Denis Villeneuve’s Dune 2021 is an adaptation of a novel by Frank Herbert of the same name that came out in 1965. One thing that is pretty evident from both of them is that they both are big. How grand and massive everything is in this sci-fi flick.
Other than these, the costumes, CGI, filming locations, star cast, and blending of all effects makes for a grand visual feat. The first part of the story has a great plot and good performances all around. Stream here if you have not seen it yet.
After ending the first part, you may be asking for something more like it. We will have to wait till November 2023 to see the second part of the franchise, and you can check out the trailer of the movie here. The second part is highly expected among the fans, and the first part has left so many cliffhangers. It will be interesting to see how the story turns out.
But until the second part hits theaters, you can look for other science fiction movies that are similar to Dune. This list is curated especially for those people who are looking for science fiction movies like Dune.
There are a number of movies that will help you pass your time. The movie titles in this list are in no particular order. Just look for your favorite movies, grab some coffee, and go for it.
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Blade Runner 2049
Blade Runner 2049 was never intended to be any other casual flick. Superheroes and robots are nonexistent. There aren’t many explosions, and it is not hilarious. It is emotional and nostalgic, similar to the 1982 Blade Runner.
It addresses the same concerns about humanity that Philip K. Dick inspired, including: What does it mean to be human? And are we nothing more than our memories? It now raises concerns about true love and artificial intelligence.
With no attempt at imitation, director Denis Villeneuve and his team have created a visual movie that pays respect to the original. In Los Angeles, the same neon-lit, rain-soaked streets exist, but the ecosystem is even more fractured there.
If you haven’t seen it yet, you should. It is a fine sequel to the original from 1982, and it never deviates from the norm. It doesn’t rely on the original to deliver its story, and it doesn’t try in vain to replicate the pointless fan service. Only how to use the old characters in meaningful and convincing ways is shown.
- Released in: 2017
- IMDB Score: 8.2
- Runtime: 2 hr 43 min
- Cast: Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Ana de Armas, Sylvia Hoeks, Robin Wright, Mackenzie Davis, Carla Juri, Lennie, James Dave, Bautista, Jared Leto, and Many Others
- Directed By: Denis Villeneuve
- Streaming Platforms: Apple TV
Interstellar
In Interstellar, the possibilities of cutting-edge technology are unaware by most people. They disregard it as a waste of time and resources, and this is the opinion of elderly cynics.
Farming took precedence over modern technology, which was seen as foolish. One of the few survivors, Matthew recognizes the value of engineering.
Until he stumbles upon NASA’s headquarters (which had been functioning in secret owing to public opposition), he feels like a man lost in time. Here he meets others that going back to our old ways won’t work and would ultimately bring about our extinction.
Every scene was supported by music. Zimmer’s harmonies commanded listeners’ attention in the same way that a coach could control a locker room with a pregame address. No words or visual cues could possibly poignant passages, especially those involving Cooper and his daughter, as the music did.
Almost every actor’s performance was deemed deserving of praise. McConaughey is blazing hot. At this point, just by showing up on television, Michael Cain emits such knowledge and wisdom. There is just so I want to say, but it will spoil your interest, just watch it, a big recommendation.
- Released in: 2014
- IMDB Score: 8.7
- Runtime: 2 hr 49 min
- Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Bill Irwin, Ellen Burstyn, Michael Caine, and Many Others
- Directed By: Christopher Nolan
- Streaming Platforms: Netflix
Arrival
Louise Banks, played by Amy Adams, is a renowned professor of linguistics who must guide mankind in talking with aliens who have visited their habitat. Instead of being all guns blazing and in action, as on Independence Day, it is a cerebral, character-driven film.
Adam’s character displays confusion, tenacity, and struggles to understand the aliens’ unusual language and the effects it has on her. She is the sole protagonist of the film.
The creative use of non-linear sequences brilliantly illustrates how language is the key and alters Louise’s perception of the world—and possibly the world—forever. The writing effects used by the aliens are like a kind of coalescing squid ink.
The images are spectacular and avoid clichés like the lazy humanoid with antennae in flying saucers in a unique way. It is excellent how the difficult linguistic issues are presented, along with their broad implications.
Without much explanation, it would be difficult to understand the nuanced meaning of this, it is done, and the message is clear as day, with amazing performances and a plot. Highly recommended.
