Sci-fi movies often have cerebral and unpredictable plots, so naturally they also have some of the most iconic and unforgettable twists of all time. A good sci-fi movie can change the way that audiences think by introducing fascinating new concepts. Well-timed twists ensure that they’re memorable, but also that they can have a deep impact on someone’s mind.
Sci-fi has always deployed creative twists, even in the earliest days of the genre before the medium of film was invented. Classic sci-fi shows like The Twilight Zone show that twists continued to be central to the genre’s allure as these new art forms developed, and sci-fi movies and TV shows still use groundbreaking twists in the 21st century.
10
Planet Of The Apes (1968)
The Famous Twist Warranted An Entire Prequel Series
The original stretch of the Planet of the Apes franchise never recaptured the magic of the original movie, partly because its iconic twist was such a tough act to follow. One key reason why the prequel series has been so successful is that it fully unpacks the twist in as much detail as it deserves.
This has often been cited as one of the greatest twists in all of cinema.
Although Planet of the Apes initially appears to take place on an alien planet, the ending reveals that George Taylor had actually been exploring Earth after his spacecraft crash-landed. This has often been cited as one of the greatest twists in all of cinema, even though it’s been spoiled over and over again.
9
Annihilation (2018)
Annihilation’s Ending Refers Back To Its Beginning
Alex Garland’s atmospheric sci-fi drama Annihilation makes some big changes to Jeff VanderMeer’s book, but it keeps the spirit of ambiguity and cosmic horror alive. Annihilation can be hard to understand, as Garland plays tricks on his audience with a strange narrative and some even stranger sci-fi devices.
Annihilation is filled with unexpected twists and head-scratching moments, but perhaps the most powerful comes right at the end, as Lena discovers that her husband had been replaced by a doppelgänger created by the shimmer. It’s the kind of reveal that makes audiences want to go back and watch the entire movie all over again, to explore the meaning of the shimmer in further detail.
8
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Blade Runner’s Legacy Sequel Could Set Up A Whole New Chapter
Blade Runner 2049 faced the tough task of following a bona fide sci-fi classic decades after the fact, but Denis Villeneuve rose to the occasion, creating a worthy sequel that fits into the world of Ridley Scott’s original. The story ends with a stunning reveal that leaves audiences wanting more.
The reveal that Deckard and Rachael managed to have a child changes the entire complexion of both Blade Runner movies in a single moment, and it sets up Blade Runner 2099 perfectly. Although there’s still a lot of mystery surrounding the TV series, Blade Runner 2049 gives it a roadmap to expand on the idea of a replicant uprising.
7
Moon (2009)
Moon’s Intelligent Narrative Makes It Just As Memorable As Big-Budget Blockbusters
Moon serves as proof that great sci-fi movies don’t necessarily need huge budgets for splashy effects and action sequences. Its taut script is just as compelling as any blockbuster, in its own way, with a twist that lingers in the mind. Rather than coming at the end, Moon features a twist midway through that changes everything.
The reveal that both copies of Sam are clones of the original sets the story on a dark path, and the corporate greed of Lunar Industries is slowly revealed. This twist transforms Moon from a psychological thriller into something even more disturbing, since there’s no ambiguity over the crushing bleakness of the reality that the two Sams are faced with.
6
Alien (1979)
Alien’s Twist Is A Little Underrated
Sci-fi fans often discuss Alien as a classic of the genre, with an immersive horror atmosphere and some great worldbuilding. However, one thing that doesn’t always get the credit it deserves is the twist that Ash is actually an android working to advance the Weyland-Yutani Corporation’s agenda.
The Alien franchise has explored the idea of androids in further detail since the first movie, starting with Ripley’s skepticism on her mission in the first sequel, Aliens. This doesn’t detract from the power of that first twist, since it changes the outlook of the story in an instant. Alien isn’t a story about humanity struggling to control nature as much as it is about corporations willingly burning human lives in pursuit of profit.
5
Interstellar (2014)
Christopher Nolan’s Love Of Twists Arguably Reaches Its Peak In Interstellar
Many of Christopher Nolan’s best movies revolve around jaw-dropping twists, but the genius of his particular style is that his movies retain their rewatch value even when the audience knows what’s coming. Interstellar is a prime example of this, since the twist offers so much more than shock value.
It’s revealed that Cooper is the ghost from Murph’s childhood, sending coded messages through the tesseract. Ultimately, this twist closes the loop, since Murph’s childhood experiences eventually lead to the creation of the tesseract, which allows Cooper to send the messages. It’s yet another example of Nolan breaking down a mind-bending concept in an entertaining and visually stunning fashion.
4
The Prestige (2006)
Nolan’s Most Underrated Movie Is Packed Full Of Twists
The Prestige is so densely packed with twists that it doesn’t even reveal itself to be a sci-fi movie for the bulk of its runtime. The reveal that Angier is cloning himself using a machine provided by Nikola Tesla is soon overshadowed by a few more shocking twists, like the one which shows what happens to Angier’s clones.
On the other side of the feud, the truth behind Borden’s “Transported Man” trick is just as surprising. Borden being two separate people changes the entire story, and his lines about his conflicted feelings and lost memories suddenly make sense. The closing monologue is Nolan’s way of teasing his audience after executing the perfect trick.
3
Arrival (2016)
Arrival’s Twist Captures Its Cerebral Ideas Perfectly
Arrival is based on a short story by Ted Chiang, and Eric Heisserer’s intelligent script translates the story’s central ideas to the big-screen perfectly. Even though Chiang’s writing focuses on the specifics of how language can shape the brain, Arrival ensures that these literary concepts are dynamic and entertaining on film.
Arrival‘s shocking twist that the flashbacks are actually Louise’s flash-forwards to the life she is yet to live makes her story even more tragic. Rather than simply living with her grief, she is living with the knowledge that she’s unable to stop the trauma coming her way. Regardless, she surrenders herself over to the experience.
2
Ex Machina (2014)
Ava’s Plan Proves That She’s Even More Intelligent Than Caleb Thought
Ex Machina follows a programmer as he visits his company’s reclusive genius CEO. From the moment Caleb arrives at Nathan’s isolated home in the woods, it’s clear that not all is well, but the true extent of what’s going on is only revealed by a drip-feed.
There are a few twists along the road in Ex Machina, most of which reveal more about Nathan’s true intentions with Caleb and his robots. The biggest twist is saved for last, however, as Ava traps Caleb to make her escape and live a life of freedom. It shows that Nathan was right about her manipulating Caleb, but even he couldn’t fathom her intelligence and survival instincts.
1
Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Star Wars’ Big Twist Has Colored The Entire Franchise
The second Star Wars movie delivers one of the most famous plot twists of all time, one that has been utterly spoiled in every conceivable way ever since. Still, the reveal that Darth Vader is Luke Skywalker’s father is so seismic and thematically powerful that it deserves respect.
The Star Wars franchise has always been indebted to this one moment.
The Star Wars franchise has always been indebted to this one moment, ever since it happened. Of course, the prequel trilogy is largely devoted to Anakin Skywalker’s slow transition to the dark side, but even the sequel trilogy displays an obsession with family lineages. With a new raft of upcoming Star Wars movies, this theme will likely remain just as prevalent.
