Unconventional Historical Sci-Fi Movies that Defy Expectations

1. The Enigmatic Odyssey of Captain Mills in '65'

Embark on a thrilling prehistoric adventure with '65', where astronaut Captain Mills crash lands on an alien planet only to discover he's stranded on Earth 65 million years in the past. Filled with terrifying dinosaurs and a looming asteroid threat, this sci-fi gem blends alien horror with prehistoric survival.

Mills finds mammoth bones in 65

Adam Driver's portrayal of Captain Mills and the captivating storyline make '65' a must-watch for sci-fi enthusiasts seeking a unique twist on astronaut survival narratives.

Adam-Driver-as-Captain-Mills-and-Ariana-Greenblatt-as-Koa-in-65

2. 'Prey': A Predator's Haunting Encounter in the 18th Century

Venturing back to the American Great Plains in 1719, 'Prey' delves into the Predator franchise's roots with a historical twist. Naru, a Comanche warrior, faces off against a Predator in a compelling narrative that harks back to the franchise's horror origins.

Amber Midthunder fighting a Predator in Prey

The juxtaposition of historical settings with futuristic predators adds a fresh layer of intrigue to the 'Prey' storyline, promising a gripping cinematic experience for fans of the genre.

A profile shot of Emma Stone in a blue dress as Bella in Poor Things

3. 'Poor Things': A Victorian Resurrection of Frankenstein's Tale

Set in a fantastical version of Victorian-era London, 'Poor Things' reimagines the Frankenstein myth with a retrofuturist charm. Bella Baxter's journey as a reanimated creation with a child's brain unfolds against a backdrop of strange biological experiments, offering a captivating twist on a classic story.

Emma Stone's stellar performance and the unsettling visual style of 'Poor Things' have garnered critical acclaim, making it a standout entry in the historical sci-fi genre.

Hugh Jackman holds a lightbulb and speaks with David Bowie's Tesla in Christopher Nolan's The Prestige

4. 'The Prestige': A Magical Duel of Rivalry in the 1890s

Christopher Nolan's 'The Prestige' transports viewers to the 1890s, where rival magicians engage in a high-stakes battle of wits and deception. With a twist ending that incorporates sci-fi elements, this psychological drama delves into the blurred lines between science and magic, anchored by David Bowie's memorable portrayal of Nikola Tesla.

Experience the allure of scientific advancements and the dark allure of rivalry in 'The Prestige', a film that masterfully combines period drama with elements of speculative fiction.

An astroanut on space looking in awe at something off-camera in Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood.

5. 'Apollo 10 1/2': A Childhood Space Odyssey with Imaginary Feats

Based on director Richard Linklater's childhood memories, 'Apollo 10 1/2' follows a young boy on a whimsical journey to the moon in a top-secret mission. Infused with nostalgia and imaginative storytelling, this alternative history of the Apollo missions captures the essence of childhood wonder against a backdrop of space exploration.

The mesmerizing visuals and imaginative premise of 'Apollo 10 1/2' offer a nostalgic yet fantastical take on space-age adventures, blending reality with childhood dreams.

Daniel Craig Holding an alien weapon in Cowboys and Aliens

6. 'Cowboys & Aliens': A Genre-Bending Western Sci-Fi Saga

In a fusion of sci-fi and Western genres, 'Cowboys & Aliens' delivers a unique narrative that combines classic Western elements with extraterrestrial encounters. Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford lead the charge in this thrilling adventure that defies conventional storytelling conventions.

Experience the unexpected twists and turns of 'Cowboys & Aliens', a film that seamlessly blends the heart of a Western with the intrigue of alien technology, offering a fresh take on the sci-fi genre.

Shape of Water Doug Jones Sally Hawkins

7. 'The Shape Of Water': A Tale of Love and Otherness in Cold War America

Guillermo del Toro's 'The Shape Of Water' weaves a mesmerizing narrative of love and acceptance amidst Cold War paranoia. Set in a visually stunning period backdrop, this creature feature explores the depths of human emotion through an unconventional love story that defies societal norms.

Immerse yourself in the visually captivating world of 'The Shape Of Water', where the boundaries between human and creature blur, creating a poignant tale of connection and understanding.

Steve Rogers' Captain America in The First Avenger

8. 'Captain America: The First Avenger': A Heroic Journey Through World War II

Witness the origins of Marvel's iconic Avenger in 'Captain America: The First Avenger', as Steve Rogers embarks on a heroic quest during World War II. With a blend of action-packed sequences and sci-fi elements, this historical superhero tale sets the stage for Captain America's enduring legacy in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Join Captain America on his thrilling wartime adventures, where courage and patriotism collide with futuristic enhancements, paving the way for a new era of superhero storytelling.

Red Skull speaking to Arnim Zola on the battlefield in Captain America The First Avenger

9. 'Wonder Woman': A Mythic Journey Through World War I

Experience the epic saga of Wonder Woman in a journey that traces back to World War I, where Diana Prince emerges as a formidable hero. Gal Gadot's portrayal of the iconic character in a historical setting adds depth and gravitas to this superhero narrative, making 'Wonder Woman' a standout entry in the DC Universe.

Gal Gadot as Diana Prince in Wonder Woman

Delve into the mythic origins of Wonder Woman and her quest for justice in 'Wonder Woman', a film that blends historical events with fantastical elements to create a compelling superhero odyssey.

Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) confusingly looks at Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) on Paradise Island in Wonder Woman 2017