The Best Sci-Fi Drama Movies, Ranked

Over 400 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Sci-Fi Drama Movies, Ranked
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Vote up your favorite drama movies set in a science fiction universe.

This list contains information on the best sci fi drama movies, ranked from best to worst by user votes. The best sci fi drama films come in many forms. Some good sci fi drama films take place in outer-space while other good science fiction drama movies feature out of this world technologies. Many of the best sci fi drama films have won awards.

What films will you find on this top sci fi drama movies list? Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind has to be near the top. Director Michel Gondry and writer Charlie Kaufman joined forces to create beautiful film about love, heartbreak, and the dangers of a yet-to-be invented memory-wiping system. Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet kept the movie grounded with their fantastic performances. Donnie Darko is another good film that combines drama and sci fi.

Her finds a man falling in love with his O.S. In the not-too-distant future. Other great sci-fi drama movies featured on this list include Predestination, Gattaca, and Never Let Me Go.

Do you have a favorite drama sci-fi movie? Give the best films a thumbs up and share your thoughts in the comments section.

Most divisive: Into the Forest
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  • Interstellar
    1
    Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain
    164 votes
    • Released: 2014
    • Directed by: Christopher Nolan

    Navigating the cosmos to save humankind, a group of brave astronauts embark on a space odyssey that pushes the limits of human endurance and scientific understanding. With mind-bending visuals and a powerful narrative, this film captures the essence of space exploration and the vast unknown. The audience is taken on an emotional rollercoaster ride as love, loss, and sacrifice become entwined with the protagonists' quest to find a new home for humanity.

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  • Arrival
    2
    Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker
    113 votes
    • Released: 2016
    • Directed by: Denis Villeneuve

    Communicating with extraterrestrial beings has never been more captivating than in this mesmerizing tale of a linguist called upon to decipher an alien language. As she unlocks the secrets of their complex communications, it's clear that time is not linear but interwoven, like strands in a tapestry. This thought-provoking movie examines the importance of language, empathy, and our connections to one another on a cosmic scale.

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  • Contact
    3
    Jodie Foster, Matthew McConaughey, James Woods
    97 votes
    • Released: 1997
    • Directed by: Robert Zemeckis

    An enthralling adaptation of Carl Sagan's novel, this film combines breathtaking visuals with philosophical exploration as it delves into humanity's first encounter with extraterrestrial life. A tenacious scientist's journey through space and time challenges not only her beliefs but also society's understanding of spirituality and the nature of existence itself. With heart-wrenching emotion and meticulously crafted storytelling, this film dares to ask what's truly out there in the universe.

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  • 2001: A Space Odyssey
    4
    Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, William Sylvester
    66 votes
    • Released: 1968
    • Directed by: Stanley Kubrick

    A cornerstone of science-fiction films, this visionary masterpiece leads viewers on an awe-inspiring journey through space and time. A mysterious, seemingly omnipotent monolith guides humanity's evolution from primitive apes to advanced spacefaring beings, igniting questions about our place in the universe and the potential dangers of artificial intelligence. The stunning imagery and chillingly prophetic message continue to resonate with audiences today.

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  • Gattaca
    5
    Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Jude Law
    92 votes
    • Released: 1997
    • Directed by: Andrew Niccol

    Set in a world where genetic manipulation has created an elite class, one man defies all odds to chase his dream of traveling to space. This gripping dystopian drama explores themes of identity, discrimination, and perseverance against seemingly insurmountable obstacles. A reminder that greatness lies not in our genes but in our ability to overcome adversity.

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  • Ex Machina
    6
    Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac, Alicia Vikander
    67 votes
    • Released: 2014
    • Directed by: Alex Garland

    A young programmer's encounter with a highly advanced A.I. leads him down a rabbit hole of deception and manipulation. This sleek, stylish thriller delves into the realm of artificial intelligence and humanity's ethical responsibility towards its creations. The film masterfully intertwines elements of suspense and philosophy, resulting in a thrilling, thought-provoking experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

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