10 Best Retro-Futuristic Movies, Ranked

1 week ago 5

Movie

If you're looking to transport yourself to a world where the past and future collide, retro-futuristic movies are the ideal pick, especially for science fiction fans. These movies have a unique way of blending the hopes and fears of the eras they reflect, providing viewers with intriguing takes on progress, identity, and even society. Whether we're talking about neon-lit, cyberpunk cityscapes or unsettling dystopias, retro-futurism has a way to captivate audiences across the board.

Fortunately, there is something in this genre for everyone. From divisive movies like Tomorrowland to cornerstone classics such as 2001: A Space Odyssey, we look back at some of the best retro-futuristic films, analyzing what makes each of these fit into the category, and ranking them by their world-buildings, cultural impact, enduring legacy, and overall quality.

10 'Tomorrowland' (2015)

Directed by Brad Bird

In Tomorrowland, a young girl looks up a a futuristic city that appears out of thin air

While Tomorrowland wasn't well-regarded following its release, getting mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike, one of its standout elements is its beautiful visuals. Based on the Disney parks distraction, this action-adventure follows a science-enthusiast teen (Britt Robertson) and a former boy-genius inventor (George Clooney) as the two embark together on a mission to unearth the secrets of a place that exists in their collective memory.

Despite being a disappointment critically and financially, Tomorrowland was praised for its beautiful visual design and special effects, providing audiences with immersive world-building that transported them to meticulously crafted landscapes. A rich homage to retro-futurism, the Brad Bird picture envisions the future as imagined during earlier eras, featuring a sleek cityscape with curves and domes reminiscent of the 1950s as well as gadgets inspired by Golden Age sci-fi. Beyond its aesthetics, the 2015 picture similarly echoes the values of classic futurism by shedding light on innovation and creativity and emphasizing exploration and advancement as a key to development.

Tomorrowland

Release Date May 22, 2015

Runtime 130 Minutes

9 'Barbarella' (1968)

Directed by Roger Vadim

Jane Fonda as Barbarella, on her hands and knees looking concerned in Barbarella

An unapologetically campy watch starring the one and only Jane Fonda in the lead role, Roger Vadim's 1968 dystopian science fiction film set in the 41st century finds an astronaut seeking to stop an evil scientist who threatens to unleash a powerful weapon upon the galaxy.

Barbarella's great — even if exaggerated — performances, cheeky dialogue, and engaging storyline are all part of its universal appeal. However, a standout element is its eccentric depiction of the future, which is mirrored through its usage of flamboyant costumes, surreal set designs, and vivid color palettes. While it does present a more "psychedelic" take on the concept, Barbarella is still a solid mention when it comes to retro-futurism, pushing its aesthetic through the lens of 1960s counterculture and embracing a playful, optimistic tone that blends technological advancement and social commentary on sexual liberation.

Release Date October 22, 1968

Runtime 98minutes

8 'The Rocketeer' (1991)

Directed by Joe Johnston

The Rocketeer flying in the movie of the same name.

While The Rocketeer also fits under the "steampunk" genre that is well celebrated these days, Joe Johnston's film also features significant retro-futuristic elements. The story centers around a young pilot (Billy Campbell) who stumbles onto a prototype jetpack that allows him to become a high-flying masked hero.

Anyone fascinated by Hollywood nostalgia will probably enjoy The Rocketeer, especially considering its seamless blend of 1940s and 1930s aesthetics featuring speculative technology. Based on the comic series by Dave Stevens, the 1991 movie provides audiences with an old-school vision of the future, embodying retro-futurism through its architectural and design styles highly popular in the early to mid-20th century. Additionally, The Rocketeer draws inspiration from the aesthetics of pulp adventure comics and serials of the 1930s and 1940s, using vibrant colors and exaggerated characters.

Release Date June 21, 1991

Runtime 108

7 'RoboCop' (1987)

Directed by Paul Verhoeven

RoboCop (Peter Weller) aims his gun in 'RoboCop'

Incorporating futuristic technology with a gritty dystopian aesthetic, and set against the backdrop of crime-ridden Detroit, RoboCop stars Peter Weller in the lead role and centers around a terminally wounded cop who returns to the force as a powerful cyborg haunted by submerged memories.

Although it also does feature heavy cyberpunk visuals, Paul Verhoeven's film is a solid example of retro-futurism, envisioning a future dominated by mega-corporations and providing audiences with thoughtful social commentary on greed and moral decay. While it features a chunk of technologically advanced gadgets, RoboCop ultimately relies on bulky hardware, resulting in impressive but imperfect tech that reflects the limitations of the 1980s and consequently becoming a great showcase of films of the genre for audiences to dive into.

RoboCop

Release Date July 17, 1987

Runtime 102 Minutes

6 'Her' (2013)

Directed by Spike Jonze

Joaquin Phoenix as Theo in Her sitting in front of his desktop

Exploring themes of loneliness and isolation through its beautiful world-building, Spike Jonze’s Her is also a worthy mention when it comes to retro-futuristic films. Starring Joaquin Phoenix in a memorable lead role as a lonely writer who falls in love with an advanced operating system (voiced by Scarlett Johansson), Her does not shy away from shedding a new light on love, connection, and the human experience.

