Science fiction has always oscillated between entertainment and anticipation, projecting future utopian, sometimes freezing. But among the many works of the genre, some manage to combine narration and scientific rigor, sketching plausible avenirs anchored in current knowledge. Aware of this balance, NASA has looked into the issue and established a classification in order to award the title of best realistic science fiction film. A revealing exercise, which highlights a particular work, deemed visionary in many ways.
Official recognition of NASA
Science fiction often oscillates between pure imagination and credible projection of a possible future. If some films push the limits of realism with spectacular but not very plausible scenarios, others stand out for a rigorous scientific approach. It is in this spirit that in 2011, NASA organized a classification of the most realistic science fiction films.
During a Jet Propulsion Laboratory meeting, a group of experts analyzed several works of the genre by assessing their scientific plausibility. Three films have distinguished themselves for their loyalty to scientific knowledge according to Daily Galaxy:
- 1st – Welcome to Gattaca (1997)
- 2nd – Contact (1997)
- 3rd – Metropolis (1927)
Conversely, films like Armageddon (1998) or 2012 (2009) were judged to be scientifically aberrant, strengthening the legitimacy of the NASA classification.
Among these works, welcome to Gattaca was hailed for his scenario anchored in genetic advances already in development, making his future dystopian both plausible and terrifying.
Gattaca: a prophetic vision of genetics
Released in 1997 and directed by Andrew Niccol, welcome to Gattaca depicts a company where genetic manipulation has become the norm. In this universe, science allows parents to choose the best genes for their children, thus eliminating the risks of hereditary diseases or weaknesses. Those born naturally, without genetic modification, are considered as second -class citizens, limited in their professional and social opportunities.
This vision, which seemed futuristic at the time, is now disturbing as it is close to certain current advances. Thanks to technologies like CRISPR, it is now possible to modify human DNA to correct certain genetic mutations. Practices such as embryonic screening already allow parents to choose embryos based on medical criteria.
The atomic energy police station (CEA) also stresses that the in -depth study of human DNA could, in the long term, make it possible to identify genetic predispositions with a precision never reached. However, this scientific progress poses many ethical questions, in perfect resonance with the message of this realistic science fiction film.
Another striking detail: the title of the film, Gattaca, is a direct reference to the four nucleotides that make up DNA:
- G for guanine
- A for adenine
- T for thymine
- C for Cytosine
A scientific wink that strengthens the anchoring of the film in an undeniable biological reality.
A ranking of the best realistic science fiction film to update?
Fourteen years after the NASA ranking, does a question arise: does Gattaca still deserve its first place among the most realistic science fiction films?
Since 2011, many films have proposed credible scientific visions of the future, such as Interstellar (2014) or alone on Mars (2015), praised for their loyalty to knowledge in astrophysics.
Other films, such as Ex Machina (2014), explore artificial intelligence with disturbing realism, asking questions similar to those raised by Gattaca on technological control and its societal implications.
Despite these new references, welcome to Gattaca retains an undeniable relevance. Unlike films centered on spatial exploration or AI, it directly questions our relationship to human biology and the excesses of scientific progress. The question of eugenics and discrimination based on genetics remains more relevant than ever, especially with the debates surrounding biotechnologies and transhumanism.
The attempt to produce a television series based on the film, finally canceled according to Futura Sciences, testifies to the persistent interest in this universe. His message, both visionary and timeless, continues to influence discussions around medical and ethical advances.
If NASA had to update its ranking of the best realistic science fiction film, it is likely that Bienvenue à Gattaca would still be in the lead. Because more than a simple science fiction film, it is a warning on the future of our species and on the moral dilemmas that accompany scientific progress.
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
