17 Most underrated sci-fi movies that you cannot miss

Science fiction has always been one of the most explored genres in Hollywood. Whether it is about traveling to space or going back in time, this genre has always tested the storytelling abilities of the person behind the camera. Honestly, it is a wonder how humans can imagine things that are not even real. Some of these movies made it big at the box office with their concepts, but some remained unnoticed by the mainstream audience. But that doesn’t mean they are not worth giving a try. They might’ve not been a commercial success but if you are a person who loves exploring surreal concepts, irrespective of a famous star cast or famous directors, you might actually enjoy these hidden gems. So, here is a list of the 17 most underrated sci-fi movies and TV shows that you should watch.

1. The Vast of Night (2019)

In The Vast of Night, directed by Andrew Patterson in 2019, a small town's restless night takes a thrilling turn as a switchboard operator and a radio DJ uncover a mysterious frequency. As they dig deeper, they encounter whispers of extraterrestrial activity that challenge their understanding of reality. With its captivating dialogue and retro charm, this film ingeniously intertwines suspense and nostalgia, proving that the night holds more secrets than one could imagine.

2. Upgrade (2018)

Directed by Leigh Whannell the 2018 film, Upgrade focuses on a technologically challenged mechanic named Grey, who finds himself transformed after a brutal attack leaves him paralyzed. Enter STEM, an experimental chip that not only restores his mobility but grants him superhuman abilities. As Grey seeks revenge, he navigates a high-octane world of hacking and intrigue, blending action and dark humor. This film cleverly explores the fusion of man and machine, raising questions about technology's role in our lives.

3. Attack the Block (2011)

In Attack the Block (2011), directed by Joe Cornish, a group of South London teens finds themselves defending their neighborhood from an alien invasion. Armed with nothing but their wits and a few makeshift weapons, they turn into unlikely heroes. What begins as a simple street battle soon escalates into a fight for survival, blending sharp humor with sci-fi thrills in a refreshingly unique way. It's an energetic and clever take on the genre, full of surprises.

4. A Scanner Darkly (2006)

Directed by Richard Linklater in 2006, A Scanner Darkly dives into a dystopian world where addiction and surveillance intertwine. Set in a future where identities blur, an undercover cop loses himself in a haze of drugs and paranoia while spying on his own friends. The film’s unique animation mirrors its themes of shifting realities, delivering a darkly comic and thought-provoking exploration of identity, control, and the cost of losing oneself.

5. The Arrival (1996)

In 1996, David Twohy brought The Arrival to life, blending science fiction with a gripping conspiracy. The story follows a radio astronomer who stumbles upon a signal from extraterrestrial life, only to uncover a secret alien infiltration of Earth. As he races to expose the truth, he faces sabotage, danger, and a chilling revelation about humanity’s future. It’s a tense, clever thriller that keeps the suspense building until its surprising conclusion. Also, we get to watch Charlie Sheen in a very different role.

6. Bloodshot (2020)

Action and vengeance are given whenever we see Vin Diesel on screen. Dave Wilson’s 2020 film Bloodshot follows Ray Garrison, a fallen soldier brought back to life with nanotechnology, transforming him into an unstoppable force. Fuelled by enhanced abilities and fragmented memories, Ray seeks revenge for his wife’s murder but discovers he’s been manipulated by Dr. Emil Harting, the mastermind behind his resurrection. As Ray fights to regain control of his own mind, the line between hero and weapon blurs in this action-packed, high-tech thriller.

7. A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

Steven Spielberg’s 2001 film A.I. Artificial Intelligence tells the poignant story of David, a robotic boy programmed to love unconditionally. Abandoned by his human family, David embarks on a quest to become "real" and win back their affection, accompanied by the witty male escort Joe. As he journeys through a futuristic world of wonder and despair, David’s search for humanity raises profound questions about love, identity, and the nature of existence.

