Often overshadowed by the rise of superhero films, and various fantasy hits likeThe Lord of the Rings, traditionalsci-fisomewhatfell under the radar in the 2000s. Regardless, there was no shortage of enjoyable examples; especially when it came to cheesier romps.RELATED:Underrated Sci-Fi Movies From The 2000s & Where You Can Stream ThemThe decade saw vastly improved CG and special effects, while live-action elements like costumes, makeup, and animatronics were still utilized for added detail and authenticity. This solid blend set the stage for a number of films that were at once campy and deeply endearing. From malevolent robots to strange dystopias, this cheesy-yet-charmingsci-fiwas quite well represented in the 2000s.
9Star Wars Episode Two: Attack Of The Clones (2002)
George Lucas' iconic space fantasyhas seen its highs and lows during its rich history. This coming-of-age tale for Anakin Skywalker resides in the latter category for many, despite having some entertaining bouts. The film transports fans into an increasingly-turbulent era of the Republic, rife with succession, strife, and assassination attempts.
Amidst growing sociopolitical tension, Obi-Wan continues to train his budding young pupil, who’s learning the ways of becoming a Jedi. Things further escalate as Kenobi discovers a Republic plot to construct an army, and a somewhat defiant Anakin falls in love with queen-turned-senator Padme.
While fans point to the various sappy love scenes and cheesy moments,Attack of the Clonesentices with its sociopolitical nuance and action-packed Jedi moments.
8I, Robot (2004)
Much like a certain sci-fi flick starring Will Smith and named after an American holiday,I, Robotis equal parts fun and campy. Sure,I, Robotmay not be as renowned as the aforementionedIndependence Day, with its silly premise and excess exposition, but this Alex Proyas thriller delights with some heart-pumping action, sleek CG, and charming bouts.
The film centers around Detective Del Spooner, who is called upon to investigate a murder that no human could seemingly pull off. What follows is a cheesy, robotic crime caper full of twists, betrayals, and grim revelations.
7The Mist (2007)
The Mistshines as a distinctly eerie, atmospheric sci-fi horror, based on a Stephen King novella by the same name. Both a cheesy monster film and social commentary, this thriller grips its viewers on multiple levels.
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The movie shows a humble artist and his family, as they enter a supermarket following a storm. They quickly find themselves holed up in the thick of a strange mist with several others. Uneasiness gives way to panic, as deadly creatures terrorize a slew of townspeople. Unrest and distrust seep their way into the market as the group of strangers is forced to band together and stave off this unknown threat.
6Spider-Man (2002)
This ‘02 superhero flick takes fans on a wild ride through New York City, viewed through the lens of the humble teen-turned-Spider-Man, Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire). The film memorably portrays his origin story, which escalates into a gripping adventure, as he must save the city from the Green Goblin.
While thesuperhero genre has long since been a dominant forcein film, Sam Raimi’sSpider-Manemerged at a time when such concepts were more novel. And yet, the movie stands on the strength of some impressive special effects and fun, emotional moments. It remains a fan favorite; even after countless renditions of the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man swinging onto the scene.
5Idiocracy (2006)
This delightfully zany movie from Mike Judge excels on the fronts of both satirical comedy and creative (possibly prophetic) sci-fi. The film is set in a futuristic America in which people have grown duller by way of an intellectually thinning gene pool.
Idiocracystars Luke Wilson as Joe Bauers; an average Joe who awakens from a suspension chamber and finds himself the de facto smartest man in a society eroding from its doltish population. As one might expect from such a premise, there are plenty of hilarious hijinks and situational gags to be had, as Bauers tries to aid in patching up this dysfunctional future.
4Equilibrium (2002)
This action sci-fi, written and directed by Kurt Wimmer, plunks viewers into a unique dystopian setting that squelches the “threat” of human emotion and creative expression via psychoactive drugs. Viewers follow John Preston, whose role as a passion-snuffing Cleric increasingly begets a moral crisis. This leads to inevitable clashes with city-state Libria’s emotionless powers-that-be.
With a vibe that fusesThe Matrixwith Aldous Huxley’sBrave New World, 2002’sEquilibriumenthralls viewers with a ride that’s both bombastic and heartfelt. This is enriched by some inventive world-building and memorable performances from Christian Bale, Emily Watson, and Sean Bean.
3The Matrix Reloaded (2003)
Much of the talk surrounding The Wachowskis’ groundbreaking sci-fi these days involves the unapologetically campyMatrix Resurrections. But while it’s sincefallen off the radar for many, this equally cheesyMatrixsequelremains an overlooked romp.
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Reloadedis not without its blemishes and over-the-top moments, which include a Super Saiyan-esque Neo fighting an army of Smith copies. Nonetheless, this ‘03 sequel hits viewers with a slew of entertaining, epic, and even profound moments. The movie stays fairly true to the original’s spirit while creatively expanding on the lore.
2Star Trek (2009)
This iconic sci-fi journeyhas seen countless TV and film installments since its inception spanning to the far reaches of 1966. And while some core fans were hesitant about the prospects of this modern rendition by J. J. Abrams, the filmmaker/writer dazzled with a film that was both faithful and innovative.
The movie showcases some classic figures from the original show, portrayed memorably by all new actors. They include Zachary Quinto, Simon Pegg, Zoe Saldana, and Chris Pine taking the captain’s seat as Kirk. The film even features a sentimental appearance by the original Spock, Leonard Nimoy. Action-packed, emotional, and technically impressive,Star Trek 2009excels in appeasing old-school fans while drawing a brand-new crowd.
1Signs (2002)
In typical Shyamalan fashion,Signsgrips viewers with a clever premise wrought with fun twists and revelations, not to mention ample cheesiness andimplausibility that somehowaddto its endearing nature.
This atmospheric thriller stars Mel Gibson as former priest Graham Hess, who succumbs to an isolated, faithless lifestyle after the saddening death of his wife. Intrigued by potential ET signals (mostly via crop circles), Graham and his kids look to get ahead of an invasion while coming to grips with their recent family tragedy; one that comes “full circle” as it were.