While a visually absorbing movie — with its soft pastel-colored urban landscapes frequently stealing the spotlight — Her’s charm lies in how contemplative and philosophical of a watch it is. Still, there is no doubt that its retro-futuristic setting and all the minimalistic, sleek technology it features elevate the story to higher levels and make it an even more memorable viewing.

5 'A Clockwork Orange' (1972)

Directed by Stanley Kubrick

Alex (Malcolm McDowell) and his droogs take to the streets in 'A Clockwork Orange'

Directed by none other than Stanley Kubrick, A Clockwork Orange is a dark comedy satire based on the book of the same name by Anthony Burgess, focusing on violent psychopath Alex DeLarge, played by Malcolm McDowell, and his gang of criminal teenagers barbarizing a decaying, "ultraviolent" near-future.

Retro-futurism shines in A Clockwork Orange's striking production design, which does a wonderful job of blending mod 1970s style with surrealist elements and tech, ultimately creating a timeless yet alienating atmosphere that viewers can't help but immerse themselves into. Benefiting greatly from Kubirck's showstopping direction, the must-see psychological thriller is both visually and intellectually stimulating, remaining a blueprint in the genre and inciting audiences to question the boundaries of ethics and humanity.

Release Date February 2, 1972

Director Stanley Kubrick

Cast Malcolm McDowell , Patrick Magee , Michael Bates , Warren Clarke , John Clive , Adrienne Corri

Runtime 136 minutes

4 'Brazil' (1985)

Directed by Terry Gilliam

A woman in a chair with a head brace on has the skin of her face stretched by a man standing behind her in Brazil.

This fun Terry Gilliam dystopian take highlights the ridiculousness of bureaucracy. The story follows Jonathan Pryce’s Sam Lowry, a low-level government employee who dreams of escaping his monotonous life. However, when a clerical error and his pursuit of a woman plunge him into a web of rebellion and chaos, Sam becomes the father of the system he works for.

Brazil is a truly surrealist film and one unlike any other — a must-see for fans of satirical science fiction, it analyzes the exploration of freedom and individuality, resonating deeply with audiences to this day and making for a thoughtf-provoking viewing given the universal nature of the themes it deals with. The film's retro-futurism is evident through its world-craft, which is dominated by machinery and oppressive architecture.

Release Date December 18, 1985

Runtime

3 'Blade Runner' (1982)

Directed by Ridley Scott

Rick Deckard holding a gun in Blade Runner

A cornerstone for retro-futuristic cinema, Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner, the first entry in the franchise, follows Harrison Ford’s iconic Rick Deckard, a “Blade Runner” who is tasked with hunting down robotic beings known as replicants before they take over the world.

Marked by its towering skyscrapers, cyberpunk aesthetics, and gritty urban design, Blade Runner is a love letter to retro-futuristic cinema and has undeniably left a strong mark on cinema, particularly in the science fiction genre. A must-watch for fans of the category, it delivers an engaging narrative — and an iconic one to this day — as it explores identity, memory, and humanity compellingly. All of these elements paired with its haunting score help bring to life one of the most iconic world-buildings of all time.

Release Date June 25, 1982

Runtime 117 minutes

2 'Metropolis' (1927)

Directed by Fritz Lang

A man looking at a woman with Maschinenmensch in the background in Metropolis

This must-see for science fiction and silent cinema enthusiasts is set in a dystopian future where the wealthy elite live in skyscrapers while workers toil underground to sustain the city. At its center is Freder (Gustav Fröhlich), the son of the city’s ruler, and workers advocate Maria (Brigitte Helm). The two are required to bridge the gap between the two classes in this thought-provoking social commentary.

This German expressionist masterpiece is still hailed, to this day, as one of the most unforgettable entries in cinema. While part of that has to do with its timeless message, Metropolis is also anchored by its striking visuals. A trailblazer for retro-futurism, it envisions a cityscape with towering art deco buildings, industrial machinery, and the iconic central robot, cementing its place as a visionary sci-fi entry.

Release Date February 6, 1927

Cast Alfred Abel , Gustav Fröhlich , Rudolf Klein-Rogge , Fritz Rasp , Theodor Loos , Erwin Biswanger

1 '2001: A Space Odyssey' (1968)

Directed by Stanley Kubrick

Widely regarded as one of the best achievements in cinematic history, Kubirck’s 2001: A Space Odyssey is an essential sci-fi that has shaped history. Its narrative follows the aftermath of the appearance of a mysterious artifact on the moon manned by two humans.

Based on the story by Arthur C. Clarke, this legendary and groundbreaking movie is an early example of retro-futurism, particularly in how it portrays tech and space exploration. 2001 stands the test of time for several reasons — the fact that it was made before mankind ever landed on the moon speaks for itself. At its core, Kubrick’s movie led the way and paved the way for more speculative fiction in cinema.