Although we are nearly halfway through the 2020s, it remains premature to determine whether this decade will produce some of the most iconic science fiction films in cinematic history. Nonetheless, the genre has experienced a noticeable revival, with a surge of innovative titles emerging both in theaters and on streaming platforms over the past few years.
In our recent compilation, the team at Gape With Us curated a list of the top 10 sci-fi movies of the 2020s so far. However, we remain open to updating this ranking as new masterpieces are released before the decade concludes. If by the end of 2025, one or more films-such as James Cameron’s anticipated Avatar: The Way of Water-make a significant impact, they could easily earn a spot on this list. For now, here are the selections that stand out.
We’re excited to see how the landscape evolves, but these films currently represent the best of what science fiction has offered in recent years.
10. ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ (2022)
If we measure the most groundbreaking visual effects in recent sci-fi cinema, Avatar: The Way of Water would undoubtedly top the list. Director James Cameron revisits Pandora sixteen years after the original Avatar, expanding the universe and its inhabitants. The story follows Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña), who have built a life together, raising a family amidst the lush, vibrant landscapes of Pandora. Their peaceful existence is shattered when human forces from the Resources Development Administration launch a more aggressive invasion than ever before.
Returning from the depths of the oceanic realms, Colonel Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang) is resurrected via cloning into a Na’vi avatar, bringing a new level of threat to the Sully family. To safeguard his loved ones, Jake seeks refuge with the Metkayina clan, a community of Na’vi living by the sea. Yet, their time in hiding is limited, and Quaritch’s relentless pursuit forces the Sullys to confront their destiny.
Avatar: The Way of Water is available for streaming on Disney+.
9. ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ (2024)
Prequels to the acclaimed A Quiet Place series have explored the terrifying aftermath of an alien invasion that hunts by sound, rendering human survival nearly impossible. A Quiet Place: Day One delves into the origins of this apocalyptic scenario, set in a world already devastated by the extraterrestrial threat. The film follows survivor Samira (Lupita Nyong’o), who was battling terminal cancer when the invasion began, yet emerges as one of the few who survived the initial onslaught.
Sam teams up with a stranger named Eric (Joseph Quinn) to escape New York City after the bridges are cut off by military forces. Their survival hinges on remaining as silent as possible, or their journey will end before it truly begins.
A Quiet Place: Day One is streaming on Paramount+.
8. ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ (2024)
The Planet of the Apes franchise has evolved significantly from its early days, moving beyond the simple ape masks of the original films. The latest installment, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, is the fourth major film in the series-excluding the 2001 remake-and boasts stunning visual effects that push the boundaries of CGI. Set three centuries after Caesar’s demise, the story introduces a new generation of apes and humans embroiled in conflict.
In this narrative, Noa (Owen Teague), a young ape from the Eagle clan, seeks to free his people from the tyranny of Proximus Caesar (Kevin Durand), a treacherous ape who has twisted Caesar’s teachings to enslave both humans and apes. Alongside allies Raka (Peter Macon) and Mae (Freya Allan), a human with her own vendetta, Noa fights to reclaim their world from oppression.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is available for streaming on Hulu.
7. ‘Nope’ (2022)
Jordan Peele’s third directorial feature, Nope, blends science fiction and horror to tell the story of siblings Otis “OJ” Haywood Jr. (Daniel Kaluuya) and Emerald “Em” Haywood (Keke Palmer). As their family’s equestrian business faces financial decline, and a theme park owner, Ricky “Jupe” Park (Steven Yeun), begins buying their horses, the siblings realize they might have a chance to turn their fortunes around by capturing footage of a mysterious UFO.
With the help of tech expert Angel Torres (Brandon Perea), they attempt to document the alien craft, unaware of the true danger it poses. As the UFO’s threat becomes clearer, the siblings must confront the terrifying reality of what they’re dealing with.
Nope is available for rent or purchase on Top Video.
