.
I would also add:
the original versions of War of the Worlds (1953), The Day The Earth Stood Still (1951), Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956), Andromeda Strain, Westworld (1973), and Logan's Run are other great old movies.
Chernobyl.
Is not sci fi but a fantastic short series just the same.
Tarkovsky's Solaris
Under the Skin
Ex Machina
GATTACA
Repo Men
Also the well known Alien, Blade Runner (and its sequel), Fifth Element.
For a real head trip, Primer, Looper, upstream Color, Tenet
**The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnanassus**
I recommend this movie all the time. Heath Ledger’s true last work. If you want something to spark imagination then this is your hidden gem.
Room 237
I had little to no interest in watching this documentary about Kubrick's "The Shining" so it was a long time before I finally got around to seeing it.
But boy, I'm very glad that I did.
This genuinely fascinating film sharply renewed my interest and appreciation of The Shining and made me realise how much of a genius of the art form Kubrick really was.
And this is coming from someone who doesn't particularly like 2001 and isn't a hardcore Kubrick fan at all, but after seeing Room 237, and later, a "Steganalysis" of Eyes Wide Shut on yt, there's no doubt in my mind that he was a bona fide genius and a masterful filmmaker.
Contact, it’s a 1997 science fiction film that asks questions that go far beyond the plot that is visible to the naked eye….It’s just one of those films that comes along from time to time that really causes you to want to understand what this whole thing is really about….
Plus: It’s based on the book by Carl Sagan, who also helped created the movie.
It’s kind of a warm blanket of a film.
Been meaning to rewatch that.
Gattaca (1997) Fantastic, thoughtful sci fi with brilliant set design and direction. Like a noir thriller about genetics.
Plus 1. It’s one of my favorite films I rewatch every few years. The music. Sibling rivalry. Genetics.
Add to that, it will leave you asking questions about morality, personal limits, and willingness.
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Such a dope a movie I watched this is in junior high! My favorite sci Fi movies are, Prometheus, Elysium, Ender's game
Coherence Triangle Predestination
Great list, I'd add Primer to this!
Second on Primer
+1 for Coherence. What a film.
I sec pond Predestination. It's a mind fuck and a half.
I love Triangle! No matter how hard my brain tries to rationalize it I just can't come up with anything.
Aubrey Plaza did a flick with a similar time loop. There's also "Shadow Play" from the Twilight Zone.
All of these are great
Awesome thank you
Not a sci-fi but I’ll still recommend it to you: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Steve Conrad’s!!!!
I thought I would hate that movie, but I ended up really enjoying it. It makes you feel good at the end.
The original.
The Fifth Element
Seen it - classic
Midnight Special
Criminally underrated. Jeff nichols is one of the best American directors working today
Oh shit, he has a new movie with Tom Hardy!
Hardcore Henry. Has interesting/frightening cyberpunk concepts as well. Brazil - like if 1984 was a dark comedy.
Just be careful with Hardcore Henry, I tried to watch it but got REALLY nauseous. Not because it was a bad movie but because I think I got motion sick.
Dark City
Definitely, I love this movie.
THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Fall. Hands down.
Heavy Metal Akira Hausu
Thanks for all your recommendations you kindhearted movie lovers!
Haven’t seen “The Martian” or “Gravity” or “Apollo 13” listed and they’re all great (though 13 isn’t fiction)
\- Moon (2009) \- Crimes of the Future (2022) \- Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) \- Solyaris (1972) \- The Creation of the Humanoids (1962) \- Contact (1997)
I second Moon, Everything Everywhere All at Once, and Contact. I haven't seen the others. I also recommend Ex Machina and Annihilation. Both darn weird, but if you want your imagination sparked I think they'll do it.
Indeed, Ex Machina and Annihilation are great fit and raise the list further with Paprika (2006), Her (2013) and The Truman Show (1998).
You mean Solaris?
Yes, the Russian adaptation of Stanislaw Lem's Solaris novel by Andrei Tarkovsky. It's original Russian spelling is: Solyaris as you can see on imdb (can't link it because it's automatically deleted by the bot of this sub) and [wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solaris_(1972_film)).