- Released in: 2016
- IMDB Score: 7.9
- Runtime: 1 hr 56 min
- Cast: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, Michael Stuhlbarg, Tzi Ma, and Many Others
- Directed By: Denis Villeneuve
- Streaming Platforms: Amazon Prime Videos
Mad Max: Fury Road
Tom Hardy’s skill at portraying powerful, silent characters is shown through a gruff man of few words. He joins up with Charlize Theron’s Imperator Furiosa to protect the final five heads of a potent cult, who are wearing scary masks like the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland.
It is one of the most beautifully photographed films in recent memory. The Mad Max universe is breathtaking, with breathtaking practical effects, sceneries, and vivid colors spilling over the boundaries of the screen. Of all, these are only extras that serve action, which is the main attraction of this movie.
This action film will be a benchmark for years to come, howling viciously at anyone who dares to question it. This is just the start of a genre revolution that is just getting started. The sequel to this hit flick is in the works and is set for release in 2024.
Mad Max: Fury Road has a raw intensity from almost all the action genre competition, and it is a delightfully chaotic exhibition of expertly produced action sequences with a powerful emotional core.
- Released in: 2015
- IMDB Score: 8.1
- Runtime: 2 hr 00 min
- Cast: Tom Hardy, Zoe Kravitz, Charlize Theron, Hugh Keays-Byrne, Nicholas Hoult, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Abbey Lee, Courtney Eaton, Riley Keough, and Many Others
- Directed By: George Miller
- Streaming Platforms: Apple TV
Ad Astra
Ad Astra has Pitt and Jones and beautiful views of our solar classic film noir. It’s an eerie, metaphorical journey in the protagonist’s soul. A-list captain, who is a pragmatist and stoic, is entrusted with persuading a rebel astronaut to abandon an aggressive search for extraterrestrial life in the solar system’s outer ring.
Ad Astra is the opposite of how far a person will go to cross the cosmic path in pursuit. Brad is on a mission, but the revelation of what he is saving pales in comparison to what he must undertake in order to complete it.
Space is a very real extension of our current reality on Earth—quiet, icy, and merciless. Ad Astra explores a dystopia in space by drawing inspiration from Elysium and The Expanse.
Not everyone will enjoy Ad Astra. There is scathing social satire, and the narrative is uncomplicated in portraying the terrifying reality of where our species is headed and why the end results will always be the same gloomy ones.
- Released in: 2019
- IMDB Score: 6.5
- Runtime: 2 hr 04 min
- Cast: Brad Pitt, Tommy Lee Jones, Ruth Negga, Liv Tyler, Donald Sutherland, and Many Others
- Directed By: James Gray
- Streaming Platforms: Netflix
The Matrix
The Matrix first appeared to be a pretty fantastic action film with cutting-edge special effects and a dynamic and compelling plot.
When this film introduces several significant psychological and philosophical issues in its first act, it is more distressing and horrifying than many people would admit, especially to a young child.
The Matrix’s first forty minutes are really frightful and thrilling in all the right and proper ways. After the matrix’s real nature has been made clear, it may be bent to your will, after which you are free to act any way you like.
The Matrix, which is brilliant in both writing and directing, is the ultimate tale and allegory of mankind triumphing over an oppressive and dystopian world where it is ruled by computers.
Hugo Weaving was the cold-blooded, sociopathic AI villain Agent Smith, while Keanu Reeves excelled as Neo. The Matrix was followed by two Matrix movies, and very recently, we saw Matix Reserrruction, which was not a hit among the fans.
Laurence Fishburne and Carrie Anne-Moss both played excellent supporting roles. A timeless, terrifyingly great movie that could give you an existential crisis, but that’s just the movie’s strength; overall, it is a good watch.
- Released in: 1999
- IMDB Score: 8.7
- Runtime: 2 hr 16 min
- Cast: Keanu Reeves, Joe Pantoliano, Carrie-Anne Moss, Laurence Fishburne, Hugo Weaving, and Many Others
- Directed By: The Wachowskis
- Streaming Platforms: Amazon Prime Videos
Gladiator
The premise and story arc are supremely simple from a narrative perspective, something Scott and Russell Crowe have never shied away from. To my knowledge, Gladiator’s debt to Anthony Mann’s 1964 epic The Fall of the Roman Empire has never been denied.
Some people seem really angered by this, which is odd considering Gladiator’s creators didn’t make a big show of claiming their film was original; instead, what they did was revive a stale genre of films for a new generation of moviegoers.
