Top 10 Sci-Fi Films About the Elite

Description: In a future where genetic engineering determines one's social status, Vincent Freeman, born naturally, assumes the identity of a genetically superior man to pursue his dream of space travel. This film delves into the themes of genetic discrimination and the human spirit's resilience against societal norms.

Fact: The film's title is derived from the four nucleobases of DNA: guanine, adenine, thymine, and cytosine. The movie was shot in sequence to help the actors with the emotional arc of their characters.

Description: While not exclusively about the elite, The Matrix explores a world where the ruling class, the Machines, control humanity, keeping them in a virtual reality to harvest their bioelectric energy. The film's themes of control, freedom, and reality make it a fitting addition to this list.

Fact: The Wachowskis wrote the first draft of the script in 1996, and it was initially rejected by several studios. The film's iconic "bullet time" effect was developed specifically for this movie.

Description: In a dystopian future, a totalitarian regime has outlawed emotions to prevent war. John Preston, a high-ranking enforcer, begins to question the system after missing his dose of emotion-suppressing drugs. This film explores the elite's control over society through emotional suppression.

Fact: The film's gun kata, a fictional martial art, was created for the movie. The director, Kurt Wimmer, also wrote the screenplay.

Description: In a seemingly utopian facility, residents are told they are survivors of a global contamination, waiting for their chance to live on "The Island." However, the truth is far more sinister, involving cloning and the elite's quest for immortality. This film explores the ethical dilemmas of cloning and the value of human life.

Fact: The film's concept was inspired by the 1979 film "Parts: The Clonus Horror." Michael Bay, known for his action-packed movies, directed this thought-provoking sci-fi thriller.

Description: In a seemingly utopian world where emotions and memories are suppressed, a young man is chosen to be the Receiver of Memory, learning the truth about the past and the cost of the society's "perfection." This film examines the elite's manipulation of society for control.

Fact: The film is based on Lois Lowry's 1993 novel of the same name. It was originally intended to be released in 2011 but was delayed due to financial issues.

Description: In a dystopian society, the Capitol, home to the elite, forces children from the twelve districts to fight to the death in an annual event known as the Hunger Games. This film highlights the stark contrast between the privileged and the oppressed.

Fact: The film was shot in North Carolina, with the Capitol scenes filmed in Charlotte. The movie's success led to a franchise with three sequels.

Description: In a future where the wealthy live on a luxurious space station, Elysium, while the rest of humanity suffers on a ruined Earth, a man with a terminal illness takes on a mission to infiltrate Elysium to save his life and bring equality to the masses. This film perfectly encapsulates the divide between the haves and have-nots in a sci-fi setting.

Fact: Elysium was filmed in Vancouver, which was transformed into a futuristic slum. The space station Elysium was entirely CGI.

Description: In a world where time is currency, the rich can live forever, while the poor must barter for every minute. Will Salas, a young man from the wrong side of the tracks, becomes a time thief, challenging the system that keeps the elite in power. This film is a thrilling allegory for economic inequality.

Fact: The film's concept was inspired by the idea of time as money, but taken to an extreme. The director, Andrew Niccol, also wrote "The Truman Show."

Description: In a virtual reality universe called the OASIS, the elite control the digital world, while the rest of humanity seeks escape. A young man embarks on a quest to find a hidden Easter egg, challenging the status quo. This film blends nostalgia with a critique of corporate control.

Fact: The film features over 170 pop culture references. Steven Spielberg, a master of pop culture himself, directed this adaptation of Ernest Cline's novel.

Description: A young woman lands a job at a powerful tech company run by an elite group, only to discover that their vision of a transparent society has dark implications. This film explores the ethical dilemmas of technology and privacy in the hands of the elite.

Fact: The film is based on Dave Eggers' 2013 novel. It was shot in Los Angeles and the Bay Area, with some scenes filmed at Google's headquarters.