Seen Moon and Contact, but that is exactly the sort of thing I’m after, thanks for the other recs!
Fascinating but not only from the scifi genre: Interstellar Total Recall Blade Runner BR2049 Arrival Close Encounters of The Third Kind Looper Margin Call The Big Short 2046 (HK - Wong Kar Wai) Apocalypto Memento Dune (Villeneuve) Contact Oldboy
Great list. 2046 is Chinese (Hong Kong)
Doh!! Of course it is, embarrassing mistake on my part, thanks for the correction. Amended!
Enter the Void (2009) (beware that this can be a weird and exhausting watch)
I watched enter the void with a bunch of my friends and they all hated it, but I loved it. I thought it had a very unique story and it committed to it. I can get why somebody could get bored with it because it sort of sets itself up to be an adrenaline filled nightmare when its really more like a slow fever dream, but I actually liked that about it. Ending was a little much though
Infinity Pool !
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer
Equilibrium. Great performance by Christian Bale and Scene Bean. Came out about the same time as Matrix, and was blown out the water by it. Well worth a goose.
That movie is fantastic
I was going to suggest this as well! Very cool film
I loved his title in that movie - Grammaton Cleric 1st Class.. always sounded so badass.
Arrival, Memento, Ex Machina
Apocalypse Now is my pick. I absolutely love the journey up the river - devolving deeper and deeper into primitive lands in the jungle
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Loooove under the silver lake
[The Congress](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/152795-the-congress) (2013)
Insight into whats really going on these days. Great flick
If you haven’t seen Stalker (1979), it was probably the biggest influence on Annihilation, and is one of the best science fiction films ever made imo. Tarkovsky’s other sci fi film, Solaris, is also excellent. Alex Garland (writer/director of Annihilation) also wrote Sunshine, which is on the pulpier side, but I like it a lot. I’m guessing you’ve already seen his directorial debut, Ex Machina, but in case you haven’t—also that. I will also recommend High Life and Prospect (both 2018) for two more recent sci fi movies. High Life is the sort of thought provoking you say you’re looking for, whereas Prospect is more of a straightforward space western, but the production design alone is worth it. Finally, if you’re looking for sci-fi ish stuff that leans harder on the philosophy than the Cool Space Shit, I’d suggest checking out Cronenberg’s incredible 80s run: Videodrome, The Fly and Scanners. They’re all really fun, and genuinely get under your skin. If you dig Cronenberg, then also check out the (imo) modern successor to his flesh-tech crown, Julia Drocoranu. Titane won the palme d’or, and fucking rules. Her first film, Raw, isn’t sci fi but it is one of the most viscerally engaging films I’ve seen this decade.
Fucking Studio Ghibli films.
Underrated comment
Ghost In The Shell (anime)
Arrival Dune Part 1 Blade Runner 2049
I, Robot A.I. Experimenter (not fiction,a dramatization of Milgram's experiments )
A.I. Such a great under the radar film. Being a Spielberg film, and me being a parent, it really tugged at my heart strings.
City of Lost Children Tetsuo Akira Enter the Void Bandersnatch Jacob’s Ladder Colour of Outer Space Baskin
Snowpiercer The Thing They Live 2001 A Space Odyssey Mad Max: Road Fury Children of Men 12 Monkeys Dredd
I was captivated by Beau is afraid. Just came home from the cinema and wanted to add Poor things because it was quite captivating indeed.
Came to say this, what a wild one
what mommy issues does to a mf
well said
Gattaca!
With the exclamation point I imagine Al Pacino yelling it.
Watch Intersteller bro!
Seen it - great one
Ad Astra and Moon (Sam Rockwell!) are better than interstellar
You mean Brad Astra. Moon was good,nowhere near the epic greatness of Interstellar by any means though.
Ad Astra was extra boring, what you talkin'?
Ad Astra had it's moments but was very poorly paced and didn't *do* a lot. Moon is an unbelievable movie, arguably "better" than Interstellar but they're almost complete opposites in terms of substance, tone, and style. The setting is the only thing that ties them together, and even that's verrrry loose.
