Here Are the Best Sci-Fi Movies of the 21st Century According to Fans

Science fiction has a way of pulling us into worlds beyond our imagination, blending bold ideas with human stories. It’s a genre that challenges what we believe is possible, from time travel to distant planets.

We’ve put together a list of the best sci-fi movies of the 21st century, based on what fans love most. These films mix stunning visuals, deep emotions, and big questions about the future. Let’s dive into the top picks, starting from the bottom of the ranked list.

10. Avengers: Endgame (2019)

This superhero epic wraps up years of Marvel storytelling with a cosmic bang. Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, ‘Avengers: Endgame’ brings together heroes like Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor to face Thanos, a villain bent on reshaping the universe. The film’s time-travel plot and massive battles keep you glued to the screen.

It’s not just action—there’s heart, too, with moments of sacrifice and friendship that hit hard. The visuals, especially in the final battle, are jaw-dropping, and the cast, including Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans, delivers. Fans love it for tying up loose ends while still feeling fresh.

9. Dune: Part One (2021)

Directed by Denis Villeneuve, ‘Dune: Part One’ adapts Frank Herbert’s classic novel, pulling us into a desert world of spice and power struggles. Timothée Chalamet stars as Paul Atreides, a young man caught in a galactic destiny. The film’s sweeping visuals and haunting score make every scene feel huge.

It balances complex lore with clear storytelling, letting you feel the weight of Paul’s journey. The cast, from Zendaya to Oscar Isaac, adds depth to this slow-burn epic. Fans praise its bold take on a tricky novel, setting the stage for more.

8. Her (2013)

Spike Jonze’s ‘Her’ is a quiet sci-fi gem about love and connection. Joaquin Phoenix plays Theodore, a lonely writer who falls for an AI operating system voiced by Scarlett Johansson. Set in a near-future world, the film explores how technology shapes our emotions.

It’s intimate yet universal, with soft visuals and a tender script. Phoenix carries the story with raw vulnerability, while Johansson’s voice adds warmth. We love it for its heart and its questions about what makes us human.

7. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Blade Runner 2049’ builds on the 1982 classic, diving deeper into a neon-soaked future. Ryan Gosling stars as K, a replicant hunter uncovering secrets about his kind. The film’s visuals—think glowing cityscapes and barren wastelands—are breathtaking.

It’s a slow, moody journey with big ideas about identity and freedom. Harrison Ford’s return as Deckard adds nostalgia, while Gosling’s quiet intensity drives it forward. Fans call it a worthy sequel that respects the original while standing alone.

6. WALL·E (2008)

Pixar’s ‘WALL·E’ is a charming tale of a small robot with a big heart. Set on a trash-covered Earth, it follows WALL·E, a boxy bot who cleans up humanity’s mess and dreams of love. Directed by Andrew Stanton, the film mixes cute with profound.

With barely any dialogue, it tells a story of hope and environmental care through stunning animation. The romance between WALL·E and EVE feels real, despite them being robots. We adore it for its simplicity and emotional punch.

5. Dune: Part Two (2024)

Picking up where the first left off, ‘Dune: Part Two’ ramps up the stakes in Denis Villeneuve’s epic saga. Timothée Chalamet returns as Paul Atreides, now leading a rebellion on the desert planet. The film dives deeper into politics, war, and destiny.

Its visuals are even grander, with sandworm battles that shake the screen. The cast, including Florence Pugh and Anya Taylor-Joy, adds new energy. Fans love how it completes the story while leaving room for more.

4. Inception (2010)

Christopher Nolan’s ‘Inception’ is a mind-bending ride into dreams within dreams. Leonardo DiCaprio plays Cobb, a thief who infiltrates minds to steal secrets. The film’s layered plot and gravity-defying visuals keep you guessing till the end.

It’s packed with action, from collapsing cities to zero-gravity fights, but it’s also about guilt and redemption. The ensemble, including Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Ellen Page, shines. We keep coming back for its clever twists and emotional core.

3. Arrival (2016)

Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Arrival’ is a thoughtful take on first contact. Amy Adams stars as Louise, a linguist decoding an alien language after mysterious ships land on Earth. The film’s quiet tension and focus on communication set it apart.

Its nonlinear storytelling reveals deep truths about time and choice. Adams delivers a moving performance, backed by Jeremy Renner and Forest Whitaker. Fans treasure it for its intelligence and emotional depth.

2. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Directed by Michel Gondry, ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ blends sci-fi with raw romance. Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet play a couple erasing each other from their memories after a breakup. The nonlinear story unfolds like a puzzle.

It’s messy and beautiful, with dreamlike visuals and real heartbreak. Carrey shows rare vulnerability, and Winslet matches him. We love its honest look at love and loss, wrapped in a sci-fi frame.

1. Interstellar (2014)

Christopher Nolan’s ‘Interstellar’ is a grand space odyssey about survival. Matthew McConaughey plays Cooper, a pilot searching for a new home for humanity as Earth dies. The film mixes hard science with raw emotion, from wormholes to family ties.

Its visuals, like the black hole Gargantua, are stunning, and Hans Zimmer’s score hits deep. The cast, including Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain, grounds the epic scope. Fans call it a bold journey that balances heart and mind.

Which sci-fi film speaks to you most, or is there a gem we missed? Drop your thoughts in the comments!