Top 10 Sci-Fi Movies of the 2010s

Script written by Nick Spake.

Top 10 Sci-Fi Movies of the 2010s

We’re only halfway through, but the 2010s are already shaping up to be an exceptional decade for science fiction. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 science fiction movies from the first half of the 2010s.

For this list, we’re taking a look at the films that have continued the tradition of great science fiction storytelling in today’s brave new world. This is part of a series of videos spanning the decades of sci-fi flicks from the 1950s to the 2000s.

#10: “Looper” (2012)

Joseph Gordon-Levitt continues his reign as one of this decade’s defining actors with “Looper,” the slickest and smartest time travel movie in a long time. He plays Joe, a hitman who is confronted by his future self. For the present Joe to survive, the future Joe must die. Director Rian Johnson’s sharp screenplay always keeps the audience on edge as all the plot points cleverly come together. It’s a positively brilliant story from a promising up-and-coming filmmaker. Just don’t nitpick and deconstruct all the time travel paradoxes.

#9: “Star Trek Into Darkness” (2013)

Once again, J.J. Abrams does for “Star Trek” what Christopher Nolan did for Batman and what various directors have done for James Bond in recent years: he created a reboot that’s true to a franchise’s roots and presented it in a fresh light. “Star Trek Into Darkness” is a more than worthy second outing for Abrams - with strong chemistry between the actors, high stakes, and in-jokes. Not to mention that, to date, it’s the highest grossing Star Trek movie of the franchise.

#8: “Pacific Rim” (2013)

Anybody who spent hours of their childhood making a Megazord fight a Street Shark action figure will feel like a kid again watching “Pacific Rim.” The film could have just as easily been called “Godzilla vs. Transformers.” Fortunately, this movie runs circles around Roland Emmerich’s 1998 “Godzilla” remake and Michael Bay’s “Transformers” saga. It might be a man-child’s ultimate dream, but if you’re looking for an old-school Japanese monster picture with a multi-million dollar budget, “Pacific Rim” more than gets the job done.

#7: “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” (2013)

As excellent as the first “Hunger Games” was, “Catching Fire” improves upon virtually everything. You could even argue it’s one of the rare adaptations that improves upon the book. Jennifer Lawrence proves once again that she was the perfect choice to play Katniss Everdeen, a down-to-earth girl turned overnight celebrity. Here, Katniss is pushed to her limits as she prepares for the greatest fight of her life. With two films coming after it in the series, “Catching Fire” was definitely a high point of this cultural phenomenon.

#6: “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” (2014)

While “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” was an enjoyable sort-of prequel/reboot of the 1968 classic, it was merely a dress rehearsal for “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.” This sequel continues the story of Caesar, the ape leader played by Andy Serkis in a stunning performance made possible by motion capture technology. At its heart, “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” can be considered a Shakespearean tragedy meets science fiction war epic. It’s all about humanity and develops everyone as a three-dimensional character, human and ape alike.

#5: “Edge of Tomorrow” (2014)

Although the trailer made it look like “Groundhog Day” meets “Independence Day,” “Edge of Tomorrow” turned out to be so much smarter and more fun than anybody could have predicted. Adapted from a Japanese novel, this exceedingly well-written film delivered all the action, humor, charisma, and originality that make a first-rate summer blockbuster. Sadly, “Edge of Tomorrow” wasn’t the box office sensation it deserved to be, but it has received loads of critical praise.

#4: “Her” (2013)

Spike Jonze’s “Her” isn’t just one of the best sci-fi films of recent times, but also a film that’s ahead of its own time. Joaquin Phoenix hits just the right note as Theodore, a man who falls in love with an operating system. The OS names herself Samantha and is voiced by the wonderfully affectionate Scarlett Johansson. Jonze’s screenplay tackles its subject matter with great intelligence, great humor, and great sincerity, providing a fascinating commentary on the state of artificial emotion, human emotion, artificial connections, and human connections.

#3: “Guardians of the Galaxy” (2014)

As silly as it might seem, “Guardians of the Galaxy” manages to be more than just another run-of-the-mill action picture. It’s an effective, funny sci-fi adventure about people (or aliens) we legitimately care about. Even if you took out all the space battles, this witty ensemble would still be just as interesting if they had a conversation in a room for two hours. Plus, having a kickass soundtrack doesn’t hurt either. In an age of so many gritty science fiction films, “Guardians of the Galaxy” is the life of the party.

#2: “Gravity” (2013)

While most of the films on this list lean more towards the fictional side of science fiction, “Gravity” feels all too authentic. The film is so visually astounding that you’ll be half convinced director Alfonso Cuarón shot on location in outer space. The effective use of sound, sets, effects, and 3D photography only makes “Gravity” more horrifying as an astronaut played by Sandra Bullock is set adrift. From beginning to end, the audience feels all of Bullock’s dread, excitement, denial, loss, regret, and hope in her pursuit to survive.

Before we bring our top pick in for a landing, here are a few honorable mentions:
- “Source Code” (2011)
- “Prometheus” (2012)
- “Robot & Frank” (2012)
- “Predators” (2010)

#1: “Inception” (2010)

Topping our list is Christopher Nolan’s mesmerizing passion project about dream infiltration, “Inception.” This is a movie that works on every conceivable level. As a sci-fi thriller, it earns comparison to the works of Spielberg and Kubrick. As a mystery, it will both fascinate and frustrate you from beginning to end. In terms of visuals, it’s an unforgettable marvel that convinces you every illusion is the real deal. While it looks spectacular, “Inception” is driven by its complex ideas and plot, proving that smart science fiction still exists in film.

Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite sci-fi movie from the first half of the 2010s? For more entertaining Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.