In the 1990s, science fiction was in a sort of recession. Science fiction was far from prolific for a decade, joining fantasy as one of the once glorious genres that fell out of favor and things looked bleak until the late rise of the revolutionary and revolutionary genre. Matrix.

However, sci-fi didn’t quite sleep in the ’90s. In fact, there were a few worthy paintings in this genre that escaped attention. And while some of them became cult classics in the 2000s, others remain underappreciated and in need of reappraisal, especially as modern audiences look back at the underappreciated content of the 90s.

10 “Johnny Mnemonic” (1995)

Johnny Mnemonic is about to wear a mask over his eyes.

Keanu Reeves There are enough sci-fi projects on his resume to cement his place as the king of the genre. However, the 1995s Johnny Mnemonic is not one of his most popular efforts. The film follows the protagonist as he attempts to extract a cache of information from his mind before she kills him in 48 hours.

Notorious for his bloated and downright stupid tone, Johnny Mnemonic considered one of Reeves’ most hated sci-fi adventures. However, this bold project has much to admire; his reach far exceeds his grip. It’s ridiculous for a good part of its length, but Johnny Mnemonic an endlessly entertaining, mind-blowing cyberpunk film and a testament to the genre’s inherent eccentricities.

9 “City of Lost Children” (1995)

Three men looking in the same direction in City of Lost Children (1995)

Steampunk remains a niche subgenre, and few big-screen adaptations have gained acclaim or commercial success. 1995s City of Lost Children follows a crazy doctor who kidnaps children to steal their dreams in a misguided attempt to survive. However, the father of one of the victims goes on a quest to defeat the doctor and his army of clones.

Weird but brilliant City of Lost Children Unsettling at times, but impressive throughout, a dark fantasy tale that perfectly blends elements of science fiction. Like the best sci-fi movies City of Lost Children hides deeper musings under its surface layer, presenting a rich, macabre yet thought-provoking plot that solidifies its cult status.

8 ‘Fortress’ (1992)

A man is aiming a gun at someone in the Fortress.
Image through dimensional films

1992s Fortress stars Christopher Lambert And Lauryn Locklin like a married couple sent to jail for violating their dystopian world’s one-child policy. Kurtwood Smith And Clifton Collis Jr. star in key supporting roles.

Equal parts of an escape movie as it’s a sci-fi dystopia, Fortress perfectly combines themes and styles. The film is an insightful exploration of political and social turmoil, showcasing most of the most prevalent dystopian ideas and updating them with a clear 90s perspective. Bright, stylish and fun Fortress is great sci-fi that may not go over the top, but remains highly entertaining and revisited.

7 “Strange Days” (1995)

Mace carries Lenny as they face the same direction in Strange Days.
Image via 20th Century Fox

Oscar nominees Angela Bassett, Ralph FiennesAnd Juliette Lewis Oscar-winning director’s star Katherine Bigelow1995 science fiction film strange days. The film takes place in the last days of 1999. The film revolves around a cop-turned-trafficker who enlists the help of a bodyguard to uncover a murder plot in Los Angeles.

strange days was an infamous flop when it came out in 1995, derailing Bigelow’s career and suggesting a bleak future for science fiction. However, the film is a great entry into the cyberpunk subgenre, capitalizing on outstanding performances and a gripping world that may not be all it can be, but remains gripping throughout its 145-minute runtime.

6 ‘Horseheads’ (1993)

Beldar and Primatt are in bed together in Coneheads.
Image via Paramount Pictures

Dan Aykroyd And Jane Curtin star in Steve Barron1993 science fiction comedy Tapered heads. The film tells the story of the Conehead family, aliens forced to stay on Earth after a failed retcon attempt. When their home planet issues sinister orders, the family must decide who has their allegiance.

Hilarious, subversive and satirical, Tapered heads is a brilliant example of social criticism and a clever look at the immigrant experience. The film’s comedy isn’t going to appeal to everyone, so audiences should keep an open mind about it.

5 “Existence” (1999)

Ted aims a gun at someone while Allegra watches the action in Existenz.

David Cronenberg is a master of weird, body horror. His films are bold, raw and often shocking, with unsettling visuals and similarly heartbreaking themes that are uncomfortable but enjoyable to watch.

1999 science fiction film by Cronenberg. Existence is a unique combination of body horror and science fiction to create a film ahead of its time. Oscar nominees Jennifer Jason Leigh And Jude Law star in a film that revolves around a virtual reality designer who is attacked by assassins. Visually original and thematically resonant, Existence is an unfairly overlooked film in Cronenberg’s filmography and a fine example of a science fiction gem of the late 90s.

4 ‘Gattaca’ (1997)

Vincent Freeman walks down a corridor in Gattaca.

Oscar nominees Ethan Hawke And Uma Thurman join Jude Law in Andrew Niccol1997 science fiction film gattaca. The film envisions a future in which children are created through eugenics and follows Vincent Freeman, a man born outside the program who faces extermination and obstacles in his quest to go to space.

gattaca is a thought-provoking and visually striking sci-fi exploration of society’s obsession with perfection. The portrayal of genetics in the film is a bit superficial, but gattaca remains a dignified and insightful film that hides several layers under its beautiful façade.

3 ‘Dark City’ (1998)

Saniel P. Schreber with a group of men in the Dark City
Image via New Line Cinema

Rufus Sewell stars opposite the future Oscar winner Jennifer Connelly and future Emmy winner Kiefer Sutherland V Alex Proyas’ 1998 neo-noir sci-fi Dark City. The plot revolves around an amnesiac John accused of murder, who sets out to clear his name and restore his memories while being hunted by a dangerous group known as “The Strangers”.

With a striking visual style, neo-noir storytelling and an incredible cast, Dark City is a brilliant work of science fiction. The film creates a world as unique and rich as few sci-fi films can imagine. Moreover, Dark City is a brilliant detective story, a neo-noir masterpiece that proves how perfectly the two genres blend.

2 “Open Your Eyes” (1997)

Cesar unfolds in Abre los Ojos

Spanish science fiction film open your eyes stars Eduardo Noriega in the role of a rich and carefree playboy whose life changes dramatically after a car accident. Penelope Cruz co-starring in this brilliant and daring film co-written with a renowned director Alejandro Amenabar.

open your eyes it is a mind-blowing and exciting exploration of the human mind and the nature of desire. The film uses a brilliant storytelling full of surprises, leading to an emotionally poignant climax that is considered one of the most unexpected endings in cinema of the 90s. Vanilla Skydirector’s smaller Hollywood remake Cameron Crowe and starring Tom Cruisecame out in 2001, but couldn’t compare to the original.

1 ‘Cube’ (1997)

The characters are looking at something in the Cube.

cube is one of the most elusive and underrated sci-fi horror films. The film stars an ensemble cast and features a group of enigmatic and unrelated characters trapped in a mysterious and deadly cube-shaped structure.

Tense, often shocking and exciting, cube is a rare horror film where a well-thought-out storyline enhances the thrill. The film’s limitations prevent it from fully revealing its fascinating premise, but cube is still a superb example of horror science fiction. There is a dearth of decent titles from this combination of genres, which is surprising considering how well they fit together.