10 Great Sci-Fi Movies From The 2020s That Nobody Talks About

With more than half of the 2020s behind us, we’re starting to see which films will define the decade. Science fiction is proving to be a dominant force, with major successes like Everything Everywhere All At Once (a Best Picture winner), blockbusters such as Dune, Dune: Part Two, Project Hail Mary, Superman, and Avatar: The Way of Water, and critically praised movies including Poor Things, The Wild Robot, and Palm Springs.

Considering how many excellent sci-fi films have come out this decade, it’s not surprising that some really good ones haven’t gotten much attention. Some ended up on streaming services and were overlooked among all the other options, and others didn’t perform well in theaters. It’s a shame, because these were all movies that deserved a wider audience.

These films successfully combine different types of science fiction. You’ll find everything from stories set after a disaster to stunning animated features, and many star well-known actors. Overall, they’re all imaginative and well-made, suggesting the 2020s could become a golden age for sci-fi.

Finch (2021)

It’s a bit surprising that the movie Finch isn’t more well-regarded. It stars Tom Hanks as the sole human character, a setup that’s proven successful for him before, like in Cast Away. This Apple TV+ film is set in a future world devastated by an apocalypse, and Hanks plays Finch, the last man on Earth.

He’s only got his dog and a robot he created – designed to look after the dog after he’s gone. The unusual friendship between them is both funny and touching. While some critics have pointed out it’s not entirely new, it’s a genuinely heartwarming story that audiences seem to love.

The Gorge (2025)

Despite a promising start and strong elements – including talented actors, an interesting idea, and a fantastic soundtrack – the Apple TV+ film The Gorge quickly faded from view. It performed well initially, but has largely been forgotten within a year of its release.

In the film The Gorge, Anya Taylor-Joy and Miles Teller play snipers assigned to watch over a mysterious, deep gorge, unaware of what they’re protecting. The movie blends science fiction with a genuine romantic connection and some scary moments.

Little Fish (2020)

Olivia Cooke deserves more recognition for her acting skills. She consistently delivers fantastic performances, whether in big productions like Ready Player One and House of the Dragon, or in smaller, independent films – particularly a hidden gem called Little Fish.

The film Little Fish, adapted from a short story, tells the story of a couple facing a heartbreaking challenge: a virus is causing people to lose their memories. It’s a moving portrayal of their struggle to hold onto their relationship and cherished moments, with compelling science fiction elements and powerful acting.

The Creator (2023)

The Creator is a sci-fi film with a lot of potential that unfortunately didn’t quite find a large audience. It features strong performances from John David Washington and Gemma Chan, and was directed by the skilled Gareth Edwards. The movie’s concept was compelling and should have appealed to many viewers.

Set in a post-apocalyptic 2070, The Creator depicts a world ravaged by a nuclear war initiated by artificial intelligence, leading to conflict between AI and humans. While not a box office hit, the movie received generally positive reviews, particularly praised for its stunning visual effects.

Stowaway (2021)

The sci-fi movie Stowaway, a Netflix original, starts with a really unusual premise. It follows a three-person astronaut crew on their way to Mars when they unexpectedly discover a secret passenger on board.

This discovery puts everything at risk – their air supply, their well-being, and ultimately, their lives. The film boasts a talented cast including Anna Kendrick, Toni Collette, Daniel Dae Kim, and Shamier Anderson. While similar Netflix originals have found success, this one sadly went largely unnoticed.

No One Will Save You (2023)

Despite being a successful release on Hulu and one of the more interesting science fiction films of recent years, No One Will Save You hasn’t received much attention. It’s surprising that a movie that performed well on the streaming service isn’t being talked about more.

The movie centers around Brynn, whose home is invaded by aliens. She tries to get help from people in her town, but she’s an outcast with no one to rely on. No One Will Save You effectively tells a moving story with surprisingly little dialogue, and Kaitlyn Dever delivers a fantastic performance.

Underwater (2020)

Despite being a box office failure and receiving only lukewarm reviews, Underwater is a surprisingly good movie. It’s about a team of workers at a deep-sea drilling station who must fight for survival after a massive earthquake causes catastrophic damage.

The movie creates a sense of claustrophobia and dread, amplified by the sudden appearance of terrifying underwater creatures. Featuring a strong performance from Kristen Stewart, this sci-fi film is a surprisingly good find.

Lost In Starlight (2025)

Similar to The Gorge, Lost in Starlight is a recent film that hasn’t gotten the attention it deserves. This South Korean animated movie offers everything you’d hope for in the genre, including beautiful animation and a compelling story.

Released in 2050, Lost in Starlight is a touching story about the connection between an astronaut preparing for a Mars mission and a musician. The film beautifully portrays their attempt to make love work across vast distances. It has received critical acclaim, earning an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an Annie Award nomination.

They Cloned Tyrone (2023)

Despite being one of Netflix’s strongest original films, They Cloned Tyrone didn’t seem to gain much lasting attention after its initial release – it arrived on the platform, people watched it, and then it largely faded from view.

The movie They Cloned Tyrone centers around an unexpected team who team up to expose a secret government cloning operation. It’s been well-received by critics and features a fantastic cast, including John Boyega, Teyonah Parris, and Jamie Foxx, all wrapped up in a really interesting premise.

Predator: Killer Of Killers (2025)

The recent revival of the Predator movies is really noteworthy. For a long time, the series appeared to be finished, and previous attempts to reboot it, like the 2018 film The Predator, didn’t quite work. But Dan Trachtenberg changed that with Prey and Predator: Badlands.

Okay, let me tell you about a hidden gem. I recently checked out Predator: Killer of Killers on Hulu, and honestly, it flew under the radar – I hadn’t even heard of it before. But it’s surprisingly good! In fact, it actually has the highest Rotten Tomatoes score of any Predator movie. What really grabbed me was the action – it’s fantastic – and the animation style is really unique and cool. Plus, the way they weave together different time periods is genuinely captivating. Definitely worth a watch if you’re a fan of the series, or just looking for something fresh.

2026-05-15 15:41