Science-fiction and horror are both film genres that tend to share the same reputation. They can both be cheaply made and senseless, or artful and meaningful. So, naturally, they serve as perfect complements to each other. When operating at their highest abilities, both genres often use a high-concept premise to incorporate larger ideas.
But, the most attractive thing about each genre, such as dazzling effects and primal excitement, remain crucial to their success. The last decade has seen audiences mature through an abundance of competitive, thematically rich television. Now that CGI is no longer impressive on its own, sci-fi and horror of the last decade have equally evolved. This list is highly subjective, but the films each have distinctly notable qualities.
Dark Skies
It may be divisive to champion this film, but it can feel rather underrated thanks to its sincere demeanor. Unfortunately, a poor trailer probably misled audiences. In fact, the film isn’t a series of tropes, and its serious approach to the terrifying extraterrestrial phenomenon is invaluable for the genre, where most encounters involve some original creature. Or, at the very least, an intentionally silly tone. J.K. Simmons in particular delivers a strong performance, even with little screen time. He successfully sells theories that elaborate on familiar notions that are actually suggested in real life.
The Crazies (2010)
While stories about infection likely won’t be very appealing these days, this was a satisfyingly gruesome and well-done remake. Timothy Olyphant flaunts his acting skills and proves that he would definitely be capable of carrying his own show. In fact, he has consistently owned the lawman typecasting to superb effect ever since.
While some of the horror sequences may feel a bit canned both in imagery and execution, they are still thrilling enough. This is especially true for prolonged suspense and torture sequences. The mystery and escalation throughout the film feel totally natural.
Upgrade
Surely, David Cronenberg would be quite pleased. This was a welcome surprise from director and writer Leigh Whannell, who is already known for launching other horror franchises. Insidious had an unexpectedly long run and used Whannell’s mythology to great effect.
Here, the plot is straightforward, playing with tropes in such a creative and energetic way that they’re absolutely pardoned. The gory nature and high-concept premise feel like an old-school B-movie destined for cult fame. It’s a perfect mish-mash of classic exploitation ideas.
Overlord
This probably isn’t the exploitation joyride that most were hoping for given a premise like this. However, it completely succeeds in the direction it does take. While the opening war sequence is utterly mesmerizing, the majority of the film is primarily concerned with the ethics of war itself.
To that end, the antagonists’ scientific experiments are truly grotesque. They aren’t quite original, but they’re certainly presented in a visually bizarre and unsettling way. The film is highly successful in utilizing body horror, more so than traditional zombie scares.
Prometheus
A deeply divisive film for the preceding franchise, though surely superior to a number of the spin-offs and sequels without esteemed director Ridley Scott. It is both familiar yet greatly ambitious, clearly inspired by Scott’s new interests. The terrifying, mysterious lore of the earliest installment could never unfold in a way that would satisfy every fan.
However, the mythology of the Engineers and Scott’s elaboration on artificial intelligence are fascinating. It is much grander, with creative themes and religion on his mind. Transforming the franchise feels crucial, to avoid redundancy—even though this was the very decision that seemed to disappoint so many fans.
The Cabin In The Woods
Either a sincere love letter or harsh ribbing of the horror genre, yet possibly even both. Better still, this movie musters a pitch-perfect sense of humor. It even carefully balances its meta jokes, which can always become exhausting if they aren’t handled just right.
Although the story manipulates familiar tropes for witty comedy, it delivers them in a traditionally effective way nonetheless. The group of young victims would actually work in any ordinary horror film, and so would all the other functions of the film, which creates the necessary foundation for intelligent commentary and fun thrills.
Split
Unfortunately, M. Night Shyamalan has become a divisive name in entertainment, often held to the films that didn’t work instead of those which have. Shyamalan actually transformed the twist ending into a reveal, which is a perfect twist that pardons his approach to the antagonist.
James McAvoy is nothing less than brilliant here, a dazzling showcase of convincing and likable personalities. This premise and plot would actually thrill regardless of the twist, which is crucial to its success. At the core of the film are its themes of abuse and mental derangement, which are so deeply disturbing that they innately earn sympathy and investment.
A Quiet Place
A Quiet Place has become something of a phenomenon, and for good reason. Like so many clever high-concepts, one can’t help but wonder how this premise wasn’t explored before. The consequences of a soundless world are thoroughly detailed, illustrating an entirely new way of life for an everyday family.
The actual chemistry between the parents is tangible throughout. The drama is surprisingly poignant and authentic, regarding grief and the hearing aid. It earns genuine investment for the imaginative scares, which feel totally unique to this world.
The Invisible Man (2020)
Precisely the kind of timely update that Universal needed for its classic icons. The original film was notable for its convincing effects, and a thrilling manhunt full of escalating violence. This remake takes a more intimate approach that carefully speaks of today’s monsters.
Elizabeth Moss is equal parts heartbreaking and powerful, and her performance drives the film. It overwhelms the scares themselves, which muster some genuine shocks. This is a grounded, structurally robust, and emotionally compelling display of true horror.
10 Cloverfield Lane
While IMDb doesn’t list this as a science-fiction film, viewers should wait for the ending. Once again, the true monster is very human. John Goodman proves to be surprisingly menacing, both unpredictable and mysterious. His controlling nature and imposing physique are unsettling throughout the film.
The line between rescue and captivity is terrifyingly unclear. The urgency to survive, and escape, keeps suspense perfectly paced. The heroes, meanwhile, are sympathetic and smart. This is an intimate, character-driven thriller that would succeed without a connection to J.J. Abrams’ found footage hit.