The Best Sci-Fi Movie From Every Year of the 2020s, So Far

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Fantasy is a consistently popular and highly respected genre across all forms of entertainment. For decades, books, comics, movies, and television shows have successfully used its classic elements, and that continues to be true today.

As a sci-fi fan, I’ve been really impressed with the films we’ve gotten in the 2020s. While it’s probably early to say they’re all-time greats, these movies represent the very best science fiction has offered us year after year so far this decade. They’re some of the strongest entries we’ve seen in a long time, and I’m excited to see where they land in the sci-fi canon.

2020’s Best Sci-Fi Movie Is Tenet

2020 was a strange year for movies. The COVID-19 pandemic caused many highly anticipated blockbusters to be postponed, leaving fewer options for audiences and impacting box office numbers. As a result, some films, like one particular example, didn’t get the attention they deserved.

Despite being a bit confusing, Tenet is a brilliant time-travel film and a standout sci-fi blockbuster. While its plot isn’t as perfectly crafted as films like Inception or The Prestige, it more than compensates with incredible action sequences, stunning visuals, a driving soundtrack, and surprisingly heartfelt performances – making it an underrated gem and one of the best big-budget sci-fi movies in recent years.

2021’s Best Sci-Fi Movie Is Dune

Denis Villeneuve has rapidly become a highly respected director in the science fiction genre. He’s known for films like Blade Runner: 2049 and Arrival, and recently took on the challenge of adapting Frank Herbert’s classic sci-fi novel, Dune. Many thought Dune would be impossible to make into a good film, but Villeneuve and his team successfully proved them wrong.

This film is a visually spectacular and thought-provoking achievement. It boasts incredible sets and camerawork, a fantastic performance from every actor, and truly original world-building. Dune is a landmark film that’s sure to be remembered as a classic for years to come.

2022’s Best Sci-Fi Movie Is Everything Everywhere All at Once

Released in 2022, Everything Everywhere All at Once is a remarkably creative and moving science fiction film. It’s visually stunning and emotionally resonant, proving what cinema can achieve. The movie is a feast for the eyes and its unique, quirky sci-fi ideas make it a truly memorable experience.

Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan’s filmmaking truly elevated independent science fiction. While 2022 offered fantastic sci-fi films like Avatar: The Way of Water, Nope, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, their work stands out as the year’s best science fiction achievement.

2023’s Best Sci-Fi Movie Is Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

While many fans consider 2018’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse the best animated Spider-Man film, the 2023 sequel, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, is undeniably excellent. It takes everything that made the first movie great and amplifies it, resulting in a stunning visual experience with a powerful emotional core and a brilliant adaptation of the source material.

Whether you’re a Marvel fan, love science fiction, or simply appreciate amazing animation, Across the Spider-Verse is sure to impress. Along with the first film, it’s completely changed the landscape of computer animation, proving just how impactful and important Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse truly is.

2024’s Best Sci-Fi Movie Is Dune: Part Two

After the successful release of the 2021 film Dune, fans eagerly anticipated the next installment. Dune: Part Two delivered, bringing the second half of Frank Herbert’s novel to life with thrilling action, compelling characters, and a wealth of impressive visuals.

This movie is considered one of the most impactful and moving big-budget films of the 21st century, setting a high bar for modern science fiction. If director Denis Villeneuve successfully completes his planned Dune trilogy with the next installment, Dune: Part Three, it could become equally legendary.

2025’s Best Sci-Fi Movie Is Avatar: Fire and Ash

2025 was a great year for science fiction films. Movies like the darkly funny Bugonia, the complex Mickey 17, the surprisingly enjoyable The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and the moving Frankenstein all earned praise. But the biggest sci-fi hit of the year was James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash.

Many consider this to be the strongest film in the series so far, and it truly elevates the franchise. It effectively addresses past criticisms and concerns about the sci-fi saga. Despite claims that Avatar lacks cultural significance, the consistent box office success and improving storytelling in each film prove those claims wrong. Avatar: Fire and Ash is a remarkable film with stunning visuals, compelling character relationships, and thrilling action that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

2026’s Best Sci-Fi Movie So Far Is Project Hail Mary

Even though we haven’t seen all the science-fiction movies planned for 2026 yet, one film has already arrived that’s a strong contender for the best of the year: Project Hail Mary. It’s directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller, the team behind The Lego Movie and the Jump Street films, and they also produced the acclaimed Spider-Verse movies. Project Hail Mary is the kind of

With its hopeful tone, humor, and amazing visuals, Project Hail Mary is a truly refreshing film, especially now. The story centers on a science teacher unexpectedly launched into space to solve a mystery threatening life on Earth. It’s full of unexpected twists, features a fantastic performance by Ryan Gosling, and creates one of the most imaginative sci-fi worlds in recent years. It’s difficult to see any other sci-fi movie in 2026 surpassing it.

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2026-04-04 13:10