Genetic Engineering is touching new heights with the advancement of modern medical science. From creating artificial tissues to animal cloning we are setting new targets for us to achieve. Although we are witnessing marvels of biotechnology and genetic engineering today, our cinematic universe has already shown glimpses of the current and future modern medical marvels through their enigmatic sci-fi movies. So let’s embrace the journey of top 10 sci-fi movies and explore the world of genetic engineering and biotechnology.
1. Gattaca (1997)
The story of Gattaca depicts a dystopian future world where genetically modified humans are considered superior to unmodified normal humans. These normal humans often face discrimination when getting various opportunities. The movie centers around Vincent Freeman, a man with unmodified genes who dreams of becoming an astronaut, and his struggle to overcome the challenges in his path to fulfill his dream. The movie depicts very well the conflict between genetic superiority and individual worth.
2. The Island (2005)
Michael Bay’s “The Island” takes us to the unethical and illegal world of science, where advanced genetic engineering and medical science are used to create clones of dying rich people in the world for organ replacement harvesting. The movie’s storyline revolves around the escape journey of Lincoln Six Echo and Jordan Two Delta, who shatter the oppressive chain of the organ-harvesting island. Join their breathtaking journey filled with hidden dangers and unexpected twists.
3. Splice (2009)
The movie sets an example of a negative aspect of failed genetic experimentation and transports viewers to a place where moral areas of uncertainty and unexplored territories coexist. Watch as two bold scientists illegally splice animal and human DNA, violating moral restraints and bringing about a new species. Their experiment’s inherent risks send them on an unanticipated course, forcing them to face the unintended repercussions of their bold steps.
4. Jurassic Park (1993)
Steven Spielberg’s iconic classic masterpiece takes genetic engineering to the next level and brings extinct dinosaurs back to life from the blood of a mosquito trapped in amber. The movie highlights positive as well as negative aspects of genetic engineering and ignites the debate: shall we go against the rules of nature and bring back the extinct animals? In the movie, we see an island where extinct gigantic dinosaurs venture on Earth, brought back to life through genetic experimentation. The visionary entrepreneur turns the island into a Jurassic Park for visitors. But things go wrong, and the theme park turns into a horror park. Even today, the movie’s stunning graphics,special effects, and sound are realistic enough to raise the body’s hair.
5. Jurassic World (2015)
Building upon its predecessor’s legacy, “Jurassic World” takes the concept of genetic modification to heart-pounding new heights. The movie leaves behind its predecessor and goes further in genetic modification, creating a new hybrid creature that goes on a rampage after it accidentally gets released from its confinement and further strengthening the need to respect the power and rules of nature.
6. The Fly (1986)
David Cronenberg’s horror-infused “The Fly” is the horrific story of an eccentric scientist whose science experiment goes wrong. The movie showcases the terrible results of a science experiment that accidentally merges a man with a fly. The resulting effect of the experiment turns the scientist into a murderous monster.
7.Never Let Me Go (2010)
“Never Let Me Go” is a different kind of science fiction film that follows a group of individuals who were studied at a mysterious boarding school. After leaving their school, they find their lives becoming strange, and the ending reveals the shocking reason behind it. They were clones of some other person and were created solely for the purpose of organ harvesting. The movie leaves the audience in a dilemma.
8. The Sixth Day (2000)
Imagine what will happen if your clone replaces you in your life without your notice. How will you react? In the movie “The Sixth Day,” the main character, Adam Gibson (Arnold Schwarzenegger), finds himself in the same situation. The movie presents us with a future where you can clone your pet, but human cloning is illegal. But a mad scientist chooses not to follow the law and practices his unethical work of human cloning. Adam Gibson must fight for his survival since his life and identity are in danger.
09. Species (1995)
In this sci-fi horror movie, scientists use information about an alien genetic life form captured through an intercepted space transmission to create a gorgeous alien-human hybrid girl named “Sil” (Natasha Henstridge) kept in laboratory confinement. Sil breaks into the laboratory and runs away to find a suitable male partner to get herself impregnated. A team of security forces chases her, trying to stop her before it’s too late.
10. Rampage (2018)
How far the failed genetic experimentation on animals could go is beautifully described in the heart-pounding action film “Rampage”. The movie follows three animals: a gorilla, a wolf, and a reptile who grows to a monstrous size after the effects of a failed genetic experiment. The three animals start to destroy everything, and hence, a team containing primatologists and the military chases to stop them.
Conclusion:
These 10 cinematic gems tell us that genetic engineering is like playing with fire and hence must be dealt with extreme caution. A slight miscalculation in experimenting may result in long-term side effects. These movies ignite our curiosity and present us with the formidable consequences of playing with the natural life cycle. So start your journey to explore life in a different dimension where conflict between science and ethics enlightens our moral thoughts.
Don’t forget to leave the name of best movie as per your opinion