For centuries, humanity has speculated on the possibility of life beyond Earth and questioned our place in the universe. Milestones like landing on the moon and deploying rovers on Mars reflect our fascination with extraterrestrial life and Sci-Fi.
This curiosity has made way for imaginative creations in film and television. Blockbusters such as “ET The Extra-Terrestrial” (1982), and “Jurassic World: Dominion” (2022), highlight the popularity of science fiction across various media—from movies and TV shows to books and video games.
Here’s a list of the must-watch sci-fi movies to add to your summer watchlist for you to enjoy when you are in your cool air-conditioned home or theatres
1: Alien: Romulus: 2024
The year is 2044: artificial intelligence controls all facets of a stoic society as humans routinely “erase” their feelings. Hoping to eliminate the pain caused by their past-life romances, Gabrielle (Léa Seydoux) continually falls in love with different incarnations of Louis (George MacKay). Set first in Belle Époque-era Paris, Louis is a British man who woos her away from a cold husband, then in early 21st Century Los Angeles, he is a disturbed American bent on delivering violent “retribution.” Will the process allow Gabrielle to fully connect with Louis in the present, or are the two doomed to repeat their previous fates?
This movie’s trope relates to AI and the dangers of its potential capabilities. Released on April 5, this movie can be streamed on Apple TV.
2: The Beast (2024)
The year is 2044: artificial intelligence controls all facets of a stoic society as humans routinely “erase” their feelings. Hoping to eliminate the pain caused by their past-life romances, Gabrielle (Léa Seydoux) continually falls in love with different incarnations of Louis (George MacKay). Set first in Belle Époque-era Paris, Louis is a British man who woos her away from a cold husband, then in early 21st Century Los Angeles, he is a disturbed American bent on delivering violent “retribution.” Will the process allow Gabrielle to fully connect with Louis in the present, or are the two doomed to repeat their previous fates?
This movie’s trope relates to AI and the dangers of its potential capabilities. Released on April 5, this movie can be streamed on Apple TV.
3. Kingdom of the Plant of the Apes
The new Apes movie is set many years after the conclusion of 2017’s War for the Planet of the Apes. Many ape societies have grown from when the Moses-like Caesar brought his people to an oasis, while humans have been reduced to a feral-like existence. Some ape groups have never heard of Caesar, while others have contorted his teaching to build burgeoning empires. In this setting, one ape leader begins to enslave other groups to find human technology, while another ape, who watched his clan be taken, embarks on a journey to find freedom. A young human woman becomes key to the latter’s quest, although she has plans of her own.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is a great example of the ‘Animal is the new man’ trope as the apes have taken over the world. This film was released on May 10 and is available in theatres everywhere.
4. Leave the World Behind (2023)
Bearing grim news of an unknown enemy and the shocking certainty that the city succumbs to chaos, a sharp-dressed stranger and his young companion disrupt Amanda’s and Clay’s much-needed family vacation. But the information the unwanted couple brings is inconceivable. Now, a complex, multilevel mystery unfolds before everyone’s eyes, whether they like it or not. After all, the unsuspecting tourists have already encountered a series of mysterious, logic-defying incidents during their brief stay. As a result, vague disbelief and a palpable sense of threat ratchet up the tension, rendering modern technology unreliable. And the question remains: in a rapidly disintegrating world where nothing makes sense, what can you do to protect your own and what used to be your cherished ordinary life?
Released to Netflix subscribers on December 8, 2023, his film has a strong apocalyptic, end-of-the-world vibe and is still available for streaming.
Staff Writer & Media Critic for Big Gold Belt Media: NYC Actress | Twitch Streamer | Artist