The 2020s have already proven to be a significant decade for science fiction cinema, with standout films like Denis Villeneuve's adaptations of Dune and James Gunn's recent take on Superman delivering memorable lines. While the earlier part of the decade saw a surge in superhero films, the current era is notable for its diverse and impactful science fiction narratives, including original stories and continuations of established franchises.
One of the most resonant quotes comes from Denis Villeneuve's 2021 film Dune, adapted from Frank Herbert's 1965 novel. The line, "I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration," is a mantra of the House of Atreides, used to steel their resolve against overwhelming odds on the harsh desert planet Arrakis. The filmmakers Jon Spaihts and Eric Roth, alongside Villeneuve, effectively integrated this foundational passage into the film, maintaining its power from the original text.
James Gunn's 2025 Superman brought a renewed sense of optimism to the Man of Steel, with David Corenswet embodying the character's humility and vulnerability. A pivotal moment occurs when Superman confronts Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult). In response to Luthor's taunt that Superman is merely an alien, the hero delivers a powerful affirmation of his humanity: “That is where you've always been wrong about me, Lex. I am as human as anyone. I love, I get scared. I wake up every morning, and despite not knowing what to do, I put one foot in front of the other, and I try to make the best choices I can. I screw up all the time, but that is being human, and that's my greatest strength. And someday, I hope, for the sake of the world, you understand that it's yours too.”
In Project Hail Mary, Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling), a scientist tasked with saving Earth from a solar virus, initially doubts his capabilities. During an early conversation with mission commander Yao Li-Jie (Ken Leung), Grace admits, “I don’t have the bravery gene that you all have.” Yao’s simple yet profound response, "It’s not a gene. You just need someone to be brave for," underscores the film's uplifting theme of finding courage through purpose.
Bong Joon Ho's 2025 film Mickey 17, a darkly humorous sci-fi outing, features a memorable line from its protagonist, Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson). As an "expendable" clone tasked with dangerous missions, Mickey wryly observes, "Even on my 17th go-around, I hate dying." The line, delivered with understated humor, highlights the film's bleak yet funny take on existential survival.
Danny Boyle and Alex Garland's 2025 sequel, 28 Years Later, introduces the enigmatic Dr. Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes), who has created a monument of skulls to the deceased. Explaining his morbid creation to a young survivor named Spike, Kelson says, "There were so many dead, infected and non-infected alike. Because they are alike. Every skull is a set of thoughts. These sockets saw and these jaws spoke and swallowed. This is a monument to them, a temple." This quasi-Shakespearean monologue adds a profound layer to the film's exploration of a post-apocalyptic world.
