In 2023, sci-fi offerings ran the gamut from massive blockbusters to smaller indie flicks. Their results represented an amazing array of creative ingenuity illuminating social constructs with ambitious and visually impressive themes as an alien invasion or post-apocalyptic nightmares evoking all imaginable human emotions and imaginations.
Here are the best 11 Sci-fi movies of 2023.
Jules
Stream Now at Prime Video, Hulu
Run Time: 1h 27m
At a time when aliens and romance often go hand in hand, this film takes an unconventional route. Jules is an offbeat sci-fi dramedy with heart. A talented cast brings emotional vulnerability while remaining lighthearted throughout. Director Marc Turtletaub excels at crafting charming films like this one.
What could have been an ordinary tale about an older man finding comfort with an alien is elevated by its stellar cast and direction by Marc Turtletaub. While it contains some moments of cheesiness, this film will leave audiences laughing out loud or perhaps even weeping a tear or two – as well as providing an important message without falling into cheap sentimentality.
Blue Beetle
Stream Now at Max
Run Time: 2h 7m
While Blue Beetle doesn’t exactly break new ground, it’s great to see a DC film that really embraces the joy of superheroes. Even though it takes story points from previous superhero films and has action sequences that don’t relate to the characters’ backstories, the film’s infectious enthusiasm leaves a lasting impact.
Blue Beetle stands as a welcome respite from DC’s reputation for grimdark storytelling. At the same time, Shazam and The Flash continue to drag down its reputation for dark comic book storytelling. Though Blue Beetle may not reach the same representation milestone that Black Panther achieved for Marvel, it remains an engaging family drama with moments that combine madcap fun with emotional heartache.
The Beast
Stream Now at Netflix
Run Time: 2h 26m
Despite its outlandish attempts at realism, The Beast is nonetheless a fascinating science fiction film. Lea Seydoux’s mesmerizing performance as she leads viewers on an otherworldly voyage helps Bonello effortlessly manage his concept, which might be challenging to follow at times owing to the plethora of turns. Her sexual prowess is on par with that of any undesirable suitors who might approach, and her poised yet discontented manner makes her a compelling yet elusive persona.
This fatal love story deftly navigates three time periods and locations, all the while keeping the action tight and several impending fears at bay, thanks to Bertrand Bonello. Maybe if it had been more frightening and less sentimental, it would have been a better choice for a quick summer flick.
The Creator
Stream Now at Disney+, Hulu, AppleTV
Run Time: 2h 13m
A dystopian future when generative AI and humans are at war sets the stage for this sci-fi thriller. The picture really comes into its own during the dialogue and the intense action sequences. The text brings up significant inquiries on the role of AI in evolutionary processes, ideas about the afterlife and spirit, and the definition of “it” when referring to an intelligent computer.
It also captures Western (particularly American) intervention around the globe and its subsequent devastation without losing its heart or becoming dull or simplistic in tone. Director Gareth Edwards takes audiences into an imagined future where the line between reality and imagination becomes unclear, creating an environment rich with detail and immersiveness that makes this vision both visually exciting and thought-provoking.
Crater
Stream Now at Disney+
Run Time: 1h 45m
Crater’s kids aren’t your average tweens. Instead, they represent an ensemble of diverse, well-developed children with genuine relationships that feel authentic – children who happily hunt the moon for treasure while engaging in all manner of silly hijinks while finding time to deal with real grief and loss.
As an entertaining film made specifically for teens, The Edge is an impressive achievement, not only in terms of its engaging story but also because its protagonists portray serious political themes and loss without pandering or talking down to audiences. Even with some plot holes present, however, this talented group of youngsters manages to keep audiences engrossed throughout.
Asteroid City
Stream Now at Prime Video, AppleTV
Run Time: 1h 45m
This movie takes place in an idyllic American Southwest desert town that appears to have been inspired by an old Hollywood set from the 1950s. Asteroid City is an epic comic drama that delves deep into the relationship between art and life. Its landscape features kitschy roadside motels and diners, one-pump gas stations, and scrubby cacti made out of balsa wood. Johnny Duncan adds life with his grainy skiffle song called “Last Train to San Fernando.”
