Amongst the populated genre of sci-fi and space fantasy, there exist a select few films which truly stand out. Epics like Star WarsPlanet of the Apes, and of course, Stanley Kubrick's atmospheric journey, 2001: A Space Odyssey. Films like these shine through as groundbreaking pieces of art that captivate with innovative, thought-provoking concepts. In the case of Kubrick's 1968 film, the viewer is taken on a surreal journey through space, time, and human history. This experience is strengthened by unique, abstract imagery, celestial grandeur, and a serene sense of atmosphere.

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With a film so unorthodox in its cinematography, themes, and structure, finding similar examples is no easy feat. Yet, with this list, we'll scour the reaches of space and highlight 10 great films that at least come close to replicating this memorable journey through the cosmos.

Ex Machina (2014)

Kicking off our list with a seemingly unconventional entry - Alex Garland's Ex Machina definitely has an air of atmosphere and subtlety despite its lack of thematic similarities to 2001. No, there's no space travel and little abstract imagery to be had in this psychological sci-fi.

Still, there does exist a similar aura in terms of the film's ambience, along with a somewhat comparable plot revolving around rouge AI and its dynamic with humankind. Like Kubrick's epic, action and complexity take a backseat to a more serene, emotional experience, as we follow the android Ava and her yearning for wisdom and freedom.

The Martian (2015)

The Martian Matt Damon setting up hab

Fans of Ridley Scott's work know of his knack for crafting enthralling films that blend action, imagination, and emotion. This 2015 sci-fi survival film shines as a prime example of this. The movie draws from Andy Weir's novel of the same name, while Scott fills in the detail with enriching visual backdrops, as he's known to do.

Set several years in the future, The Martian follows the escapades of a lone, wise-cracking astronaut (Matt Damon), who's been stranded on the cold, lifeless planet of Mars. We get a sense of the vast, hostile nature of the Red Planet while honing in on Mark's routines, as he does what he can to survive for months in the crew's base. This includes planting his own potatoes and venturing across the red sands of Mars.

Avatar (2009)

Jake Sully with the glowing bugs in Avatar

Acclaimed filmmaker James Cameron is known for crafting compelling tales and decorating his movie sets with rich, captivating visuals. His hit sci-fi epic known as Avatar is certainly no different. In typical Cameron form, the film balances an endearing story of love and comradery with an enthralling, grandiose plot at large. The majestic environments of Pandora instantly entice and refuse to let go throughout this emotional journey, which features a clash between the humans and Na'vi.

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Avatar stresses deep fantasy settings and vibrant visuals for the crux of its atmosphere rather than the vast darkness of space. Nonetheless, it's a similarly deep, gripping work of sci-fi.

Blade Runner (1982)

A wide shot of Los Angeles in Blade Runner

Like 2001, Ridley Scott's Blade Runner is a serene, psychedelic trip into a strange futuristic setting, The film similarly exudes a subdued feel and drawn-out pacing to allow the viewer to soak in the atmosphere. Other parallels exist in this 1982 film as well.

There's also a comparably somber tone and prominent feeling of isolation throughout. This is conveyed through our protagonist, former policeman Rick Deckard, as well as the troubled Replicants in hiding. The film uses dark hues juxtaposed with vibrant neon lights and gadgetry to create a distinct cyberpunk feel.

Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979)

Crew of the USS Enterprise on V'ger in Star Trek The Motion Picture.

Director Robert Wise's version of Star Trek for the big screen is a far cry from J. J. Abram's flashier, action-laced romp from 2009. Diehard fans of this renowned science fiction will tell you this film is more true to its subdued, atmospheric origins. This notion is reinforced with its cast taken from the TV show, which includes prominent figure James Kirk, played by William Shatner.

Star Trek thrives not by its in-your-face action, but by immersing the viewer with imaginative settings and a slower, more authentic sense of pacing. Just like 2001, we're left to examine the intricacies of the spacecraft and tech as we follow the crew on a seemingly endless journey through deep space.

Gravity (2013)

Movie Details Make Sense Gravity

In this celestial sci-fi, our progatonists, played by Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, seem close to the safety of earth, and yet, are so hopelessly entrenched in the emptiness of space. So too was the case for 2001's David Bowman, whose flying space station feels secure, and yet, at the whim of hostile void of the cosmos.

After a routine mission goes awry, our leads find themselves stranded and floating in space. This the stage for an intense tale of survival in which they must use their wits and work together. Similar to 2001, Director Alfonso Cuaron reminds us just how small and vulnerable we are through this realistic portrayal of humanity vs deep space.

Alien (1979)

Sigourney Weaver In Alien 1979

Not unlike Kubrick's film, the '79 classic Alien demonstrates that sometimes, less can be more. Of course, as is the case in 2001, Scott heavily emphasizes detail through intricate, realistic set pieces and a general grittiness. Yet, this science fiction thriller excels in its moments of silence and dark, ambiguous settings.

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This not only provides a more immersive experience, but also builds the tension to maximize the impact when things do go down; in this case -- a deadly, fast-growing alien beast. Along with the rich aesthetic, some truly eerie moments and a dynamic performance by Sigourney Weaver make Alien a distinctly memorable watch.

Contact (1997)

Jodie Foster looking at something offscreen as she float in a ship in Contact.

This '97 drama may take awhile for its revelations to manifest, but just like 2001, the drawn-out buildup makes for a payoff that's all the more impactful. Being based on an '85 novel by astronomer Carl Sagan, there's a dense, authentic sense of celestial underpinnings.

1997's Contact explores the exciting, but unsettling, notion of the vast cosmos and the unknown entities that may lie in its far reaches. This is conveyed in the person of Dr. Arroway (Jodie Foster) who is hellbent on making contact with alien life. The film has received acclaim for being a subtle, but thoughtful adaptation of Sagan's novel, and a "pure" work of science fiction.

Interstellar (2014)

Cooper, Brandt, and Doyle in the water planet in Insterstellar

With its epic 170 minute runtime and an admirable 8.6 IMDb score, Interstellar shines as a gripping trip into space. The movie centers around a team of celestial explorers venturing through a wormhole to help ensure a future for humankind. Being a Christopher Nolan film, Interstellar doesn't hold back in terms of its nuance, grandiosity, or flashy CGI.

Interstellar starts things humbly, honing in on astronaut-turned-farmer Joseph Cooper (Matthew McConaughey), before escalating towards a deep space crescendo.

Solaris (1972)

Solaris

Sometimes viewed as the "Russian 2001," 1972's Solaris is similarly trippy and visually rich, utilizing the imaginative potential of sci-fi. The movie follows psychologist Kris Kelvin as he takes on an interstellar journey to analyze the ocean planet of Solaris.

Director Andrei Tarkovsky crafts a compelling, dark tale with an inter-planetary premise, enhanced by bold symbolic imagery and detailed sets. This riveting story of exploration tops our list for its thematic and visual similarities to 2001, while also being distinct and in-depth.

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