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The 50 Best Sci-Fi Movies of the 2010s

After fantasy franchises like Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter convinced audiences to realize that, yes, being a geek is fun, people emerged in the early 2010s thinking: What next? Why, science-fiction, of course! The genre hit the decade hit with full force, starting with a number of inescapable series from yesteryear resurrected for modern times. We’re talking the return of Star Wars, Mad Max, Blade Runner, and even Planet of the Apes.

Of course, it wasn’t all just nostalgia plays, but also thought-provoking original material, like Ex Machina, Arrival, Looper, Inception, and Interstellar. And though sci-fi is often set in the future, its stories actually help inform and decipher how we live today through technology and allegory. Look only to Her, Snowpiercer, or The Lobster for proof. And then you had grounded space-set science-fiction like Gravity and The Martian. Otherwise, if sci-fi to you means giant robots and monsters, there was Godzilla, Kong: Skull Island, Ready Player One, and Pacific Rim.

Whatever the style, or budget, we took every sci-fi movie from the decade and then ranked them by Adjusted Tomatometer, a formula which weighs multiple factors, including a movie’s release year and its number of reviews. Speaking of, each movie needed a minimum of 80 reviews for consideration. And now, it’s time for us to launch into the stars with the 50 Best Sci-Fi Movies of the 2010s!

#50 Z For Zachariah (2015) 79% #50 Adjusted Score: 81.819% Critics Consensus: Z for Zachariah wrings compelling drama out of its simplistic premise -- albeit at a pace that may test the patience of less contemplative viewers. Synopsis: In the wake of a nuclear war, a young woman survives on her own, fearing she may actually be the... In the wake of a nuclear war, a young woman survives on her own, fearing she may actually be the... [More] Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Margot Robbie, Chris Pine, Colin Bragg Directed By: Craig Zobel

#48 Prometheus (2012) 73% #48 Adjusted Score: 84.761% Critics Consensus: Ridley Scott's ambitious quasi-prequel to Alien may not answer all of its big questions, but it's redeemed by its haunting visual grandeur and compelling performances -- particularly Michael Fassbender as a fastidious android. Synopsis: Ridley Scott, director of Alien and Blade Runner, returns to the genre he helped define. With Prometheus, he creates a... Ridley Scott, director of Alien and Blade Runner, returns to the genre he helped define. With Prometheus, he creates a... [More] Starring: Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, Idris Elba Directed By: Ridley Scott

#47 Dredd (2012) 79% #47 Adjusted Score: 84.862% Critics Consensus: Fueled by bombastic violence and impressive special effects, rooted in self-satire and deadpan humor, Dredd 3D does a remarkable job of capturing its source material's gritty spirit. Synopsis: The future America is an irradiated waste land. On its East Coast, running from Boston to Washington DC, lies Mega... The future America is an irradiated waste land. On its East Coast, running from Boston to Washington DC, lies Mega... [More] Starring: Karl Urban, Olivia Thirlby, Wood Harris, Lena Headey Directed By: Pete Travis

#46 Melancholia (2011) 79% #46 Adjusted Score: 85.319% Critics Consensus: Melancholia's dramatic tricks are more obvious than they should be, but this is otherwise a showcase for Kirsten Dunst's acting and for Lars von Trier's profound, visceral vision of depression and destruction. Synopsis: Justine (Kirsten Dunst) and Michael (Alexander Skarsgård) are celebrating their marriage at a sumptuous party in the home of her... Justine (Kirsten Dunst) and Michael (Alexander Skarsgård) are celebrating their marriage at a sumptuous party in the home of her... [More] Starring: Kirsten Dunst, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Alexander Skarsgård, Kiefer Sutherland Directed By: Lars von Trier

#45 Interstellar (2014) 72% #45 Adjusted Score: 87.069% Critics Consensus: Interstellar represents more of the thrilling, thought-provoking, and visually resplendent filmmaking moviegoers have come to expect from writer-director Christopher Nolan, even if its intellectual reach somewhat exceeds its grasp. Synopsis: With our time on Earth coming to an end, a team of explorers undertakes the most important mission in human... With our time on Earth coming to an end, a team of explorers undertakes the most important mission in human... [More] Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Michael Caine Directed By: Christopher Nolan

#42 Godzilla (2014) 76% #42 Adjusted Score: 89.259% Critics Consensus: With just enough human drama to anchor the sweeping spectacle of giant monsters smashing everything in sight, Gareth Edwards' Godzilla satisfyingly restores the franchise's fire-breathing glory. Synopsis: In Summer 2014, the world's most revered monster is reborn as Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures unleash the epic... In Summer 2014, the world's most revered monster is reborn as Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures unleash the epic... [More] Starring: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, Bryan Cranston, David Strathairn Directed By: Gareth Edwards (V)