And it bloody worked—everyone can see the impact and fascination in all things Roman or historically daring in cinema that came after Gladiator’s triumph. The dialogue is literary and beautiful, full of memorable remarks. Even while action is never far away, human characterizations should never be sacrificed.
The Germania fight begins with the fiery arrows and bloodletting that raise the pulse, and Scott and his squad never deviate from this norm. The reenactment of the Battle of Carthage is a spectacular piece of action sequence architecture, and the gladiator arena fighting will have you on the edge of your seat.
- Released in: 2000
- IMDB Score: 8.5
- Runtime: 2 hr 35 min
- Cast: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed, Derek Jacobi, Djimon Hounsou, Richard Harris, and Many Others
- Directed By: Ridley Scott
- Streaming Platforms: Amazon Prime Videos
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Johnny Depp is unquestionably a modern acting icon. This movie serves as evidence. He always chooses his parts carefully and typically plays a completely different persona in each one.
The same is true of Jack Sparrow. He is really entertaining, and both his accent and his relationship with Will Turner, played by Orlando Bloom, ring genuine. Fortunately, Depp is the focus of the entire film, so there is chemistry between him and anyone he speaks with.
It all starts when a little girl steals a medallion from a guy; she is unaware of the significance of this specific medallion! A few years later, we learn that the now-adult girl is Elizabeth Swann, the governor’s daughter, played by the always-stunning Keira Knightley.
Unfortunately, that’s also when Elizabeth was kidnapped by pirates under the command of Capt. Hector Barbossa, played by Geoffrey Rush, attacks the town. This list has Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, but there are three more movies that complete the whole franchise.
By including a few distinctive characters, Pirates of the Caribbean transforms a rather generic narrative into a fascinating adventure by adding a few supernatural aspects. The amazing effects enhance the mood of the movie, yet the scale of the movie never grows out of control.
- Released in: 2003
- IMDB Score: 8.1
- Runtime: 2 hr 23 min
- Cast: Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Jonathan Pryce, and Many Others
- Directed By: Gore Verbinski
- Streaming Platforms: Apple TV
Prisoners
Hugh Jackman, Terrence Howard, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Paul Dano feature in the mystery/thriller Prisoners. In the movie Prisoners, two families have their daughters both stolen, and both families, with the assistance of the police, delve into the case and try to find their daughters.
This movie might be difficult to watch at times since it’s so bleak and depressing. Why is this movie good? As fantastic as it is, the sense of not knowing what twists or turns we will witness, along with the ideal twist at the conclusion of the movie that brilliantly brought everything together, is what makes it so frustrating.
The script was written by Aaron Guzikowski, who is a true genius. Guzikowski included several excellent twists, turns, and circumstances to keep the audience riveted until the very end, demonstrating his good understanding of the genre.
Direction by Denis Villeneuve is flawless. Villeneuve is adept at using the right pictures in the right places, heightening the tension in the picture.
Prisoners is the ideal mystery-thriller because it adds everything you could want from a movie of this size and makes excellent use of its two-and-a-half hours of running time. It is chilly, dismal, and unpleasant, which will be a good to watch for fans of the genre.
- Released in: 2013
- IMDB Score: 8.1
- Runtime: 2 hr 33 min
- Cast: Hugh Jackman, Paul Dano, Viola Davis, Jake Gyllenhaal, Maria Bello, Melissa Leo, Terrence Howard, and Many Others
- Directed By: Denis Villeneuve
- Streaming Platforms: Netflix
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
You’ll need to see The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings multiple times to really take in the richness of the tale, settings, costumes, and special effects. The untouched areas of New Zealand are breathtaking and offer a diversity of scenery to reflect the many locations throughout the protagonists’ trip.
The location sets are inventive, intricate, and worn, which adds to their plausibility; the studio sets are painstaking. The outfits rely on both the medieval and the bizarre, and they are both odd and familiar all at once, but more importantly, they are also useful and practical.
Howard Shore’s score is suitably sweeping, Celtic, and folky in line with the book, even if neither John Williams nor Jerry Goldsmith would devote a year or more to a three-picture project.
A top-notch ensemble providing some of their greatest performances, stunning graphics that go above and beyond my expectations, the ideal balance of humor, passion, and sadness, and a sense of majesty, vastness, and approaching doom.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is not the only movie in the franchise. It has two more in the franchise, and if you want to know the backstory of the ring, then watch the Hobbit Franchise.
