When it comes to movies, sci-fi is essentially a genre where the impossible becomes possible, where the very nature of reality is up for grabs to explore and speculate on. It is a genre that has inspired generations of audiences, transported them to galaxies far, far away, terrified them with bleak dystopian futures, and sent them into a state of awe by portraying alternate dimensions. And year after year, the genre delivers one cinematic epic after another.
It is no wonder, then, that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has repeatedly acknowledged the vision and artistry that goes into making a sci-fi movie. While many may think of the Oscars as the territory of period dramas, gritty character-driven movies, and biographical films, sci-fi has been a constant (if scarce) presence among the nominees for Best Picture. From A Clockwork Orange to Dune: Part Two, a total of nineteen movies have been nominated for Best Picture so far, and here is the ranking of them all.
19
‘Gravity’ (2013)
Release Date
October 3, 2013
Runtime
1h 31m
Co-written and directed by Alfonso Cuarón, Gravity follows Dr. Ryan Stone on her first space mission with veteran astronaut Matt Kowalski as they find themselves fighting for survival after a devastating accident destroys their Space Shuttle in orbit. Now adrift, with the air running low and the relentless pull of gravity closing in, the duo must overcome their limitations and summon every ounce of their courage to get back home.
Combines Tension and Spectacle
Gravity is a genuinely awe-inspiring achievement in the sci-fi genre because it brings the technicality of its premise to the screen and throws in visceral thrills to keep it emotionally jarring. The movie’s innovative use of 3D and long takes creates an immersive experience and the performances of Sandra Bullock and George Clooney add dramatic depth and realism. The movie received 10 nominations at the Academy Awards and won seven, including Best Director for Cuarón.
18
‘District 9’ (2009)
Release Date
August 5, 2009
Runtime
112 minutes
District 9 is set in a gritty, dystopian world where aliens have arrived on Earth not to conquer but seek refuge, and have settled in a designated area in Johannesburg, South Africa. The story centers around Wikus van de Merwe, a bureaucrat tasked with the forced relocation of the aliens. But when he’s exposed to a mysterious alien fluid, Wikus begins to transform into one himself and has no choice but to hide.
A natural choice for Best Picture nomination considering how the story explores human prejudice and the dehumanizing effects of segregation, District 9 is more than just an action-packed and visually unique sci-fi thriller. It stands out with its documentary-style presentation, which consists of found footage elements and fictional interviews to add a layer of authenticity to its alien narrative. The movie was one of the two sci-fi epics to be nominated that year.
17
‘Don’t Look Up’ (2021)
Vastly underrated, this funny yet somewhat tragic movie begins with a pair of unassuming astronauts, Dr. Randall Mindy and Kate Dibiasky, making a shocking discovery – a comet enormous enough to destroy the entire civilization, is on a direct collision course with Earth. Determined to sound the alarm and get people to act, the two embark on a frantic media tour to warn everybody, only to be met with political apathy and public indifference.
Reflects the Absurdity of Our Time
Adam McKay’s Don’t Look Up is a blistering, darkly comedic dissection of the modern human condition. It uses the premise of an impending cosmic doom as a metaphor to shine light on the collective apathy and willful ignorance that plagues society and leaves the characters to navigate a maze of bureaucratic red tape, social media storms, and people who are more interested in celebrity gossip. It’s studded with the star power of Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, Jonah Hill, and Cate Blanchett.
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16
‘Black Panther’ (2018)
Black Panther
Release Date
February 16, 2018
Runtime
134 Minutes
Set against the backdrop of the technologically advanced, hidden nation of Wakanda, Black Panther finds a young prince named T’Challa ascending to the throne following the death of T’Chaka, his father. As Black Panther, a revered warrior-king, he’s tasked with protecting his people and their extraordinary resources from those who would exploit them. But when Erik Killmonger challenges his rule, T’Challa must rise to the occasion and fight back.
The MCU’s Cultural Milestone
Chadwick Boseman made his first appearance as Black Panther in Captain America: Civil War, following which, the anticipation for the character’s standalone outline was pretty high. And the movie delivered on all fronts with its groundbreaking representation, futuristic world-building, pulse-pounding action, and cultural impact. Director Ryan Coogler flawlessly commanded the genre elements and coupled it with the kind of adventure that earned the movie seven Oscar nominations.
