Science fiction and fantasy have long been pillars of cinema, each offering its own brand of wonder. But when you fuse the speculative tech of sci-fi with the magic of fantasy, you get a genre that's truly special: science fantasy. Since 2000, this hybrid has produced some of the most inventive and beloved films, from big-budget spectacles to indie gems. Here are the best science fantasy movies of the 21st century, ranked.
6. Godzilla: Final Wars (2004)
Godzilla has been a cinematic icon since 1954, but Godzilla: Final Wars takes the kaiju king to gloriously absurd heights. Directed by Ryuhei Kitamura, this Toho production is a chaotic, high-octane celebration of everything fans love about the franchise. It blends futuristic sci-fi technology with supernatural elements, making it a perfect example of science fantasy. The film is unapologetically over-the-top, with nonstop monster battles and a plot that's pure nonsense—but that's exactly its charm. It's a love letter to the silly, action-packed monster movies of the '60s and '70s, and it proves that sometimes all you need is spectacle and style.
5. Treasure Planet (2002)
Disney's Treasure Planet was a box office disappointment, but it has since become a beloved cult classic. Loosely based on Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island, this animated adventure reimagines the classic tale in a solar system filled with ships that sail through space. The film's stunning 2D animation and imaginative world-building are breathtaking, and its emotional depth is surprising for a Disney movie. It's a perfect blend of swashbuckling fantasy and solarpunk sci-fi, and it's now regarded as one of the studio's most underrated gems.
4. Palm Springs (2020)
Time loop movies are a staple of both sci-fi and fantasy, but Palm Springs manages to be both. This romantic comedy stars Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti as two wedding guests stuck in a time loop. It's hilarious, but it also has surprising philosophical depth, exploring existential crises and the importance of human connection. The film is a perfect example of how science fantasy can offer the best of both worlds, and it's one of the best rom-coms of the decade.
3. Sorry to Bother You (2018)
Boots Riley's directorial debut is a wild, satirical ride that defies easy categorization. Set in an alternate reality, the film follows a telemarketer who discovers a magical way to succeed, leading to a bizarre and thought-provoking exploration of capitalism and race. It's a blend of absurdist comedy, sci-fi, and fantasy that's as hilarious as it is unsettling. Sorry to Bother You is a bold, original vision that proves science fantasy can be a powerful tool for social commentary.
2. Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
The Daniels' multiverse epic is a genre-bending masterpiece that took the world by storm. It stars Michelle Yeoh as a laundromat owner who discovers she can access the skills and memories of her alternate selves across the multiverse. The film is a dazzling mix of sci-fi, fantasy, martial arts, and family drama, and it's as emotionally resonant as it is visually inventive. It's a celebration of chaos and connection, and it's one of the most acclaimed films of the decade.
1. Poor Things (2023)
Yorgos Lanthimos's Poor Things is a stunning achievement in science fantasy. Based on Alasdair Gray's novel, it follows Bella Baxter, a young woman brought back to life by a brilliant scientist, as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery. The film is a visual feast, with a steampunk-inspired world that's both fantastical and grounded. Emma Stone delivers a career-best performance, and the film's blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and dark comedy is unlike anything else. It's a modern classic that pushes the boundaries of what the genre can do.
These films show that science fantasy is a genre full of creativity and wonder. Whether you're in the mood for a monster mash, a romantic comedy, or a mind-bending epic, there's something here for everyone. And if you're looking for more great fantasy, check out our list of dark fantasy films or dive into the best fantasy novels since 2020.
