Over 600 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Intelligent Sci-Fi Movies Of All Time
Voting Rules
Vote up the best intelligent movies, or those that are smart, clever, etc.
An intelligent sci-fi movie isn't necessarily hard to come by, but in a sea of thousands of alien-wrangling and space-ship-flying films, they can certainly be overlooked for their wit and progressive thinking. In other words, plenty of clever and thought-provoking sci-fi flicks are out there, many of which may change how you view the genre—while some may even make you think twice about the existence of extraterrestrial beings. In short, these aren't your average, quintessential sci-fi films.
Of course, it's not just how convincing or thought-provoking a movie is that makes it intelligent. Even the best sci-fi movies can miss the mark here. Whether it's the general storyline or even the setting, such as a dystopian wasteland set 30 years in the future, a sci-fi film can boast intelligence and cleverness in a variety of ways. Take 12 Monkeys for instance. While time travel was nothing a movie hadn't done at the time, the film's screenplay, dialogue, and setting (not to mention the acting) all work hand-in-hand to make it one hell of a mind-boggling journey. But is it the best sci-fi movie of its kind?
Be the deciding factor here and vote up your favorite intelligent sci-fi movies below, while voting down any films you feel aren't as smart or cerebral as the next. You can also add your own choices to the list.
In Blade Runner, Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a seasoned blade runner, undertakes an assignment that plunges him into the dystopian underbelly of future Los Angeles. His mission? To hunt down and retire rogue replicants - bioengineered beings virtually indistinguishable from humans. Amidst this grim task, he encounters Rachael (Sean Young), a special replicant who triggers a spiral of existential questions. Directed by Ridley Scott, this neo-noir science fiction film is acclaimed for its thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be human, set against a backdrop of striking visual effects and haunting music. A must-watch classic in the genre.
The Matrix is a groundbreaking science fiction movie that redefined the genre. Thomas Anderson (Keanu Reeves) leads a dual life - a corporate slave by day, and a computer hacker named Neo by night. Contacted by enigmatic Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), Neo is thrust into a reality-bending journey to uncover the truth about The Matrix, an illusory world created by sentient machines. This dystopian thriller, directed by The Wachowskis, won four Academy Awards for its innovative visual effects and editing techniques. With its complex narrative and philosophical undertones, The Matrix leaves viewers questioning their perception of reality.
In Stanley Kubrick's groundbreaking film 2001: A Space Odyssey, Dr. Dave Bowman (Keir Dullea) and his crew embark on a mysterious journey to Jupiter, guided by their ship's artificially intelligent computer, HAL 9000 (voiced by Douglas Rain). This epic science fiction masterpiece, which won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, explores themes of evolution, technology, artificial intelligence and the unknown. The movie is renowned for its realistic depiction of space travel and innovative special effects, providing a visually stunning cinematic experience that captivated audiences worldwide.
In the gripping sci-fi thriller Ex Machina, Caleb Smith (Domhnall Gleeson), a young programmer, wins an opportunity to spend a week at the secluded residence of his company's elusive CEO, Nathan Bateman (Oscar Isaac). Here, he is introduced to Ava (Alicia Vikander), an advanced AI creation. As Caleb digs deeper into Ava's artificial consciousness, he finds himself tangled in a complex web of manipulation and deceit. The movie, directed by Alex Garland, has won critical acclaim, including an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. Its exploration of AI ethics and human interaction offers a thrilling ride, leaving viewers questioning the boundaries of technology and humanity.
In the not-so-distant future, Gattaca unfolds a tale of genetic discrimination. Vincent Freeman (Ethan Hawke), naturally born, aspires to travel into space despite his society's preference for genetically engineered humans. He strikes an unlawful pact with Jerome Morrow (Jude Law), a genetically superior individual, crippled by an accident. As Freeman impersonates Morrow to secure a place in the Gattaca Aerospace Corporation's mission to Saturn's moon, Titan, he finds love in Irene Cassini (Uma Thurman). However, a murder investigation threatens to expose his identity. This 1997 science fiction film directed by Andrew Niccol explores themes of destiny and free will.
Moon is a captivating science fiction drama, the directorial debut of Duncan Jones. The film features Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell), stationed alone on a lunar base for a three-year stint. As his tenure nears its end, he starts to grapple with disturbing experiences, questioning his reality. GERTY (voiced by Kevin Spacey), an AI assistant, is his only companion during this ordeal. A gripping exploration of isolation and identity, Moon won the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation in 2010. It's a cerebral journey that challenges viewers without relying on flashy special effects.
