The highly-anticipated Avatar sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water is premiered last December 16, 2023, and became among the latest additions to the most ambitious sci-fi films ever made. This isn’t unusual for the sci-fi movies that have stood out over the years, as the remarkable ones manage to introduce novel ideas, well-written narratives, and groundbreaking visuals.
For fans of the genre, IMDb users’ scores have made it easy to determine the best sci-fi movies of all time. The highest-rated top 10 science fiction movies include influential classics like Alien and Back to the Future and mind-bending masterpieces like Interstellar and Inception.
Updated on May 16, 2023, by Hannah Saab:
While the top 10 sci-fi movies on IMDb rarely change, some recent entries may surprise fans of the genre (and be welcome additions for MCU fans). Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 has officially become one of the best MCU movies ever, as it’s currently among the highest-rated films from the franchise.
20 ‘Metropolis’ (1927)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
A great sci-fi movie that’s over 100 years old, Metropolis is a groundbreaking and influential masterpiece directed by Fritz Lang. Its story is centered on a privileged individual who is appalled by the newfound knowledge of the harsh conditions the working class is subjected to on a daily basis.
Metropolis is a timeless classic that’s also eerily accurate, as the “future” it depicts isn’t too far off from reality. Its innovative set design is fascinating to watch today, especially when audiences consider that Lang used miniature buildings to bring cityscapes to life.
Watch on The Criterion Channel
19 ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ (1968)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Director Stanley Kubrick‘s 2001: A Space Odyssey is an iconic entry in the genre that needs no introduction. Its ambitious storyline spans thousands of years, and is anchored on the discovery of a monolith that a crew is sent out to investigate. Alongside the now-legendary AI HAL 9000, they soon find themselves in mind-bending situations.
With its stunning visuals, brilliant use of music, and profound narrative, 2001: A Space Odyssey became the quintessential space opera that highlighted the viability of the genre. Although it wasn’t initially appreciated as the masterpiece that it is, Kubrick’s film is recognized today as a cult classic that served as a genre-defining moment in cinematic history.
Watch on HBO Max
18 ‘A Clockwork Orange’ (1971)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Set in a dystopian version of England, director Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange depicts a world where violence and delinquency are part of the norm. It follows Alex (Malcolm McDowell) and his “Droogs” as they spread chaos and hurt others, which leads to the sci-fi aspect of the film, where the protagonist undergoes extreme rehabilitation using technology that changes his behavior.
A Clockwork Orange immerses viewers in a disturbing world that blurs the line between right and wrong. It questions the very nature of evil itself through Alex’s story, which is inevitably linked with political commentary about the extent of control the government can have over individuals’ free will.
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17 ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ (2004)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, directed by Michel Gondry, is an emotional and effective breakup movie that conveys the sorrow, bewilderment, and regret that frequently come with the end of a relationship. Set in a version of the world in which it is possible to forget things thanks to new memory-erasing tech, it follows a couple, Joel (Jim Carrey) and Clementine (Kate Winslet), as they navigate the confusing line between needing to remember and wanting to forget.
The film is a beautiful and meaningful depiction of what it is like to lose someone important in one’s life. With its weird dream sequences and emotional lines, the film captivates, entertains, and moves to tears all at once. Joel’s eventual desperation to cling to the memory of Clementine will definitely strike a chord with viewers, who may not have the same opportunity for a second chance as the pair does in the film.
Watch on Peacock
16 ‘Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi’ (1983)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
The iconic third installment in the original Star Wars trilogy, Return of the Jedi depicts Luke Skywalker’s (Mark Hamill) continued struggle against the Galactic Empire, alongside the new couple Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), who embark on a misadventure of their own.
The perfect continuation of the Skywalker Saga, Return of the Jedi captivated audiences around the globe and became a massive blockbuster. It was the highest-grossing film of the year after earning a whopping $475 million at the global box office, further establishing the widespread influence of the sci-fi franchise.
Watch on Disney+
15 ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ (2023)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Already among the top-rated sci-fi movies and MCU’s best entries, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is proving to be a high point for the franchise. It follows the Guardians’ most challenging quest yet after one of their own is put in mortal danger, which soon leads them to meet a compelling new villain, the High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji).
Featuring stellar performances from fan-favorite characters played by Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Pom Klementieff, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, and more, the film gives viewers an incredibly fun time. Aside from an unsurprisingly flawless soundtrack and gut-busting humor, the movie also has some of the most emotional scenes ever depicted in an MCU film.