Perhaps it can’t be compared to any of the classic character study films because it is an ensemble work with so many characters, and it the difficulty to focus on just one.
- Released in: 2001
- IMDB Score: 8.8
- Runtime: 2 hr 58 min
- Cast: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Cate Blanchett, John Rhys-Davies, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, Orlando Bloom, Christopher Lee Hugo, Weaving, Sean Bean, Ian Holm, Andy Serkis, and Many Others
- Directed By: Peter Jackson
- Streaming Platforms: Apple TV
Sicario
“Sicario” depicts Mexico’s gory with surgical precision and tragic destruction as a result of the country’s decades-long cartel conflict. Idealistic FBI agent Kate Macer (Emily Blunt), who was hired to go after a Mexican drug lord, is at the center of the story. Alejandro (Benicio Del Toro), a seemingly unstoppable covert assassin, is leading her.
Their tactics and research are taken farther into uncharted areas where morality and justice are no longer applicable. In addition to being a masterpiece of filmmaking, Denis Villeneuve’s work establishes a place alongside the horrifying news reports as a deeply regretful, indignant, and at times almost unbearable look into the depths of a socio-political nightmare fed by first-world habits and global economics.
The star of the show is Benicio Del Toro, who plays the most intriguing character and delivers a scary but conflicted performance in the truly startling final act. Josh Brolin is attractive and witty with a hint of uncertainty, while Emily Blunt exudes amazing power and poignant sensitivity.
Daniel Kaluuya has a sort of moral compass personality, which Kaluuya brings out in a movingly empathetic way. Without missing a beat, Taylor Sheridan’s script masterfully employs well-known motifs to break free from tired movie tropes without taking any shortcuts. Good watch, in my opinion.
- Released in: 2015
- IMDB Score: 7.4
- Runtime: 2 hr 01 min
- Cast: Benicio del Toro, Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin, Jeffrey Donovan, Jon Bernthal, Daniel Kaluuya, Raoul Trujillo, Basil Iwanyk, Victor Garber, Julio Cesar, and Many Others
- Directed By: Denis Villeneuve
- Streaming Platforms: Amazon Prime Videos
Avatar
The story of Avatar depicts a conflict between two races, each of which is vying for the eventual survival of its kind. Soldiers and scientists from the human race left Earth in search of Pandora in an effort to save their dying world.
Pandora is a world where all life is interconnected and where the Na’vi, a native species, live beside the priceless element Unobtanium, which is necessary to preserve the earth.
Jake Sully, a paralyzed marine, volunteers for the “Avatar Programme” using transference technology, which allows a human’s thoughts and consciousness to be implanted within the shell of a tube-born Na’vi body.
While the narrative may appear to be a typical shoot ’em-up action sci-fi movie on paper, it is almost impossible to describe how inaccurate this impression is.
This manages to produce a painting of beauty in which all pre-existing notions of what film can and cannot achieve are obliterated by taking a brush from every movie and a dab from every genre. Avatar was followed by Avatar 2, and the studio plans to release two more movies in the next eight years.
Moviegoers will discover that there is always enough to keep them captivated inside the drawn-out one hundred and sixty or so minutes of the picture, which is a merciful gift given how tiresome many of the lengthier films of recent memory can become.
- Released in: 2009
- IMDB Score: 7.9
- Runtime: 2 hr 42 min
- Cast: Sam Worthington, Stephen Lang, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Michelle Rodriguez, and Many Others
- Directed By: James Cameron
- Streaming Platforms: Apple TV
Ex Machina
Ex Machina’s density surprises readers; it surpasses that of Alex Garland’s earlier works, with the probable exception of “Annihilation.” A clear narrative is provided for the straightforward idea, but that narrative specifically probes the nature of mind and perception and further broaches the nature and implications of morality.
The discourse is deceptively intricate, and the personalities are brilliantly complex as written. Without even mentioning the overarching plot that digs into such difficult subject matter, Garland’s scene writing is flawless and utterly captivating.
Alicia Vikaner’s performance as an android was something best for her. Subtle expressions and on-screen depictions were on point.
Even knowing the praise the movie had received when it came out. Unlike previous science fiction films, “Ex Machina” is shot quite differently. Each shot allows time to breathe, and there isn’t a lot of chopping. This is partially due to the lack of action in the movie.
