Science fiction may not be the most dominant movie genre in Indian cinema, but over the years, it has produced some truly groundbreaking films. These movies blend speculative storytelling with local culture, often mixing advanced technology with emotional depth and mythological symbolism. Indian sci-fi cinema explores themes like time travel, artificial intelligence, alien encounters, and dystopian futures.
From early experimental films to blockbuster hits, India’s sci-fi journey is rich and evolving. These movies not only push creative boundaries but also reflect societal concerns through futuristic lenses. With the growing popularity of the Film industry, Indian science fiction is gaining global recognition. Below is a curated list of the 26 best Indian sci-fi movies of all time, ranked not just by popularity, but by their impact, innovation, and storytelling.
1. Mr. India (1987)
Director: Shekhar Kapur
Why It Stands Out: This film introduced Indian audiences to the concept of invisibility through science. Starring Anil Kapoor and Sridevi, it blended humor, action, and emotional depth.
The invisible man trope was new to Indian viewers and captivated both children and adults alike. The villain Mogambo, played by Amrish Puri, became an iconic movie character. Its blend of fantasy and realism paved the way for mainstream sci-fi in India.
2. Enthiran (2010)
Director: S. Shankar
Why It Stands Out: Known internationally as “Robot,” this Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai starrer revolutionized Indian science fiction with its cutting-edge VFX and AI-based plot.
Chitti, the humanoid robot, and his emotional arc were ahead of their time. The movie brought global attention to Indian sci-fi and inspired a sequel, “2.0,” making it a landmark in the genre.
3. Koi… Mil Gaya (2003)
Director: Rakesh Roshan
Why It Stands Out: Often dubbed India’s “E.T.,” this movie was a heartfelt alien encounter story that appealed to a wide demographic.
Jadoo, the alien, became a cultural phenomenon. The film’s success led to the “Krrish” franchise, firmly establishing sci-fi as a viable genre in Bollywood.
4. PK (2014)
Director: Rajkumar Hirani
Why It Stands Out: Though not a traditional sci-fi, it uses an alien protagonist to comment on religious dogmas and societal norms.
The movie is a blend of satire, emotion, and speculative fiction, anchored by Aamir Khan’s brilliant performance. It challenges norms using a fictional yet believable setup.
5. 24 (2016)
Director: Vikram Kumar
Why It Stands Out: A Tamil time-travel thriller starring Suriya in a triple role, “24” impressed with its high-concept story and sleek execution.
The film explores the butterfly effect through a stolen watch that manipulates time, offering both thrill and emotional complexity.
6. Ra.One (2011)
Director: Anubhav Sinha
Why It Stands Out: One of Bollywood’s most ambitious sci-fi projects, starring Shah Rukh Khan as a superhero battling a rogue AI villain.
It introduced motion-capture technology and 3D effects to Indian mainstream cinema, despite mixed reviews. A bold attempt to blend gaming with real-world threats.
7. 2.0 (2018)
Director: S. Shankar
Why It Stands Out: The sequel to Enthiran, featuring Akshay Kumar and Rajinikanth, upped the ante with world-class visuals and a powerful environmental message.
The film addresses the hazards of mobile radiation through sci-fi spectacle, making it a global showcase of Indian technological prowess in filmmaking.
8. Dasavathaaram (2008)
Director: K. S. Ravikumar
Why It Stands Out: Kamal Haasan plays ten characters in this film that touches on chaos theory, biological weapons, and religious conflicts.
Despite its chaotic narrative, the film is rich in ideas and offers a bold mix of science fiction with historical commentary.
9. Tumbbad (2018)
Director: Rahi Anil Barve
Why It Stands Out: Though more horror-fantasy than pure sci-fi, its speculative myth-making and visual brilliance merit its inclusion.
The narrative is dark and philosophical, addressing human greed and cosmic horror with a uniquely Indian context.
10. Tik Tik Tik (2018)
Director: Shakti Soundar Rajan
Why It Stands Out: India’s first space-based movie, dealing with an asteroid threat and featuring Jayam Ravi as an escape artist-turned-astronaut.
Though the storytelling has flaws, it breaks new ground in Indian cinema’s portrayal of space science and rescue missions.
11. Krrish Series (2006-2013)
Director: Rakesh Roshan
Why It Stands Out: India’s first superhero franchise blends science fiction with fantasy and family drama.