#41 Super 8 (2011) 81% #41 Adjusted Score: 90.333% Critics Consensus: It may evoke memories of classic summer blockbusters a little too eagerly for some, but Super 8 has thrills, visual dazzle, and emotional depth to spare. Synopsis: In the summer of 1979, a group of friends in a small Ohio town witness a catastrophic train crash while... In the summer of 1979, a group of friends in a small Ohio town witness a catastrophic train crash while... [More] Starring: Kyle Chandler, Elle Fanning, Joel Courtney, Gabriel Basso Directed By: J.J. Abrams

#37 Coherence (2014) 88% #37 Adjusted Score: 90.885% Critics Consensus: A case study in less-is-more filmmaking, Coherence serves as a compelling low-budget calling card for debuting writer-director James Ward Byrkit. Synopsis: On the night of an astronomical anomaly, eight friends at a dinner party experience a troubling chain of reality bending... On the night of an astronomical anomaly, eight friends at a dinner party experience a troubling chain of reality bending... [More] Starring: Emily Foxler, Maury Sterling, Nicholas Brendon, Elizabeth Gracen Directed By: James Ward Byrkit

#35 Upstream Color (2013) 86% #35 Adjusted Score: 91.371% Critics Consensus: As technically brilliant as it is narratively abstract, Upstream Color represents experimental American cinema at its finest -- and reaffirms Shane Carruth as a talent to watch. Synopsis: A man and woman are drawn together, entangled in the life cycle of an ageless organism. (c) Official Facebook... A man and woman are drawn together, entangled in the life cycle of an ageless organism. (c) Official Facebook... [More] Starring: Amy Seimetz, Shane Carruth, Andrew Sensenig, Thiago Martins Directed By: Shane Carruth

#33 High Life (2019) 82% #33 Adjusted Score: 91.81% Critics Consensus: High Life is as visually arresting as it is challenging, confounding, and ultimately rewarding - which is to say it's everything film fans expect from director Claire Denis. Synopsis: Monte (Robert Pattinson) and his baby daughter are the last survivors of a damned and dangerous mission to the outer... Monte (Robert Pattinson) and his baby daughter are the last survivors of a damned and dangerous mission to the outer... [More] Starring: Robert Pattinson, Juliette Binoche, André Benjamin, Mia Goth Directed By: Claire Denis

#30 Upgrade (2018) 88% #30 Adjusted Score: 95.731% Critics Consensus: Like its augmented protagonist, Upgrade's old-fashioned innards get a high-tech boost -- one made even more powerful thanks to sharp humor and a solidly well-told story. Synopsis: After his wife is killed during a brutal mugging that also leaves him paralyzed, Grey Trace (Logan Marshall Green, SPIDER-MAN:... After his wife is killed during a brutal mugging that also leaves him paralyzed, Grey Trace (Logan Marshall Green, SPIDER-MAN:... [More] Starring: Logan Marshall-Green, Betty Gabriel, Harrison Gilbertson, Benedict Hardie Directed By: Leigh Whannell

#26 The Lobster (2016) 87% #26 Adjusted Score: 97.084% Critics Consensus: As strange as it is thrillingly ambitious, The Lobster is definitely an acquired taste -- but for viewers with the fortitude to crack through Yorgos Lanthimos' offbeat sensibilities, it should prove a savory cinematic treat. Synopsis: Colin Farrell stars as David, a man who has just been dumped by his wife. To make matters worse, David... Colin Farrell stars as David, a man who has just been dumped by his wife. To make matters worse, David... [More] Starring: Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, Léa Seydoux, Ben Whishaw Directed By: Yorgos Lanthimos

#25 Star Trek Beyond (2016) 86% #25 Adjusted Score: 98.275% Critics Consensus: Star Trek Beyond continues the franchise's post-reboot hot streak with an epic sci-fi adventure that honors the series' sci-fi roots without skimping on the blockbuster action. Synopsis: Captain Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise encounter an alien warrior race when marooned on a distant planet after... Captain Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise encounter an alien warrior race when marooned on a distant planet after... [More] Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Anton Yelchin, John Cho Directed By: Justin Lin

#24 Inception (2010) 87% #24 Adjusted Score: 98.339% Critics Consensus: Smart, innovative, and thrilling, Inception is that rare summer blockbuster that succeeds viscerally as well as intellectually. Synopsis: Visionary filmmaker Christopher Nolan (Memento, The Dark Knight) writes and directs this psychological sci-fi action film about a thief who... Visionary filmmaker Christopher Nolan (Memento, The Dark Knight) writes and directs this psychological sci-fi action film about a thief who... [More] Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Ken Watanabe, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard Directed By: Christopher Nolan

