2025 was not a brilliant year for the sci-fi genre, but we had acceptable works that properly balanced imagination and technology, thought and excitement. As always, there were some superhero movies from Marvel and DC, and some unique movies with creative ideas. But what are the best sci-fi movies of 2025?
This year we also had some interesting sci-fi animations that were visually stunning. This year’s list may not be as exciting as the best sci-fi movies of 2024, but it includes works that are both entertaining and dreamy.
The best sci-fi movies of 2025 that you must watch
10- Primitive War
- Director: Luke Spark
- Actors: Ryan Kwanten, Trisha Helfer, Nick Wechsler, Jeremy Pion, Anthony Ingruber, Carlos Sansan, Marcus Johnson
- Rating of IMDb users to the movie: 5.4 out of 10
- Rotten Tomatoes rating for the movie: 56 out of 100
Basically, when it comes to dinosaur movies, the “Jurassic Park” series speaks first and last. This franchise has defined the visual and narrative signatures of this subgenre. However, dinosaurs are not exclusive to a particular collection; These creatures have always had a high capacity to create tension, and Luke Spark in “Primitive War” seeks exactly this goal: to present a different perception of them, outside the framework and structure of “Jurassic Park”.
The story of the film takes place in the heart of the Vietnam War; A group of soldiers are assigned to find some missing comrades in a forested area, but they soon realize that the main danger is not the human enemy. “Primitive War” was made on a limited budget and its narrative and technical weaknesses are obvious, including plot holes and weak special effects in action moments. Despite this, the film has managed to provide a quality with the available resources that exceeds the scope of “cheap nozzle” works. Although we are dealing with a second-rate work, the film tries to create an entertaining experience, and this feature distinguishes it from many similar works.
The noteworthy point in “Primitive War” is the continuous and impressive presence of dinosaurs; Something that even some big blockbusters sometimes neglect to provide. The film does not hesitate to show the threat, violence and cruelty of these creatures and does not go for neutral or mild narratives. However, don’t expect impressive acting or expensive blockbuster standards from the film.
“Primitive War” is made for audiences who are not strict and enjoy superficial – or rather, popcorn – sci-fi movies. If you watch it with this mindset, its strengths will be more apparent than its weaknesses. But if you are looking for a detailed narrative, first-class characterization and high-quality Hollywood computer effects to the level of “Avatar”, the movie probably won’t meet your expectations.
9- The Day the Earth Blew Up: Looney Tunes movie (The Day the Earth Blew Up)
- Director: Pete Brongart
- voice actors: Eric Bauza, Kennedy Milo, Peter McNicol, Fred Tatascior, Lorin Newman, Kimberly Brooks, Carlos Elazraki
- Rating of IMDb users to the movie: 6.8 out of 10
- Rotten Tomatoes rating for the movie: 85 out of 100
No one thought it and probably didn’t expect it either, but after nearly a century, Daffy Duck and Porky Pig finally got their own independent feature film; And the result is more than a simple nostalgia. “The Day the Earth Exploded: The Looney Tunes Movie” both honors these classic characters and revives the old franchise in a modern form. The film borrows from the structure and mood of second-rate science-fiction works of the 50s, and its story is about Daffy and Porky, who suddenly become the defenders of the earth against the alien attack.
The film’s humor is based on the same qualities that have made Looney Tunes stand out for decades: back-to-back jokes, precise timing, and clever use of exaggeration. The film not only maintains this spirit, but blends it with today’s visual language and filmmaking standards. “The Day the Earth Exploded” is not just a children’s comedy, it should also be taken seriously as a science fiction work; From framings inspired by classic cinema to overt references to works like The Body Snatchers (1956), the film’s universe has layers that will satisfy the genre-savvy audience. The Day the Earth Exploded also shows how to combine seemingly outdated animation with genre conventions to create a work that both respects the past and speaks to its time.
8- Elio
- Director: Madeline Sharafian, Domi Shea, Adrian Molina
- voice actors: Yonas Kibrab, Zoe Saldana, Remy Agerli, Brandon Moon, Brad Garrett, Jamila Jamil, Dylan Gilmer, Jake Getman
- Rating of IMDb users to the movie: 6.7 out of 10
- Rotten Tomatoes rating for the movie: 83 out of 100
Disney’s inefficient marketing for “Elio” and its consequences (the heavy commercial failure of this animation at the box office) have been discussed before, and addressing it again only diminishes the value of the film itself; A film whose spirit and mood are disproportionate to such discussions. “Olio” is not a masterpiece, but it revives the memory of the golden era of Pixar and in terms of creativity, it is a head and neck above the productions of this studio in recent years. In fact, it can be said that not since “Coco” until today has Pixar presented an original film with such coherence, honesty and emotional maturity.