8. Color Out of Space (2019)

Color Out of Space is a cosmic horror film where a meteor crash disrupts life on a rural farm. Directed by Richard Stanley in 2019, the story follows Nathan Gardner and his family as the mysterious "color" from the meteor begins warping their minds, bodies, and reality itself. With chaos spreading and their farm transforming into a surreal nightmare, Nathan struggles to protect his loved ones against an alien force beyond comprehension.

9. Love (2011)

Love is a sci-fi drama exploring isolation and the human connection. Directed by William Eubank in 2011, the film centers on Lee Miller, an astronaut stranded aboard the International Space Station after losing contact with Earth. As he grapples with solitude and dwindling resources, Lee uncovers a mysterious journal that links his plight to a forgotten Civil War-era soldier. Blurring the line between past and present, the film reflects on humanity’s need for companionship and meaning.

10. Gattaca (1997)

Gattaca delves into a world of genetic discrimination, where DNA determines destiny. The story follows Vincent Freeman, a man born naturally in a society that values engineered perfection. Defying his genetic "inferiority," Vincent assumes the identity of Jerome Morrow, a genetically superior but paralyzed man, to pursue his dream of space travel. As he navigates deception and determination, Vincent challenges the limits of human potential and societal expectations.

11. The Cell (2000)

The Cell is a psychological thriller that ventures into the depths of the human mind. Directed by Tarsem Singh in 2000, the film follows Catherine Deane, a psychologist who uses experimental technology to enter the consciousness of a comatose serial killer, Carl Stargher. Tasked with finding his final victim before time runs out, Catherine navigates Carl’s twisted psyche, confronting nightmarish visions and her own fears. It’s a visually stunning exploration of morality and the subconscious.

12. Westworld (1973)

Westworld is a sci-fi thriller set in a high-tech amusement park where androids bring fantasies to life. Directed by Michael Crichton in 1973, the story follows Peter Martin and John Blane, two guests seeking adventure in the park’s Wild West section. Their fun turns deadly when a gunslinger android malfunctions and begins hunting them. As chaos spreads, Peter must outwit the relentless machine in this gripping tale of technology gone awry.

13. Stalker (1979)

Stalker, directed by Andrei Tarkovsky in 1979, explores the journey of three men—Stalker, the Writer, and the Professor—who venture into a mysterious area known as "The Zone." Believed to grant one’s innermost desires, the Zone’s eerie power tests their beliefs, desires, and fears. As they navigate its strange landscapes, the line between reality and illusion blurs, raising profound questions about human nature and fulfillment.

14. Timecrimes (2007)

Timecrimes, directed by Nacho Vigalondo in 2007, is a mind-bending thriller about time travel gone wrong. Hector, an ordinary man, stumbles upon a mysterious machine that sends him back in time, only to create a tangled web of overlapping events. As he tries to fix the chaos, he encounters multiple versions of himself, leading to a suspenseful and twisted cycle of decisions. It’s a gripping exploration of fate, choice, and unintended consequences.

15. Annihilation (2018)

Annihilation, directed by Alex Garland in 2018, follows a group of scientists exploring a mysterious area known as "The Shimmer," where the laws of nature are altered. Lena, a biologist, joins the expedition after her husband's strange return from the zone. As the team ventures deeper, they encounter disturbing mutations and confront their own psychological fears, leading to a haunting and thought-provoking journey into the unknown.

16. Dark City (1998)

Dark City, directed by Alex Proyas in 1998, is a neo-noir thriller set in a city trapped in perpetual night. John Murdoch wakes up with no memory and discovers that he’s being pursued by mysterious beings known as The Strangers, who can manipulate reality. As he unravels the truth behind the city's strange happenings, John fights to reclaim his identity and uncover the dark secrets that bind them all.

17. Solaris (1972)

Solaris, directed by Andrei Tarkovsky in 1972, explores the psychological and emotional toll of space exploration. Kris Kelvin, a scientist sent to a space station orbiting the mysterious planet Solaris, discovers that the planet’s ocean can manifest physical representations of human memories. As he confronts visions of his lost wife, Hari, Kris grapples with grief, guilt, and the unsettling nature of human consciousness, questioning the boundaries between reality and illusion.