This Collider feature rounds up what it considers the six best "hard science fiction" films released since 2000 — movies that ground speculative premises in real scientific principles such as physics, astronomy or artificial intelligence, rather than leaning on fantasy or the supernatural. The author argues this subgenre has flourished this century thanks to filmmakers like Christopher Nolan and Ridley Scott, who have combined visual ambition with scientific plausibility in works exploring humanity's relationship with technology.

The list highlights titles including Ex Machina, Gravity, Interstellar, The Martian and Her, praising them for blending credible science with emotional and philosophical depth. Ex Machina is noted for its grounding in Turing Test theory and its exploration of AI consciousness, while Gravity is cited for its realistic depiction of astronauts stranded in orbit after their shuttle is destroyed.

– Hard sci-fi films use plausible science, not fantasy, as their foundation
– Ex Machina explores AI consciousness via a Turing Test-style scenario
– Gravity realistically depicts astronauts stranded after a shuttle disaster
– Other entries include Interstellar, The Martian and Her