Explore These Must-Watch Russian Sci-Fi Films That Captivate and Inspire
Dive into an exciting collection of Russian science fiction movies including 'Night Watch', 'The Fourth Planet', 'Hardcore', and more—films that are definitely worth your time.
From thrilling alien blockbusters to intriguing time travel adventures and intense first-person action, Russian sci-fi cinema offers a rich variety of captivating stories.
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10. Attraction
- Country: Russia
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Duration: 132 minutes
- IMDb rating: 5.6
When a damaged alien spacecraft crashes in Moscow's Chertanovo district, the extraterrestrials show no hostility. However, local youths seek revenge for friends lost during the crash, while young Julia Lebedeva forges a bond with one of the aliens. Despite mixed reviews, the film directed by Fyodor Bondarchuk shines with impressive special effects and strong visuals, earning commercial success and a sequel titled "Invasion."
9. Night Watch
- Country: Russia
- Genre: Action, Fantasy
- Duration: 115 minutes
- IMDb rating: 6.4

Anton Gorodetsky serves in the Night Watch, protecting humanity from dark forces. Assigned to save young Yegor from vampires, he soon uncovers a deeper conspiracy within the forces of darkness. Timur Bekmambetov’s blockbuster, adapted from Sergei Lukyanenko’s novels, gained popularity both in Russia and internationally, although the American cut notably trimmed some characters.
8. Sputnik
- Country: Russia
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller, Drama
- Duration: 113 minutes
- IMDb rating: 6.4
Set in 1983, a Soviet spacecraft returns to Earth with one crew member dead and another seemingly infected by an alien entity. Neurophysiologist Tatiana Klimova investigates the strange events. Combining elements reminiscent of "Alien" and "The Shape of Water," this film exceeded expectations and achieved top rankings on the U.S. iTunes charts after its Russian release.
7. The Wanderer
- Countries: Russia, France, USA
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Romance
- Duration: 96 minutes
- IMDb rating: 6.7
Journalist German returns from exile to Russia to visit his dying grandfather, who has created a time corridor to the 1960s. German attempts to use this invention for personal gain but soon faces unexpected challenges. Directed by Georgiy Shengeliya, the film blends science fiction with comedy and heartfelt drama, emphasizing a profound love story.
6. The Fourth Planet
- Country: Russia
- Genre: Romance, Sci-Fi
- Duration: 84 minutes
- IMDb rating: 6.7
An international space expedition lands on Mars only to discover a small Soviet town—and soon realize they've traveled to their own past. One cosmonaut must choose between returning home and a lost love. Inspired partially by Ray Bradbury’s "The Martian Chronicles," the film tenderly adapts the story to Soviet and Russian contexts.
5. We Are from the Future
- Country: Russia
- Genre: Action, Sci-Fi
- Duration: 115 minutes
- IMDb rating: 6.7

Four black market relic hunters exploring World War II battle sites find old photographs and suddenly find themselves transported back to 1942, in the midst of the fighting. A classic time-travel story with engaging action sequences that add excitement to the familiar plot.
4. Hardcore
- Countries: Russia, USA
- Genre: Action, Sci-Fi
- Duration: 96 minutes
- IMDb rating: 6.7
Waking up in a lab with only memories of his wife, the protagonist discovers he is now a cyborg. With the help of a mysterious ally named Jimmy, he sets out to rescue his kidnapped spouse and unravel his past. Directed by Ilya Naishuller, this fast-paced action film unfolds entirely from the main character’s perspective, blending intense sci-fi elements with gripping storytelling.
3. First on the Moon
- Country: Russia
- Genre: Detective, Sci-Fi
- Duration: 75 minutes
- IMDb rating: 6.8

A group of journalists uncovers secret 1930s Soviet documents revealing an early space mission and flight preparations filmed by intelligence agencies. This mockumentary expertly mimics archival footage and even features genuine aerospace equipment, though the story is purely fictional.
2. The Ugly Swans
- Countries: Russia, France, Switzerland
- Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Detective
- Duration: 109 minutes
- IMDb rating: 7.0
Writer Viktor Banev visits a closed town housing a boarding school for extraordinary children, where strange anomalies begin to arise. His true aim is to rescue his daughter. Directed by Konstantin Lopushansky, a master of dark sci-fi, this adaptation of the Strugatsky brothers’ story evokes a haunting atmosphere and explores profound questions about humanity.
1. Window to Paris
- Countries: Russia, France
- Genre: Comedy, Sci-Fi, Drama
- Duration: 120 minutes
- IMDb rating: 7.4
Music teacher Nikolai Chizhov lives in a typical communal apartment. When he and his neighbors discover a window hidden behind a cupboard in a vacant room, they step through it into Paris. They soon realize this gateway offers opportunities to improve their lives. Directed by Yuri Mamin, the film blends heartfelt comedy with social commentary on post-Soviet realities and dreams of the West, beloved for its humor and gentle tone.
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