Best Sci-Fi Movies of the Last 5 Years (2020–2024)
The last five years have delivered some of the most visually stunning and intellectually ambitious science fiction films ever made. From epic space operas to mind-bending multiversal adventures, here are the best sci-fi movies released between 2020 and 2024.
1. Dune: Part Two (2024)
Denis Villeneuve's epic continuation of Frank Herbert's saga is a masterclass in blockbuster filmmaking. The sandworm riding sequences alone are worth the price of admission.
Why it's essential: Stunning IMAX cinematography, Hans Zimmer's thunderous score, and Timothée Chalamet fully embracing Paul Atreides' darker turn.
2. Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
The Daniels delivered one of the most inventive films of the decade. Michelle Yeoh stars as a laundromat owner who discovers she can access the skills and memories of her parallel universe selves.
Why it's essential: Won seven Academy Awards including Best Picture. It's simultaneously hilarious, heartbreaking, and action-packed.
Watch Everything Everywhere All at Once
3. Blade Runner 2049 (2017) – Bonus Classic
While technically just outside our five-year window, Villeneuve's sequel to Ridley Scott's 1982 masterpiece remains essential viewing for any sci-fi fan preparing for his Dune films.
Why it's essential: Roger Deakins' Oscar-winning cinematography creates a dystopian Los Angeles that feels both beautiful and oppressive.
4. The Creator (2023)
Gareth Edwards' original sci-fi epic about a war between humans and AI delivers stunning visuals on a fraction of typical blockbuster budgets.
Why it's essential: Practical effects and location shooting give it a grounded, lived-in feel that CGI-heavy films lack.
5. Arrival (2016) – Bonus Classic
Another Villeneuve masterpiece that proves sci-fi can be cerebral without sacrificing emotional impact. Amy Adams gives a career-best performance as a linguist tasked with communicating with alien visitors.
Why it's essential: The non-linear narrative structure mirrors the film's themes about time and language in ways that reward repeat viewing.
6. Interstellar (2014) – Timeless Essential
Christopher Nolan's love letter to space exploration continues to draw new audiences. The practical effects and Hans Zimmer's organ-driven score remain awe-inspiring.
Why it's essential: TARS is still one of the best robot characters in cinema, and the docking scene remains edge-of-your-seat thrilling.
Honourable Mentions
- Tenet (2020) – Nolan's temporal inversion thriller rewards patient viewers
- Nope (2022) – Jordan Peele's UFO horror is unlike anything else
- M3GAN (2022) – A surprisingly sharp tech-horror satire
How to Watch in the UK
Most of these films are available to stream or rent across major UK platforms. Use our watch pages to find the cheapest option for each title.
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