The tale is driven by both human and non-human emotions, and it is so welcome to see a movie like this without all the violence and chaos. It is a very different science fiction movie which feels a bit slow, but surely it will be liked by the enthusiasts.
- Released in: 2014
- IMDB Score: 7.7
- Runtime: 1 hr 48 min
- Cast: Domhnall Gleeson, Alicia Vikander, Oscar Isaac, and Many Others
- Directed By: Alex Garland
- Streaming Platforms: Netflix
Moon
There aren’t many captivating indie sci-fi films that look stunning and successfully convey strong emotional themes. This was done by Moon and with hardly any CGI at that.
Sam Bell is an astronaut who works for a company on the moon’s far side. His work? Sustaining a lunar facility and the automated equipment that mines helium three from the moon’s surface. The gathered material is then sent to Earth, where it will be used as fuel.
Sam is nearing the end of a three-year contract and is eager to see his wife and children again. Sam will be able to escape his seclusion, assuming there are no issues. But a problem does arise.
Having said that, Sam Rockwell’s outstanding performance carries this movie, in large part because he is essentially the sole character. Not the Cast Away meets the Moon scenario. I mean, This movie delves much further and more deeply into the subject of loneliness.
Fortunately for us, there aren’t any sporting goods that the lead obsesses about. Instead, we’re given a repetitive talking robot (voiced by Kevin Spacey) that reminds us of Hal from the 2001 movie Fame.
- Released in: 2009
- IMDB Score: 7.8
- Runtime: 1 hr 37 min
- Cast: Sam Rockwell, Dominique McElligott, Kaya Scodelario, Benedict Wong, Matt Berry, Malcolm Stewart, and Many Others
- Directed By: Duncan Jones
- Streaming Platforms: Netflix
Prometheus
Naomi Rapace’s performance as Elizabeth Shaw and Michael Fassbender’s portrayal of David the Android was unquestionably one of the film’s highlights.
You’ll cheer for Noomi Rapace’s character from the minute her life started to be in danger because she provided such an emotive and believable portrayal in a delicate yet fierce persona.
She was excellent at giving life to such a persona. Fassbender did a great job portraying an android. For a person with feelings and free will to play and embody a robot with no emotions at all and no free will may seem like a difficult task, but Fassbender accomplishes it expertly.
He does all of the body language, facial emotions, etc., flawlessly. Idris Elba was excellent as the captain; he brought charm, a little humor, and a decent deal of power as well as accountability. Logan Marshall-Green was also well above average, but I won’t say anything more about him because it would give away more of the plot.
The movie had a sluggish beginning. As it continues, it reaches a point when it nearly starts to get boring.
By this point (unexpectedly), the thrills start, followed by the horror, and in a short while, everything goes to hell, and all hope is reduced to a little flicker, including any chance of survival and Dr. Elizabeth Shaw’s faith and religious beliefs.
- Released in: 2012
- IMDB Score: 7.0
- Runtime: 2 hr 04 min
- Cast: Naomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Guy Pearce, Idris Elba, Logan Marshall-Green, Charlize Theron and Many Others
- Directed By: Ridley Scott
- Streaming Platforms: Apple TV
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
Greek mythology gave the character Nausicaa her name; she was the princess who rescued Ulysses from drowning. The tragedy of Minimata Bay and the way it managed to preserve its ecology are viable despite the pollution serving as a loose inspiration for the “Valley of the Winds” as well.
The notion of nature constantly finding its path is perfectly balanced in “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Winds, with the heroic battle to prevent humanity from “drowning” in blatant evil.
The movie showcases the typical sci-fi and fantasy tropes in all their visual splendor, yet they don’t take away from the ecological and pacifist message.
We accept them since the narrative takes place a thousand years after the end of the world, and we anticipate that technology has evolved to jet-propelled gliders and flying objects.
This movie is also incredibly moving. One that everyone can see and leave with a smile on their face. Nausicaa emphasizes the human spirit and the harmony with the world we should aim for, even if reality is far from a perfect fairytale. Overall it is a good watch, and you will certainly enjoy it.
