124 Essential Semi-Hard Sci-Fi Films
119 titles
- 101
Into the ForestMovie · 2016 · 101m · Drama, Science FictionSet in a near-future, two young women living in a secluded, ancient forest realize the world outside is collapsing. Isolated and with little information beyond whispers, they must battle threats from outsiders, disease, isolation, and dwindling food supplies.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.8 - 102
The Science of InterstellarMovie · 2014 · 51m · DocumentaryMatthew McConaughey introduces a detailed exploration of Christopher Nolan's science fiction film, 'Interstellar'. The film's scientific basis is examined, including the contributions of theoretical physicist Kip Thorne, core thematic ideas, and the science behind finding habitable planets. Topics covered include space-time, relativity, wormholes, black holes, and how the film’s visuals were developed using real scientific data. The synopsis also addresses the universe's origins, the Dust Bowl and dust as a toxin, potential future dust storms, escaping a dying Earth, and the possibility of colonizing Mars.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.9 - 103
Deep ImpactMovie · 1998 · 121m · Action, Drama, Science FictionA seven-mile-wide asteroid is headed for Earth, threatening complete destruction. With time running out, the President assembles a top team of American and Russian astronauts, led by a veteran astronaut with extensive experience. Their mission: intercept the asteroid and destroy it before it hits Earth. Meanwhile, a determined reporter investigates the disaster's origins, seeking a story that could define her career. As the world awaits, these individuals confront personal pressures while collaborating to avert humanity's extinction.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.2 - 104
Salyut-7Movie · 2017 · 106m · Action, Drama, AdventureJune 1985. When communication with the Salyut 7 space station is lost, cosmonauts Vladimir Dzhanibekov and Viktor Savinykh successfully dock with the unmanned, frozen spacecraft and restore it to operational status. Based on a true story.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.1 - 105
Ex MachinaMovie · 2015 · 108m · Drama, Science FictionCaleb, a coder for the biggest internet company, wins a contest for a week-long stay at the secluded mountain retreat owned by Nathan, the company's secretive CEO. Upon arrival, Caleb discovers he's part of an unusual experiment: he must interact with the world's first true artificial intelligence, living inside the body of a strikingly beautiful robot girl.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.6 - 106
400 DaysMovie · 2015 · 91m · Mystery, Science Fiction, ThrillerFour astronauts undergo a 400-day simulation in an isolated space facility to study the psychological impact of long-duration spaceflight. However, when a critical malfunction forces them to abort the simulation and return to Earth, they find the world drastically altered. They must then question whether their reality is genuine or if the simulation was far more advanced than they initially believed.IMDb 4.4TMDB 4.4 - 107
ProspectMovie · 2018 · 98m · Science FictionA teenage girl and her father journey to a distant alien moon hoping to find wealth. They have a deal to collect valuable gems from the moon's hazardous forest. However, they discover they are not alone in the wilderness, and their mission quickly becomes a struggle for survival.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.2 - 108
PiMovie · 1998 · 84m · Mystery, Drama, ThrillerA brilliant mathematician discovers hidden patterns in the universe, giving him an uncanny ability to predict the future. Driven by a desire to understand reality, he immerses himself in the world of numbers, seeking to solve its deepest mysteries. But as his exploration deepens, the distinction between reality and illusion fades, and his understanding of cause and effect becomes distorted. Will his gift allow him to control destiny, or will it lead him to madness?IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.1 - 109
The CongressMovie · 2013 · 123m · Drama, Science Fiction, AnimationA retired actress takes on a final role, but the results of her choice have unforeseen and significant repercussions.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.4 - 110
Aftermath: Population ZeroMovie · 2008 · 90m · Documentary, Science FictionAftermath: Population Zero explores a world emptied of people. The film examines the consequences of humanity's sudden disappearance, depicting an interactive environment left behind.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.7 - 111
Children of MenMovie · 2006 · 109m · Drama, Action, ThrillerIn 2027, humanity faces extinction after a global infertility crisis. A former activist takes on a perilous mission: to transport a pregnant woman to a sea sanctuary. The woman’s child represents a potential breakthrough for scientists desperately trying to restore human reproduction and secure the future of the species.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.6 - 112
Eagle EyeMovie · 2008 · 118m · Mystery, Thriller, ActionJerry Shaw and Rachel Holloman are two strangers whose lives are upended by a mysterious woman they've never encountered. This unseen caller begins threatening them and their families, manipulating their actions through common technology and escalating the danger. As things spiral out of control, Jerry and Rachel become fugitives and must uncover the truth behind the events happening to them.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.5 - 113
When Worlds CollideMovie · 1951 · 83m · Science Fiction, DramaAstronomers discover a star is headed for Earth. The danger escalates when its planet will pass close to us just days before impact, causing widespread destruction. Scientists race to build a rocket and choose a few survivors to travel to the planet, hoping to start a new life. Facing difficult choices and questioning their humanity, the story examines survival, sacrifice, and how people endure when everything is lost.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.3 - 114
Approaching the UnknownMovie · 2016 · 90m · Thriller, Drama, Science FictionCaptain William Stanaforth embarks on a solitary journey to Mars, aiming to initiate the planet's colonization. Facing challenges inherent to pioneering endeavors, Stanaforth will confront overwhelming obstacles and critical choices throughout his voyage.IMDb 4.9TMDB 5.3 - 115
SolisMovie · 2018 · 92m · Action, Adventure, Science FictionAfter a crash, an engineer from an asteroid mining company faces the ultimate test of survival. Trapped in an escape pod, he endures extreme physical and mental challenges as he drifts inexorably toward the Sun.IMDb 4.4TMDB 4.8 - 116
District 9Movie · 2009 · 112m · Science FictionThirty years ago, aliens landed on Earth seeking refuge from their own planet's destruction. Confined to a segregated area in South Africa called District 9, they are overseen by Multi-National United, who prioritize exploiting their advanced technology over their well-being. When a company agent contracts a strange virus that begins transforming his DNA, he finds his only sanctuary in District 9.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.5 - 117
SunshineMovie · 2007 · 108m · Science Fiction, ThrillerFifty years in the future, the sun is fading, and Earth faces devastatingly cold temperatures. An astronaut team is dispatched to reignite the sun, but their mission is unsuccessful. Seven years later, a second team is launched to complete the mission, representing humanity's final chance for survival.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.0 - 118
Quest for FireMovie · 1981 · 100m · Adventure, DramaA Cro-Magnon tribe faces a desperate struggle when their fire unexpectedly goes out. To ensure their survival, three warriors journey through a dangerous prehistoric world filled with rival tribes and dangerous creatures.
As they navigate treacherous landscapes, the warriors encounter Ika, a wise woman who knows how to relight their fire. Guided by her, they learn about cooperation, resilience, and preserving their traditions.
The film explores the importance of fire to early humans and highlights their determination to secure a future for their people. It’s a story of courage and the strength of the human spirit.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.0 - 119
AwakeningsMovie · 1990 · 120m · DramaDr. Malcolm Sayer, a quiet research doctor, changes his life when he tests a drug meant to bring consciousness back to people with a very rare illness. Leonard is the first patient to get the treatment, and his recovery unexpectedly revitalizes Sayer too. As Leonard, who was once unable to respond, rediscovers life with a childlike sense of wonder, he unknowingly awakens a similar curiosity in the reserved doctor. This story explores connection between people, personal development, and the strength of understanding in unusual situations.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.8
