Science fiction has captivated audiences and filmmakers for over a century, with groundbreaking films like A Trip to the Moon (1902) and Metropolis (1927) setting early benchmarks. These classics, originating from France and Germany respectively, are nearing their centenaries and remain pivotal in cinematic history. Here we explore the 7 most underrated international Sci-Fi movies in this guide.
Beyond Hollywood, international cinema has also produced a plethora of iconic and often overlooked sci-fi gems. Here’s a rundown of some of the most underrated science fiction movies made outside the U.S., spanning a variety of languages and cultures.
7. ‘Godzilla vs. Biollante’ (1989)
The Godzilla franchise boasts nearly 40 films spanning over 70 years, yet some standout entries, like Godzilla vs. Biollante, tend to be overshadowed. This film introduces Biollante, one of Godzilla’s most visually striking adversaries, with a backstory intricately woven into the human drama. It succeeds in blending human emotion with epic monster battles, making it a standout among giant monster films.
| Title | Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989) |
|---|---|
| Director | Kazuki Ōmori |
| Release Year | 1989 |
| Country | Japan |
| Language | Japanese |
| Genre | Sci-Fi, Kaiju |
| Main Monster | Godzilla, Biollante |
| Availability | Available on various streaming platforms and for purchase on DVD/Blu-ray. |
6. ‘Spirits of the Air: Gremlins of the Clouds’ (1987)
Set in a post-apocalyptic Australian desert, Spirits of the Air: Gremlins of the Clouds diverges from the Mad Max aesthetic. This character-driven narrative revolves around a sibling duo and a mysterious stranger who alters their lives forever. Director Alex Proyas, known for his visually arresting films like The Crow and Dark City, showcases his knack for imaginative storytelling and mesmerizing visuals, making this film a captivating journey into the unknown.
| Title | Spirits of the Air: Gremlins of the Clouds |
|---|---|
| Director | Alex Proyas |
| Year | 1987 |
| Country | Australia |
| Setting | Post-apocalyptic desert |
| Main Characters | Brother, Sister, Mysterious Stranger |
| Genre | Science Fiction |
| Visual Style | Imaginative, Mind-blowing |
| Director’s Style | Character-focused, Visual Storytelling |
| Notable Features | Small-scale, Unique Visuals |
| Comparisons | Not like Mad Max, more intimate |
| Impact | Cult following, Influential Visuals |
| Availability | Rent on Google Play |
5. ‘Dead Man’s Letters’ (1986)
Dead Man’s Letters, a Soviet production, delves into the aftermath of nuclear war with a chilling intensity reminiscent of the acclaimed Threads. Bleak and hauntingly realistic, it serves as a stark reminder of the horrors of war. Despite its somber tone, the film’s humanistic approach to sci-fi is compelling, offering a profound experience for those drawn to its unsettling narrative.
| Title | Dead Man’s Letters |
|---|---|
| Director | Konstantin Lopushansky |
| Year | 1986 |
| Country | Soviet Union |
| Genre | Sci-Fi, Drama |
| Plot | Portrays aftermath of nuclear war, bleak and unsettling. |
| Runtime | 83 minutes |
| Language | Russian |
| Notable Aspects | Highly atmospheric, anti-war theme, realistic portrayal of devastation. |
| Availability | Available on Amazon |
4. ‘Summer Time Machine Blues’ (2005)
Summer Time Machine Blues injects humor into its time travel premise, delivering a delightfully quirky comedy on a modest budget. Following a group of friends navigating temporal chaos to fix an air-conditioning remote, the film blends creativity with comedic timing. It’s reminiscent of Japanese cinema’s ability to blend grounded humor with imaginative storytelling, much like Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes (2020).
| Title | Summer Time Machine Blues (2005) |
|---|---|
| Director | Katsuyuki Motohiro |
| Genre | Sci-Fi, Comedy |
| Language | Japanese |
| Budget | Modest |
| Main Cast | Eita, Munetaka Aoki, Yûsuke Kamiji, Juri Ueno |
| Visual Style | Charming, scrappy |
| Special Effects | Creatively minimal |
| Cinematography | Lively and engaging |
| Critical Reception | Positive, praised for humor and inventive plot |
| Availability | Available for purchase on Amazon |
3. ‘The Aerial’ (2007)
The Aerial defies easy categorization with its bold visual style and enigmatic narrative set in a dystopian future. This Argentine film captivates with its black-and-white cinematography and nods to cinematic history, offering a surreal and thought-provoking experience. It stands alone in its genre, appealing to viewers intrigued by its avant-garde approach to storytelling.
| Title | The Aerial |
|---|---|
| Director | Esteban Sapir |
| Country | Argentina |
| Language | Silent (with intertitles) |
| Genre | Sci-Fi, Fantasy |
| Visual Style | Black-and-white cinematography, avant-garde visuals paying homage to early cinema. |
| Unique Features | Innovative use of intertitles and visual storytelling reminiscent of silent films. |
| Critical Reception | Praised for its artistic ambition and unique narrative approach. |
| Availability | Available on MUBI for streaming. |
2. ‘Woman in the Moon’ (1929)
While Fritz Lang’s Metropolis (1927) remains a pinnacle of silent sci-fi cinema, Woman in the Moon is a worthy successor. Set on a lunar expedition, it pioneers space travel storytelling with its technical prowess and visual grandeur. A testament to Lang’s visionary storytelling, it continues to captivate audiences nearly a century later with its epic scale and imaginative narrative.
| Title | Woman in the Moon |
|---|---|
| Director | Fritz Lang |
| Year | 1929 |
| Language | German |
| Genre | Science Fiction |
| Setting | Lunar Expedition |
| Runtime | Approximately 169 minutes |
| Notable Features | Silent film, pioneering space travel narrative, epic scale, imaginative visuals |
| Availability | Available for purchase on Amazon |
1. ‘The Man Who Stole the Sun’ (1979)
The Man Who Stole the Sun transcends traditional sci-fi by blending multiple genres seamlessly. This Japanese masterpiece surprises with its dark humor, intense drama, and unpredictable plot twists across its substantial runtime. A gripping and unforgettable experience, it earns its place as one of the most underrated sci-fi films outside the U.S., leaving a lasting impression on adventurous viewers.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | The Man Who Stole the Sun |
| Director | Kazuhiko Hasegawa |
| Release Year | 1979 |
| Country | Japan |
| Genre | Sci-Fi, Drama, Thriller |
| Runtime | Nearly 2.5 hours |
| Language | Japanese |
| Key Themes | Nuclear proliferation, ethics of scientific responsibility, societal rebellion |
| Awards | Best Director at the 1979 Blue Ribbon Awards in Japan |
| Notable Aspects | Blend of dark humor, intense drama, unpredictable narrative, and social commentary |
Each of these films showcases the diverse and innovative approaches to science fiction filmmaking beyond Hollywood’s borders, proving that cinematic brilliance knows no geographical bounds.
