Maybe Black Mirror didn’t quite scratch the itch this time around, or maybe you’re just missing the golden-age sci-fi movies like we are. If not for the upcoming Dune: Part Two and The Creator, this year would be nearly devoid of futuristic and otherworldly experiences at the theater. One of our favorite subgenres within sci-fi is dystopia, and here are five of our favorites.
Dark City
Unsurprisingly, a movie called Dark City is a very dark film in both lighting and narrative tone. It’s an incredibly unique and creative story that revolves around memory loss and a group of mysterious beings called The Strangers who put people to sleep and alter the city. However, no description could ever possibly encapsulate what watching this movie actually feels like.
Dark City is available to rent on Apple TV.
Children of Men
Children of Men drew significant attention when it was released for multiple reasons. Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, and Chiwetel Ejiofor are incredible in the lead roles. The cinematography is top-notch, and this is one of the films that took Alfonso Cuaron from a director to watch to being acknowledged as one of the best directors of our current generation.
The story, adapted from a novel by the author P.D. James, is even more relevant than it was in 2006. It’s set in 2027, when women have for some reason become infertile, but one woman has miraculously become pregnant – unsurprisingly, this makes her a target. Watch Children of Men for the rare combination of a masterful production that has a great story and topical social commentary.
Children of Men is streaming now on STARZ.
V for Vendetta
V for Vendetta is a movie that has never gotten enough love. But our lead actress Natalie Portman clearly believed in this film enough that she shaved off all of her hair for the role. Her dedication to the role absolutely shows in an award-worthy performance where she brings a character to life who has been beaten down by society and taken to the absolute depths of human experience.
Additionally, we get the most delightful role Hugo Weaving has ever taken on. His portrayal of the titular character V is mesmerizing every moment he’s on screen, which is especially impressive because his mask is always on. Try not to repeat “remember, remember, the fifth of November” to yourself long after watching this.
V for Vendetta is streaming now on Max.
District 9
Originally conceived as a film adaptation of the Halo video game franchise, director Neil Blomkamp ended up creating one of the best original sci-fi films of the past few decades. District 9 is set in a world where an extraterrestrial race is relegated to the slums, living in subpar conditions. At once a thrilling sci-fi movie and a biting social commentary, District 9 is likely to be remembered as one of the greats in generations to come.
District 9 is streaming now on Max.
Mad Max: Fury Road
Mad Max: Fury Road is technically the fourth movie in the Mad Max franchise that began in 1979, but it feels like a reboot of sorts. With a fresh 2015 paint job and a fantastic new cast, Fury Road is accessible even to those who’ve never seen any of the other movies in the series. Watch Fury Road to see Tom Hardy give one of the best silent performances you’ll ever see as the title character Max, and to experience all of the high-octane fun of a post-apocalyptic desert wasteland.
Mad Max: Fury Road is available to rent on Apple TV.
