8 Years Later, This Sci-Fi Cyberpunk Hit With An 88% RT Score Keeps Getting Better Ahead Of Return

by

Even after eight years, a certain Sci-Fi film still holds up and feels fresh, especially with a new installment in the series on the way. Many interesting Sci-Fi movies have come out recently, and one to watch for in 2026 is Mercy, where Chris Pratt’s character fights for his freedom against an artificial intelligence judge.

Big science fiction franchises like Star Wars, Jurassic World, and Dune have dominated cinemas recently, but there’s still room for smaller, lower-budget films that focus on unique and specific ideas. One such film not only found success in theaters, but continues to gain appreciation over time.

This Sci-Fi Cyberpunk Movie Is A Must-Watch

The sci-fi cyberpunk thriller Upgrade came out in theaters on June 1, 2018, and did well, earning $16.7 million despite a small $3 million budget. Produced by Blumhouse and directed by Leigh Whannell (known for The Invisible Man), the movie stars Logan Marshall-Green, who is often mistaken for Tom Hardy.

Marshall-Green plays Grey Trace, a car mechanic whose life changes forever when he’s paralyzed during a mugging. The incident began with a malfunction in Grey’s self-driving car, which crashed, and during the attack, his wife, Asha, was killed. The film’s title, ‘STEM,’ refers to a special chip that helps Grey regain movement and control of his body.

But the biggest surprise in this sci-fi movie is that the technology Grey receives doesn’t just fix his problem—it also gives him incredible strength and turns him into a dangerous weapon. Upgrade is a fast-paced action thriller about a man seeking revenge for his wife’s murder, and it’s sure to keep you hooked. Critics love it too, giving it an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

How Upgrade Keeps Getting Better 8 Years Later

MovieStillsDB

Even after nearly a decade, Upgrade continues to impress for two main reasons. First, the movie itself has aged remarkably well. Despite being made on a low budget, it was a very efficient production, and the visual effects still look good today. The action sequences are strong, the story is gripping, and Logan Marshall-Green delivers a compelling performance as the lead.

Beyond the film itself, the Upgrade story is expanding in a positive way. A sequel was originally in development with Blumhouse, but now it’s becoming a TV series set several years later. The show will feature a new host for STEM and a more advanced version of the AI, which is great because it allows the story to grow and explore the interesting technology at the heart of Upgrade in more detail.

Read More

2026-02-17 01:48