Top 10 Sci-Fi Movies of the 2000s

Several astronauts venture into space to restart the dying sun and save our planet. Wait, doesn’t the idea of having to restart a celestial body remind you of 2003’s “The Core?” Well yeah sure, but it’s done with infinitely more class and integrity here. Drawing inspiration from Stanley Kubrick, director Danny Boyle put together a magnificent looking movie for only 40 million dollars. Despite its modest budget, “Sunshine” was a box office dud nonetheless. Thanks to its sizzling tone, trippy plot, and strong performances, though, the thriller has been gaining a passionate following in recent years.

Sam Rockwell is one of the most underrated actors working in Hollywood right now. His performance in “Moon” and a spot on our Top 10 Underrated Actors list are proof of that. A bit like Bruce Dern in the ‘70s “Silent Running,” Rockwell is the sole astronaut working in a facility on the moon. This is practically a one-man showcase for Rockwell, his only companion being a robot voiced by Kevin Spacey. Both Rockwell and director Duncan Jones create a secluded, enigmatic atmosphere where something is clearly amiss. What Rockwell’s character uncovers will blow you away with one inspired twist after another.

In a heavily disliked move, Fox cancelled Joss Whedon’s acclaimed “Firefly” after only several episodes. Browncoats rejoiced when Whedon got to continue the story in this space western film. “Serenity” has everything that made the show rock, particularly the chemistry between the characters we instantly fell in love with on TV. While “Firefly” might never get officially picked up for another season, at least this film gives us just enough closure. If you haven’t seen it already, go watch “Serenity” now!

To some, “WALL-E” might just look like a cute, little cartoon. While the film is indeed cute, “WALL-E” is more than an innocent children’s movie. It’s a film about humanity, artificial intelligence, and love above all else, presenting a provocative message about consumerism. In the wrong hands, this mostly dialogue-free material could have completely misfired. Director Andrew Stanton, however, made a timeless classic that looks and sounds fantastic. It just goes to show that an animated feature can be just as meaningful, thought provoking, and important as any live-action movie.

From Steven Spielberg, “Minority Report” envisions a future where murder can be prevented before it even happens. Tom Cruise gives one of his most complex performances as John Anderton, a cop who is predicted to murder a man he’s never met. He goes on the run in the spirit of a futuristic version of “The Fugitive,” always just one step ahead of the authorities. Exquisitely crafted and brilliantly plotted with a shocking revelation, this is one of the best films ever made about free will and challenging one’s fate.

A “Star Trek” reboot with new actors taking over some of the most iconic roles in science fiction? Yeah, everyone thought this was destined to fail. Yet, not only was J.J. Abrams’ “Star Trek” a sterling space epic, but arguably also the franchise’s funniest, most visually arresting, and most action-packed installment. Piloted by a superb new generation of actors, everybody from Chris Pine to Zachary Quinto hits the right note. This is the “Star Trek” that finally gave “Wrath of Khan” a run for its money, appeasing diehard fans and non-Trekkies alike.

This visually stunning, documentary-styled picture is not only pro-humanity, but also pro all living beings. Mirroring real-life refugee camps, “District 9” sees director Neill Blomkamp paint a reality where humans have imprisoned aliens - known as prawns - in slums. The film is led by a heartbreaking performance from Sharlto Copley, completely convincing as an ordinary man who’s slowly becoming one of the so-called monsters he once oppressed. Tough to believe that repulsive, giant bugs like the prawns could arouse empathy, but “District 9” creates genuine characters that the audience truly cares for.

Either you love James Cameron’s highest-grossing movie ever for its groundbreaking visuals, incredible action, and gripping love story or you hate it for essentially being “Dances with Smurfs.” If “Avatar” proves anything, though, it’s that the premise isn’t always the most important factor. It’s about how originally the premise is presented. “Avatar” brings plenty of new magic to the table with its seemingly inhabitable, awe-inspiring world. Love it or hate it, the film has played a huge part in our popular culture and won’t be going anywhere any time soon.

After Jim Carrey’s Joel breaks up with the love of his life, he decides to erase her from his memory. In the deteriorating labyrinth of his mind, Joel learns that as painful as some memories might be, they’re ultimately what make us complete. Quite possibly the most original film of the 2000s, “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” is a romantic, nutty, visually hypnotizing spiral into insanity. Much of the credit goes to the Oscar-winning screenplay from Charlie Kaufman, who continues to prove he’s a storyteller unlike any other.

Before we engage our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- “Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith” (2005)
- “Donnie Darko” (2001)
- “Primer” (2004)
- “I Am Legend” (2007)
- “The Road” (2009)

In 2027, all women have become infertile. Humankind’s only hope lies with one young girl and her miracle baby. Of all the films that have presented visions of the future, “Children of Men” might be the most grounded in plausibility. This future isn’t overrun with flying cars, aliens, and robots. Rather, it feels like our own world diminished by years of terrorism, bigotry, and disease. Director Alfonso Cuarón puts us right in the middle of the chaos, making us believe that this piece of science fiction could become a reality.

Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite sci-fi movie from the 2000s? For more entertaining Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.