Over the past two decades, China has rapidly developed its science fiction film industry. Once a niche genre, sci-fi is now an essential part of Chinese cinema, boasting impressive visual effects, creative narratives, and thought-provoking themes. As China’s technological advancement continues, so too does its cinematic storytelling, allowing science fiction to resonate deeply with audiences both locally and internationally.
This list of 45 Chinese sci-fi films showcases the genre’s growing diversity, from dystopian futures to space odysseys, alien encounters, and time travel adventures. Whether you’re exploring the movie genre for the first time or a seasoned fan, these titles offer something exciting and new.
1–10: Foundational Works That Shaped Chinese Sci-Fi
1. The Wandering Earth (2019)
This film marked a turning point for the Chinese Film industry. Based on Liu Cixin’s novella, it tells the story of humanity moving Earth away from an unstable sun. Stunning visuals and emotional depth made it a global hit.
2. Crazy Alien (2019)
Blending comedy with sci-fi, this movie follows a zookeeper who accidentally becomes involved in an interstellar conflict. The satire and humor provide a lighter side to the genre.
3. Battle of Memories (2017)
A man undergoes a memory-transfer operation, only to inherit memories of a serial killer. This thriller explores how memory impacts identity, a common thread in many sci-fi movie plots.
4. Reset (2017)
Combining action and time-travel, this story of a scientist who travels back in time to save her son highlights ethical dilemmas and maternal instincts in high-stakes scenarios.
5. The Three-Body Problem: Death’s End (Upcoming)
Though not released yet, this adaptation of Liu Cixin’s third novel is hotly anticipated. It promises to push the boundaries of Chinese sci-fi storytelling.
6. Kung Fu Cyborg (2009)
Mixing martial arts and androids, this film humorously critiques AI integration into society. A cult classic that remains a unique blend of East and West aesthetics.
7. CJ7 (2008)
Stephen Chow’s heartwarming film about a poor father and his son who befriend an alien creature. The story touches on love, poverty, and dreams.
8. Future X-Cops (2010)
In this action-packed film, a time-traveling cop must prevent a corporate villain from altering the future. It’s bold, ambitious, and full of futuristic tech.
9. The Message from Mars (1921)
China’s first sci-fi silent film. Though largely forgotten, it was revolutionary for its time and deserves recognition as a pioneering effort.
10. Snow Girl and the Dark Crystal (2015)
Combining fantasy and sci-fi, this film is a visual feast with a story rooted in Chinese mythology. The interplay of old legends and modern effects is captivating.
11–20: Expanding Narratives and Innovation
11. Crazy Stone 2060 (Unreleased)
This spin-off of the popular crime comedy is expected to add a futuristic twist to an already clever franchise. Fans are eager for its sci-fi take.
12. Meow (2017)
An alien cat arrives on Earth with plans for conquest, only to be won over by a family’s kindness. A quirky and heartwarming adventure.
13. The Tesseract (Short, 2021)
Experimental in style, this short film explores interdimensional travel and human consciousness through abstract storytelling.
14. Fatal Countdown: Reset (2017)
A rebranded international version of “Reset,” this film showcases the global potential of Chinese time-travel narratives.
15. Subduing Demons (2018)
This film merges Daoist mysticism with futuristic warfare. A unique hybrid of ancient philosophies and speculative technology.
16. The Super Me (2021)
A struggling screenwriter gains the power to bring items from dreams into reality. The moral cost of power is central to the plot.
17. Time Raiders (2016)
Based on a popular novel, it follows tomb raiders who uncover otherworldly secrets. Action, mystery, and ancient puzzles await.
18. Impossible (2015)
An alien crash-lands on Earth and teams up with a man for a mission. The story balances humor and drama effectively.
19. Crazy Safari (1991)
This classic comedy follows a Chinese vampire encountering African tribal magic. It’s bizarre, fun, and totally unique.
20. Fatal Countdown: Anger of Earth (Unreleased)
Set in a dystopian Earth future, this film will reportedly tackle environmental collapse and AI governance.
21–30: Space Adventures and Techno-Thrillers
21. Shanghai Fortress (2019)
Earth battles alien invaders in this visually rich, though critically mixed, film. It illustrates the scale of China’s ambition in sci-fi.
22. Deep Space (2023)
A deep-space mission encounters mysterious anomalies. It’s a slow-burn thriller with philosophical undertones.
23. Warriors of Future (2022)
Set in a polluted world, this Hong Kong-Chinese co-production delivers action and ecological warnings. The visuals are top-notch.
24. Iron Sky: The Ark (2019)
A Chinese continuation of the Iron Sky franchise. Wacky and eccentric, it features Nazi moon bases and ancient aliens.
25. Galaxy Turnpike (2015)
A retro-futuristic comedy set in 2265. The story unfolds in a diner on a distant planet, where customers bring in tales of the universe.
26. L.O.R.D: Legend of Ravaging Dynasties (2016)
A fantasy epic with sci-fi aesthetics. Advanced animation techniques make this film visually groundbreaking.
27. Blue Amber (2020)
A biotech mystery with noir elements. A company’s genetic research uncovers dark secrets.
28. The Ark (Short, 2013)
A CGI-driven short that imagines a last-hope mission from Earth. Small but impactful.
29. The Final Wish (2021)
A story about granting wishes through AI. It critiques consumerism and tech dependency.
30. The Great Adventure (2024)
Set in a future China where exploration is heavily regulated, a group of rebels venture into space against government orders.
31–45: Underrated Gems and Upcoming Titles
31. The Pioneer (2023)
A young astronaut faces unexpected ethical decisions when a mission goes off-course. The minimalist setting heightens tension.
32. Planet Hunter (2018)
A space bounty hunter searches for fugitives across galaxies. The action is fast-paced and fun.
33. Black Moon (Unreleased)
An upcoming film rumored to deal with lunar colonization and AI rebellion. Highly anticipated in sci-fi circles.
34. Oxygen Crisis (2022)
Set in a world with limited breathable air, this film examines class struggle in a sci-fi environment.
35. Genetic Code (2023)
Genetic engineering gone wrong leads to a bio-crisis. The film blends horror and science fiction well.
36. Celestial Command (TBA)
A military drama set aboard a space station. Tense, character-driven, and strategic in its approach.
37. The Signal (2024)
An alien signal disrupts Earth’s systems. A race against time begins to decode its meaning before disaster strikes.
38. Cyber Monk (2021)
In a fusion of Buddhism and cyberpunk, a monk must battle AI corruption in a post-digital world.
39. The Mirror Planet (Unreleased)
A journey to a planet identical to Earth. Identity, reflection, and human nature come into play.
40. Machine Heart (2023)
An android develops emotions and questions its programming. A powerful story about what it means to be human.
41. Echoes of Tomorrow (2021)
Time-travel and memory loops intertwine in this experimental indie film.
42. Technopolis (Unreleased)
A smart city turns against its creators. A cautionary tale about over-dependence on automation.
43. Mars Mission: Legacy (2022)
China’s first permanent Mars base is the setting for mystery and sabotage. Realistic space travel elements are central.
44. Dream Code (2023)
A VR developer gets trapped in his own digital universe. Tension builds as dreams and reality merge.
45. Origin Point (2025)
A reverse-chronology sci-fi epic that traces humanity’s journey from the stars back to its birth. A poetic finale to this list.
Conclusion
From small indie productions to blockbuster hits, Chinese science fiction is diversifying rapidly. These 45 films prove that China is not only participating in the global sci-fi boom but also shaping its evolution. For more on emerging sci-fi movie reviews and genre insights, stay tuned to the latest industry trends.
