Planet of the Apes
Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter
After being kept in hypersleep during a long expedition into deep space, an astronaut crew crash-lands in the 40th century on a planet where highly intelligent non-human ape species are dominant and humans are enslaved.
Why you'll love it
Presents a role-reversal scenario where humans are dominated by intelligent apes, prompting anthropological reflections.
District 9
Sharlto Copley, David James, Jason Cope
Violence ensues after an extraterrestrial race forced to live in slum-like conditions on Earth finds a kindred spirit in a government agent exposed to their biotechnology.
Why you'll love it
Examines issues of xenophobia and social segregation in a sci-fi setting with extraterrestrial beings.
Avatar
Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver
A paraplegic Marine dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission becomes torn between following his orders and protecting the world he feels is his home.
Why you'll love it
Explores anthropological themes of colonialism and cultural interaction on an alien planet.
Apocalypto
Gerardo Taracena, Raoul Max Trujillo, Dalia Hernández
As the Mayan kingdom faces its decline, a young man is taken on a perilous journey to a world ruled by fear and oppression.
Why you'll love it
Portrays the life and customs of the Maya civilization before Spanish contact.
The Gods Must Be Crazy
N!xau, Marius Weyers, Sandra Prinsloo
A comic allegory about a traveling Bushman who encounters modern civilization and its stranger aspects, including a clumsy scientist and a band of revolutionaries.
Why you'll love it
A comedy that explores the cultural clash between a tribal community and the modern world.