Anderson’s signature visual aesthetic–combined with his trademark mumbled jokes, box-within-a-box setup, references that only an older crowd might recognize, and recurring blocking he doesn’t fully comprehend–is embedded within this film, making for a delightfully off-kilter sci-fi comedy that doesn’t quite make sense but works on its own terms.
Godzilla Minus One
Stream Now at Not Available Yet
Run Time: 2h 4m
Godzilla Minus One stands out as an underrated throwback to classic kaiju movies. Produced in Japan, this Japanese-made flick features an easygoing story and complex hero that have won audiences’ hearts while roaming Tokyo in epic confrontations – lessons Hollywood could take from this Japanese masterpiece when creating blockbuster franchises.
The movie takes place near the end of World War II as Japan attempts to rebound from nuclear bombing by both America and Russia. Koichi serves as a metaphor for Japan’s grief and anxiety, acting as a symbolic figure throughout. While its action sequences may be breathtaking, what sets this movie apart from most modern American action films are its drama and emotion– two hallmarks that distinguish Godzilla Minus One from its contemporary American peers.
They Cloned Tyrone
Stream Now at Netflix
Run Time: 2h 2m
Upon initial observation, the 2023 film Cloned Tyrone may appear to be just another story about corruption and crime. However, as the plot takes flight, it transforms into a wonderful surprise that offers new doses of black awareness alongside witty banter and incisive language. To tell its entertaining story of community drug control and other cultural myths and cliches, the film makes extensive use of these elements.
Blaxploitation enthusiasts should not miss They Cloned Tyrone, an outstanding reimagining of the genre. Despite being a little too out there at points, the film’s captivating cast and superb production values make it an enjoyable experience that aims to do double duty: amuse and illuminate some challenging realities confronting Black communities in the modern day.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Stream Now at Netflix, Prime Video
Run Time: 2h 20m
Across the Spider-Verse, Spider-Man is absolutely stunning. This elaborate animation is stunning in every way. It’s a visual jumble of references and ideas. In this animated multiverse, Spider-Man meets Spider-People from all throughout the known universe, each with their own unique visual style that reflects his home world.
The Spider Society is an interdimensional group of Spider-folk that sets its sights on Miles once he gets back together with Gwen. This is what quickly turns the protagonist’s Across the Spider-Verse narrative into a bizarre nightmare. Everything in Spider-Verse is so different from Marvel Cinematic Universe or, for that matter, any comic book film you’ve ever seen.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Stream Now at Disney+
Run Time: 2h 30m
Bringing an enjoyable end to the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s first-rate team-up of misfit heroes, James Gunn’s third part of the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy is a must-see. Also, you don’t need to have seen the other two films in the trilogy to enjoy this one; it’s a satisfying solo drama.
Gunn gives the original team a fitting send-off by giving them an epic finale that pays tribute to their legacy while also advancing the franchise’s ideas as if this were a goodbye. You can’t help but get engrossed in Gunn’s fantastical world of quirky outsiders, complete with snappy one-liners and upbeat one-liners – it’s very riveting to watch!
Poor Things
Stream Now at Not Available Yet
Run Time: 2h 21m
The most recent feature from Yorgos Lanthimos, Frankenstein, is a steampunk adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic novel. Emma Stone plays Godwin Baxter’s invention, Bella Baxter, an unconventional scientist. Godwin had planned to utilize Bella in his brain transplant research and as a weapon against other scientists, but she soon developed into an independent thinker with her own set of priorities in life, including the pursuit of joy, growth, and understanding.
Lanthimos creates an unsettlingly dark Victorian world infused with Gothic and steampunk aesthetics in his film. However, he does so with the same joyous exuberance he brought to The Favourite and Dogtooth. Canted angles and fisheye lenses are used to distort Bella’s world while her life unfolds. His film blooms into an explosion of colors and textures while depicting gouged eyes, spatchcocked bodies, and violent deaths.
