With a recent bug fixing patch and an expansion announced for next year, CD Projekt Red's Cyberpunk 2077 is still a work in progress but has generated a renewed interest in the genre. While cyberpunk, a sub-genre of science fiction, is the setting for many books and video games, it would be fair to say that the sub-genre is quite underrepresented in film.
Some of the best sci-fi films are cyberpunk-based and have influenced countless other pieces of media. Younger generations may not have seen some of the great sci-fi films from the past, but they are well worth a watch for fans of the genre.
Escape From New York (1981) - 3.6/5
Available to rent on Apple TV+
Considered by many to be one of the most influential filmmakers, John Carpenter has inspired countless films over the years. Escape from New York features an alternate future set in 1997, where Manhattan has been transformed into a maximum-security prison.
Extremely ahead of its time, Escape from New York made great use of practical effects, something which all of Carpenter's films excel at. Kurt Russell is a delight and the action is non-stop. Although it leans less into the cyberpunk feel than other films in the genre, Escape from New York is still easily one of the greatest sci-films of all time.
Dredd (2012) - 3.7/5
Stream on Epix & DIRECTV
Employing a story structure similar to The Raid but against the backdrop of a dark, futuristic city, Dredd makes such good use of its small location. The film was written by Alex Garland who's also scribed other great sci-films such as Annihilation and Ex Machina.
A huge improvement over its 1995 predecessor starring Sylvester Stallone, this film really gets the character of Dredd and is way more in line with the comic. Karl Urban is excellent in the role. Talks of a sequel have been ongoing for years but due to the film's lackluster box-office returns, no discussions have continued past 2017.
Dark City (1998) - 3.7/5
Stream on Kanopy
Not a major box-office success, Dark City had sadly faded into obscurity in recent years but has remained a cult classic among cinephiles. Noted for its extremely unique production design and original concept, the film has been long overshadowed by The Matrix, which is extremely similar in plot.
Director Alex Proyas's biggest influences for the film were Terry Gilliam's 1985 film Brazil, The Maltese Falcon, and The Twilight Zone. The film tells an interesting story about a man with amnesia who discovers he has telekinetic powers and is suspected of murder. The main story is a ton of fun but it's the beautiful production design from Patrick Tatopoulos that really seals the deal.
Minority Report (2002) - 3.7/5
Stream on Peacock
By far one of Minority Report has a unique and interesting premise, with police offers able to see into the future and apprehend criminals before they commit the crime. Although a very useful method for capturing evil people, it does lead to a lot of questions about morality, which are well explored with Cruise's character.
The film plays with really interesting themes and from Spielberg's direction to John William's score, the visuals, and the acting, everything just works perfectly in unison. Minority Report is an underrated and timeless film worth checking out.
RoboCop (1987) - 3.9/5
Stream on DIRECTV
Dismissed by many as just another silly '80s action movie, RoboCop is so much more than that. Playing with theme of the power of corporations, writers Edward Neumeier and Michael Miner used many topical comparisons to America at the time with the rise in drug use, the gentrification of lower-income areas, and the decline of Detroit.
A clear decision was made for the setting of the film to be Detroit. Brilliantly directed by Paul Verhoeven and implementing some of the best practical effects of its time, RoboCop is an all-around great film that many should revisit to really see how nuanced it is.
Ghost in the Shell (1995) - 4.0/5
Stream on Roku
Not to be confused with the much-maligned live-action remake from 2017, Ghost in the Shell is the best adaptation of the famous manga. Dealing with themes of self-discovery, the film follows Motoko Kusanagi as she begins to question her identity and place in a technologically advanced 2029 Tokyo.
The animation in the film is all hand-drawn, offering grand and beautiful shots, allowing the viewer to really sink in the scenery. The 2017 remake never needed to happen as the original animated film is by far one of the best '90s cyberpunk films and was already perfect as is.
Blade Runner 2049 (2017) - 4.1
Stream on Netflix & HBO Max
The debate about whether this sequel is superior to the original Blade Runner has been going on since 2049's release but it's safe to say the original still comes out on top. Creating a sequel to the original Blade Runner had to be one of the hardest things for any writer or filmmaker to do. It's not a story that necessarily needed a sequel and the book it's based on Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? never got an official follow-up from author Philip K. Dick
Original screenwriter Hampton Fancher returned as writer along with Ridley Scott as producer. Denis Villeneuve was the perfect choice to direct the film, given his experience with projects dealing with heavy themes about humanity. He also cites Blade Runner as the film that inspired him to pursue his craft. While it doesn't quite top its predecessor, 2049 is easily one of the greatest film sequels of all time.
Blade Runner (1982) - 4.1/5
Available to rent on Apple TV+ & Amazon Prime Video
Considered by many to be one of the greatest sci-fi films of all time, Blade Runner was ahead of its time in almost every aspect. Although telling a simple story where a Blade Runner, Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), has to take down rogue Replicants, it tells so much more than that.
Rutger Hauer's "tear in the rain" monologue, accompanied by Vangelis' beautiful sound, really sells the whole film and cements it as a film that questions humanity and what it means to be human. The visual effects still hold up today and the film is just as relevant today as it was in 1982.
Akira (1988) - 4.2/5
Stream on Hulu
Akira is viewed by many as a landmark in animation and science fiction with many regarding as it one of the greatest films ever made. Thanks to Akira, Japanese cyberpunk media boomed in the '90s and 2000s with the likes of Battle Angel Alita, Ghost in the Shell, and Cowboy Bebop.
The film takes place in Neo-Tokyo in a futuristic 2019 where protagonist Kaneda is caught up in a string of incidents after his friend is afflicted with telekinetic abilities against the backdrop of an extremely oppressive government. Even though the film is not as well-known among younger audiences, it is definitely worth the watch!
The Matrix (1999) - 4.2/5
Stream on HBO Max
The Matrix changed Hollywood in so many ways (and for the better). The fighting style in the film featuring wide shots with choreographed motions was inspired by Hong Kong cinema and changed the way action was done in Hollywood films going forward.
The film would go on to become one of the most influential films of all time, employing things never done before on film. Many films since then have been heavily inspired by The Matrix. From the original premise to the amazing writing and directing from the Wachowskis, there is just so much to love about The Matrix.