15
‘The Shape of Water’ (2017)
Directed by Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water takes place during the Cold War era and tells the story of Elisa Esposito, a lonely janitor working at a high-security government laboratory. Her ordinary life takes an extraordinary turn when she discovers a mysterious creature held captive in the facility. Elisa forms a deep connection with him and tries to set him free from the clutches of the ruthless Colonel Strickland.
Combines Sci-Fi With Fantasy and Romance
Delivering an emotionally absorbing story that’s also visually distinct and pleasant to watch, The Shape of Water is one of the few science fiction movies to garner not one, not two, but thirteen Academy Award nominations. The movie went on to win Best Picture and Best Director for del Toro. Sure, it’s not conventional genre fare and most of the elements lean towards fantasy and romance, but the rich themes and atmospheric cinematography seamlessly integrate into the mystery of the secret laboratory and its purpose, making the film more than what it seems.
14
‘Arrival’ (2016)
Release Date
November 10, 2016
Runtime
116 Minutes
When twelve mysterious alien spacecraft touch down on different locations around the globe, it causes panic in the affected nations. Dr. Louise Banks, a linguist, is recruited by the U.S. military to decipher the alien language, establish communication, and find out their intentions. As Louise and Ian Donnelly dive deeper into the enigma, they learn profound truths about time and language.
Thought-Provoking and Emotionally Resonant
Arrival uses the premise of alien sightings to tackle weighty philosophical questions about the limits of human understanding and our perception of reality with grace. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, the movie’s nuanced storytelling and hauntingly beautiful visuals create an introspective tone and challenge what we know about existence. Amy Adams’ performance as Louise is equal parts intriguing and meditative, and even though she was notably snubbed by the Academy, Arrival ended up receiving Academy Award nominations.
13
‘The Martian’ (2015)
Release Date
October 2, 2015
Runtime
2h 24m
Directed by Ridley Scott, The Martian finds Matt Damon’s astronaut Mark Watney on a space expedition when a violent storm forces his crew to abandon the surface of Mars, leaving him stranded and eventually presumed dead. Using his ingenuity, wits, and scientific expertise, Mark tries to survive the harsh and unforgiving Martian landscape. At the same time, he tries to communicate with NASA.
A Guide to Surviving on Mars
The Martian is a crowd-pleasing adventure; a daring rescue mission that brings moments of humor and levity to a high-stakes drama. It is anchored by Damon’s charming performance as the determined and resourceful Mark, with his harrowing and frequently amusing struggle for survival drawing all the attention. It also helps that the movie uses a scientifically accurate approach to capture how he uses rocket fuel to create water and grow plants on a desolate planet. Overall, the film is engaging and uplifting.
12
‘Her’ (2013)
Release Date
December 18, 2013
Runtime
126minutes
Set in a near-future Los Angeles, Her follows the life of Theodore Twombly, a lonely writer who purchases an advanced artificial intelligence system designed to be one’s ultimate personal assistant. He names the system Samantha, as as their interactions evolve, Theodore experiences both the joys and heartaches of love, all while grappling with the fact that he’s developed an intimate relationship with an AI.
Explores Love in the Digital Age
Her is one of the most beautiful, emotionally complex, and unconventional sci-fi movies of all time. It is a poetic allegory for how human relationships have changed with the rapid change in technology. Joaquin Phoenix’s striking turn as Theodore and Scarlett Johansson’s captivating voice work as Samantha challenges our definitions of love and intimacy. For standing out from the typical sci-fi fare, Her was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and it won Best Original Screenplay.
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11
‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ (2022)
Making an epic return to the world of Pandora, Avatar: The Way of Water continues the saga of Jake Sully and Ney’tiri, who have created a loving family and are doing everything to protect themselves and their people when a new threat emerges due to humanity’s relentless pursuit of Pandora’s resources. Forced to seek refuge with the aquatic Metkayina clan of Pandora, the Sully family adapts to the new environment.
Enduring Struggle for Cultural Preservation
A long-awaited sequel to the movie that held the title of the highest-grossing film of all time for years, Avatar: The Way of Water is a technically dazzling masterpiece that’s brought to life by James Cameron’s breathtaking vision. The stunning effects, sweeping score, and a heartwarming narrative push the boundaries of sci-fi cinema and builds on the original’s success. Even though it was criticized for being too simple, the movie went on to earn four Academy Award nominations and won for Best Visual Effects.