From Jadoo in “Koi… Mil Gaya” to Krrish’s superpowers, the series shaped a new superhero archetype rooted in Indian values.
12. Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva (2022)
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Why It Stands Out: A mytho-sci-fi fusion that builds a cinematic universe using astras (celestial weapons) linked to ancient energies and modern science.
Though controversial in reception, it represents a new attempt at merging traditional lore with futuristic fantasy storytelling.
13. Cargo (2019)
Director: Arati Kadav
Why It Stands Out: A quiet, indie space drama set on a spaceship processing dead souls.
It innovates with limited resources and uses metaphors to explore existential questions, making it a standout in the indie sci-fi scene.
14. OK Computer (2021, Series)
Creator: Pooja Shetty and Neil Pagedar
Why It Stands Out: A satirical and visually inventive take on AI and humanity, though technically a series, its narrative depth qualifies it for this list.
It features philosophical undertones, addressing the ethics of automation in society.
15. Mission Mangal (2019)
Director: Jagan Shakti
Why It Stands Out: Based on India’s Mars mission, it blends real-life science with cinematic flair.
Focusing on women scientists, it celebrates scientific achievement and inspires future generations.
16. Baar Baar Dekho (2016)
Director: Nitya Mehra
Why It Stands Out: A romantic time-travel drama starring Sidharth Malhotra and Katrina Kaif.
Though not heavy on science, it explores personal choices and destiny through a speculative lens.
17. Love Story 2050 (2008)
Director: Harry Baweja
Why It Stands Out: A romantic sci-fi with a futuristic Mumbai as backdrop. Despite its flaws, it’s one of the earliest Bollywood attempts at hardcore sci-fi.
The film was visually ambitious, featuring flying cars, androids, and time machines.
18. JL50 (2020, Series)
Creator: Shailender Vyas
Why It Stands Out: A short web series exploring a plane crash linked to time travel.
With minimalistic effects and strong performances, it combines investigative drama with speculative fiction elements.
19. Shivaji Surathkal (2020)
Director: Akash Srivatsa
Why It Stands Out: A Kannada film that uses sci-fi elements in a detective thriller setting.
It introduces cerebral plot twists grounded in logic and pseudo-science.
20. Mirror Game (2017)
Director: Vijit Sharma
Why It Stands Out: A psychological sci-fi thriller where reality, illusion, and manipulation blur.
The film plays with perception and memory, offering an eerie experience akin to Western mind-benders.
21. Antariksham 9000 KMPH (2018)
Director: Sankalp Reddy
Why It Stands Out: A Telugu space thriller that tries to balance emotion with high-stakes astronautics.
Despite budget limitations, it successfully visualizes zero-gravity environments and international missions.
22. Android Kunjappan Version 5.25 (2019)
Director: Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval
Why It Stands Out: A Malayalam gem that combines AI robotics with human emotion and rural life.
This film discusses loneliness and inter-generational gaps using a robot as the emotional pivot.
23. Awe! (2018)
Director: Prasanth Varma
Why It Stands Out: A surreal mix of mental health, time travel, and multiverse theories wrapped in one narrative.
Its structure and themes require attention, making it a rewarding sci-fi puzzle for attentive viewers.
24. Shree (2013)
Director: Rajesh Bachchani
Why It Stands Out: A low-budget sci-fi thriller about time manipulation and its consequences on one man’s life.
It’s a hidden gem that offers suspense and science within an engaging thriller format.
25. Manaroopa (2019)
Director: Kiran Hegde
Why It Stands Out: A Kannada psychological thriller that explores philosophical sci-fi themes.
The movie questions identity, consciousness, and fear in a minimalist setting.
26. Eega (2012)
Director: S. S. Rajamouli
Why It Stands Out: While primarily a fantasy revenge drama, its reincarnation and micro-level perspective give it sci-fi flair.
A man is reincarnated as a fly and fights back using intelligence and strategy—absurd, yet brilliant in execution.
Conclusion
Indian sci-fi films continue to evolve, shaped by visionary directors and an audience eager for innovation. Whether it’s a high-budget spectacle or an indie gem, these 26 films reflect the genre’s diversity and depth in India. From robots to time travel, and from aliens to alternative realities, these movies showcase India’s potential in the Sci-Fi Movie Plots that captivate global audiences.
As technology advances and storytelling expands, Indian sci-fi is poised for even greater exploration in the coming decades. These films are just the beginning of what promises to be an extraordinary journey into the cosmos of Indian imagination.