14 ‘WALL-E’ (2008)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
WALL-E is a Pixar film that shows a world in which garbage has covered most of the earth and paints a very terrible future for mankind. The last of mankind has evacuated the world and taken refuge on a luxurious spacecraft, where they communicate with displays, have robots serve them, and move around in seats that levitate. This move was made in an effort to save the human race.
The animated film was an instant hit when it first premiered, as both audiences and critics were profoundly moved by its powerful message, charming characters (especially the titular protagonist), and surprisingly emotional moments. The movie was so outstanding that in 2009, it was awarded the Academy Award for Best Animated Picture.
Watch on Disney+
13 ‘Aliens’ (1986)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
A worthy sequel to Alien, Sigourney Weaver reprises her now-iconic role as Ellen Ripley, who’s finally rescued from a decades-long slumber in cryo. She soon joins a team sent to a group of colonists on a planet potentially infiltrated by aliens, and is disappointed to learn how everyone around her seems to be underestimating the creatures.
With much better special effects, expansive world-building techniques, and even a deep dive into some of Ellen’s relationships, James Cameron‘s Aliens effectively provides fans with a bigger and bolder story. It also helps that there’s no shortage of twists that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats as Ellen acts like her usual badass self to survive every encounter.
Watch on Starz
12 ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ (2018)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
The events of Phase Three build to an emotional climax in Avengers: Infinity War, with Thanos’ (Josh Brolin) possession of the Infinity Stones posing a threat to the security of the whole world. Rightly among the top sci-fi movies, the film’s thrilling events flow naturally toward the stunning finale, which centers on Thanos’ deadly snap and its horrible results.
The film memorably features some of the saddest deaths in the MCU – seeing beloved protagonists and sidekicks vanish in a puff of dust is a surreal, tragic, and disturbing experience for any viewer. The performers’ remarkably compelling portrayals of their respective deaths make for some particularly heartbreaking moments. As a result of Thanos’ actions, viewers can’t wait for retribution or, at the very least, an explanation for the chaos he has caused.
Watch on Disney+
11 ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ (2018)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
It would be an understatement to say that Marvel’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse breathed new life into the oversaturated superhero genre. It introduces fans to Brooklyn-based Miles Morales (Shameik Moore), who struggles with his new identity as Spider-Man. When the multiverse breaks wide open and brings alternate versions of the hero into the mix, things get exhilarating and chaotic.
From its endearing characters and absorbing story to its stunning variety of visuals and frantic pace, there’s more than one reason the animated film reinvigorated the franchise. The movie is a love letter to the comics and a great entry point for new fans, too.
Watch on Fubo
10 ‘Avengers: Endgame’ (2019)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
The storylines of The Infinity Saga come to a head in the superhero movie Avengers: Endgame, in which the surviving members of the Avengers and their friends make a last-ditch effort to reverse the devastating impacts of the villainous Mad Titan Thanos’ (Brolin) snap. Their valiant efforts only lead to greater uncertainties about the permanent legacy of Earth’s mightiest heroes. Needless to say, the movie has a lot of exciting things going on.
With a plot that spans years and the fate of everything on the line, this movie depicts the most challenging mission that the Avengers have had to face thus far in the MCU. There is no easy solution to the problem that they are facing, and the painful scenes from Endgame are still discussed and referenced by fans today.
Watch on Disney+
9 ‘The Prestige’ (2006)
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Set in London towards the end of the 19th century, director Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige delves into the intense rivalry between two stage magicians. Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) are determined to prove that they’re the best at their craft, and will risk everything to pull off never-before-seen stunts on the stage.
The sci-fi element comes in when it becomes apparent that the only way the magicians can outdo each other is through novel (and dangerous) experiments and inventions. The film brilliantly uses sci-fi to make the psychological thriller a truly nerve-wracking race until its tragic end.
8 ‘Alien’ (1979)
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Often cited alongside the best sci-fi horror movies, Alien is a legendary film that needs no introduction. Directed by Ridley Scott, it’s centered on the crew of the space tug Nostromo, who stumbles upon a strange abandoned spaceship. Little do they know that they would soon be bringing back a deadly extraterrestrial being with them that will threaten their survival.
The film masterfully blends the two genres together in a setting that heavily relies on an eerie, quiet atmosphere. In fact, viewers don’t ever really see the alien in its entirety until the last few minutes of the gripping movie. It may have been released over 40 years ago, but the sci-fi film still holds up and is worth watching today.
