I Went Into 2025 Hyped For One Sci-Fi Movie, But A Year Later, I’m Obsessed With Another

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2025 was a rollercoaster year for science fiction fans. While it gave us a truly disappointing film with War of the Worlds, it also delivered one of my personal favorites, Bong Joon Ho’s Mickey 17. But the two sci-fi franchise movies I can’t stop thinking about are the ones that most surprised me – one exceeding my expectations and the other falling far short.

I Really Wanted To Love Tron: Ares, But I Did Not

I’m a huge fan of the Tron franchise and have been for a long time. I practically lived at the video store renting the original movie, and I was one of the first people to see Tron: Legacy in IMAX. I’ve since collected both films in 4K and even have the Legacy soundtrack on vinyl.

I really hoped I would enjoy Tron: Ares. I had concerns throughout its development and wasn’t sure if it would be any good, but I desperately wanted to be proven wrong. It was the movie I was anticipating the most all year.

Honestly, Tron: Ares left me pretty disappointed. I just couldn’t get invested in Jared Leto’s character, Ares – he didn’t really grab me. The story felt really basic, and while it was cool seeing the lightcycles on the freeway, it wasn’t enough to save it. It just didn’t have that same sense of awe that the original Tron gave us, and it didn’t feel visually groundbreaking like the previous movies were. It just didn’t push boundaries in a way that really excited me.

The Tron series is basically about aliens, except they originate from a digital world instead of outer space. I personally enjoy stories that explore alien planets much more than those focused on aliens coming to Earth. While sci-fi movies are great for bringing the impossible to life, I didn’t find Ares particularly impressive in that regard.

Predator: Badlands Is The Best Sci-Fi Movie In The Franchise

All of the Predator movies fall into the science fiction genre, since they involve aliens. While Predator: Badlands isn’t the strongest film in the series – I still consider Prey the best – it’s definitely the one that leans most heavily into science fiction elements.

While other films in the series have taken place on alien planets, none have brought a world to life quite like Genna in Badlands. It’s a stunning and dangerous place, and I was completely captivated. The creative alien plants and creatures aren’t just visually interesting—they play a key role in the story.

The story in Predator: Badlands isn’t particularly groundbreaking – it covers familiar territory. But the unfamiliar setting allows for a fresh take on the story, making it feel new and unique, even though the core plot isn’t.

While amazing science fiction films don’t need to be set on alien planets, having one can definitely add to the experience. Sometimes, a unique setting can elevate a movie, while its absence can make another feel flat and uninspired.

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2025-12-26 23:10