On June 6, Tom Cruise's latest science fiction film "Edge of Tomorrow" will be released. The film has been getting a number of great reviews and is considered a must-see for the summer. However for those that will not be able to get to a nearby theater, these are a couple of science fiction films that could be seen as alternatives to Cruise's latest movie.

"District 9" - Back in 2009 when Neill Blomkamp's action thriller was announced there was not much talk about what the film was really about. Instead Sony Pictures decided on promoting the film through various viral ads. The campaign was one of the most effective since "District 9" became a huge box office hit and was one of the revelations of that year. The movie, which had a stunning performance by Sharlto Copley, tells the story of an extraterrestrial race that is forced to live in slum-like conditions on Earth. However when a government agent is exposed to their biotechnology the extraterrestrial race suddenly finds a kindred spirit. The film was not only visually striking, but it also effectively demonstrated that action science fiction films are possible on a low budget.

"Minority Report" - Steven Spielberg has always been known for creating vivid worlds and compelling storylines. With "Minority Report," he went back to his roots from "E.T." and "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" and created a high-octane action piece that showcased Cruise at his best. For those interested in one of Cruise's best science fiction films, this movie takes place in a future where a special police unit is able to arrest murderers before they commit their crimes. As a result when an officer from that unit is accused of a future murder, he must go on the run to prove himself innocent and find out who set him up. Featuring an incredible cast that also includes Max Von Sydow, Samantha Morton and Colin Farrell, "Minority Report" is a fun and incredibly original film that is a must-see.

"Cloud Atlas" - After the Matrix, the Wachowski siblings had a number of flops and terrible films released. However in 2012 they returned with ambitious "Cloud Atlas," which was also directed by Tom Tykwer. The movie was a unique take of the science fiction genre because it played with different centuries and also had many of the actors double up in roles. The concept explored how the actions of individual lives impact one another in the past, present and future, as one soul is shaped from a killer into a hero and an act of kindness ripples across centuries to inspire a revolution. While audiences did not flock to the cinemas to see the almost three-hour piece, the movie is a visual masterpiece, and the narrative is not only thought-provoking but also philosophical at its core. Featuring Tom Hanks and Halle Berry at their very best, the movie may confuse some, but for the patient it will be a transcendent experience that will shape the way they see Sci-Fi films.      

"Inception "- Christopher Nolan's Oscar nominated film was one of the most interesting science fiction films in a number of years. The movie tells the story of a skilled extractor who is offered a chance to regain his old life as payment for a task considered to be impossible. The movie featured dazzling action sequences and beautiful cinematography by Wally Pfister. However, the most compelling parts of the film were the performances by Leonardo DiCaprio, Marion Cotillard and the rest of the cast. They added a human element that is often forgotten about in most action films in favor of special effects. Nolan was able to balance the action with the drama and create an unforgettable movie.

"Children of Men" - In 2006 when Alfonso Cuaron released "Children of Men," there was not much buzz surrounding the film. The movie was virtually ignored by audiences and awards organizations. However seven years later the film not only holds up but is considered a Hollywood classic. Cuaron's science fiction thriller takes place in 2027 when women can longer have children and tells the story of a former activist who agrees to help transport a miraculously pregnant woman to a sanctuary at sea. Cuaron's masterful direction creates a future that is dreary and chaotic, and yet he fills it with hope. Clive Owen gives the best performance of his career, and Clare-Hope Ashitey gives a breakout performance full of warmth and emotion. Emmanuel Lubezki's tracking shot effectively convey the world as well as focus on the characters. This is by far one of the best science fiction films made in the last 20 years and one that has to be seen.