20 of the most intelligent sci fi movies

A bleak and harrowing look at the future of mankind, coupled with the horrifying reality of the human condition. From Clive Owen's scene chewing lead performance through to Michael Caine's horrific, inevitable death scene, this move oozes passion and drama. A far cry from the original book, what director Alfonso Cuaron has created here is a vision that is grounded in realism, in a not so distant future, featuring a whole group of characters who the audience can relate to. If British cinema is to survive, it is surely with intelligent sci fi dramas such as this where it's future lies.

A not-so subtle metaphor for the apartheid in South Africa, District 9 can be enjoyed as an effective and intelligent movie even without this emphasis. Sharlto Copley was a relative unknown before this, but when the final credits rolled, he was an instant star. For an inexperienced actor, he commands the screen, creating a character that is both idiotic and tragic in equal measure. Intelligent, passionate, social commenting...there is very little else that one can fault District 9 for.

Somewhat dated, but if it wasn't for this film, the world of cinema wouldn't be the same. With special effects that still hold up over 10 years later, The Matrix was responsible for the resurgence in sci fi love. It also introduced the world to 'bullet time' which, although it has been overused since then, is still seemingly the way forward for the future of cinema. Simply put, if it wasn't for the Matrix, cinema wouldn't be what it is today. And that's a big claim.