“Elio” is a reminder of the era when every new Pixar work was considered as a cultural event. The story of a boy who, due to a mistaken idea, suddenly enters distant worlds, has a simple and classic structure, but this simplicity is served by an intelligent payment. The film has been able to present moments that involve both emotions and make us think. Scenes that combine laughter and sadness and at the same time are understandable for children and meaningful for adults. This is the delicate and difficult balance that Pixar managed in its prime.
However, the main point of distinction of “Elio” is its world-building. The film is a pure sci-fi work and compared to works like “Wall-E”, it shows more ambition in designing alien spaces, characters and extraterrestrial cultures. It is as if there is a story hidden in every corner of this world that can become an independent film. Pixar’s effort in creating a detailed world makes “Elio” different from most recent high-budget animations; A work that does not only rely on visual effects, but its world-building carries narrative meaning and charm.
Despite these achievements, the film’s commercial failure will likely force Pixar to proceed cautiously and perhaps prevent such projects from being repeated in the future. But the value of “Elio” should not be underestimated: an opportunity to experience a pure sci-fi adventure that can be watched and rediscovered many times.
7- The Gorge
- Director: Scott Derrickson
- Actors: Miles Teller, Anya Taylor-Joy, Sigourney Weaver, Sup Diriso, William Huston, Ruta Gedmintas
- Rating of IMDb users to the movie: 6.7 out of 10
- Rotten Tomatoes rating for the movie: 62 out of 100
“Tangana” is a surprising film; It seems simple at first glance, but it gradually reveals its complexities. The film begins in the style of spy thrillers – centered on secret government projects. We join two snipers, American Lou (Miles Teller) and Russian Drasa (Anya Taylor-Joy), who are watching each other from opposite sides of a restricted area. But this introduction is only the starting point. The moment they unintentionally fall into a strait, the direction of the film changes and enters the realm of science fiction; A world that is the product of genetic experiments and is now out of control.
Zach Dean’s script is inspired by the structure and logic of action and sci-fi video games: entering a forbidden area, discovering unknown biological substances, and facing threats that become more complex and uncertain with each step. Scott Derrickson (director) also reinforces this feeling of being a “video game” with his illustrations and spaces. The result is a work that offers a new experience while using familiar elements.
Despite the recognizable references to sci-fi and horror, “Tangana” is not a parodic film. It offers a world that has an independent mechanism and its creatures feel fresh in terms of design and behavior. On the level of execution, the film is more similar to the tradition of cinematic adventures than recent zombie-oriented works; An unknown world where there is a possibility of a new danger emerging at any moment and entering it is accompanied by a sense of constant anxiety and curiosity. In addition to first-class visual effects and fresh ideas, “The Valley” is simultaneously involved with other concepts: ideological competition, coercive cooperation, the consequences of human adventure, etc. This multilayered combination makes the film more than just an exciting experience.
6- Predator: Killer of Killers
- Director: Dan Trachtenberg
- voice actors: Lindsey Lavanshi, Louie Ozawa Changchian, Rick Gonzalez, Michael Bain, Doug Cockle, Jeff Leach, Lauren Holt
- Rating of IMDb users to the movie: 7.5 out of 10
- Rotten Tomatoes rating for the movie: 95 out of 100
“Marauder: Killer of Killers” is undoubtedly one of the most outstanding animations of the last decade and one of the best sci-fi films of 2025. Dan Trachtenberg, who caught the eye with the film “The Hunt” (2022), next went to an animated anthology instead of making a direct sequel, to revive the beloved old “Marauder” series. Depicting the Yautja in different historical eras and their confrontations with the most powerful warriors of all time has been a popular idea among fans for years, but “Killer of Killers” is even better than what we had in mind; A film that not only honors the legacy of the franchise, but also elevates it.
“Marauder: Killer of Killers” narrates three separate stories – but thematically aligned. The first episode takes us to distant centuries and to the cold lands of Scandinavia, where warrior culture and tribal life are central. The second episode moves to Japan and the age of samurai and ninjas, a period where war ethics, swordsmanship and codes of honor play a defining role. The third episode reaches the era of World War II and brings the audience with a young American pilot who is facing the Nazi forces. The important point is that people in each episode do not have a clear understanding of the nature of the alien hunter; They are simply facing an unknown threat, and this conscious ignorance creates a layer of narrative tension and instability.
