There has always been a dark side to science. Since human beings first mastered fire, we discovered that it could just as easily be used to destroy as it could be used to create. The same principle applies to nearly all forms of technology, from nuclear power to robotics and even modern-day artificial intelligence. This is probably why horror and science fiction have always gone hand-in-hand, with some scholars even pointing to Frankenstein as the first modern sci-fi novel.
This symbiotic relationship between genres is also present in film, with some of the best scary movies of all time also taking advantage of futuristic tech and speculative biology. While everyone’s heard of masterpieces like Alien and The Thing, today I’d like to shine a light on five lesser-known sci-fi horror movies that also deserve love from genre fans.
As usual, this list is purely based on personal opinion, but keep in mind that I’ll be defining sci-fi horror as genre films that blend common tropes from scary movies with the speculative technology and scientific theories of classic sci-fi; think aliens, robots, and space travel. That being said, don’t forget to comment below with your own underrated favorites if you think we missed a particularly memorable one.
With that out of the way, onto the list.
5. Beyond the Black Rainbow (2010)
These days, legendary genre director Panos Cosmatos is best known for surreal hits like Mandy, but I’d argue that the Italian-Canadian filmmaker’s debut feature is also worth revisiting. An ’80s-set period piece where a sinister doctor keeps a telepathic woman captive inside a mysterious research facility, Beyond the Black Rainbow had the rotten luck of releasing during a time when audiences weren’t yet ready for more contemplative genre experiences.
However, if you can get past the deliberate pacing and cryptic narrative, you’ll find that Cosmatos really knocked it out of the park with his attempt at creating an imaginary lost film that he might have rented out of Video Attic during the ’80s – and that’s not even mentioning the mesmerizing performance by genre veteran Michael Rogers.
4. Split Second (1992)
Likely the most divisive film on this list, Split Second has a reputation as a derivative sci-fi flick that borrows from countless superior movies in its attempts at cashing in on the hottest genre trends of the ’90s. However, actually watching this unfairly maligned film will reveal a surprisingly original take on admittedly familiar tropes.
Starring Rutger Hauer as a detective seeking revenge for the death of his partner, this futuristic serial killer thriller eventually evolves into an all-out monster movie that must be seen to be believed. Just don’t expect Blade Runner levels of philosophical implications here, and you’ll likely have a good time with this one.
3. Sputnik (2020)
Alien knockoffs are a dime a dozen, but just because a movie happens to be riffing on Ridley Scott’s cosmic horror opus, it doesn’t mean that the film isn’t worth watching. In fact, Egor Abramenko’s Sputnik is proof that there are still plenty of original stories to tell about extraterrestrial parasites that infect unwitting cosmonauts.
Boasting a kick-ass creature design and surprisingly convincing sci-fi effects and visuals, I’d argue that the only reason Sputnik isn’t more popular is the fact that its release was sabotaged by the unfortunate rise of the Covid-19 pandemic.
2. Aniara (2018)
Harry Martinson’s epic poem Aniara has been adapted into everything from an opera to experimental concerts and even planetarium shows, but Pella Kågerman and Hugo Lilja’s 2018 film adaptation of the book is probably the most accessible version of this deeply disturbing space-faring tragedy.
Following a migratory spaceship that veers off course after a collision, this futuristic fable chronicles the horrific breakdown of society when human beings are deprived of hope. This is obviously far from a cheerful experience, so I wouldn’t recommend this one for your next family movie night, but it’s still one hell of a thought-provoking sci-fi horror movie that’s definitely worth tracking down.
If you’re interested in more bleak sci-fi stories, I’d also recommend checking out my list of Grimdark movies to watch ahead of the Warhammer 40,000 show.
1. Hardware (1990)
One of the most effective examples of punk-rock filmmaking that I’ve ever seen, Richard Stanley’s Hardware is much more than a mere Terminator knock-off like some of its detractors claimed upon the film’s original release. In fact, I’d argue that this unofficial adaptation of the 2000 AD universe is one of the few movies to truly explore what it means to survive a dystopian hellscape.
Featuring cameos by musical legends like Lemmy and Iggy Pop while also introducing the world to one of the most memorable killer robots of all time, Hardware may not appeal to everyone due to its bizarre pacing and over-the-top violence, but it’s still my favorite movie on this list.
I mean, the killer soundtrack alone is already worth the price of admission.