10
‘Dune’ (2021)
Release Date
October 22, 2021
Runtime
155 minutes
The first movie in a two-part adaptation of the 1965 novel by Frank Herbert, Dune takes place in a distant future where several noble houses battle for control of the desert planet Arrakis, a harsh world and the only source of the valuable substance known as “spice.” Paul Atreides, a young noble, is thrust into a labyrinth of political intrigue and ancient prophecies as he tries to embrace his destiny and rebel alongside the desert-dwelling Fremen.
An Epic Adaptation of a Sci-Fi Masterpiece
Directed by Denis Villeneuve, Dune is an iconic triumph. It is celebrated for its epic scope and intricate world-building as it meticulously brings Herbert’s seminal sci-fi novel to the screen. It captures the vast landscapes, multilayered dynamics, and complex characters in a way that’s a feast for the senses. The film’s ensemble cast, including Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, and Zendaya, as well as Hans Zimmer’s haunting score, make the movie a massive commercial and critical success.
9
‘Inception’ (2010)
Release Date
July 16, 2010
Runtime
148 minutes
In Christopher Nolan’s Inception, where corporate espionage has evolved into extracting ideas from the subconscious mind to retrieve information, we follow a skilled thief named Dom Conn, whose expertise has cost him dearly and he just wants to redeem himself. He’s offered the chance to reclaim his life but first, he must perform the ultimate “inception” – planting an idea into someone’s mind instead of stealing it.
Conceptually Innovative and Artistically Brilliant
Nolan is known for making movies that actively engage audiences because they’re either too complex or make dramatic time jumps. Inception does it all and more by weaving together a tapestry of dream within dreams and constantly subverting expectations of the sci-fi, action, and psychological thriller genres. Narratively groundbreaking and visually exceptional, it received eight Academy Award nominations and won four, including Best Cinematography and Best Visual Effects.
8
‘A Clockwork Orange’ (1971)
Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey was one of the biggest Best Picture snubs of all time, but fortunately, A Clockwork Orange did not follow suit. The plot of the movie goes like this: in a dystopian future, a young delinquent named Alex DeLarge delights in acts of “ultra-violence.” He leads a gang of “droogs” and indulges in acts of sadism until he’s apprehended by the authorities and made part of a controversial government assignment that subjects him to aversion therapy.
Twisted, Unsettling, and Provocative
A seminal work of science fiction, A Clockwork Orange defies easy categorization. Its striking blend of pop art aesthetics and unsettling violence creates a world that is so immersive and dark that it’s impossible to look away from. While the sci-fi elements serve as a backdrop for a profound examination of the dystopian world it’s set in, the movie mainly falls into the psychological horror genre and makes chilling social commentary on themes of free will, control and the implications of psychological manipulations.
7
‘Poor Things’ (2023)
4
/5
Release Date
September 8, 2023
Runtime
141 Minutes
A whimsical, humorous, and fantastical reimagining of the 1992 novel by Alasdair Gray, Poor Things follows a young woman named Belle Baxter, who is pulled from the depths of a river by a brilliant and eccentric scientist named Dr. Godwin Baxter and brought back to life via brain transplant. Belle navigates her new existence and has a burning desire to discover and liberate herself, so she ventures out into the real world and explores the boundaries of life and death.
Arsitic, Bold, and Whimsical
Directed with a signature flair and darkly comedic tone by Yorgos Lanthimos, Poor Things is a genre-blending masterpiece. Its imaginative story is anchored by standout performances from the ever-versatile Emma Stone as the inquisitive Bella, Willem Dafoe as her unconventional savior, and Mark Ruffalo as Duncan Wedderburn, a debauched lawyer and Belle’s unlikely companion. Marked by a striking production, quirky humor, and genuinely thought-provoking satire, the movie is a daring addition to the sci-fi genre, and it was recognized by the Academy through 11 nominations.
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E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Release Date
June 11, 1982
Runtime
1h 55m
E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial centers around a gentle extraterrestrial who gets stranded on Earth. When Elliot, a young boy, stumbles upon the alien, they give it a name – E.T. Along with his siblings, Gertie and Michael, Elliot works to keep E.T. hidden from authorities and develops a friendship with the alien. They also devise a risk-heavy plan to send E.T. back home and help him reunite with his own kind.
Timeless Tale of Friendship and Wonder
Steven Spielberg secured his spot as one of the greatest directors of his generation with this wonderful film. Speaking the universal language of human emotion, it captures the innocence and beauty of childhood and infuses a thrilling story of adventure into it. It is led by a heartwarming performance of Thomas Henry as Elliot and Robert MacNaughton and Drew Barrymore as his siblings. Nominated for nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture, E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial is a beloved classic that had made a lot of impact on the genre.