Visually and technically, “Marauder: Killer of Killers” is almost perfect. The animation quality looks impressive in all areas and the action scenes are carefully designed. Each episode has its own visual style, costume design, and rhythm that harmonizes with its historical setting, and this structural variety prevents monotony. Trachtenberg’s collaboration with Crisp Flour Studio has resulted in an admirable animation; From the bloody Viking village sequence to the epic rooftop samurai battle and that World War II dogfight, every single moment is crafted with love. “Marauder: Assassin’s Creed” expands the familiar universe in creative ways without directly repeating past formulas, and now we have to wait and see what the next installment in the series, “Marauder: Badlands” does.
5- Superman
- Director: James Gunn
- Actors: David Cornsot, Rachel Broznahan, Nicholas Holt, Eddie Gathegi, Anthony Kerrigan, Nathan Fillion, Isabella Merced
- Rating of IMDb users to the movie: 7.1 out of 10
- Rotten Tomatoes rating for the movie: 83 out of 100
After the collapse of Zack Snyder’s DC Extended Universe, all eyes turned to Guardians of the Galaxy filmmaker James Gunn to see what he would do with the new DC Cinematic Universe. “Superman” is the starting point of this world, a film in which Gunn has chosen a controlled and conservative approach instead of the disruptive and daring approach of his previous works. “Superman” is a regular, accurate and structurally standard work; But it probably won’t surprise you. Gunn still retains his humor and colorful world, but this time his special recklessness and rebellious spirit are seen only in a few short moments, and then everything returns to a calculated and controlled structure. However, the film’s values cannot be ignored; “Superman” is undoubtedly one of the best science fiction superhero movies of 2025.
The most important challenge of Gunn in this project was to humanize a character who is always depicted as too powerful and unattainable. He has correctly recognized that Superman’s longstanding weakness is his legendary invulnerability; A hero who is less scared, less defeated, and therefore less sympathetic. Therefore, from the very beginning, Superman shows tired, wounded and involved; A champion who is likely to fail. This type of look is better than before, but it is not perfect in execution; Because focusing too much on physical vulnerability does not fill the void of the psychological and inner depth of the character.
Although Zack Snyder made a film full of contradictions in “Man of Steel”, he destroyed Superman from the inside to make him more human; A hero with doubts and mistakes who seeks to find meaning in this world. Gunn, however, returns to his classic roots: the benevolent, moral, and inspiring Superman whose mission is to save. This approach is a kind of return to the original myth, but this effort to create a perfect hero reduces the intensity of his dramatic tension. The result is a bright, hopeful and entertaining film that is technically very accurate and imperfect, but does not leave a deep emotional impact; A work that does not tire the audience, but does not leave a strong impression even after the end.
4- Thunderbolts
- Director: Jake Schreier
- Actors: Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Olga Kurylenko, Louis Pohlman, Geraldine Visonafen, Chris Bauer, David Harbor
- Rating of IMDb users to the movie: 7.1 out of 10
- Rotten Tomatoes rating for the movie: 88 out of 100
“Thunderbolts” is not one of the best parts of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but it is a defensible and entertaining work. The story takes place around a group that is not very similar to the heroes; Characters who each have a wound from the past and have reached a dead end in their personal lives. Yelena Belova (Florence Pew) has reached emptiness after the death of her sister. Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) has entered politics, but his past continues to threaten his new identity. John Walker (Wyatt Russell) is still looking to prove himself. And Alexei (David Harbor), an aging Russian supersoldier, misses the days when he was a popular hero.
Alongside them, we have newcomer Bob (Louis Pullman) who, after being manipulated and brainwashed by the government, has become a being of unimaginable power. He plays a key role in the story, the one who shows us that physical strength cannot fill the void of emotional security and mental health. Bob’s storyline is more honest than most superhero narratives and, while injecting emotional dimensions into the story, emphasizes that identity crisis and trauma cannot be solved by supernatural powers.
The comedy genre of “Thunderbolts” does not follow the repetitive patterns of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Humor in this film acts as a tool to breathe between emotional pressures; Not to ignore the pain, but as a way to endure it. This approach makes the movie more adult than similar examples. “Thunderbolts” did not do well at the box office but it is worth watching and will not disappoint you.
3- Companion
- Director: Drew Hancock
- Actors: Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, Lucas Gage, Megan Surry, Harvey Gayen, Rupert Friend, Jabuki Young-White, Mark Manchaca
- Rating of IMDb users to the movie: 6.9 out of 10
- Rotten Tomatoes rating for the movie: 93 out of 100
“The Companion” is a funny black comedy, but it’s also a chilling science-fiction work about power, control, and the formation of self-awareness. Iris (Sophie Thatcher) is a simple and kind girl who lives with Josh (Jack Quaid). But he is actually a humanoid robot; A commercial product designed to be a companion for people. But Josh has other plans for Iris; By changing the codes of Iris, he forces the girl to commit murder.
