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2021 features the release of several new science fiction movies, including sequels to already popular franchises, adaptations of sci-fi classics, and completely original properties. Sci-fi films have carved out a solid swath of the film industry, allowing filmmakers and audiences to explore concepts of futurity and the impact of new technology and ideas. Many recent sci-fi films, such as Denis Villeneuve's Arrival, have proven to be commercial and critical successes, garnering audience favor and awards season buzz alike.

Sci-fi is also one of the most versatile film genres right now. From box office juggernauts like the Star Wars films to more contained independent films like Ex Machina, sci-fi movies open audiences' minds to new worlds and possibilities, often with the help of groundbreaking visual effects.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the landscape of sci-fi movies has shifted. Many highly anticipated sci-fi movies slated for release in 2020 were pushed back to 2021. Similarly, several sci-fi movies scheduled for 2021 have been pushed back to 2022, including high-profile sequels like Avatar 2 and Jurassic World: Dominion. However, 2021 still promises to pack a punch with the following sci-fi movies.

Chaos Walking - March 5

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Based on Patrick Ness's highly popular YA trilogy, Chaos Walking imagines a future in which a germ has wiped out all women on Earth and left the men with the Noise, the ability to hear all living creatures' thoughts at all times. Tom Holland plays Todd Hewitt, a teenager whose world is upended when he meets a lone woman named Viola Eade (Daisy Ridley). Chaos Walking was filmed in 2017, but its release has been delayed multiple times because of reshoots as well as Holland and Ridley's schedules, which have only grown busier as the two stars have become more and more well known.

Morbius - March 19 (Delayed more)

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Jared Leto stars as the titular character in Sony's Morbius, a blend of sci-fi and horror based on the Marvel Comics character Dr. Michael Morbius. Dr. Morbius suffers from a rare blood disease, and in an extreme attempt to heal himself he ends up with a slew of vampiric powers, making him a living vampire. The film's trailer shows Morbius' origin story and also teases an appearance from Michael Keaton as MCU Spider-Man villain Vulture, suggesting that Sony may be trying to create a larger antihero franchise including Morbius and their other antihero, Venom.

Free Guy - May 21

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Originally scheduled to release in 2020, Free Guy features Ryan Reynolds as Guy, a non-player character in an open world video game. When Guy realizes he's in a game, he works to make himself a hero and prevent the game from being shut down. The movie has an all-star cast, including Emmy-winner Jodie Comer and film director Taika Waititi, and is directed by Stranger Things director and producer Shawn Levy. Expect plenty of action and send-ups of video game tropes in this combination of sci-fi and comedy.

Godzilla Vs. Kong - May 21

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The King of the Monsters faces off against the King of the Apes in Godzilla vs. Kong, the follow-up to both Kong: Skull Island and Godzilla: King of the Monsters. Godzilla and King Kong are two of sci-fi's most iconic cinematic monsters, and this match-up marks the first time they have fought on the big screen since Toho's 1962 King Kong vs. Godzilla, which saw Kong triumphant. A highly anticipated rematch plus the possibility for a Titan Civil War could make this the biggest film in Legendary's MonsterVerse yet.