10 Best Written Sci-Fi Movies of the 2020’s Ranked

Science fiction is a hugely popular and influential film genre with a long history of iconic movies. While visuals are important, a strong script is crucial for a film’s success. No matter how good a movie looks, it needs a compelling story to truly resonate with audiences.

What truly separates successful sci-fi movies like Alien: Romulus from those that fail, such as Tron: Ares, isn’t just a popular franchise. Both films came from well-known series, but only Romulus resonated with audiences. The 2020s have been a great time for science fiction fans, with many new films released annually, though the quality of the writing varies considerably between them.

10. Aliens: Romulus Is the Latest Chapter In A Historic Sci-Fi Franchise

Romulus Takes the Alien Series In a New and Shocking Direction

The original Alien, released in 1979, was a huge success with both audiences and critics and is often hailed as one of the best science fiction horror movies ever made. Alien: Romulus is a recent addition to the series and draws heavily from the atmosphere and style of the first film. In fact, it’s officially part of the Alien story, taking place between the events of Alien and its sequel, Aliens.

Although Alien: Romulus follows a similar storyline to the first Alien movie, it also takes some exciting risks. The film’s climax features a particularly terrifying creature – arguably one of the most disturbing in the entire series. Director Fede Álvarez quickly won over fans with his fresh take on the Alien universe, and thankfully, he’s confirmed to be directing the already-planned sequel.

9. Predator: Badlands Shows a Unique Side to Sci-Fi’s Most Dangerous Hunters

Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi Brings a New Emotional Level to the Yautja

Predator: Badlands is a fantastic addition to the Predator series. It delves into the history and culture of the Yautja – the Predator species – like never before, creating a compelling coming-of-age story. While some fans weren’t thrilled with the more human side of the Predators shown, it was handled exceptionally well.

Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi brilliantly performs in this story written by Dan Trachtenberg and Patrick Aison, capturing the nuances of the Yautja’s personality and beliefs. Predator: Badlands effectively builds anticipation for a follow-up, which will likely continue the story of Dek as he searches for his place in the world. With the same dedication, a sequel – Predator: Badlands 2 – is poised to be just as successful.

8. 2020’s The Invisible Man is a Remake to Remember

Elizabeth Moss Carries This Incredible Sci-Fi Thriller

Hollywood is seeing a lot of reboots and remakes these days. While it’s often simpler for studios to revive existing franchises instead of creating new ones, sometimes a reboot happens because a writer has a fresh, exciting vision for an old story. The 2020 film The Invisible Man is a great example of this.

H.G. Wells’ original 1897 story and the 1933 film focused on a scientist losing his mind after becoming invisible. However, the 2020 film, Invisible Man, offers a completely new approach. It centers on the scientist’s ex-wife, who is terrorized by her abusive, invisible former husband. This innovative take on the story was a hit with audiences and demonstrates how reboots can be truly imaginative and satisfying.

7. Together Redefines the Sci-Fi Body Horror Genre In the Best Way Possible

Together’s Married Leads Bring Their Very Real Chemistry to the Silver Screen

The summer’s surprise hit, Together, cleverly utilized the genuine connection between stars Alison Brie and Dave Franco. Directed and written by Micheal Shanks, the film tells the story of a couple whose relationship takes a terrifying turn when they begin to physically merge into a single being after a hiking trip, resulting in a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.

As a huge fan of cinema, I was completely blown away by Together. Shank’s doesn’t just rely on the gross-out factor of body horror; they use it to really dig into the complexities of relationships. The way Tim and Millie’s unhealthy co-dependence is shown – literally merging them into one person, slowly and painfully – is brilliant. Combined with a fantastic script and truly incredible performances from both leads, it’s easily one of the most compelling and genuinely disturbing entries in the body-horror genre I’ve seen in ages.

6. Guillermo Del Toro’s Frankenstein Is Moe Accurate to the Original Source Material Than Previous Adaptations

The Director Takes More Influence From Mary Shelly Than Hollywood’s Take on the Classic Franchise

Guillermo Del Toro’s adaptation of Frankenstein shows that staying true to the original story can be a recipe for success. Over time, Hollywood transformed Mary Shelley’s monster into the large, green, stitched-together creature most people picture today. Thankfully, Del Toro’s film offers a faithful version of Frankenstein’s Monster, and it’s been widely praised by critics.