5
‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2016)
A post-apocalyptic setting and sci-fi go hand-in-hand more often than not, and Mad Max: Fury Road, the fourth instalment in the franchise, takes viewers to a desert wasteland where petrol and water are scarce. We follow Max Rockatansky and Imperator Furiosa as they escape from the tyrannical warlord Immortan Joe, who has control over all sorts of resources and is holding a group of young women as prisoners for their breeding potential.
Cinematic Spectacle Like No Other
Under George Miller’s visionary direction, this cinematic epic emerges as an action-fueled and relentless epic that only gets better with every passing minute. The stunning visual effects paired with the gritty setting of a dystopian world and themes like environmental degradation and feminism add to the appeal. Tom Hardy’s brooding portrayal of Max and Charlize Theron’s powerful turn as Furiosa are a highlight. Nominated for ten Academy Awards, Mad Max: Fury Road is sci-fi action at its best.
4
‘Avatar’ (2009)
Release Date
December 15, 2009
Runtime
162 minutes
In the mid-22nd century, humans started colonizing Pandora, a lush world ripe with resources. A paraplegic ex-Marine named Jake Sully is selected to take part in the Avatar Program, which transfers Jake’s consciousness into an avatar, a genetically engineered body that looks like the Na’vi people. But as he bonds with the natives, Jake finds himself torn between his duty to the humans and his newfound connection to Pandora.
A Groundbreaking, Visually Stunning Sci-Fi Epic
Considering its technical achievements, the record-breaking box-office performance, and the cultural impact it made, it was impossible for the Academy to ignore Avatar. The movie earned nine Academy Award nominations and three wins, solidifying its place in the genre. Cameron’s powerful storytelling, the emotional narrative, and timely exploration of themes of corporate greed, the environment, and preservation of cultures, appealed to a wide audience. And, of course, the movie was grounded by Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña’s unforgettable performances.
3
‘Dune: Part Two’ (2024)
4.5
/5
Release Date
February 27, 2024
Runtime
167 minutes
Continuing the epic saga from 2021, Dune: Part Two follows Paul Atreides as he embraces his destiny and rises to power in the desert planet Arrakis. He forms an alliance with the Fremen, becomes one with their culture and practices, and leads a rebellion against the oppressive House Harkonnen. Forced to choose between a future with Chani and an impending battle only he can foresee, Paul prepares himself for the worst.
A Spectacular Sequel Continuation
After his ambitious adaptation of Herbert’s sci-fi novel was received with enormous praise, Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two became one of 2024’s most-anticipated movies. It told a story of greater depth and complexity, building upon the foundation of the first, and delivered stunning set pieces, awe-inspiring cinematography, psychedelic visuals, and effective action. Grossing $714.4 million at the box office, the movie drew five nominations at the Academy Awards.
2
‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ (2023)
When it comes to blending genres, no movie does it better than Everything Everywhere All at Once. Directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, the movie follows an aging Chinese immigrant named Evelyn Wang, who discovers that she’s the only person that can save the multiverse from collapsing, and to do so, she must confront and draw the abilities of the infinite versions of herself from different realities.
A Wild and Dizzying Multiversal Epic
Starring Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, Jamie Lee Curtis and Stephanie Hsu, the movie practically transcends the boundaries of science fiction. It’s mind-blowing as a whole, combining comedy, action, drama, and multiversal travel into a narrative that is equal parts exhilarating and emotional. Everything Everywhere All at Once won seven out of eleven nominations, including an Oscar for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay for Kwan and Scheinert, Best Actress for Yeoh, and more.
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1
‘Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope’ (1977)
The first film in the Star Wars franchise was a huge and significant part of the 1970s. Introducing audiences to the young farm boy Luke Skywalker, Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope kicked off with him embarking on a journey to rescue Princess Leia and overthrow the evil Galactic Empire. Luke teams up with the rogue smuggler Han Solo, Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi, and a band of rebels to battle the sinister Darth Vader and discover his own hidden potential.
A True, Genre-Defining Icon
Up until the 1970s (and beyond), science fiction movies barely got any attention from the Academy in categories outside technical awards. But the movie had a monumental impact on the genre and pop culture. It was received with positive reviews from fans and critics. The praise was directed particularly towards the film’s special effects, the unforgettable score by John Williams, magnetic characters, and elements like lightsabers to starships that immediately become symbols. The movie was nominated for ten Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
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