This is part two of our series on the best science fiction movies of the past year. The whole idea of science fiction is interesting to me because it’s so hard to give it a definition. Many people probably think of Star Trek or Star Wars as the definition of science fiction, but there are many other movies that fall into this category as well. Some are much more obvious than others. Read on to see some of the best (and maybe subtle) science fiction movies of the year.
The Osiris Child: Science Fiction Volume 1
This movie has everything you love about science fiction movies, all rolled into one. It’s got spaceships, laser guns, massive alien creatures. While this movie isn’t exactly unique, it’s a lot of fun with some extremely impressive visual effects, especially for a low budget indie movie. If enough people watch it, they might even make a Volume Two!
It Comes at Night
While most movies love to show you as much as possible, It Comes at Night does not. It’s about a family, living alone in the woods after an unknown, but possibly apocalyptic event. Why are they alone? What are they scared of? These mysteries are omnipresent but always secondary to this scary character drama.
The Bad Batch
This might be the best Jason Momoa movie released this year. In the film, he’s a wanderer who teams up with a woman desperate to survive in a brutal post-apocalyptic world. In order to do that, they will need to bring down a kingpin played by Keanu Reeves. The movie doesn’t live up to the impossible expectation that you have in your head, but it’s pretty close. The impossible expectation is, in part, due to the star-studded cast.
A Ghost Story
A Ghost Story doesn’t unfold very quickly, but it is extremely rewarding and wonderful if I do say so myself. A Ghost Story is exactly that. It’s the story of what it’s like to be a ghost. Obviously, there’s more to it, but we don’t want to spoil it. Once you watch it, you won’t be able to stop thinking about it!
Brigsby Bear
Brigsby Bear isn’t exactly a sci-fi movie. But it is a film about a made-up science fiction franchise. Which is why its made the list. Also because it’s incredible, and because it has Mark Hamill in it. Brigsby Bear is a movie about chasing down your dreams and being true to your nerdy passions.
Marjorie Prime
Who doesn’t want to see a movie starring Jon Hamm and Geena Davis? It’s a film about artificial intelligence and how it can help people as they get older. There’s nothing flashy about it, but it is intense and a little bit disturbing. Anything with Jon Hamm in it is an automatic watch in my books.
mother!
Some might not think that mother! is, in fact, a science fiction movie. But who really has the authority to make that decision? This manic, insane roller coaster ride is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before and is so open to interpretations that it will leave your head spinning. It’s not a film for everyone, but if it’s for you, you will never forget it.
Blade of the Immortal
A man who can’t be killed, teams up with a young girl in order to avenge the murder of her family. This film is basically a samurai fan’s wildest dreams come true. It’s filled with some insane battles, crazy weapons, blood, tears and even more blood. It’s kind of amazing.
Themla
Some would call Themla a slower, sleepier version of Carrie. It definitely is a coming of age story with a sensual, supernatural twist. In Thelma, a woman begins to have seizures as she falls in love with another woman, and eventually, those seizures start to reveal that she has some deeper powers. Her evangelical, oppressive mother despises and fears these powers. It’s definitely a beautiful piece of filmmaking.
Okja
Okja is a story of a young girl who travels the globe in order to save her massive, but adorable, monster friend from becoming processed meat. It’s a great adventure, a touching love story, and a biting commentary. It kind of has it all. It’s also a great way to end this list, given that we started out with a cannibal veterinarian. Okja made our list becuase it’s endearing. Make sure you check it out, and as many as you can handle before the holidays are over.