Although the science fiction and the fantasy genres are quite compelling on their own, a blend of the two can be just as fascinating — science colliding with the fantastical makes up for some of the best and most epic stories, with sci-fi’s logic and fantasy’s creativity resulting in unforgettable, often visually striking trailblazers in cinema.
Naturally, plenty of great movies have highlighted just how engaging and immersive this niche category is through the years. FromJohn Carterto theStar Warsfranchise,we look back at some of the best sci-fi fantasy movies to date, ranking them by greatness and highlighting what makes them so special.
10’John Carter' (2012)
Director: Andrew Stanton
Andrew Stanton’sJohn Carter of Mars(or simplyJohn Carter) is aspace operathat blends the science fiction and fantasy genres with interesting results. The story, largely based on the first series of 11Edgar Rice Burroughsnovels, is about a former army captain (Taylor Kitsch) who is inexplicably transported to Mars and embroiled in a conflict that takes great proportions.
Featuring plenty of space travel — the protagonist’s journey to Mars obviously plays a huge part in the movie — and the depiction of different intriguing alien species,John Carteris an engaging combination of science fiction and fantasy. The speculative science thrown into the mix with its magical elements make it a must-see in the category; despite its mixed reviews, Stanton’s movie is visually immersive and thrilling enough to keep boredom at bay.
John Carter
9’Cloud Atlas' (2012)
Directors: Tom Tykwer and The Wachowskis
Directed by theWachowskisisters andTom Tykwer,Cloud AtlasstarsTom Hanks,Jim Broadbent, andHalle Berry. The film sees the stars taking on multiple roles spanning five centuries. Among them are an attorney who attempts to flee a slave on a voyage from the Pacific Islands, a composer who struggles to finish his work in pre-World War II, and a genetically engineered worker.
This thought-provoking exploration of power, control, and greed is a timeless film that tackles poignant topics. Despite not being a standout technical accomplishment in cinema,the genre-bendingCloud Atlasdoes a great job at merging science fiction with fantasy,dealing with philosophical topics through fantastical narrative in a compelling manner that will probably have audiences watching it again to pick up what they missed the first time.
Cloud Atlas
8’Guardians of the Galaxy' Trilogy (2014 - 2023)
Director: James Gunn
AlthoughJames Gunnhas done plenty of great superhero films — the latest DC entry,TheSuicide Squad, is certainly a highlight — theGuardians of the Galaxytrilogy arguably remains his most polished. Spanning three different films so far, this charming mix of heart and humor will have audiences (even those who aren’t fans of superhero films) hooked thanks to its relatable space misfit characters, the theme of family and connection they tackle, and the action-packed, engaging storytelling.
Whether because of its highly likable, three-dimensional, andunique characters(ranging from a talking raccoon to a walking tree) or the engaging adventures they find themselves in,theGuardians of the Galaxytrilogy is definitely worth the attention, especially of those who are into fantasy sci-fi: the films blend both genres flawlessly through their space setting and all the mythical characters that inhabit them.
Guardians of the Galaxy
7’Annihilation' (2018)
Director: Alex Garland
Cinephiles who enjoy the mix of science fiction elements with the surreal are probably going to want to giveAnnihilationa watch, as it combines the two quite compellingly, featuring mysterious beings and scientists investigating environmental changes. Furthermore, the stunning visuals certainly add to the appeal of Garland’ssci-fi horror, which is striking and memorable enough to stick with audiences after the credits roll.
Annihilation
6’Avatar' Franchise (2009 -)
Director: James Cameron
Whether audiences are delving into the highly immersive world of Pandora or bonding with the likable characters, theAvatarfranchise has won over many. The first film sees humans coming to an alien moon to exploit resources. However, a former marine falls for a Na’vi warrior, ultimately switching sides and marking the beginning of a fan-favorite.
Many people find themselves swept completely off their feet byAvatar’s visuals, which is not the least surprising considering how visually gorgeous these films are. However, there is more to theJames Cameronsaga, includingits meditation on colonization and environmentalism, anchored by an engaging storyline that blends science and fantasythrough its magical fictional world-building and all the futuristic tech it includes.