#19 Ad Astra (2019) 83% #19 Adjusted Score: 99.655% Critics Consensus: Ad Astra takes a visually thrilling journey through the vast reaches of space while charting an ambitious course for the heart of the bond between parent and child. Synopsis: Astronaut Roy McBride (Brad Pitt) travels to the outer edges of the solar system to find his missing father and... Astronaut Roy McBride (Brad Pitt) travels to the outer edges of the solar system to find his missing father and... [More] Starring: Brad Pitt, Tommy Lee Jones, Ruth Negga, Liv Tyler Directed By: James Gray

#18 Annihilation (2018) 88% #18 Adjusted Score: 101.49% Critics Consensus: Annihilation backs up its sci-fi visual wonders and visceral genre thrills with an impressively ambitious -- and surprisingly strange -- exploration of challenging themes that should leave audiences pondering long after the end credits roll. Synopsis: Based on Jeff VanderMeer's best-selling Southern Reach Trilogy, Annihilation stars Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gina Rodriguez, Tessa Thompson, Tuva... Based on Jeff VanderMeer's best-selling Southern Reach Trilogy, Annihilation stars Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gina Rodriguez, Tessa Thompson, Tuva... [More] Starring: Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gina Rodriguez, Tessa Thompson Directed By: Alex Garland

#16 Bumblebee (2018) 91% #16 Adjusted Score: 101.332% Critics Consensus: Bumblebee proves it's possible to bring fun and a sense of wonder back to a bloated blockbuster franchise -- and sets up its own slate of sequels in the bargain. Synopsis: On the run in the year 1987, Bumblebee finds refuge in a junkyard in a small Californian beach town. Charlie... On the run in the year 1987, Bumblebee finds refuge in a junkyard in a small Californian beach town. Charlie... [More] Starring: Hailee Steinfeld, John Cena, John Ortiz, Jason Drucker Directed By: Travis Knight

#15 Ex Machina (2015) 92% #15 Adjusted Score: 102.627% Critics Consensus: Ex Machina leans heavier on ideas than effects, but it's still a visually polished piece of work -- and an uncommonly engaging sci-fi feature. Synopsis: Alex Garland, writer of 28 Days Later and Sunshine, makes his directorial debut with the stylish and cerebral thriller, EX... Alex Garland, writer of 28 Days Later and Sunshine, makes his directorial debut with the stylish and cerebral thriller, EX... [More] Starring: Alicia Vikander, Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson, Sonoya Mizuno Directed By: Alex Garland

#13 Looper (2012) 93% #13 Adjusted Score: 103.171% Critics Consensus: As thought-provoking as it is thrilling, Looper delivers an uncommonly smart, bravely original blend of futuristic sci-fi and good old-fashioned action. Synopsis: In the futuristic action thriller Looper, time travel will be invented - but it will be illegal and only available... In the futuristic action thriller Looper, time travel will be invented - but it will be illegal and only available... [More] Starring: Bruce Willis, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Emily Blunt, Paul Dano Directed By: Rian Johnson

#11 Her (2013) 95% #11 Adjusted Score: 106.006% Critics Consensus: Sweet, soulful, and smart, Spike Jonze's Her uses its just-barely-sci-fi scenario to impart wryly funny wisdom about the state of modern human relationships. Synopsis: Spike Jonze takes the helm for this comedy about a withdrawn writer (Joaquin Phoenix) who falls in love with his... Spike Jonze takes the helm for this comedy about a withdrawn writer (Joaquin Phoenix) who falls in love with his... [More] Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Scarlett Johansson, Rooney Mara Directed By: Spike Jonze

#9 The Martian (2015) 91% #9 Adjusted Score: 105.871% Critics Consensus: Smart, thrilling, and surprisingly funny, The Martian offers a faithful adaptation of the bestselling book that brings out the best in leading man Matt Damon and director Ridley Scott. Synopsis: During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left... During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left... [More] Starring: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Jeff Daniels Directed By: Ridley Scott

#5 Gravity (2013) 96% #5 Adjusted Score: 110.343% Critics Consensus: Alfonso Cuarón's Gravity is an eerie, tense sci-fi thriller that's masterfully directed and visually stunning. Synopsis: Gravity stars Sandra Bullock and George Clooney in a heart-pounding thriller that pulls you into the infinite and unforgiving realm... Gravity stars Sandra Bullock and George Clooney in a heart-pounding thriller that pulls you into the infinite and unforgiving realm... [More] Starring: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, Ed Harris, Amy Warren Directed By: Alfonso Cuarón

#3 Arrival (2016) 94% #3 Adjusted Score: 111.258% Critics Consensus: Arrival delivers a must-see experience for fans of thinking person's sci-fi that anchors its heady themes with genuinely affecting emotion and a terrific performance from Amy Adams. Synopsis: When mysterious spacecraft touch down across the globe, an elite team--lead by expert linguist Louise Banks (Amy Adams)--are brought together... When mysterious spacecraft touch down across the globe, an elite team--lead by expert linguist Louise Banks (Amy Adams)--are brought together... [More] Starring: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, Michael Stuhlbarg Directed By: Denis Villeneuve

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