In this article, we’ll look at some of the Top Future Noir Films You Haven’t Seen. We’ll include an overview of Future Noir and Tech Noir films from the last 50 years in addition to some lesser-known futuristic noir films that fans of the subgenre might enjoy. This is a follow-up article to our list of the Best Future Noir Films which listed the Top 20 films of the Future Noir film subgenre. You can reference that article for all the must-see Future Noir and Tech Noir Films.
To recap from our previous article, Future Noir (also known as Tech Noir) is a Sci-Fi film subgenre that combines Film Noir and Science Fiction. Film Noir are crime films featuring malevolent characters in sleazy, dark settings with an ominous atmosphere. Future Noir updates these film characteristics to a futuristic setting and often involves technology as a destructive force.
While Crime films of the 1970’s were shifting towards a Neo Noir film style, the Sci-Fi genre also started to incorporate Film Noir style in their narratives. Soylent Green (1973) was one of the first films of this decade that featured a gritty crime investigation in a dystopian society. Alien (1979) is often not thought of as a Future Noir film but featured many traits synonymous with the subgenre – a societal class system hinting at a corporate run (i.e. dystopian) future, an investigation into the murders of the crew members and the Xenomorph and Ash (AI) representing future technologies as a destructive force to society. Other notable subgenre films of the decade included Eye of Laura Mars (1978) and Dead Mountaineer’s Hotel (1979).
In the 1980’s, the form and style of Future Noir films was firmly established by Blade Runner (1982). This film is often thought of as the first true Future Noir film of the subgenre that combined the Film Noir narrative of Philip K. Dick’s Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? novel with the grimy, futuristic setting as visualized by Ridley Scott. The Terminator (1984) was another 80’s film that also helped establish tenets of the Future Noir film subgenre with its theme of destructive technology of the future that could threaten present-day society. Other notable Future Noir films of the 80’s included Outland (1981), Escape from New York (1981), Heavy Metal (1981), Looker (1981), The Thing (1982), Trancers (1984) and Brazil (1985).
The 1990’s featured a growing number of Cyberpunk Films – some of which had Future Noir elements. Strange Days (1995) and Gattaca (1997) both featured Future Noir elements with a crime narrative within a dystopian society. Dark City (1998) and The Thirteenth Floor (1999) took these elements even further with their classic Film Noir style and characters that looked straight out of 1950’s Film Noir films. Other notable subgenre films of the decade included Total Recall (1990), Naked Lunch (1991), 12 Monkeys (1995), Open Your Eyes (1997) and New Rose Hotel (1998). The Matrix (1999) also had some Future Noir elements but is much more associated with the Cyberpunk Film subgenre.
Different Future Noir themes started to establish themselves in the 2000’s. The first theme involved crime narratives set against unique Dystopian environments. Minority Report (2002) featured a future society where murders could be ‘predicted’, Equilibrium (2002) involved a totalitarian regime that stifles human emotions through drugs and V for Vendetta (2006) was set in a future UK that has become a fascist state. Technology was the second most prominent subgenre theme with brain implants in Cypher (2002), Paycheck (2003) and The Final Cut (2004) and Artificial Intelligence in A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001) and I, Robot (2004). Other notable subgenre films of the decade included A Scanner Darkly (2006), Children of Men (2006), Eden Log (2007) and Surrogates (2009).
The 2010’s most notable theme was a return to Film Noir style. This included 1950’s Film Noir stylings integrated with gritty and dark futuristic environments and the classic looks and mannerisms of Film Noir detectives (protagonists). Paradox (2010), Inception (2010), Narcopolis (2015), Blade Runner 2049 (2017), Mute (2018), Anon (2018) and Hotel Artemis (2018) all amplified this Film Noir style in their films. Other notable Film Noir films from the 2010’s included Source Code (2011), Dredd (2012), Looper (2012), Upgrade (2018) and Alita: Battle Angel (2019).
The Future Noir Film subgenre hasn’t established itself yet in the 2020’s with very few films utilizing Film Noir stylings. The most notable subgenre films released to date includes The Soul (2021) and Reminiscence (2021).
Our complete list of Future Noir Films features over 65+ films from 1970 – 2023. You can find just about every Future Noir Film in this collection (and we also have an entire list of Film Noir and Neo Noir films you can check out). If you’re new to the subgenre or are looking for similar films to Blade Runner (1982), be sure to check out our Best Future Noir Films article outlining the 20 best films of the subgenre. And as always, subscribe to our newsletter if you want to be updated once we release additional articles or make updates to our Future Noir film list.
Classic Future Noir Films: Best Future Noir Films
Lesser-known Future Noir Films that didn’t make our list: Eye of Laura Mars (1978), Dead Mountaineer’s Hotel (1979), Crosstalk (1982), Condor (1986), New Rose Hotel (1998), Renaissance (2006), Mute (2018), Hotel Artemis (2018), Wetware (2018) and Wifelike (2022).
