Movies About Utopia

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Mayumi Tanaka, Keiko Yokozawa, Kotoe Hatsui, Minori Terada
Rated PG

Castle in the Sky is a 1986 Japanese animated fantasy adventure film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. It follows the quest of two teenagers, Sheeta and Pazu, as they search for the mythical floating castle Laputa. The two are pursued by government agents, air pirates, and the army, who all seek to use the ancient technology found at Laputa. Along the way, they make unlikely allies, discover the truth behind Sheeta's mysterious amulet, and learn that true strength comes from the heart. Ultimately, they must decide whether to save Laputa, or to let it remain a secret.

From James Cameron, starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Michelle Rodriguez
Rated PG-13

Avatar is a 2009 science fiction epic film written and directed by James Cameron and starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez, and Sigourney Weaver. Set in the 22nd century, the story follows a paraplegic marine who is dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission. He is tasked with learning the Na'vi language and culture in an effort to help the humans mine the planet's resources. Through his experiences, he finds himself torn between the military agenda and the Na'vi people's spiritual beliefs, eventually leading him to choose sides in a large battle between the two. With spectacular special effects and a sweeping emotional story of self-discovery, Avatar is an unforgettable journey into a futuristic realm of imagination.

From George Pal, starring Rod Taylor, Alan Young, Yvette Mimieux, Sebastian Cabot
Rated G

The Time Machine is a 1960 science fiction film directed by George Pal. The movie is based on the H.G. Wells novel of the same name. It tells the story of a Victorian scientist, George, who builds a time machine and travels to the year 802,701 AD. In the future, he discovers two species of humans, the Eloi and the Morlocks. He learns that the Eloi are the descendants of the upper classes, who have been trapped in a state of arrested development, while the Morlocks are the descendants of the working classes, who have evolved into a more sinister species. George must find a way to save the Eloi and defeat the Morlocks in order to return to his own time. Along the way, he discovers secrets of the future, and learns the importance of humanity and its place in the universe.

From Directors: Tom Tykwer, Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski, starring Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugh Grant, Hugo Weaving
Rated R

From Roland Joffé, starring Robert De Niro, Jeremy Irons, Ray McAnally, Aidan Quinn
Rated PG

From Ryan Coogler, starring Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira
Rated PG-13

From Leonard Nimoy, starring William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan
Rated PG

From Michael Hoffman, starring Helen Mirren, James McAvoy, Christopher Plummer, Paul Giamatti
Rated R

From M. Night Shyamalan, starring Sigourney Weaver, William Hurt, Joaquin Phoenix, Bryce Dallas Howard
Rated PG-13

From Brad Bird, starring George Clooney, Britt Robertson, Hugh Laurie, Raffey Cassidy
Rated PG

From Luc Besson, starring Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, Clive Owen, Rihanna
Rated PG-13