6. ‘Dune’ (2021)
Frank Herbert’s classic novel has been adapted multiple times, but director Denis Villeneuve‘s 2021 version captures the epic scope and intricate storytelling of the source material more faithfully than previous attempts. Following Arrival and Blade Runner 2049, Villeneuve’s Dune stands out as a visually stunning and narratively compelling film that explores themes of power, ecology, and destiny on the desert planet Arrakis.
Set in a distant future where humanity has colonized the galaxy, the story centers on Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), heir to House Atreides. When his family is assigned control of the valuable spice mines on Arrakis, Paul’s visions of a coming prophecy threaten to reshape his destiny-and the fate of the universe.
Dune is streaming on Max.
5. ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ (2023)
After a quiet period without major space opera releases, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 emerges as a standout. Director James Gunn crafts an emotionally charged narrative focusing on Rocket (Bradley Cooper), whose tragic origins are revealed through poignant flashbacks. When Rocket sustains severe injuries during an attack by the villainous High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji), the Guardians race against time to save him by retrieving critical information from his creator.
The film also explores the complex relationship between Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) and a version of Gamora (Zoe Saldaña) from an alternate timeline, adding layers of emotional depth to the story.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is streaming on Disney+.
4. ‘The Wild Robot’ (2024)
Among DreamWorks Animation’s most acclaimed recent releases, The Wild Robot has drawn comparisons to Pixar’s WALL-E for its heartfelt storytelling and stunning visuals. The film follows Roz (Lupita Nyong’o), a robot stranded in an uninhabited wilderness, where her attempts to communicate with local animals are met with suspicion and fear. Despite her initial struggles, Roz finds purpose as she adopts a young goose named Brightbill (Kit Connor) and befriends a clever fox called Fink (Pedro Pascal).
However, as Roz begins to settle into her new life, remnants of her past-an organization eager to reclaim her-threaten to pull her back into the corporate fold, forcing her to confront her origins and purpose.
The Wild Robot is streaming on Peacock.
3. ‘Prey’ (2021)
To refresh the Predator franchise, Prey offers a prequel set in 1719, long before the original films. Director Dan Trachtenberg places a young Comanche warrior, Naru (Amber Midthunder), in the path of a ferocious alien predator seeking prey. As the predator hunts across the wilderness, Naru must rely on her skills and cunning to survive against an opponent that considers her merely a target.
This fresh perspective reinvigorates the series, blending historical context with sci-fi horror to create a compelling new chapter.
Naru’s resilience and ingenuity make her a formidable opponent, challenging the alien hunter in ways never seen before in the franchise.
Prey is streaming on Hulu.
2. ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ (2022)
This mind-bending film from directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert defies genre conventions, blending surreal sci-fi, martial arts, and comedy into a unique cinematic experience. Michelle Yeoh stars as Evelyn Quan Wang, a woman overwhelmed by her failing marriage and a family business on the brink of collapse. Her life takes an extraordinary turn when a version of her from another universe recruits her to confront a cosmic threat named Jobu Tupak, who endangers the multiverse itself.
As Evelyn journeys through alternate realities, she must reconcile her relationships with her husband Waymond (Ke Huy Quan) and daughter Pleasure (Stephanie Hsu), discovering strength and purpose along the way. The film’s inventive storytelling and emotional depth earned it multiple Oscars, including Best Picture.
Everything Everywhere All at Once is available on Tubi.
1. ‘Dune: Part Two’ (2024)
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Stay tuned for more updates and reviews as the decade unfolds.
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Building upon the success of the first Dune film, Dune: Part Two promises to be even more expansive and immersive. Unlike the first installment, which concluded with an open-ended climax, this sequel feels more like a complete story, following Paul (Timothée Chalamet) and his mother, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), as they live among the Fremen. Thanks to Paul’s mastery of their ways, many Fremen believe he is the prophesied leader destined to change their world.
While his partner Chani (Zendaya) dismisses the messianic role, Paul’s sense of duty compels him to embrace his destiny, even at the expense of his personal happiness. As the Fremen prepare for a fierce rebellion against the Harkonnens and the imperial forces, Paul must confront the full weight of his emerging powers and the prophecy that looms over him.
Dune: Part Two is available for streaming on Max.