- Released in: 1984
- IMDB Score: 8.0
- Runtime: 1 hr 57 min
- Cast: Sumi Shimamoto, Gorō Naya, Yōji Matsuda, Yoshiko Sakakibara, Iemasa Kayumi, and Many Others
- Directed By: Hayao Miyazaki
- Streaming Platforms: Netflix
Cloud Atlas
The plot of “Cloud Atlas” develops as a historical story set in the 1800s. It abruptly changes into a period piece from the 20th century. As a pensive drama, detective caper, action/adventure film, political thriller, dark comedy, and pure sci-fi, it also has elements of the other genres.
Then it repeats the cycle. All of the aforementioned — six separate narrative lines, each taking place in a different era, with various individuals — are interwoven throughout the tale.
One intriguing puzzle that begs the question, “What does it all mean?” is the only thing binding these seemingly unrelated episodes together.
With several of the actors taking on many parts over various plot lines, the group functions as an ensemble inside an ensemble. The names Tom Hanks and Halle Berry, who played three to four parts apiece, definitely dominated the scoreboard, but every performer in this production gave their all.
Most portray many roles, sometimes even different sexes. There aren’t many films that have an epic vibe, but Cloud Atlas most definitely does. Although there are certain instances where the make-up effects don’t quite work as well, they mainly simply come across as bizarre.
If you ignore them and believe in the story as a whole, it won’t stop you from appreciating how gorgeous everything is. Only a select few films can successfully recreate this sensation on such a vast scale.
Given that the narrative appears to touch on a variety of topics, including love, oppression, reincarnation, and more, it will be interesting to observe what each person takes away from the story and its message.
- Released in: 2012
- IMDB Score: 7.4
- Runtime: 2 hr 52 min
- Cast: Tom Hanks, Jim Broadbent, Keith David, Jim Sturgess, Hugh Grant, Halle Berry, Hugo Weaving, Ben Whishaw, Doona Bae, James D’Arcy Zhou, Susan Sarandon, and Many Others
- Directed By: Lana Wachowski, Tom Tykwer and Lilly Wachowski
- Streaming Platforms: Amazon Prime Videos
Stalker
The central figures in Tarkovsky’s “Stalker” are individuals who set out on a difficult trip only to learn that their goals were unclear. The main character is a “stalker,” a man who earns a living by forcibly leading individuals to The Room.
A place where their greatest wish is said to come true. It was never quite made clear why the place is off-limits; in the novel “The Roadside Picnic,” which this movie is largely based on, it was a location where aliens temporarily landed, and The Room was an item they left behind almost as if it were trash.
However, Tarkovsky would rather not accept such a simple justification. According to him, The Room is a location that has various meanings for each person who visits it. The phobias and fears that these visitors must overcome make up for the bleak, desolated environment they must cross.
The men go on long and frequently frustrating expeditions, and there are numerous scenes where the camera lingers on a stunningly composed shot to give the audience time.
Artist Andrei Tarkovsky disliked providing definitive answers to the issues his films raised. He crafted his tales such that those who had the forbearance and self-control to remain attentive throughout may come to their own conclusions.
- Released in: 1979
- IMDB Score: 8.1
- Runtime: 2 hr 43 min
- Cast: Alexander Kaidanovsky, Anatoly Solonitsyn, Alisa Freindlich, Nikolai Grinko, and Many Others
- Directed By: Andrei Tarkovsky
- Streaming Platforms: Amazon Prime Videos
Solaris
In the movie’s version of Russian science fiction author Stanislaw Lem’s self-titled book, psychologist Kris Kelvin, played by Donatas Banionis, is dispatched to a space station watching the water-covered planet ‘Solaris’ to look into weird communications being relayed back to Earth by the three-man crew.
The other two crew members, whom they refer to as “guests,” are persuaded that there are further individuals aboard the station who are representations of their subconscious memories produced by the live planet below when he comes and discovers one crew member dead.
Solaris is frequently criticized for being sluggish. This is a typical misunderstanding: You intentionally become worried when you are with Solaris. Too many sections act as mirrors, inviting your thoughts to wander to a variety of uncomfortable locations.
You feel as though something isn’t quite right in Solaris, and as in the finest horror pictures, the thing you’re most afraid of is frequently not even depicted on screen.
You experience heartache when seeing Solaris multiple times. Above all, Solaris is just more than entertainment. It is a journey for the senses, much like favorite music that connects numerous disparate emotions and ideas.