We have embedded a compilation video of our Top Future Noir Films You Haven’t Seen and more details on these films can be found in the list below. Note: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Plot: After an atomic war Phillip Hammer and Marlowe Chandler have spent 15 years on their own in a bunker, stuffed with junk from the 40’s and old detective novels. Now, 19 years old, they leave their shelter to find a world full of mutants, freaks and cannibals. They become famous detectives in the struggle for the two keys that could fire the last nuclear weapon.
KBZ’s Take: This is probably the weirdest film on our list and a time capsule into the Sci-Fi craziness of the 80’s. The late director Albert Pyun created some memorable B-movies in the 80’s and 90’s including The Sword and the Sorcerer (1982), Cyborg (1989) and Dollman (1991). Though most critics never warmed to his films, Radioactive Dreams has become a cult classic over the years.
As for the film, it has the right amount of Post-Apocalyptic B-movie mayhem including disco mutants, cannibals and a search for nuclear missile keys. The story doesn’t make a lot of sense, but it’s a fun ride littered with a multitude of parody-like Film Noir references.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://youtu.be/rI1TQ1V0oyw
#9
Narcopolis
Plot: A narcotics cop works in a world where illegal drugs are gradually being replaced by sanctioned stimulants. When he’s taken off a case involving an unidentified corpse, he presses on with the investigation, putting all those around him in danger.
KBZ’s Take: We almost didn’t put this film on our list but relented given the obvious passion of writer and director Justin Trefgarne. You can tell by watching the film that this is someone fully versed in Film Noir and Future Noir. It’s just a shame the film doesn’t reach the lofty heights of Future Noir the film aspires for.
As for Narcopolis, it can be summed up by a great beginning and ending. However, the pacing of the film in between is slow at times and the plot introduces some confusing elements (one of which is time travel). With that said, for subgenre fans, it’s a film to definitely check out as it does have some great Future Noir scenes.
On a separate note, look for some appearances in the film from Game of Thrones alum Harry Lloyd and Jonathan Pryce.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3MARTr2
#8
Looker
Plot: Plastic surgeon Larry Roberts performs a series of minor alterations on a group of models who are seeking perfection. The operations are a resounding success. But when someone starts killing his beautiful patients, Dr. Roberts becomes suspicious and starts investigating. What he uncovers are the mysterious – and perhaps murderous – activities of a high-tech computer company called Digital Matrix.
KBZ’s Take: Though this film doesn’t prioritize the Dystopian future aspects of Future Noir, it does have heavy Noir elements involving a criminal investigation and dangerous technology. Looker is also one of Michael Crichton’s lesser-known directorial efforts that also wasn’t well received by critics at the time.
Despite the critical response, the film is one of the better Future Noir films with a great performance by Albert Finney. There are also some unique technological elements throughout the film. The main technology that is used to put people ‘in a trance’ we don’t want to talk about too much here as details of the tech are slowly revealed throughout the first two acts of the film.
The other technology that this film was very prescient with is 3D modeling of humans. A female model in the film has a 3D model of herself created that can later be used in a commercial. This early tech shown in the film is already on the minds of the acting community and studio execs as current AI is near the ability to replace actors and actresses with a digital likeness.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3WEbxqR
#7
Split Second
Plot: In a flooded future London, Detective Harley Stone (Rutger Hauer) hunts a serial killer who murdered his partner and has haunted him ever since. He soon discovers what he is hunting might not be human.
KBZ’s Take: Split Second is basically a Film About Monsters with some very heavy Future Noir elements. Though it’s another film on our list that critics panned upon its release, the film has developed a cult following over the years – for good reason.
First, despite a low budget that’s not very convincing in showing a future world ravaged by flooding (due to global warming), it’s still a fun film. The actors (especially Rutger Hauer) are enjoying themselves in this somewhat cheesy Post-Apocalyptic environment and it shows throughout.
Second, some of the dialogue and scenes are straight up parodies of Noir films. There are the characters of Harley Stone (Hauer), Michelle McLaine (Kim Cattrall) and Dick Durkin (Alastair Duncan). And there’s the iconic line from the film: “We need to get bigger guns. BIG F***ING GUNS!”.
Future Noir fans have likely already seen this film, but for other Sci-Fi and Horror fans, it’s a fun ride you shouldn’t miss.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/43qSFxE
#6
Trancers
Plot: Angel City trooper Jack Deth is sent back in time from 2247 to 1985 L.A. to inhabit the body of his ancestor. Deth’s assignment is to find his archenemy, Whistler, who turns people into zombies, before the fiend is able to kill all the ancestors of the future’s governing council.
KBZ’s Take: Trancers is a B-movie version of The Terminator except without Robots or Arnold Schwarzenegger. However, it’s a great B-film that ties together many subgenres – Time Travel, Film Noir, Zombies and Body Swaps. Though more science fiction focused, there are some humorous Body Swap situations with people transported back in time but not into the bodies they’re expecting.
The film also has some of the heaviest Noir influences of any film within the subgenre. There’s Jack Deth and his Film Noir-like voiceover throughout the film, the sleazy characters Deth encounters during his investigation and the very Noir-like settings both in the future and present. Also, be on the lookout for Helen Hunt in one of her earlier starring roles.
