6 Overlooked 2025 Sci-Fi Movies That Are Actually Genius

Science fiction is a tricky genre to pull off successfully. It’s challenging to create a world that feels both believable and connected to our own reality, especially when you also need solid filmmaking basics. 2025 has already seen some major sci-fi releases, with films like *Fantastic Four: First Steps* and *Superman* meeting expectations. However, movies like *Rebel Moon – Part Two* and *M3GAN 2.0* didn’t quite live up to their potential. We’re still looking forward to some of the year’s biggest releases, including *Avatar: Fire and Ash*, *Predator: Badlands*, and Guillermo del Toro’s *Frankenstein*.

As a critic, one of the biggest joys of this year has been seeing films completely defy expectations. We had everything from unexpectedly brilliant war movies featuring dinosaurs to animated adventures with surprisingly deep themes, and even superhero flicks tackling mental health. Honestly, some of the year’s best movies were total underdogs – films I went into knowing almost nothing about, and came out absolutely thrilled by. It just proves sometimes, less hype can lead to a much more rewarding cinematic experience.

Companion Surprised its Viewers by Being a Sci-Fi Dark Comedy

When the first trailers for *Companion* came out, people knew it would be unusual, as it was from . But until more trailers were released, or for those who went in knowing nothing about it, no one realized it would be a sci-fi thriller with dark humor. *Companion* centers on Iris and Josh, a couple who go to a remote house for a weekend with friends. It’s soon revealed that Iris isn’t a person at all, but a robot Josh bought, and the group intends to use her in a scheme to get rich. However, Iris has her own agenda.

What’s most surprising about *Companion* is how genuinely funny it is. Even though the story is very serious, the movie includes well-timed comedic moments, often delivered by Harvey Guillen, known from *What We Do in the Shadows*. The connection between the characters is great, whether they’re showing affection or plotting revenge. The sci-fi element is a major reveal for first-time viewers, but even if you know the twist, the film still works as a darkly humorous and violent comedy.

Predator: Killer of Killers Is Quietly the Best Movie in the Predator Franchise

This year’s *Predator: Killer of Killers* was a surprising success. Following the popularity of *Prey* and the announcement of *Predator: Badlands*, no one anticipated a Hulu animated film with such a strong story and a deep dive into the Yautja culture – making it the best entry in the entire *Predator* series. The film consists of three parts: Yautja hunters fighting skilled warriors from various historical periods, culminating in a final battle on their home planet, reminiscent of a Colosseum contest.

This film delivers fantastic character introductions and some of the most exciting and violent scenes in the entire *Predator* series. It cleverly connects to previous *Predator* movies, serving as a direct sequel to *Prey* and setting up future installments perfectly. With a 95% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, *Predator: Killer of Killers* is a standout entry in the franchise.

Thunderbolts Is So Much More Than a Throwaway MCU Film

After the lukewarm reception to *Captain America: Brave New World*, the announcement of *Thunderbolts* didn’t generate much excitement – many assumed it would be another forgettable Marvel movie meant to simply tide fans over. However, the film surprised everyone. It took a team of largely unappealing characters and, through clever development and improved chemistry, transformed them into beloved fan favorites. The strong cast, led by Florence Pugh as Yelena, truly delivered.

Unlike most superhero movies focused on action, *Thunderbolts* delved into serious issues like depression and addiction through the personal struggles of its characters. The film’s shift in tone is both surprising and deeply moving, turning what could have been a standard final battle into a thoughtful exploration of love, acceptance, and overcoming loneliness. *Thunderbolts* stands out as one of the MCU’s strongest films, and it completely defied expectations.

Primitive War Makes People Want to Move on from the Jurassic World Franchise

Despite earning over $800 million at the box office this year, *Primitive War* was the more original dinosaur film. Adapted from Ethan Pettus’s novel, the movie centers on a team who encounter prehistoric creatures while searching for missing soldiers during the Vietnam War.

Despite lacking a large budget or famous actors, *Primitive War* stands out with its imaginative story and impressive dinosaur visuals, making it a surprisingly captivating film. Its strong audience appeal is reflected in its 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

In Marshmallow, Nothing Is What it Seems

Released in 2025, *Marshmallow* is a surprisingly good sci-fi film that many people haven’t heard of. It begins like a typical horror story, but quickly evolves into a mind-bending sci-fi thriller reminiscent of *The Twilight Zone* or the films of Jordan Peele. The story centers around a group of campers who discover a disturbing secret: the camp counselors are conducting a bizarre and dangerous scientific experiment involving all the children.

The film takes an unexpected turn, but this actually works to its advantage. It’s a great introduction to the sci-fi horror genre for younger viewers, and the fresh, polished directing style is particularly impressive coming from a new filmmaker – even seasoned movie fans will appreciate it.

28 Years Later Used Emotion and Heart to Reinvigorate the Series

It’s rare for a horror sci-fi sequel, especially one released nearly 20 years after the original, to become the best film in the series. *28 Years Later* successfully captured the spirit of the first movie while benefiting from the director’s increased experience and a more focused, straightforward plot. The film also marked the first installment to feature a standout cast, with impressive performances from Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, and Ralph Fiennes.

The most impactful part of *28 Years Later* is its deeply moving story, following a child caring for his ailing mother as they journey across a still-infected Britain. The film successfully blends strong emotional moments with the exciting new element of “Alphas,” and Ralph Fiennes delivers a standout performance. This combination rightfully places *28 Years Later* among the year’s best horror and sci-fi movies, earning it an impressive 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes – a high point for the series. The film has clearly reignited interest in the franchise, hinting at more to come.

2025-10-19 22:10