Top 10 Obscure Sci-Fi Movies You've Never Seen

#10: “The Vast of Night” (2019)

This underrated sci-fi flick took audiences by surprise when it premiered at the 2019 Slamdance Film Festival. Taking place in 1950s New Mexico, “The Vast of Night”, is inspired by real life alleged UFO sightings in the United States. Andrew Patterson’s impressive debut follows radio DJ, Everett and switchboard operator, Fay, as they investigate a concerning audio signal. Upon its release at drive-in theatres and Amazon Prime, the film received an abundance of critical acclaim, even drawing comparisons to Steven Spielberg. In other words, if you love “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” you owe it to yourself to check this one out.

#9: “Safety Not Guaranteed” (2012)

This film doesn’t guarantee your safety but it does guarantee to warm your heart. Aubrey Plaza plays Darius, a magazine intern assigned to write a profile on a grocery store employee, who took out an ad seeking a time-travelling companion. The man in question, Kenneth, played by Mark Duplass, bonds with Darius as the two both carry an excessive amount of emotional baggage. Far from your typical sci-fi fare, “Safety Not Guaranteed”, focuses on the feelings over action, creating a bittersweet narrative that sticks with you. Whether you love sci-fi, rom-coms, or both, you’re bound to adore this one too.

#8: “Colossal” (2016)

No stranger to sci-fi, director Nacho Vigalondo’s 2016 dark comedy, “Colossal” is a tribute to the beloved giant movie monster’s genre known as “Kaiju.” The story centres around Gloria, a woman coping with an alcohol use disorder who moves back home following a breakup. Shortly after her return, she discovers she can remotely control a massive reptilian creature that is terrorizing the city of Seoul. Starring Anne Hathaway and Jason Sudeikis in some of their best work, “Colossal” excels through taking chances in ways few modern movies do. And the affection for the classic monster movies that came before it is clear.

#7: “D” (2013)

If you like your sci-fi with a side of abstract then look no further than “Upstream Color”. This 2013 film centers on Jeff and Kris, two strangers who find themselves affected by a parasitic larva. Shane Carruth’s long-awaited follow-up to his micro-budget sensation , “Primer”, is a thought-provoking tale that draws you in deeper moment by moment, particularly with its captivating score, which the writer-director also composed. Made on a shoestring budget, the movie is truly a masterclass in indie filmmaking. It may not all make sense or your first or even fifth viewing. But the emotional potency is heightened by the beautiful abstractness of it all.

#6: “Summer Time Machine Blues” (2005)

There’s no shortage of great movies involving time travel. However, one of the best of the subgenre hasn’t received as much attention as it deserves. Japan’s “Summer Time Machine Blues” is a sci-fi comedy that achieved recognition in its home country. but has flown under the radar internationally. Centered on a group of university students who happen upon a time machine, it’s full of chaotic and hilarious situations. Totally fun and at times, wild, “Summer Time Machine Blues”, is sci-fi comedy at its best. And the most uproarious moments are still side-splitting on subsequent viewing.

#5: “Dark City” (1998)

The late, great, Roger Ebert, named this atmospheric sci-fi film his favorite of 1998, comparing it to the likes of “2001: A Space Odyssey" and “Metropolis”. Even with his seal of approval, Alex Proyas’ “Dark City” has largely gone unnoticed upon its release. The movie follows an amnesic man and murder suspect on the run from a group known as “The Strangers”. A masterful blending of sci-fi and noir genres, the film is a visual feast for the eyes. Starring Rufus Sewell, Jennifer Connelly, Kiefer Sutherland and William Hurt, “Dark City” didn’t hit it off with audiences but amassed a cult following thanks to Ebert’s praise and its unique visual style.

#4: “Europa Report” (2013)

An amalgamation of sci-fi and found footage, “Europa Report” is a truly chilling and grounded look at a space mission gone wrong. Following a crew travelling to visit one of Jupiter’s moons, the film takes a turn when they lose contact with Earth and the tragic results that follow, all while attempting to find signs of life. Intimate and personal, there are moments throughout the film where you could easily think you’re watching actual recovered footage. It’s a nerve-wracking depiction of the dangers of space travel that rewards patience in its viewers, best watched alone with the lights out.

#3: “Timecrimes” (2007)

Hailing from Spain, “Timecrimes”, is about time travel gone wrong…very, very wrong. It follows a man, Héctor, who, after grossly spying on a woman who becomes unconscious, flees the situation. Then a scientist, via a walkie-talkie, encourages him to hide inside what happens to be a time machine. This results in Héctor becoming trapped in a loop where he’ll encounter his past self. Oh yeah, and he’s also being followed by a man dressed in bandages. It’s a little confusing, but the story unfolds in unexpected and exciting ways, making “Timecrimes” a crime to skip out on.

#2: “Primer” (2004)

Made for just $7,000, the sci-fi indie hit “Primer” was low on budget, but big on impressions. In his feature film debut, Shane Carruth tells the story of two engineers, Aaron and Abe, who by accident, figure out time travel. The dialogue is full of technical terminology and the themes delve into philosophical ideas, making it a cerebral viewing experience. The picture went on to win the Grand Jury Prize for a dramatic film at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival. Never holding the viewer’s hand, “Primer” is proof that filmmakers can still astound you even without millions of dollars at their disposal.

#1: “Coherence” (2013)

2013’s “Coherence” makes the most of its compact 89 minutes of screentime, with much of the dialogue being improvised. Directed and written by James Ward Byrkit, the film follows a dinner party attended by eight friends on the night that a comet passes Earth and soon, strange occurrences begin to take place. As the film unfolds, reality and the truth become unclear. Thrilling and unpredictable, it’s a passion project that became critically praised and an audience favouite. A must watch for sci-fi fans and or anyone who appreciates the art of indie filmmaking, “Coherence” is a modern work that would make Rod Serling proud.