- Released in: 1972
- IMDB Score: 8.0
- Runtime: 2 hr 43 min
- Cast: Donatas Banionis, Juri Järvet, Natalya Bondarchuk, Vladislav Dvorzhetsky, Anatoly Solonitsyn, Nikolai Grinko, and Many Others
- Directed By: Andrei Tarkovsky
2001: A Space Odyssey
2001: A Space Odyssey’s narrative is conveyed steadily and mostly via cinematic techniques of expression rather than words. In a realistic and lyrical way, the perfect fusion of stunning special effects and classical music brings the works of human imagination to life.
On the surface, the tale appears to be pretty straightforward. As the title suggests, there is an archetypal journey, a purpose that has been used for many years. This motive was consistently utilized to represent a journey across space, time, and beyond, as well as having deep philosophical significance.
The movie is a poetic reflection on some of the most intriguing everlasting topics. His whole creative arsenal was put to play throughout the production of this movie. The most successful writing collaboration in movie history was with Arthur C. Clarke.
Some of the special effects that were employed in the breathtaking conclusion of the film had to be created by Kubrick. He created the resources that were needed to realize his vision since they weren’t there already.
- Released in: 1968
- IMDB Score: 8.3
- Runtime: 2 hr 29 min
- Cast: Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, William Sylvester, Daniel Richter, Douglas Rain, Margaret Tyzack, Leonard Rossiter, Robert Beatty, Bill Weston, Ann Gillis, Edwina Carroll, Sean Sullivan, and Many Others
- Directed By: Stanley Kubrick
- Streaming Platforms: Apple TV
Alien
Ridley Scott’s entire creative arsenal was put into play throughout the production of the movie. The most successful writing collaboration in movie history was with Arthur C. Clarke. Some of the special effects that were employed in the breathtaking conclusion of the film had to be created by Kubrick.
He created the resources that were needed to realize his vision since they weren’t there already. The plot is incredibly uncomplicated. Every story element unfolds as it would normally.
The crew of the cargo ship “Nostromo” awakened earlier than expected at the beginning of the narrative. They quickly discover that their onboard computer has found evidence of life on a neighboring planet, and they head there to learn more.
Unwillingly, one of them brings back an ALIEN, who quickly becomes a very unwelcome passenger. It’s a big shocker when the titular creature first appears in the well-known chest-burster sequence, much more so if you watch it after meals.
The studios tried to make it a whole franchise, and the first movie was followed by the second movie Alien Covenant starring Michael Fassbender. which received a mixed response from the audience.
It is also necessary to notice the soundtrack, which propels the narrative with relentless fear. One of the finest musical montages ever placed on film results from the mix of music’s absence in certain parts and its presence in others. It is a good match, given that it was released in the 70s. It was way ahead of time.
- Released in: 1979
- IMDB Score: 6.9
- Runtime: 1 hr 57 min
- Cast: Tom Skerritt, Sigourney Weaver, Veronica Cartwright, Harry Dean Stanton, John Hurt, Ian Holm, Yaphet Kotto, and Many Others
- Directed By: Ridley Scott
- Streaming Platforms: Apple TV
Children of Men
‘Children of Men’ is expertly directed and videographed. The cinematography is superb, and the audience is submerged in a shockingly accurate portrayal of the best and worst that people can be when faced with adversity. By Alfonso Cauron, the director.
The movie is set in 2027 London and is about the global infertility epidemic of the time. After almost two decades without a single child being produced, societies throughout the world have disintegrated.
The survivors of the resulting wars, crimes, and civil breakdowns migrate to Britain, which is still governed by strict rule.
Theo is a character played by Clive Owen, who used to be an activist but is now a paper pusher for the Ministry of Energy. The movie excels as a thriller because it is so intense and compelling.
Cauron never allows the movie to linger, from the bomb blast that ends the opening titles to the frantic urban combat scenarios that take up to the last 30 minutes. Nevertheless, it slows down sufficiently to address exposition and character development.
Clive Owen, who is at his finest in the picture, gives a strong performance, as does Julianne Moore. As Theo’s marijuana-growing hippy pal, Michael Caine is excellent; as a revolutionary cell leader, the versatile Chiwetel Ejiofor is once again in top form; and as another of Kee’s bodyguards, Pam Ferris is also brilliant in the movie.
- Released in: 2006
- IMDB Score: 7.9
- Runtime: 1 hr 49 min
- Cast: Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, Michael Caine, Chiwetel Ejio, Charlie Hunnam, and Many Others
- Directed By: Alfonso Cuarón
- Streaming Platforms: Amazon Prime Videos
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