The 2025 film Frankenstein successfully captures the emotional core of the original story, enhanced by Guillermo del Toro’s signature style. It’s a truly memorable adaptation that honors the source material while remaining relevant for modern audiences. Jacob Elordi delivers an outstanding performance as the creature, elevating the film significantly. Hopefully, del Toro’s Frankenstein will demonstrate to other filmmakers the value of staying true to the original story when adapting a classic.

5. Palm Springs Lures Audiences Into a False Sense of Comedic Security

Andy Samber and Christin Milioti Brilliantly Explore The True Meaning of Eternity

Andy Samberg is best known for making people laugh, and while Palm Springs is definitely a funny movie, it’s also surprisingly thoughtful. It explores big questions about life and what people would do if they had forever. Samberg shows he’s a versatile actor, delivering surprisingly emotional scenes about time and its impact. The film uniquely balances these deep, reflective moments with hilariously outrageous comedy – a combination you won’t find anywhere else.

One of the best things about the movie is how it mixes everyday life with imaginative, fantastical elements. It didn’t get a lot of attention initially, but people who have seen it generally love it. Palm Springs offers something for a wide range of viewers, though it won’t appeal to everyone. But if you’re a fan of shows like Brooklyn 99, you’re almost guaranteed to enjoy Andy Samberg in this memorable sci-fi comedy.

4. Mickey 17 Is Twice the Fun of a Normal Sci-Fi Film

Robert Pattinson Explores Two Sides of the Same Character

Mickey 17 is a truly original science fiction film. It’s set in a future where cloning is advanced, and workers are routinely cloned to take on hazardous jobs. The story centers on Mickey, and Robert Pattinson brilliantly plays two distinct versions of him after a cloning error. While both Mickeys share memories, their personalities are surprisingly different.

Beyond simply trying to stay alive, the characters in Mickey 17 encounter aliens who desperately need assistance. The story skillfully portrays how each version of Mickey reacts to the aliens’ hardship, highlighting that even clones can have unique personalities and responses. Mickey 17 is a compelling film and suggests that Hollywood might be embracing more originality.

3. Bugonia’s Twist Ending Is Simply Out of This World

Yorgos Lanthimos’ Latest Film Is His Best, By Far

Image via Buftea Studios

Yorgos Lanthimos’s newest film, Bugonia, is predicted to be his biggest hit yet. It’s a remake of the Korean film Save the Green Planet, starring Jesse Plemons and Emma Stone. Plemons plays a strange and unassuming man who is convinced that Emma Stone’s character—a wealthy and famous CEO—is secretly an alien planning to take over the world.

The film Bugonia initially presents Plemon’s character as completely unhinged, but as the story unfolds, a surprising shift occurs. By the end, his actions start to become logical, culminating in a truly shocking twist. While the finale makes Bugonia worth seeing, director Lanthimos delivers a compelling and unpredictable experience throughout.

2. Dune: Part One Sets The Scene For the Decade’s Most Prominent Sci-Fi Franchise

Dune: Part One’s Superior Writing Is Contrasted by the Sequel’s Heavy-Action Focus

I’ve been a fan of Dune for years, and before 2021, it felt like a bit of a hidden gem. It was a really deep sci-fi series, but most people hadn’t even heard of it, and if you had read the books, it was tough finding anyone to talk to about them! But the 2021 movie totally changed everything. It did an amazing job of bringing the planet Arrakis to life. While Dune: Part One might not have as much action as the second film, it was so important for introducing everyone to this incredible world and all its complexities.

While several filmmakers have tried to adapt the Dune story for the big screen, the 2021 film was by far the most successful. A team of three writers worked hard to stay true to Frank Herbert’s original novel while also making it engaging for today’s viewers. Thanks to the strong writing in that first film, Dune is now poised to become one of the biggest science fiction franchises of the 2020s.

1. Everything Everywhere All At Once Master’s the Multiverse

Other Interdimensional Storylines Feel Flat In Comparison

In a time when movies exploring alternate universes are popular, Everything Everywhere All at Once stands out. Its exceptional writing and the fantastic performances from Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan really make it special. The film was highly praised by critics and won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2022.

It’s rare for a movie to make as big an impact as Everything Everywhere All At Once. Despite audiences being familiar with stories about alternate universes, the film manages to stay captivating from beginning to end. While a sequel isn’t planned, the directors, known as The Daniels, are already working on a new project. Hopefully, it will be just as insightful and well-made as their previous hit.

2026-01-25 21:37