A cult classic filmcan belong to just about any genre, giving some of the most incredible and deserving films the attention that their artistry attracts.According to The Ringer, “Cult films come in all varieties—and sometimes with vigorous debate about their status attached—but genuine, possessive devotion is the baseline.”
If we look more closely at science fiction, audiences find much more cerebral experiences that transcend expectations of normal life. Each of these movies, in their own way, explores futuristic concepts and complex ideas. Let’s look through eight modern sci-fi movies that will someday become cult classics.
The Martian (2015)
Mark Watney (Matt Damon) has to survive naturally inThe Martian,after a dangerous incident strands him on Mars all by himself. As everyone on Earth believes that he died during the event, he instead fights to keep himself alive through what he’s been left with. The potato planting scene showcases how much patience can contribute to the delivery of such an incredible end result. The film’s feel-good conclusion and ultimately optimistic nature emphasize that hope perseveres no matter what, even on a desolate desert planet far from our own.
High Life (2018)
High Lifeis another boldfilm from A24, combining a familiar cast with a sci-fi setting and some extremely dark inclusions to the plot. The story centers around a dark experiment and the desperation of the people it involves, and its occurrence in space gives it more dimension as a horror film, too.
A review by Matt Zoller Seitzfor Roger Ebertargued, “‘High Life’ becomes a kaleidoscopic experience, more so than a traditional story… It’s the kind of film that sparks arguments on the way home, not just about what happened and what it meant, but whether it was a good movie.” This movie can evidently leave audiences divided, and its fans might take it to cult classic status someday.
Godzilla (2014)
Godzillahas many versions, sequels, and continuations, but the 2014 retelling may be the most excellent modern execution of a Japanese kaiju movie. Its soundtrack stirs up deep emotions, and it has an intense but gradual build-up and reveal to what the titular creature itself looks like. Aaron Taylor Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen play spouses against citywide disaster – the year before they do the same as superhero siblings inAvengers: Age of Ultron. Monster movies can sometimes be too campy, but this one has some genuinely awe-inspiring moments – especially if you were lucky enough to see it in a theater almost 10 years ago.
Underwater (2020)
Underwaterbrings viewers down into the darkness of the ocean, which is a creepy and unknown enough place in real life. But a seismic shock shifts a research team’s drilling station workspace, forcing them to venture much deeper to hopefully resolve the issue. Kristen Stewart’s performance in this film adds to its perception, and putting a different, lesser-loved actor in her place might have given the film less attention.
The film deserves alotof well-deserved attention, though, for puttingcreatures at the bottomof the ocean in a horror movie – where they definitely also belong.
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Annihilation (2018)
Annihilationis already pretty appreciated, but as years go by, it’ll almost certainly be looked at in retrospect as one of the 2010s' greatest sci-fi movies. Its cast brings lots of established actors together, mostly women, which contributes to an all-female central team that we don’t always see in traditional science fiction. Its storyline contributes scientific truth and fact to an unprecedented ecological scenario, creating some horrific outcomes and sensorially startling scenes.
Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
Starring Emily Blunt and Tom Cruise,Edge of Tomorrowis an actual gem among the dime-a-dozen apocalyptic sci-fi flicks that seem to be promoted through Hollywood in shifts. The story’s time loop plot line allows the film to eventually appear tropey in a tongue-in-cheek way, meaning that it doesn’t take itself too seriously – which genuinely makes it better. Its repetitive nature allows for its actual plot to take place within its characters, their development, and their approaches to the issues they face.
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The Invisible Man (2020)
Like most retellings of classic works,The Invisible Manwas surely expected by some viewers to just be another mediocre adaptation of an old piece of literature. In reality, the 2020 film is surprisingly fresh and interesting. Elisabeth Moss plays Cecelia Kass, a woman shocked by her cruel ex-lover’s sudden death, until she’s haunted by his mostly invisible form. The film adds another level to H. G. Wells' ancient sci-fi story, emphasizinga woman’s escape from abuseand incorporating trauma and mental illness.
M3GAN (2022)
M3GANcombined the close-to-reality science-fiction expanse of artificial intelligence with thecreepy doll tropein horror. The film has already earned a loyal fan base, mostly because of the unpredictable and sassy character of M3GAN herself. She weaponizes her role in young Kady’s life as a Trojan horse to accomplish her evil bidding, transforming from her constant best friend into a twisted and selfish one-track-minded machine. M3GAN is shocking, hilarious, and genuinely refreshing, and it’ll go down in film fan history for years to come.
