In the cinematic sci-fi fans would love to spend some time in.
The genre spans decades, but the locations span worlds, periods of time, planets, and sometimes, universes. The 10 most scenic locations in the history of sci-fi film have plenty of lovely views and aesthetics. But be warned. They also come with danger.
Mars (The Martian)
Of course, Mars is actually a real planet in the science factual solar system. The way it is portrayed in the 2015 The Martian, however, is much different.
For one, there is a structure in which humans can survive. This allows for the gorgeous, sweeping vistas of the planet to shine through. The moments when Mark Watney decides to just sit and watch the planet are the most beautiful.
Devils Tower (Close Encounters Of The Third Kind)
Like Mars, Devils Tower is a real location. Fans can find it in Wyoming. It will just be a little different than the way it appears in Steven Spielberg's sci-fi classic from 1977.
Ignore the danger that comes from the nearby trains at the mountainous structure in the film. Instead, focus on the gorgeous, rolling plains of Wyoming and the alluring mystery that comes from the nearby UFOs.
Uriel (A Wrinkle In Time)
In 2018's A Wrinkle in Time, there are a number of places (and times) visited by the characters. One that delighted fans of the Ava Duvernay picture and the original book was seeing Uriel brought to life.
Granted, no one can stay in Uriel for very long. Just watching Mindy Kaling frolic through the colorful, vivacious flora and fauna, though, was enough to be mystified and enchanted by the scenic planet.
Jurassic Park (Jurassic Park)
Not all of Jurassic Park is scenic in the film of the same name. The T-rex and raptor areas are definitely ones to avoid if one ever takes a trip to the dinosaur theme park. However, the initial part of the tour that the characters go on is set in one of the most scenic locations in all of cinema.
Seeing a Brachiosaurus up close and personal like that is breathtaking for paleontologists and normal folks alike. Throw in a soaring John Williams score and it is definitely a very scenic sci-fi place to be.
Montana's Alien Spacecraft (Arrival)
In many alien movies, when the extra-terrestrials come to Earth, there is much for humans to be afraid of. Not in Arrival, however. The 2016 film sees Amy Adams' Louise Banks called to an alien spacecraft in Montana to investigate.
There, she develops a language with them, but not before taking in some truly stunning sights. The entire mechanism through which they converse is an awe-inspiring craft. Those aliens might just be incredible architects.
Nathan's Home (Ex Machina)
Many of the locations on this list so far have taken the word scenic and thrown it out into the natural world. For this entry on the list, however, the scenic is going to a man-made structure.
Alex Garland's under the radar hit, Ex Machina, takes place almost entirely in Nathan's (Oscar Isaac's) lavish home. The house itself is quite pretty, what with its expensive and spacious rooms and sleek, modern tone. But it is also situated in a very scenic location, with beautiful views of the natural world surrounding it.
The Ocean Planet (Interstellar)
There is a ton of world-hopping in Interstellar. One of the planets that seemed to be the most scenic is the water planet (which Kevin Costner would surely be intrigued by).
Of course, one would have to love water to appreciate the beauty of the ocean planet in Interstellar. And they would have to be okay with one hour on the ocean planet being the same as seven years on Earth. Once one gets past these elements, though, it's a real catch.
Ego's Planet (Guardians Of The Galaxy, Vol. 2)
One of the improvements that MCU sequel were absolutely jaw-dropping in their aesthetics. Ego's planet definitely qualifies in this regard.
Few spots in the Gamora finds on Ego's world. It is completely silent and peaceful, which can allow its visitors plenty of space to think -- just so long as their murderous sister doesn't show up to attack them.
Pandora (Avatar)
Avatar did not become the highest-grossing movie of all-time back in 2009 for no reason. Millions of people wanted to see the sci-fi vistas on the popping big screen, after all.
The world of Pandora was one that many desired to go to, undoubtedly. Fortunately, thanks to the Disney Parks efforts at Animal Kingdom, fans can visit it and actually ride on a banshee! The lines between sci-fi and reality get a little blurred with this theme park locale.
The Monolith (2001: A Space Odyssey)
In 2001: A Space Odyssey, one of the defining sci-fi films of all-time, the film's outset contains the natural world, populated by animals and not humans. It is here when a monolith shows up and the apes are fascinated by it.
Wouldn't it be so scenic to return to this moment in time? Nothing to worry about except making the way in the natural world. No stresses, no taxes. Just a scenic spot in the world. With a monolith. And apes. It would be a great spot for a good vibe if time travel is ever invented.