5’The Prestige' (2006)
Director: Christopher Nolan
AnyChristopher Nolanenthusiast knows thatThe Prestigeis mandatory viewing in the genre.Starring the talentedChristian BaleandHugh Jackman, it sees two magicians engaging in a battle of wits in 1890s London. The two try to create the ultimate illusion and sacrifice everything they have to outwit each other.
Although it does lean toward sci-fi more than fantasy,The Prestigeis a nice pick for anyone interested in sci-fi or historical fiction with a fantastical twist. Featuring an intricate narrative and non-linear timelines on top of amazing performances from its leads, Nolan’s movie — which frequently touches on themes of illusion and duplicity — is a complex viewing with mind-bending twists guaranteed to keep viewers invested.
The Prestige
4’The Fifth Element' (1997)
Director: Luc Besson
Starring talented names likeBruce Willis,Milla Jovovich, andGary Oldman,Luc Besson’s highly entertainingThe Fifth Elementis set in a colorful future where a cab driver unwittingly becomes the central figure in the search for a cosmic weapon to keep Evil at bay.
The Fifth Element’s colorful, quirky, and imaginative visual style featuring striking production design and imaginative world-building, in addition to the unforgettable central characters and talented cast, are all elements that help elevate this Luc Besson film and cement it as a must-see. Additionally,The Fifth Element’s unique blend of sci-fi, fantasy, comedy, and action makes it an easy pick for almost anyone, with its futuristic technology and alien races being standout science-fiction fantasy aspects.
The Fifth Element
3’The Matrix' Franchise (1999 - 2021)
Director: The Wachowskis
Naturally,The Matrixmovies starringKeanu Reevesas the iconic Neo could not be missing from such a list.Grounded in science fiction but throwing fantasy elements— including Neo’s abilities — into the mix,The Matrixmostly focuses on the protagonist’s self-discovery journey while attempting to save the world from powerful, highly intelligent machines.
The Matrixfranchise is particularly beloved not only for its character arcs but for the philosophical nature of the topics it deals with, capturing the attention of younger and older audiences. The highly influential franchise by the talentedWachowskiscounts on plenty of timeless visuals,unique dystopian world-building, and groundbreaking special effects that cement it as a top-tier sci-fi fantasy saga.
The Matrix
2’Dune' Franchise (2021 -)
Director: Denis Villeneuve
AlthoughDavid Lynchhad previously put out his takeon theFrank Herbert novelswith the world,Denis Villeneuve’s rendition is arguably the strongest of the two, partly why it counts with two films so far (both featuring an incredible ensemble cast). Set in a distant future, these movies seeTimothée Chalamet’s Paul Atreides fighting for control over the galaxy’s most valuable asset.
Dune’s immersive, incredibly epic worldbuilding featuring plenty of lore makes it an intriguing and believable watch, with its engaging story tackling themes of environmentalism, colonialism, and power in a captivating way.Although it does lean into sci-fi more, at its core,Duneis a true science-fiction fantasy saga that incorporates elements of both genres, including advanced technology, space travel, and mystical prophecies.
1’Star Wars' Franchise (1977 - 2019)
Director: George Lucas
Such a list would not be complete withoutGeorge Lucas’Star Warsfranchise, a major trailblazer that helped shape the genre and cinema. The films, now mostly known by everyone who is remotely familiar with American cinema, are set in a galaxy far away, spanning different generations, illustrating unforgettable space adventures and introducing audiences to iconic fictional characters and diverse alien creatures.
With a compelling hero at its center,Star Warsfeatures a fair share of jaw-dropping moments to keep audiences invested while also shedding light on themes of self-growth, redemption, and power. It is one of the earliest examples of the fantasy sci-fi genre done right:Lucas' saga incorporates fantasy through mystical concepts, such as the “Force,” and science fiction through space travel and advanced tech.