Iris’s realization of her true nature and her decision to escape this cycle of abuse is where the film departs from the repetitive “dangerous robot” formula. Unlike movies like “The Terminator” where artificial intelligence is presented as a potential threat, “The Companion” switches the roles; This time, man is the cause of violence and cruelty, and the artificial creature is the victim and ultimately the actor of the narrative. The murders that Iris commits are not out of desire for domination, but out of compulsion and for survival; A reaction to a structure that wants him to be powerless.
The film talks about ownership, love, destiny and agency with a knowing and ironic tone and shows that the main source of threat is not technology, but human motivations and weaknesses. However, the work avoids becoming a dry moral message. As much as it has the capacity for philosophical analysis, “Hamdam” is also an entertaining science-fiction comedy and allows the audience to either enter its conceptual layers or simply enjoy the beat and bitter humor of the film, depending on their expectations from the film.
2- The Fantastic Four: First Steps
- Director: Matt Shakman
- Actors: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Eben Moss-Bachrak, Joseph Quinn, Julia Garner, Sarah Niles, Mark Gatiss, Natasha Lyonne
- Rating of IMDb users to the movie: 7 out of 10
- Rotten Tomatoes rating for the movie: 86 out of 100
Fortunately, “Thunderbolts” was not the only surprise of Marvel this year, they also sent “Fantastic Four: First Steps” to the screen, a film that is far from the common space of superhero works and is also one of the best science-fiction films of 2025. The film’s adventures take place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but it takes us to a parallel world where humanity has reached an unprecedented point of development. In this world, technology is linked to the retro-futuristic aesthetics of the 60s, poverty is ending and society is moving towards stability and collective prosperity. This situation is a direct result of the emergence of the “Fabulous Four”; A group that, after space travel and gaining superhuman powers, are now the defining and main figures in the world. In other words, the combination of scientific genius, moral influence, diplomatic abilities and public trust in them has built a new political and social structure that is based on rationality, scientific progress and global cohesion.
This time the heroes are not just the protectors of society, but the architects of a better world. In order to convey this message properly, Matt Shekman (director) has moved away from the familiar narratives of the genre. The main characters here have a more important goal: empowering human civilization. This approach turns the film into an optimistic science-fiction work.
“First steps” also enters the field of philosophy and ethics. The main threat of the story is a cosmic creature named Galactus; A being with absolute authority whose presence is reminiscent of the image of ancient gods. When he claims Reed and Sue’s first child, the narrative goes beyond the level of a superhero battle and reaches the question of the intellectual and moral independence of mankind. The heroes’ refusal to accept this demand and their return to earth to rely on knowledge, diplomacy and human creativity is the central point of the film. This scientific-existential approach emphasizes that real growth is possible only by relying on human abilities.
1- Mickey 17
- Director: Bong Joon Ho
- Actors: Robert Pattinson, Naomi Aki, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, Mark Ruffalo, Toni Collette, Holliday Grainger, Thomas Tergus
- Rating of IMDb users to the movie: 6.7 out of 10
- Rotten Tomatoes rating for the movie: 77 out of 100
After the historic success of ‘Parasite’, Bong Joon Ho went in a direction no one expected with ‘Mickey 17’. This sci-fi film lacks the ambition and narrative precision of his previous masterpiece, but it still shows that Bong is capable of challenging and subversive work. This time, there is no news of “Parasite” social criticism, and we are dealing with themes such as identity crisis, human value and power structures in futuristic worlds.
The story begins with Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson); A person who joins an interstellar mission to escape an economic deadlock, but the only role offered to him is “consumer”; A human who is killed over and over to carry out dangerous missions and is reproduced through simulation with the same memory and personality. When Mickey 17 unexpectedly survives and confronts his new version, Bong Joon-ho sets the stage to ask some philosophical questions.
Robert Pattinson’s performance in the role of various versions of Mickey is the winning card of the film. His ability to create multiple characters with subtle but tangible behavioral differences adds depth and variety to the film. Naomi Aki and Mark Ruffalo and Toni Collette in supporting roles, as always, please us. “Mickey 17” may not be the continuation of the critical and social path of “Parasite”, but it is a film that fans of the science-fiction genre should not miss.
Source: slash/film
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