Additional Lists: Top Time Travel Films You Haven’t Seen – 1980’s #4, Top Body Swap Films You Haven’t Seen #9
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3BT0n8p
Plot: Set in a world with memory implants, Alan Hakman is a cutter – someone with the power of final edit over people’s recorded histories – but his latest assignment puts him in great danger.
KBZ’s Take: The Final Cut has some of the most subtle and unique elements of the subgenre. It checks all the boxes for Future Noir with the future Dystopian society, technology that has overtaken most peoples’ lives (by recording what they see) and the dual mysteries at the center of the film.
The film is most reliant on the performance of the late Robin Williams. Though he was known for mostly comic roles, he does have a few drama-based roles, and this is one of his best. He is the anchor of the film as his own personal demons and mystery slowly intertwine with the subject of his latest cutting assignment. The implant technology itself is also unique and the moral implications of the technology will stay with you after watching the film.
It’s a much different Future Noir film but one that shouldn’t be missed by fans of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3N3fXmP
#4
Cypher
Plot: An unsuspecting, disenchanted man finds himself working as a spy in the dangerous, high-stakes world of corporate espionage. Quickly getting way over-his-head, he teams up with a mysterious femme fatale.
KBZ’s Take: Cypher is a film that straddles the line between Cyberpunk and Future Noir. It has elements of both subgenres, but we personally feel it fits better within the Future Noir subgenre.
At the center of the film is corporate espionage set in the near future that eventually turns into a mystery. This is where the Future Noir elements become more apparent as Morgan Sullivan (Jeremy Northam) begins to suspect he’s living a different life and starts a pseudo-investigation.
It’s best to go into this film knowing little about it and you will have to pay attention to its complex plot. But if you can stick with it, you’ll find it’s one of the best and most underrated films of the subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3MKBVKS
#3
Upgrade
Plot: A paralyzed man receives an AI brain implant that starts to take over his life.
KBZ’s Take: While this is a great techno thriller, it’s also a great tale of revenge – but with a twist. A technophobe gets a new AI implant that assists him on his path to vengeance. Though it had a limited theater release, Upgrade is a prime example of how AI is often at the center of great Cyberpunk and Techno Thriller films.
Upgrade has everything in it from the ethics of AI to a Future Noir mystery thriller. Oh, and it can be a bit gory too. It’s also one of the darker Cyberpunk/Future Noir hybrid films with an emphasis on how much control we can lose to AI through human augmentation.
Additional Lists: Top Techno Thriller Films You Haven’t Seen (Part 1) #1, Top Films About Revenge You Haven’t Seen #5, Best Artificial Intelligence Films #5, Best Cyberpunk Films #7
Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/40cCSSf
#2
Anon
Plot: In a futuristic world, a detective tracks a woman who has no identity.
KBZ’s Take: Anon is ranked #1 in our Top Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Films You Haven’t Seen list and #2 in our Best AR & VR Films list. It’s one of the only films that shows how Augmented Reality technology can be abused in a connected world. While the film shows a future world where privacy is a thing of the past, it excels in showing the havoc a hacker could cause by ‘hacking’ into an individual’s’ AR view and messing with their mind.
Anon also heavily relies on Future Noir elements and is why we have it ranked #2 here. It seamlessly blends the AR elements into Sal Friedland’s (Clive Owen) investigation. It’s one of the only films in the subgenre where three tenets of Future Noir – dystopian future, technology takeover, criminal investigation – are all in equal balance.
No film has done a better job of showing the perils of an ‘always on and connected’ AR experience that’s closer to reality than one might think. Writer/Director Andrew Niccol has always been ahead of the curve with his films on emerging technology and Anon is his best film after Gattaca (1997) and In Time (2011).
Additional Lists: Top Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Films You Haven’t Seen #1, Best AR & VR Films #2
Where to Stream / Buy: https://www.netflix.com/title/80195964
#1
The Soul
Plot: While investigating the death of a businessman, a prosecutor and his wife uncover occult secrets as they face their own life-and-death dilemma.
KBZ’s Take: Normally, we would have put Anon (2018) or Upgrade (2018) in this spot, but we couldn’t pass on the opportunity to make people aware of this film.
While some might argue it’s technically a Neo Noir film, we felt it had enough Future Noir elements to qualify. While the film doesn’t inhabit a Dystopian world, dangerous technology and a great investigative mystery are the main foundations of the film.
The film’s technology is centered around RNA tech that can not only cure degenerative brain cells but also allow for the transfer of brain cells from one person to another. This is where the film blends elements of Sci-Fi Biotech and Occult Horror to amazing effect.
The second Future Noir component revolves around a murder, mystery and investigation. We’re not going to talk about the mystery and investigation here but will say it’s one of the best in the entire subgenre. It will keep you guessing throughout the film until the shocking finale.
The Soul is one of those great, lesser-known films that deserves a much larger audience and shouldn’t be missed by any fans of this subgenre or the Mystery Thrillers subgenre.
Where to Stream / Buy: https://www.netflix.com/title/81415286
