8 Forgotten Cyberpunk Movies Worth Rediscovering

From the 1970s to the 2020s, these cyberpunk films flew under the radar but deserve a second look.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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While many iconic cyberpunk movies like Blade Runner and Ghost in the Shell have received widespread acclaim, there are several other great cyberpunk films that have been overlooked or forgotten over the years. This article highlights 8 such movies, ranging from the 1970s sci-fi thriller Colossus: The Forbin Project to the recent French animated feature Mars Express, that are worth rediscovering for their striking visuals, compelling narratives, and innovative takes on the cyberpunk genre.

Why it matters

Cyberpunk as a genre has produced some of the most influential and thought-provoking science fiction films, but many of the genre's gems have been overshadowed by the most famous titles. Shining a light on these forgotten cyberpunk movies allows fans to uncover hidden gems and appreciate the full breadth and diversity of the genre's cinematic offerings.

The details

The article covers 8 different cyberpunk films that deserve more attention, including the 1970s AI thriller Colossus: The Forbin Project, the recent French animated film Mars Express, Daft Punk's avant-garde Electroma, the anime Metropolis, the cult classic Electric Dragon 80.000 V, Kathryn Bigelow's 1995 dystopian thriller Strange Days, the body horror sequel Tetsuo II: Body Hammer, and Wim Wenders' sprawling 1991 road trip sci-fi Until the End of the World. Each film is praised for its unique visual style, compelling narrative, and innovative take on cyberpunk themes.

  • Colossus: The Forbin Project was released in 1970.
  • Mars Express was released in 2023.
  • Electroma premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2006.
  • Metropolis was released in 2001.
  • Electric Dragon 80.000 V was released in 2001.
  • Strange Days was released in 1995.
  • Tetsuo II: Body Hammer was released in 1992.
  • Until the End of the World was released in 1991.

The players

Colossus: The Forbin Project

A 1970 science fiction film about a supercomputer given control over the United States' nuclear arsenal.

Mars Express

A 2023 French animated cyberpunk thriller set on Mars in the 23rd century.

Electroma

A 2006 avant-garde science fiction film directed by the French electronic music duo Daft Punk.

Metropolis

A 2001 anime film loosely based on Osamu Tezuka's 1949 manga, set in a futuristic city.

Electric Dragon 80.000 V

A 2001 Japanese tokusatsu cult classic about an electrically-charged boxer facing off against an electronic wizard.

Strange Days

A 1995 cyberpunk thriller directed by Kathryn Bigelow, set in a dystopian Los Angeles.

Tetsuo II: Body Hammer

A 1992 cyberpunk body horror sequel directed by Shinya Tsukamoto.

Until the End of the World

A 1991 science fiction road trip film directed by Wim Wenders.

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What they’re saying

“One of the best animated movies I've ever seen.”

— Roger Ebert, Film Critic (Unknown)

The takeaway

While the most famous cyberpunk films have received widespread acclaim, there are many other hidden gems within the genre that deserve rediscovery. From thought-provoking AI thrillers to visually striking animated features, these forgotten cyberpunk movies showcase the full breadth and diversity of the genre, offering fans new and innovative perspectives on the future, technology, and the human condition.