Watch on Starz
7 ‘Back to the Future’ (1985)
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Director Robert Zemeckis’s Back to the Future became an unforgettable part of audiences’ childhoods when it premiered to become a box office hit in the 80s. It follows the wacky time travel adventure of Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox), who is accidentally sent back to the past in Dr. Emmett Brown’s (Christopher Lloyd) DeLorean. The situation becomes worse when Marty realizes he could cease to exist after he messes up his parents’ relationship.
What makes the classic film work is that it doesn’t try too hard to delve into the science, and instead focuses on building a character worth rooting for. Plus, it’s ridiculously hilarious and its comedic tone makes viewers feel like things will turn out alright, even while seeing the worst consequences of Marty’s antics.
Watch on Tubi
6 ‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’ (1991)
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Terminator 2: Judgment Day is an excellent example of a sequel done right. Directed by James Cameron, the sci-fi action film is centered on the fate of the future leader of the rebellion, John Connor (Edward Furlong). A highly advanced and dangerous Terminator called the T-1000 (Robert Patrick) is sent by Skynet to eliminate the boy, but the resistance sends one of their own – T-800 (Arnold Schwarzenegger).
The box office hit is bigger, bolder, and better than the original, which says a lot considering how successful the 1984 movie was. Its shape-shifting antagonist played a huge role in raising the stakes and making the action sequences more engaging and thrilling.
5 ‘Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope’ (1977)
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Directed by George Lucas, 1977’s Star Wars is the movie that birthed a franchise that’s still massively successful today. A New Hope introduced the dramatic conflict between the authoritarian Galactic Empire and the courageous Rebel Alliance, while also depicting now-iconic characters like Luke Skywalker (Hamill), Han Solo (Ford), and Princess Leia Organa (Fisher).
The award-winning classic was way ahead of its time, portraying unprecedented and striking scenes set in space and underscoring the viability of science fiction as a cinematic staple. There are undoubtedly still numerous fans around the world who have made it a tradition to re-watch the Skywalker Saga, beginning with the film that started it all.
Watch on Disney+
4 ‘Interstellar’ (2014)
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Director Nolan’s Interstellar initially takes place on a dying planet that is the dystopian version of earth in the not-too-distant future. When ex-NASA pilot Joseph Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) is given the chance to leave his farm and lead a mission to space in search of another home, he doesn’t expect what he eventually finds.
Praised for its accurate depictions of celestial bodies and space travel, the film manages to combine science and an emotional father-and-daughter story. It contrasts the vastness of outer space with the intricate details that make the characters human. Of course, it’s worth noting that its mind-blowing plot is also an excellent foray into portraying theoretical physics in a visually stunning way.
Watch on Paramount+
3 ‘Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back’ (1980)
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
The continuation of the epic space opera (this time directed by Irvin Kershner), The Empire Strikes Back follows the battle between the rebels led by Princess Leia (Fisher) and the Empire under Emperor Palpatine. Meanwhile, Luke (Hamill) trains with the Jedi Master Yoda (Frank Oz) to learn how to use the Force in preparation for his climactic confrontation with the powerful Sith Lord, Darth Vader (David Prowse / James Earl Jones).
There are several iconic moments from the highest-rated Star Wars film that explain why it’s still a beloved entry in the franchise. It further fueled the cultural phenomenon that would stick around long after the 80s, as it continues to inspire fan clubs, spinoffs, parodies, merchandise, and more.
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2 ‘The Matrix’ (1999)
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Most fans would agree that the Wachowskis’ first entry in the Matrix franchise is still the best one. The Matrix introduced viewers to Thomas Anderson (Keanu Reeves) – who goes by his hacker name “Neo” – an unassuming computer programmer who learns the truth about his simulated reality. He soon joins forces with the resistance to free others from the manipulation and control of extraterrestrial beings.
The film won numerous accolades and is known for its novel concepts and cutting-edge visuals. Even those who have never seen the movie before may recognize its cyberpunk imagery and “bullet time” moments that have become an irreplaceable part of cinematic history.
Watch on HBO Max
1 ‘Inception’ (2010)
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
Among Nolan’s most staggering and iconic works is Inception. The sci-fi action film is centered on a group of professional thieves led by Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio), whose usual job is to infiltrate the victim’s subconscious to steal information. Someone soon hires him to do an impossible task, to implant an idea instead. The protagonist’s personal life soon becomes inextricably linked to the group’s mission, making things even more perilous.
The unique dreamscapes and the way they are depicted in the film are striking, not to mention the way the premise itself really makes viewers think. It’s a movie that deserves the high praise it receives from both fans and critics, as it’s a genuine standout that took the sci-fi genre to new heights.
Watch on HBO Max
