Best Sci-Fi Movie From Every Year of the 2010s, According to Letterboxd
The 2010s saw an impressive plethora of sci-fi movies that captured the imagination of audiences around the world. Each year brought a standout film that garnered critical acclaim and fan adulation alike. According to user ratings on Letterboxd, a social networking site for movie lovers, here are the best sci-fi movies from every year of the 2010s:
2010: “Inception” – Directed by Christopher Nolan, “Inception” is a mind-bending thriller about dream hackers who infiltrate the subconscious minds of their targets to steal or plant ideas. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, this film’s innovative concept, stunning visuals, and layered narrative earned it top honors for the year.
2011: “Source Code” – Duncan Jones directed this gripping tale about a soldier who participates in an experimental government program that allows him to enter the last eight minutes in the life of a man aboard a train that was destroyed by a terrorist attack. With a plot that twists and turns, “Source Code” captivated Letterboxd users with its tight pacing and thought-provoking storyline.
2012: “Looper” – This action-packed film directed by Rian Johnson introduces viewers to a future where time travel exists but is illegal and only available on the black market. The story follows hitmen known as loopers who are paid to kill people sent back in time by criminal organizations. The intricate plot and compelling performances made “Looper” stand out.
2013: “Her” – Spike Jonze delivered this unique and touching story set in the near future centered around Theodore Twombly who falls in love with an artificial intelligence named Samantha. This unconventional love story explores themes of connection and human-AI relationships, resonating deeply with viewer’s emotions.
2014: “Interstellar” – Another Christopher Nolan masterpiece, “Interstellar,” demonstrates the journey of space explorers tasked with finding humanity a new home as Earth faces extinction. Its awe-inspiring depiction of space travel, black holes, and quantum physics theories fascinated Letterboxd users who praised its ambition and emotional core.
2015: “Ex Machina” – In this directorial debut by Alex Garland, a young programmer is selected to participate in an innovative experiment evaluating the human qualities of Ava, a sophisticated AI android. This sleek and cerebral film probes deep philosophical questions about consciousness and ethics.
2016: “Arrival” – Directed by Denis Villeneuve, “Arrival” focuses on linguist Louise Banks’ quest to communicate with extraterrestrial beings who have mysteriously landed across Earth. The movie’s emphasis on language and time perception alongside its emotional depth placed it at Letterboxd’s top position for the year.
2017: “Blade Runner 2049” – A sequel to Ridley Scott’s classic, directed by Denis Villeneuve stands as one of the decade’s visually impressive films. Expanding upon the original’s themes about artificial lifeforms longing for meaning, it was praised for its stylistic faithfulness and expansive storytelling.
2018: “Annihilation” – Adapted from Jeff VanderMeer’s novel by director Alex Garland, this film tells the story of a biologist leading a mission into an environmental disaster zone dubbed The Shimmer. The movie wowed viewers with its stunning visuals and complex narrative layers exploring destruction and rebirth.
2019: “Avengers: Endgame” – While not strictly sci-fi in the traditional sense, this cultural phenomenon directed by Anthony & Joe Russo caps off a decade-long build-up in Marvel’s cinematic universe. Its science fiction elements through time travel gave it leverage among Letterboxd users as it delivered an epic conclusion to beloved character arcs.