Top 10 Sci-Fi Films About Investigative Journalism

Description: A journalist, Helen Benson, becomes involved in the investigation of an alien visitor, Klaatu, who arrives with a warning for Earth's inhabitants.

Fact: The film was one of the first to use the theme of alien visitation as a metaphor for Cold War tensions. It was remade in 2008 with Keanu Reeves.

Description: A journalist, Raymond Shaw, becomes embroiled in a conspiracy involving brainwashing and political manipulation, with elements of science fiction in the mind control techniques.

Fact: The film was remade in 2004 with Denzel Washington. The original was controversial for its depiction of political corruption and mind control.

Description: A journalist investigates a series of political assassinations, uncovering a shadowy organization that recruits assassins, blending political thriller with elements of speculative fiction.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life assassinations of the 1960s. The Parallax Corporation's recruitment film is a famous example of subliminal messaging in cinema.

Description: A schoolteacher, Johnny Smith, who wakes from a coma with psychic abilities, uses his powers to investigate and prevent future tragedies, blending investigative journalism with supernatural elements.

Fact: The film is based on Stephen King's novel. David Cronenberg directed this film, known for his unique approach to horror and science fiction.

Description: While not a traditional journalist, Thomas Anderson, aka Neo, uncovers the truth about his reality, which is a simulated world created by sentient machines to subdue the human population.

Fact: The film's concept was inspired by "Simulacra and Simulation" by Jean Baudrillard. The Wachowskis wrote the script under the pseudonym "The Wachowski Brothers" before transitioning.

Description: A political journalist, David Norris, stumbles upon a mysterious organization that controls human fate. His investigation leads him to question free will and the nature of destiny.

Fact: The film is loosely based on Philip K. Dick's short story "Adjustment Team." The hats worn by the members of the Adjustment Bureau were custom-made by the same company that made hats for "Mad Men."

Description: In this time-loop thriller, a journalist-turned-soldier, Major William Cage, relives the same day repeatedly, using his knowledge to uncover a conspiracy and ultimately save humanity from an alien invasion.

Fact: The film's original title was "All You Need Is Kill," based on the Japanese light novel of the same name. Tom Cruise performed many of his own stunts, including the famous beach landing scene.

Description: In a post-apocalyptic world, a young girl with unique abilities and a teacher, who acts as an investigative journalist, uncover the truth about a fungal infection turning humans into zombies.

Fact: The film is based on the novel by M.R. Carey, who also wrote the screenplay. It was shot in Birmingham, UK, with minimal CGI used for the zombie effects.

Description: While not strictly sci-fi, this film features a journalist-like investigation into the CIA's use of torture, blending real-world intrigue with speculative elements of government secrecy.

Fact: The film was inspired by the Senate Intelligence Committee report on CIA torture. Adam Driver prepared for his role by reading the actual report.

Description: FBI agents Mulder and Scully, who often act as investigative journalists, delve into a conspiracy involving extraterrestrial life and government cover-ups.

Fact: The film was made during the hiatus between the fifth and sixth seasons of the TV series. It was the first feature film based on a TV show to be released while the series was still in production.