Best Sci-Fi Movies of 2017

Sci-Fi fans rejoice, for 2017 made the nerd stuff of fantastical imaginations cool once more, which means an extra proliferation of movies that coalesce with the very essence of space, science, technology, super powers, and various other themes resting on the contingency of 'what if?'

Often having the best special effects, wielding stories of unimaginable scope, and placing attentions on the far future, Sci-Phi is one of the few genres that seamlessly challenges our view of the natural world. From superheroes and intergalactic empires, to flesh eating aliens and cybernetic humanoids, the following titles are the very best sci-fi movies of 2017.

Rather interesting and more heartwarming than anything ever before seen in the science fiction realm, Netflix's Okja discusses the bounds of living with superior technology in line with our own feeble attempts at controlling this expansion.

Okja is a genetically modified pig who lives under the care of Mija in South Korea. When the producers of the super pig return for it after 11 years, Mija is devastated to learn that her beloved pet animal is being stolen away to New York City, where it will most likely be pawned off to the highest bidder. In an insane attempt to stop them, Mija defies the odds and engages in a quest to find her Okja before it's too late.

The problem with Hollywood's A.I tends to be that most plot lines take on the all-too familiar 2001: A Space Odyssey-esque trope of making the computer our enemy. With Ghost in the Shell we get a completely different kind of film, one that blends human qualities with the possibilities of genetic modifications. Being one of the best sci-fi movies of 2017, Ghost in the Shell highlights many important qualities that which we, in our present time, sit on the cusp of in terms of technological accuracy.

Scarlett Johansen is a cybernetic-enhanced soldier named Major, the first of her kind in a future world dedicated to technological advancement. To stop a host of terrorist activities based on hacking into the minds of others, Major must undergo her most daring and explosive quest of all, one that will draw her into the depths of herself more so than ever before.

Though it has some low reviews and most critics seem to vie away from it, The Circle is definitely the most underrated when it comes to the best sci-fi movies of 2017. Set in the near-future, this film explores some of the most controversial topics in our present world: technology, human connectivity, internet privacy, social networking, and so much more.

Emma Watson stars as a young Mae Holland newly initiated into a massive super-company, one that bears some striking resemblances to real life corporations like Google, Apple, and Microsoft. Initially pensive yet hardworking, Mae's employment unfolds into a conspiracy that draws the entire world into examining the various realms of privacy in connection with technological advancement.

Ridley Scott returns to the galactic conquests made by his evil sentient creatures, which are known as xenomorphs. Picking up from where Prometheus left off, Scott's sixth Alien film explores the crew of a colony ship named Covenant as it ventures into the eleven-year wake made by the previous expedition. What they believe is a whole new paradise for the hundreds of embryos carried on their ship is, in actuality, is a planet festering with xenomorphs.

Michael Fassbender returns as the exceptional android known as David, one of the primary connecting characters of the series. Being one of the best sci-fi movies of 2017, Covenant gives the series a whole new feel that is not only breathtaking, but highly terrifying.

Into awesome foreign anime? Love the anti-heroic behemoth known by many as the 'King of Monsters' or 'God of Destruction?' Just want to see one of the best sci-fi movies of 2017? Well, Monster Planet has all of that, and much more.

Last seen in Gareth Edward's 2014 live-action rendition, Godzilla is given renewed life in Polygon Picture's Japanese anime adaption. Set almost thirty years into the future, when humans have abandoned earth to the likes of Godzilla and other similar beasts, Monster Planet greatly redefines and improves upon this classic character, making it a 2017 must-see.

Rebooting a long forgotten cult classic, Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford join forces to stop a sinister corporation as it engages in dominion over the populace through reengineering nexus replicants. Pulled into the highly conspiratorial and tech-forward world of 2049 Los Angeles, Gosling is a blade runner who stumbles upon this very conspiracy that centers on a newfound form of life.

Highly reminiscent of its predecessor in terms of music and cinematography, Blade Runner 2049 is one of the best sci-fi movies of 2017. By reevaluating one of the best sci-fi movies of all time and by adding an intense twist at the very end, this is one sequel that is sure to blow you away.

Heartbreaking in its final moments, Logan is Hugh Jackman's final stance as the animalistic and immortal mutant known as Wolverine. Set in a time when mutants are long forgotten and the nature of life as we know it has faded in the sands of the apocalypse, Logan looks to bring about a new series of X-Men, while also relieving the long-tattered cape of one the most influential Marvel heroes.

Professor Charles Xavier, bridled by age and his own psychic abilities, is looked after by a similarly dying Wolverine as the two are catapulted into another world of pain when one special young girl is left in their care. Can Logan prove himself one last time, or will his claws fail him?

While DC Comics may not be as influential or as evocative as Marvel when it comes to branding superhero entertainment, their still-building franchise centered on the world's greatest group of beings improves upon the lacking Wonder Woman standalone and its counterpart Batman V Superman.

Introducing Aquaman, Flash and Cyborg to the series, Justice League entices comic book fans with a host of easter eggs, dropping hints of a Green Lantern appearance in the near future and subtly discussing the villainous Darkseid at lengths. The final post-credit scene is also so worthwhile it literally makes it one of the best sci-fi movies of 2017. Are you prepared for Justice?

Chris Pratt's Star Lord and the rest of the gang return for the B Side of their intergalactic journey through the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This time ignoring the higher plot points derivative of the upcoming Avenger's movies, Vol. 2 draws viewers into the depths of the universe with the introduction of Star Lord's long lost father, Ego.

The film draws characters together in ways never before seen, such as the unlikely return of Nebula and the addition of Yondu to the team. Being one of the best sci-fi movies of 2017, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is unlike any other, with a host of laughs and action-packed twists, you are sure to be spellbound.

With their upcoming two-part Infinity War film releasing in 2018, Marvel continues to grow its list of theatrical superhero movies, preluding their future Avenger's story with both Black Panther, set for a 2018 release date as well, and Ragnarok, their third Thor standalone feature.

Bringing both Loki and Hulk back to the MCU, inviting a multi-layered script full of poignant jokes and untimely surprises, and introducing one of the most vilifying villains of the series thus far, Thor: Ragnarok makes for one of the best sci-fi movies of 2017 by making a superhero movie fun again. Not to mention Ragnarokhammered the box office on opening weekend, generating a Hulk-smashing $122.7 million in revenue.

Probably one of the most anticipated and talked about features of 2017 is Disney's latest Star Wars adaptation, The Last Jedi. Yes, it's not even released yet (it hits theaters Friday, December 15th). And, yes, I still consider it one of the best sci-fi movies of 2017, simply because it launches fans back into that galaxy far, far away, one not too dissimilar from our own: wrought by political disillusionment and religious inferiority, both of which not only clash but struggle under the chains of order.

Expressed in articles all across the internet, from proposed theories (like Snoke's identity), to spoilers surrounding the plot, the wait for this upcoming Star Wars film has been a long time coming. No matter if you're a fan of the franchise, or just love Disney's new cast of brilliant characters, The Last Jedi will surely reintroduce all of that much needed sci-fi ingenuity back to the silver screen, and luckily it's only one of many great Star Wars films still yet to come. May the force be with you.