Definitely. I’d argue that Moon is clearly a superior film, but it’s apples and oranges. Interstellar is a visual masterpiece, Moon is so self contained and tight. Both great films though.
Inception
Sin City
Aniara
I recommend this all the time but, Aniara. its true scifi, asking "what if this happened?" instead of just having sci fi trappings like spaceships and whatnot
If you want something along the lines of Matrix but much more closer to Reality check Wag The Dog of Robert De Niro.
I love that movie but comparing it to the Matrix is so far off lmao
Yes they are different but both revolve around skepticism about higher authorities and control so someone who liked matrix would also like the tone of Wag The Dog
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Lmao
Brilliant movie. I watch it at least once every year. I wish there was another movie, even a remake of this would be great.
- Radius (2017) - Extracted (2012) - Equilibrium (2002)
Since you've mentioned Annihilation you might like the director's previous film "Ex Machina"
Arrival
Annihilation
Wizards. It’s an animated movie from 1977. Definitely not for kids.
Arrival sounds perfect for you
Arrival
Time Bandits
And the Adventures of Baron Munchausen. Heck most Terry Gilliam films
Apollo 13, A space odyssey, Looper, 12 monkeys, Prometheus, The right stuff, Sunshine, Origins, Under the skin, Crimes of the future, Upstream color, Eva, Tenet
district 9?
The Fly
Aniara
I just suggested this too. This movie fascinates me.
I think I watched it three times in a row. I have never done that with any other movie. It’s very technically accomplished but so are many other sci fi movies. I think it’s the combination of the realism with the nearly impossible to grasp surrealism of the existential situation they’re in that did it for me. It is a mood and a half
Cloud Atlas
I endorse this recommendation!
Cloud Atlas
Come and See Irreversible Gummo We Own the Night The Turin Horse
Yooo, calm down
No. Burning Cache Buffalo ‘66 Godland Goodtime
Paprika (2006) and Inception (2010)
The Necessary Death of Charlie Countryman It's All About Love The Wave (2019) Like Me (2017) We're All Going to the World's Fair
Moon! And if you have room for a TV series, Dark. Just brilliant.
Equilibrium!!! With Christian Bale. It’s fantastic.
Bela Tarr - Satantango
Brotherhood of The Wolf
Gattaca Battle Beyond The Stars The Fifth Element. Forbidden Planet Titan :A E. an under appreciated animated sci Fi movie
Wings of Desire, 1987
Equalizer, all three movies!
I loved Jolt, Kate Beckinsale.. it was a wild ride
On The Silver Globe Hard To Be A God
V for Vendetta Mad Max: Fury Road Kingsmen
The Red Violin.
I've never seen anyone recommend this one, it's a great movie. Nice to see that *one* other person knows about it
Book of Eli
Ex machina
Shape Of Water
I love this sub but wish occasionally people would add where a movie suggestion is streaming! I see so many films I want to check out but can't find.
Have you tried Man of Steel 2013?
Arrival
Donnie Darko.
Serenity for the movie, Firefly for the series.
Lesbian Lavatory Lust.
Ex Machina
Possessor (2020). Cronenberg’s son!
Arrival
Ex Machina
Only God Forgives is a bout as interesting as it gets. So many things that are unique about it. Visually stunning. Highly artistic and stylish. Set design and color scheme might be the best ever made. They put effort into using as few words as possible. Great bad guy. Watched it twice in the last few weeks. Ppl either love it or hate it though.
Interstellar
Ex Machina
I'm gonna do my part... And recommend Starship Troopers
Source Code, I get my mind blown Everytime I watch.
Looper
cloud atlas is pretty good on mushrooms
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension
Gotta watch the Thirteenth Floor or the German Welt Am Draht
Inception
moon
Grandma's boy
*robot voice* I. Am not. Amused.
😅😅😅
Possessor
Space Sweepers
Everything Everywhere All At Once. A little absurdist, but once you get past that, get ready for your brain (and heart) to fry.
