Best Sci-Fi Films That Predicted the Future
Science fiction movies have always been a source of fascination often predicting future technologies and societal changes. Here are some of the best sci-fi films that surprisingly got it right.
Introduction to Sci-Fi Predictions
Science fiction isn't all about aliens and battles in space; it frequently covers issues of today and foretells the trends of tomorrow. Some of the most popular sci-fi films have been surprisingly correct years later, both shaping technology and society. Here are some of the best examples.
Most Astounding Sci-Fi Movies That Foresaw the Future
1. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Foreseen: Tablets, video conferencing, and travel in space.
Why It Matters: This movie demonstrated astronauts watching the news on tablets, which is now ubiquitous. It also illustrated video conferencing, something we utilize every day today.
2. Blade Runner (1982)
Predictions: Artificial intelligence, surveillance, and environmental changes.
Why It Matters: The film predicted a future with conscious AI and ubiquitous monitoring, both of which are increasingly pertinent today. It also portrayed a rainy Los Angeles, indicating fears about climate change.
3. Her (2013)
Predictions: AI assistants and virtual relationships.
Why It Matters: The movie's depiction of AI assistants such as Samantha is strikingly similar to current AI technology. It also touches on the subject of virtual relationships which are becoming increasingly prevalent.
4. Contagion (2011)
Predictions: Pandemics across the globe and how the public responds.
Why It Matters: This film anticipated a global pandemic and the issues that come with trying to respond to it which became painfully real during the COVID-19 pandemic.
5. 12 Monkeys (1995)
Predictions: Time travel and pandemics.
Why It Matters: Similar to Contagion, it foresaw a worldwide health crisis. The movie's time travel and changing the past themes also mirror contemporary scientific debate.
6. Minority Report (2002)
Predictions: Biometric identification and targeted advertising.
Why It Matters: The film presented a future with sophisticated biometric identification and targeted advertising, both of which are integral to our existence today.
7. Star Trek (1960s)
Predictions: Tablets touchscreens and voice assistants.
Why It Matters: The original Star Trek series foresaw many of the technologies we have today such as tablets touchscreens and voice assistants like Alexa.
8. Idiocracy (2006)
Predictions: Dystopian society and decline of society.
Why It Matters: Although humorous, the film's vision of a future with a declined society due to excess use of technology and consumerism is a reflection of current trends.
9. Metropolis (1927)
Predictions: Video conferencing and class distinctions.
Why It Matters: The first film to show video conferencing this classic movie dealt with themes of class divisions that still resonate today.
10. Children of Men (2006)
Predictions: Institutional collapse and societal breakdown.
Why It Matters: The film forecast a future in which institutions are unable to manage interdependent crises, a situation that grows more and more plausible by the day.
Conclusion
These science fiction movies entertain, yes, but they also give us a glimpse of what's to come. They make us think and help us imagine the outcome of our actions. Whether seeing the future in technology or humanity, these films remind us that science fiction can be used to understand and create our future.
Recommendation: If you want to watch more sci-fi movies that are prophetic in nature, watch Logan's Run and Soylent Green. Both are quite different in how they present a vision of society future as a reaction to technological progress and environmental issues.
Genuine Review: Although certain predictions might appear outlandish these movies tend to catch the spirit of upcoming trends. They remind us that science fiction can lead to actual innovation and make us consider our future in a more critical manner.
