Sci-fi war movies offer a unique blend of exciting action and futuristic technology, but some of the best examples of the genre have flown under the radar. Since the beginning of cinema, war films have pushed the artistic medium to its limit and have represented the visual and aural spectacle of movies unlike any other genre. They are also quite versatile, and can be as simple as an action-packed spectacle, or as complicated as a drama that dissects the very nature of war itself. Science fiction is an equally complex genre, and makes for a perfect companion to war films.

Thanks to the rise of new filmmaking technology, the sci-fi war movie has become a staple of blockbuster cinema and has only gotten more popular as years go by. Early sci-fi war movies were simpler and more speculative, while most modern examples are explosive visual feasts that utilize CGI to its fullest potential. However, the rapid expansion of the genre has also led to more compeтιтion, and plenty of great examples have largely been forgotten. No matter the scope or scale of the sci-fi war movie, it’s always a genre worth exploring.

10

Soldier (1998)

A Forgotten Kurt Russell Gem

Kurt Russell is no stranger to science fiction and war films, but 1998’s Soldier is one that often slips through the cracks. Forgotten mostly due to a deluge of other sci-fi war movies that were invading cinemas at the time, Soldier casts Russell in one of his more complicated action hero roles. The film also has a lot to say about the nature of war and how soldiers are treated by their governments.

Despite its deeper message, the movie is also a slick and stylish example of late-’90s Hollywood cinema, and has some pretty compelling visuals. While it may get somewhat lost in its own larger ideas, Soldier still deserves a spot among other great sci-fi war movies because it delivers on both of its genres.

9

Last Sentinel (2023)

A Slow-Burning Character-Driven Thriller

Not all sci-fi war movies have to be action-packed, and Last Sentinel is a perfect example of the versatility of the genre. The post-apocalyptic film explores how humanity would respond to a global environmental catastrophe, but contains its entire narrative within a confined space with only a few characters.

This allows for the strong writing to come through, and the movie is more about the paranoia of war instead of actual fighting against an enemy. Though it is perhaps one of the slowest-moving sci-fi war movies of all time, it still manages to be a compelling thrill ride with a satisfying conclusion, and the performances are really what sell the entire story.

8

Outside The Wire (2021)

Anthony Mackie Leads The Netflix Original Movie

Though many sci-fi war movies have something to say, others are merely fun diversions. Netflix’s Outside the Wire is an example of the latter category, but that doesn’t detract from its stronger aspects. Anthony Mackie leads the underseen film set in the near future, and Outside the Wire strikes a nice balance between its action and science fiction elements.

A stock-standard action movie plot is anchored by thrilling action, and Mackie is his usual charming self. The urban warfare settings are a nice change from other movies in the genre, and the plot has a clear goal in mind without meandering too much. Netflix’s original movies often fly under the radar, but Outside the Wire is worth a revisit.

7

Captive State (2019)

A Chicago Neighborhood Resists An Alien Occupation

2019’s Captive State didn’t get a lot of attention when it premiered, but it delivered one of the most unique experiences in the crowded sci-fi war genre. Set on Earth after the war is already over, the movie instead explores the resistance to alien occupation, and it features rich commentary about colonization, race, and revolution in human history.

Light on action, Captive State instead focuses on its world-building, and invests a lot of time in the characters on both sides of the conflict. Despite being somewhat obscure, the movie boasts an impressive cast including John Goodman and Vera Farmiga, and is a platform for strong performances all around. Add in stunning visuals and clever near-future tech, and Captive State subverts its genre while also embracing its finer points.

6

The Final Countdown (1980)

A WWII Time Travel Epic

Instead of dreaming up some futuristic war, 1980’s The Final Countdown uses science fiction to tell a fascinating story about a war from the past. Taking (at the time) modern military technology and sending it back to 1941 was a compelling idea on its own, but the movie is really about the moral dilemma of changing the timeline by stopping the attack on Pearl Harbor.

The Final Countdown is one of the earliest examples of the sci-fi war genre, and came a decade or so before the subject really took off in the 1990s. Featuring Hollywood legends like Kirk Douglas and Martin Sheen in the starring cast, the movie has all the gloss of a major motion picture. However, it’s also a well-written exploration of its characters and their moral choices.

5

Revolt (2017)

A Conventional War Movie Becomes A Sci-Fi Adventure

War movies are typically streamlined affairs, while science fiction allows for an almost endless number of storytelling possibilities. Revolt lives up to that idea by starting out as a more conventional war film, but quickly evolving into a sci-fi epic. Each new wrinkle in the story adds to the intrigue, and it builds towards a climax that feels earned.

That being said, Revolt is also something of a convoluted mix, and it features a myriad of disparate elements. However, it manages to pull those elements together in a compelling way without abandoning the principals of the war film or the science fiction genre.

4

The Creator (2023)

An Oscar-Nominated Sci-Fi War Movie

Though the film scored two Oscar nominations, Gareth Edwards’ The Creator didn’t get a lot of attention upon release. Set during a future war between humans and sentient artificial intelligence, the central plot is a familiar doomsday scenario found in plenty of science fiction stories. However, the inclusion of a moral undertone helps elevate the movie above its contemporaries.

The Creator‘s visual effects earned it the most attention (including one of its Oscar nominations), and for good measure. The CGI is crisp and realistic, and the sci-fi elements are deftly integrated into the world in a way that feels natural. Unlike other obscure sci-fi war movies, it’s still genuinely surprising that The Creator wasn’t a big hit upon release.

3

Spectral (2016)

Science Fiction, War, & The Supernatural

There are dozens of science fiction war films, but Spectral might be the only one that combines those two with elements of fantasy as well. Instead of fighting aliens or other humans, the futuristic soldiers in Spectral are pitted against a supernatural force that has arrived on Earth during a civil war.

The bombastic action thriller has terrific world-building and a clever integration of its science fiction ideas that helps to make it feel somewhat grounded. Even though the plot is busy trying to balance three different genres, Spectral never loses sight of its complicated ideas.

2

Overlord (2018)

Nazi Zombies In A WWII Action Flick

Nazi zombie movies are a genre all their own, but 2018’s Overlord might be the most shining example of the popular concept. What begins as an exciting WWII story quickly turns into a gripping sci-fi/horror combo as mad science goes awry behind enemy lines.

Plenty of movies have big concepts that never really pay off, but Overlord takes everything the extra mile in a perfect blending of its three genres. It’s filled with action, has some unique (if vague) science, and even offers a few scares for the more squeamish viewer.

1

Warriors Of Future (2022)

An Underrated Hit Inspired By Classic Sci-Fi War Movies

The sci-fi war movie genre features a ton of original ideas, but it also includes many ideas that are worth repeating again and again. The Hong Kong action epic Warriors of Future might not be the most unique film of all time, but it uses the clichés of the sci-fi war movie genre to perfection.

With a slick look and a simple-but-effective use of world-building, Warriors of Future sets the stage and allows the action to play out without much interruption. Its mile-a-minute thrills are the real star attraction, and the film doesn’t pull any punches with its bombastic approach to storytelling. Considering its success in its native country, it’s a surprise that the sci-fi war movie didn’t take off elsewhere as well.