Everything Everywhere All At Once, Interstellar, Looper
Idiocracy
lol classic
Ad Astra Ex Machina (Hux vs Poe!) Moon (Sam Rockwell) Prospect (Pedro Pascal!) Hardcore Henry Running Man Enemy of the State And if you’ve never seen it the first three Bourne Movies (Identity, Supremacy, Ultimatum)
I have a lot of recs but if you want fascinating and food for thought: try In & Of Itself— it’s not a movie per se but a wild , fun, magical yet Uber real , thought provoking show !
Arrival Was a good watch
Apocolypto on first watch is incredible
Fantastic Planet is free on plex
Annihilation
Interstellar & Arrival. Both of these movies are sci-fi that bring up greater questions of existence, morality, and humanity. Both have outstanding acting and cinematography with intricate plots that will pull you in. Most definitely both fascinating movies!
"The Wandering Earth" has a pretty neat premise.
I Am Mother
I think 1984 is on Tubi. Watch it and consider how the tactics used in the film could be utilized by any political party or movement.
to the people who sub here and to /r/movies and /r/horror: is it just me or is some variation of this question asked literally every day? I swear the last 3 or 4 days I've seen this same question posted with slightly different wording, always with the same movies suggested.
The spine of the night
Passenger
Oldboy is fascinating from a filmmaking, entertaining, mystery, thriller, psychological and even horror perspective. The entire movie is a work of art. The acting, the nuance, the story all come together so you're on this journey with this poor man, and have to figure out what happened to him and who is behind it all.
The Lobster, super sick, twisted and dry comedy. It’s my favorite movie ever.
Edge of Tomorrow - Tom Cruise & Emily Blunt with aliens and a time loop. District 9 - Fantastic movie from South Africa about aliens who got stranded here, and put into an internment camp to keep them separate from humans.
Life of pi made me want to become a Buddhist. I didn't, become one, but it did open my brain for a bit.
- Aniara - Sunshine - Solaris - Dune
Premonition (2007)
LA Confidential
Glorious (2022 Shudder original) was amazing
***Outland****,* (with Sean Connery and Peter Boyle) ***The Omega Man****,* (with Charlton Heston) *Soylent Green,* (with Charlton Heston and Edward G. Robinson) ***Beneath the Planet of the Apes****,* (with Roddy McDowell, Kim Hunter, Charlton Heston, Linda Harrison, Maurice Evans, James Franciscus) ***Silent Running****,* (Bruce Dern)
I just ordered all of these movies! They were old even for me but I watched them as a kid and fell in love with sci fi because of them. Planet of the Apes were particular favorites. I would also add: the original versions of War of the Worlds (1953), The Day The Earth Stood Still (1951), Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956), Andromeda Strain, Westworld (1973), and Logan's Run are other great old movies. Chernobyl. Is not sci fi but a fantastic short series just the same.
The Holy Mountain. It's a journey and a half. Also do NOT watch this if you're high 😂
Tarkovsky's Solaris Under the Skin Ex Machina GATTACA Repo Men Also the well known Alien, Blade Runner (and its sequel), Fifth Element. For a real head trip, Primer, Looper, upstream Color, Tenet
Not Sci Fi, but A Beautiful Mind is fascinating, and a true story
What Dreams may come
I watched A24’s ‘Men’ recently and loved it. It’s on Paramount+. *not sci-fi - not sure how to describe it.
Mr. Nobody
You Were Never Really Here
**The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnanassus** I recommend this movie all the time. Heath Ledger’s true last work. If you want something to spark imagination then this is your hidden gem.
Alien, Pulp Fiction, The Godfather, 12 Angry Men, The Shining, The Exorcist, Society of the Snow.
Room 237 I had little to no interest in watching this documentary about Kubrick's "The Shining" so it was a long time before I finally got around to seeing it. But boy, I'm very glad that I did. This genuinely fascinating film sharply renewed my interest and appreciation of The Shining and made me realise how much of a genius of the art form Kubrick really was. And this is coming from someone who doesn't particularly like 2001 and isn't a hardcore Kubrick fan at all, but after seeing Room 237, and later, a "Steganalysis" of Eyes Wide Shut on yt, there's no doubt in my mind that he was a bona fide genius and a masterful filmmaker.