Sci-fi is packed with big-budget blockbusters, but some of the best stories slip under the radar. Maybe they didn’t have the marketing push, or they just got overshadowed by bigger films. Whatever the reason, these eight underrated sci-fi movies deserve way more attention.
If you love movies that make you think, mess with your head, or just offer something different from the usual CGI spectacle, this list is for you.
1. Coherence (2013) – A Sci-Fi Puzzle with No Special Effects
Ever wondered what would happen if your reality suddenly shifted without you realizing? Coherence takes that idea and runs with it. The movie follows a group of friends at a dinner party when a passing comet causes bizarre, reality-bending events.
With almost no budget and no script (the actors improvised based on loose directions), Coherence is a masterclass in smart storytelling. The tension builds as the characters slowly realize they might not be in their own universe anymore.
If you like movies that keep you thinking long after they end, this one’s a must-watch.
2. Sunshine (2007) – A Space Mission That Goes Wrong in Every Way
Directed by Danny Boyle (28 Days Later, Trainspotting), Sunshine is a visually stunning, nerve-wracking space thriller. A team of astronauts is sent to reignite the dying sun, but things start going horribly wrong.
The movie blends hard sci-fi with psychological horror, and the cinematography is breathtaking. The third act takes a wild turn, which some love and others don’t, but one thing’s for sure—it’s not a movie you’ll forget anytime soon.
3. Aniara (2018) – The Bleakest Space Movie You’ll Ever See
Imagine boarding a spaceship for a short trip to Mars, only for it to lose its course forever. That’s the nightmare at the heart of Aniara, a Swedish sci-fi drama that explores what happens when people realize they may never reach their destination.
Unlike most space movies, there are no aliens, explosions, or last-minute rescues. Just slow, existential dread as time stretches on and hope fades. It’s not a feel-good film, but if you love thought-provoking sci-fi, this one delivers.
4. Upgrade (2018) – Cyberpunk Action with a Twist
What if your body could be controlled by an AI that turns you into a killing machine? That’s the premise of Upgrade, a fast-paced, brutal, and incredibly fun sci-fi action flick.
When a man is left paralyzed after a mugging, he gets a chip implant called STEM that gives him back control—but with some extra abilities. The fight scenes are shot in a way that makes every punch feel mechanical and precise, like a video game in real life.
If you love cyberpunk but wish it had more action, Upgrade is exactly what you’re looking for.
5. The Vast of Night (2019) – A UFO Mystery Done Right
This indie gem is a love letter to old-school sci-fi and radio dramas. Set in the 1950s, it follows a switchboard operator and a radio DJ as they pick up a strange frequency that might be… something not from this world.
What makes The Vast of Night stand out is its brilliant atmosphere. The dialogue is fast and natural, the long single takes are mesmerizing, and the slow-burn tension is incredible. It feels like a forgotten episode of The Twilight Zone, and that’s a huge compliment.
6. Silent Running (1972) – A Forgotten Sci-Fi Classic
Ever heard of Silent Running? Probably not. But this 70s sci-fi film influenced everything from Star Wars to WALL-E.
It’s about a lone scientist on a spaceship protecting Earth’s last forests in giant domes. When he’s ordered to destroy them, he rebels, leading to a beautifully tragic story about nature, isolation, and the future of humanity.
The movie also introduced the idea of cute little robots with personalities, which later became a staple in sci-fi. It’s slow-paced, but if you love classics, this one’s worth rediscovering.
7. Predestination (2014) – The Best Time Travel Movie You Haven’t Seen
Most time travel movies get messy fast, but Predestination? It nails it.
Starring Ethan Hawke, this movie follows a time-traveling agent trying to prevent crimes before they happen. The less you know going in, the better, because the story twists itself into a perfect paradox.
It’s one of those films that make you immediately want to rewatch it to catch all the details. If you like smart, mind-bending plots, this is a must-see.
8. The Man from Earth (2007) – No Effects, Just a Brilliant Idea
No explosions, no CGI, no space travel. Just a group of people talking in a room. And yet, The Man from Earth is one of the most captivating sci-fi films ever made.
It follows a professor who claims to be 14,000 years old. As his colleagues question him, his answers become more unbelievable—yet strangely convincing.
The script is so well-written that it doesn’t need action or effects to keep you hooked. It’s just pure storytelling at its finest.
Final Thoughts – Give These Sci-Fi Gems a Shot
Sci-fi is more than just space battles and robots. Some of the best stories come from small budgets, smart scripts, and original ideas.
If you’re tired of the same old blockbusters, give these eight underrated movies a shot. Whether you want action, mystery, mind-bending twists, or deep existential questions, there’s something here for you.
