7 Mind-Bending Sci-Fi Movies To Watch If You Liked ‘Mickey 17’
It’s always a big deal every time an Oscar-winning director releases a new film, whether we’re talking about a filmmaker as iconic as Steven Spielberg or as comparatively lesser-known as Bong Joon-ho.
The ingenious director behind such lauded films as The Host, Memories of Murder, Snowpiercer, and Parasite, Bong has long since proven himself a cinematic auteur of immense creative capabilities, as evidenced by his short but impressive filmography thus far in his career.
Fresh off the success of his most previous film Parasite, anticipation is running incredibly high for Bong’s latest effort, the topsy-turvy sci-fi film Mickey 17. As viewers await the chance to see the Robert Pattinson-led dark comedy in theaters, we decided to put together a list of movies potentially worth watching before sitting down to enjoy Mickey 17 at your local cinema.
Ex Machina (2014)
Just as Mickey 17 zeroes in on the problematic ethics of cloning, Ex Machina offers a similarly layered examination of the dangers surrounding artificial intelligence. Undoubtedly among the strongest films from A24 to date, Ex Machina’s intelligent script and masterful performances leads to a film of unparalleled emotional resonance. Between its ambiguous tone and intellectually engaging premise, Ex Machina only continues to gain further relevance with each passing year, allowing us a deeper understanding of humankind’s relationship to artificial personalities.
Snowpiercer (2013)
Bong Joon-ho’s first foray into English-language film, Snowpiercer is an ingenious post-apocalyptic dystopian film that owes as much to Die Hard or The Raid as it does to Terminator or Mad Max. Set in a desolate future where climate change has forced humanity to adapt to life onboard a self-sustaining high-tech train, Snowpiercer focuses on the severe disparity between the higher-class front car passengers and the less fortunate tail compartment riders. Relying on a massive international cast and plenty of inventive set pieces, Snowpiercer illustrates Bong’s deft handling of conflicting genres, as well as his ability to explore timely thematic subject matter beneath a high-octane action exterior.
District 9 (2009)
Famously, District 9 came about when the planned adaptation of Halo fell through, prompting director Neill Blomkamp to reuse the remaining budget and props for his 2009 sci-fi film, District 9. Against all odds, the ensuing film wound up making an immediate impact on international audiences the world over, with many acclaiming District 9 for its brilliant handling of sensitive topics, including xenophobia, segregation, and systemic corporate greed and corruption. Surely among the most unforgettable sci-fi films of the 2000s, it’s also one of the greatest films of the 21st century yet, bar none.
Okja (2017)
Another fantastic film from Bong, Okja also serves as one of the director’s most painfully underappreciated works to date. Set in a dystopian future where humanity has begun producing genetically-engineered “super pigs” as a viable food source, Okja provides an excruciating look at the international meat industry and the exploitation of animals for both sustenance and our collective entertainment. Dense, dark, and overwhelmingly tearjerking in more than a few places, it’s a breathtaking work of art that deserves a far larger audience, rising to the very best directorial efforts from Bong Joon-ho to date.
Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
It’s difficult to say what makes 2014’s Edge of Tomorrow such a rewarding film. Maybe it’s its inventive take on the concept of Groundhog Day, turning the plot of Bill Murray’s classic comedy on its head with a militaristic edge. Or maybe it’s watching Tom Cruise cast against type as a self-serving coward forcefully recruited into a planetary defense force. Whatever the reason, Edge of Tomorrow forms a breathtaking sci-fi film loaded with intense action, gripping performances, and a time loop premise that’s both refreshingly creative and wholly entertaining throughout.
Parasite (2019)
The film that solidified Bong’s place in the international film community, Parasite also serves as Bong’s ultimate achievement as a visionary storyteller and technically-sound director. As with most of his films, Parasite analyzes the nuanced issues surrounding wealth and social inequality, specifically focusing on a lower-income family as they ingratiate themselves with a far wealthier family. A stunning meditation on classism and income disparity in modern-day South Korea, Parasite’s incredibly high quality leaves little reason to wonder about its acclaim among worldwide audiences, proving itself more than deserving of its numerous critical accolades (including the Academy Award for Best Picture).
Moon (2009)
In spite of the unique narrative boasted in Mickey 17, it’s hard not to ignore the obvious similarities between Bong Joon-ho’s latest film and the 2009 sci-fi thriller, Moon. Taking place in an isolated mining depot on the far side of the moon, Moon follows Sam Rockwell’s burnt-out lunar miner as he uncovers a mysterious look-alike within his facility. Relying on its limited settings and meager cast of characters, Moon offers a fantastic exploration of the ethics surrounding human cloning, leaving an indelible impression on almost every viewer fortunate to see it.
