7 Near-Perfect Sci-Fi Movies That No One Remembers Today

Science fiction has always been about pushing boundaries, but some of its most creative and meaningful films tend to get overlooked as time goes on. With big franchises and crowd-pleasing spectacles like Dune or Avatar dominating the conversation, plenty of thoughtful, ambitious sci-fi movies quietly fade into the background, or they end up never being discovered at all. Sometimes they arrive ahead of their time, sometimes they’re too unconventional for the mainstream, and sometimes they simply don’t get the spotlight they truly deserve.

This list highlights those forgotten sci-fi gems that absolutely should be revisited. Each one stands out for its unique premise and ambitious storytelling. These are the kinds of films that reward close attention and often feel even more relevant years later. From an American indie to a Chinese blockbuster, these picks show that some of the genre’s best films are hiding in plain sight.

7 ‘The Wandering Earth 2’ (2023)

The Wandering Earth 2 is a sci-fi epic that serves as a prequel to the first film. The film depicts humanity’s first attempt to save Earth from an expanding sun and how governments unite to construct massive planetary engines designed to move the entire planet out of the solar system. It follows trainee astronaut Liu Peiqiang's (Wu Jing) journey that coincides with the global effort to move the Earth and computer scientist Tu Hengyu (Andy Lau), whose work is pivotal in this plan.

Based on a sci-fi novel by the acclaimed writer Cixin Liu, The Wandering Earth 2 stands out for its sheer scale combined with surprisingly emotional storytelling. It's at least 10 times bigger than its predecessor, and it has jaw-dropping visuals that rival Hollywood’s biggest sci-fi spectacles. The performances from China's biggest superstars anchor the action so that it never loses focus. For sci-fi fans, The Wandering Earth 2 has probably the craziest premise that somehow manages to be believable. It was a massive success with over $615 million gross worldwide, and China was so confident of this film's quality that it submitted the film for the Oscars. With a two-part sequel in the works, it's the perfect time to revisit or discover this film.

6 ‘Upstream Color’ (2013)

Upstream Color follows Kris (Amy Seimetz), a woman whose life changes drastically after she’s drugged and manipulated into giving away her savings by a strange, complex parasite. Struggling to piece herself back together, she meets Jeff (Shane Carruth), another victim of the same ordeal, and the two try to understand what happened to them.

Following the dense and heavy Primer, Shane Carruth makes Upstream Color one of the most unconventional sci-fi films of the past decade. With its minimalist storytelling, the film's power lies in its atmospheric vibe, with haunting sound design and beautiful visuals carrying much of the exposition. Carruth and Seimetz deliver intimate, vulnerable performances that make the abstract concepts feel deeply personal. Similar to his previous film, Carruth does not give easy answers with Upstream Color.Instead, the film invites viewers to piece together what it means from its emotion and imagery. For sci-fi fans who enjoy a much more experimental cinema, this film is the perfect pick.

5 ‘Timecrimes’ (2007)

Timecrimes follows Héctor (Karra Elejalde), an ordinary man who accidentally becomes a pivotal part in a time loop after discovering a mysterious facility near his home. A simple curiosity spirals into him, spawning multiple versions of himself and leading him to find a way to stop these other versions from existing.

Nacho Vigalondo’s debut feature is an exceptional feat in low-budget sci-fi storytelling, proving that clever writing can outweigh expensive effects. Its use of time travel is incredibly effective, showing how one action can cause ripple effects and unintended consequences. Karra Elejalde carries the film with an increasingly desperate performance, making Héctor’s transformation both relatable and unsettling. The film was a sensational hit for audiences when it first premiered, but given that it's an indie release, it rarely gets shown on major streaming services or cable, making it forgotten. For sci-fi fans who appreciate smart narrative with a strong concept, Timecrimes is a must-see.

4 ‘Dark City’ (1998)

Dark City follows John Murdoch (Rufus Sewell), who wakes up in a bathtub with no memory of who he is. He then discovers that he’s wanted for a series of murders he doesn’t recall committing. Chased by a mysterious group known as the Strangers, John realizes that he shares the ability to tune with the Strangers and is capable of altering reality. With help from a skeptical detective and a mysterious doctor, John uncovers the secrets behind the city’s existence and his unusual abilities.

Director Alex Proyas crafts a haunting atmosphere that blends German Expressionism, film noir, and dystopian sci-fi with Dark City. Usually relegated to supporting roles, Rufus Sewell delivers a strong central performance as John Murdoch, while the rest of the cast, which includes Jennifer Connelly, William Hurt, and Kiefer Sutherland, brings charm and eccentricity to the universe. Dark City’s practical effects and moody production design still hold up remarkably well. Often overshadowed by later reality-bending films like The Matrix, the film remains one of the most original and imaginative sci-fi films of its era.

3 ‘Cloud Atlas’ (2012)

Spanning centuries and different worlds, Cloud Atlas interweaves six interconnected stories, ranging from the 19th century to a distant post-apocalyptic future. Each storyline follows different characters, from a composer struggling for artistic freedom to a rebellious clone. Their actions ripple through time and unknowingly influence other lives. The characters are portrayed by the same actors in those different timelines, played by the likes of Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugh Grant, and Bae Doona.

After crafting a generational sci-fi franchise, the Wachowskis and Tom Tykwer made a rare sci-fi film that dares to be complex and emotionally earnest. The ensemble cast takes on multiple roles with impressive range, reinforcing the core idea of interconnectedness. While its many storylines and ambition initially divided audiences, Cloud Atlas has aged gracefully, feeling closer to epic literature than conventional cinema. The film is not perfect, and it has its share of controversies — the use of yellowface remains a subject of debate, rightly so — but its bold storytelling and beautiful score alone are worth your time.

2 ‘Strange Days’ (1995)

Taking place during the intense final days of 1999, Strange Days centers on Lenny Nero (Ralph Fiennes), a former cop turned black-market dealer of illegal recordings that allow users to relive other people’s experiences through a device called SQUID. When he receives a disturbing clip that appears to show a murder, Lenny and his friend Mace (Angela Bassett) must race against time to uncover the conspiracy before the new millennium.

Strange Days is exceptional for how prescient it feels, especially in how it explores virtual experiences and voyeurism. The film’s themes of media obsession, abuse of power, and technological escapism feel even more relevant today than they did in the ’90s. With a script co-written by James Cameron, Kathryn Bigelow gives the film kinetic energy, imbuing it with an edgy, cyberpunk-inspired immediacy. It's always great to watch Ralph Fiennes and Angela Bassett in action, and they make a great duo here. Strange Days is a thrilling, provocative experience that deserves far more recognition, especially with all the talent involved.

1 ‘Mr. Nobody’ (2009)

Mr. Nobody follows Nemo Nobody (Jared Leto), a 118-year-old man who is seemingly the last mortal alive in a world where humanity has achieved near-immortality. As journalists interview him about his life, Nemo recounts multiple versions of his past, branching from a single childhood decision, whether to stay with his father or leave with his mother after their divorce. From there, the film follows parallel timelines, exploring different careers, romances, and outcomes, each shaped by small choices and chance encounters.

One might argue that Mr. Nobody is not a forgotten film, but a film that no one has ever heard of. It only received a limited theatrical release along with its digital version in the US. Writer-director Jaco van Dormael embraces its complex multiversal premise, using nonlinear storytelling not as a gimmick but as the emotional core of the film. Van Dormael filled the film with striking imagery and unique transitions that mirror Nobody's state of mind. With a respectable 7.7 score on IMDb, it's the kind of movie that needs to be discovered and watched multiple times.