10 Recent Sci-Fi Movies You Probably Haven't Seen

These sci-fi films may not be on your radar.

Prospect film
Bron Films

When we think of great sci-fi, our minds are often cast back to the 1980s. With movies like The Thing, The Terminator, and Aliens, it was clear that decade was a golden age for the genre.

Since recent cinema seems to be more focused on superhero blockbusters and... more superhero blockbusters, it feels like classic sci-fi is being tossed to the curb. Even though the genre isn't as well-recognised as it once was, some of the most entertaining and creative sci-fi has been released over the past decade. With films like Dune, Moon, Gravity, Interstellar, Blade Runner 2049, Annihilation, Inception, District 9, and Arrival, there's no question sci-fi is still entertaining millions of avid cinephiles across the globe.

Now, if you're a big fan of otherworldly concepts like time travel, aliens, or inter-dimensional travel, it's a safe bet you've checked these mainstream films out. But there are lesser-known sci-fi films that came out recently which deserved a lot more recognition. Considering so many of these movies are available on steaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime, there's nothing stopping you checking them out right this second.

10. In The Shadow Of The Moon

Prospect film
Netflix

Available on: Netflix

In the Shadow of the Moon begins with a cop called Locke whose night patrol starts like any other night. But when three random people across the city suddenly die after their brains melt from the inside, Locke can't make heads or tails over what killed them. For the next 20 years, he obsesses over the case, unaware his actions will shape the world's future.

If you went into this film cold, you wouldn't have the slightest clue you were watching sci-fi. Until the end, the story plays out like a detective thriller. But as the science-fiction qualities slowly but surely seep into the plot, you realise what Locke is dealing with is far from ordinary police work.

Like most great mysteries, In the Shadow of the Moon has a perfect balance of not revealing too much until the climax while simultaneously maintaining intrigue from the opening scene. Even though the film deals with some complex scientific concepts and profound theories, it focuses on Locke's struggle above all else, giving the viewer a deeper connection to the story.

Contributor

James Egan has been with Whatculture for five years and prominently works on Horror, Film, and Video Games. He's written over 80 books including 1000 Facts about Horror Movies Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about The Greatest Films Ever Made Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about Video Games Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts About James Bond 1000 Facts About TV Shows