20 Most Underrated Sci-Fi Movies Of The 21st Century

Science fiction is one of the most expansive and widely challenging genres in all of cinema. Sci-fi gave us Star Trek, Star Wars, Blade Runner, Alien and The Terminator, helped usher in the rise of the blockbuster and allows filmmakers worldwide to dig into some daring themes whilst also providing a visually superb spectacle.

Since the start of the new millennium, sci-fi has become more wide-ranging and popular than ever, and with the improvements that can be found in graphic design and editing, some of cinema's best films over the last 20+ years have been inspired by science fiction.

Unfortunately, not every film released is destined to become a hit. Great films can flop at the box office, receive an unfair critical panning, or simply end up misunderstood and cast aside.

Whatever the case, over the years there have been numerous sci-fi gems have missed the mark and been tragically forgotten by the modern moviegoer, and for this list we're digging into such underappreciated cinematic experiences.

From refreshing rom-coms to high concept space adventures, and post-apocalyptic dramas to atmospheric cosmic horrors, here are the 20 most underrated sci-fi films of the 21st century.

One of cinema's most recent pleasant surprises, Colossal stars Anne Hathaway as a directionless alcoholic called Gloria, who finds she's able to control a giant monster that's been terrorising South Korea. As she races to figure out what's going on, her old friend Oscar (Jason Sudeikis) reveals a secret of his own.

No spoilers here, but needless to say Colossal escalates into a series of bizarre and increasingly violent events, as Gloria and Oscar find themselves at odds with each other and themselves in a world threatened by their very existence.

Featuring striking visual effects, clever dark humour and superb performances from both Hathaway and Sudeikis, Colossal is a unique creation that keeps up with its madcap tone and never tries to push itself too far.

With a such a strange idea behind it, the film could have been a flop, but luckily director Nacho Vigalondo knows what he's aiming for every step of the way, and the results are fantastic.