In the realm of science fiction, the idea of startups often takes on a life of its own, exploring not just the business world but also the ethical, societal, and technological implications of innovation. This curated list of 10 films dives into the thrilling universe where startups aren't just about making money, but about shaping the future. From virtual reality to time travel, these movies offer a glimpse into the potential and pitfalls of entrepreneurial ventures in a world where the only limit is imagination.

The Fifth Element (1997)
Description: This film showcases a futuristic world where a taxi driver becomes entangled with a startup-like operation to save the universe, highlighting the blend of technology and human ingenuity.
Fact: The film's futuristic cityscape was inspired by the work of French artist Jean Giraud (Moebius).


Ex Machina (2014)
Description: A programmer at a tech startup is invited by his CEO to administer the Turing test to an intelligent humanoid robot, exploring themes of consciousness, AI ethics, and the potential of AI startups.
Fact: The film was shot in a single location, a remote house in Norway, to enhance the feeling of isolation.


The Social Network (2010)
Description: While not sci-fi, this film chronicles the founding of Facebook, providing insight into the startup culture, legal battles, and the personal costs of innovation.
Fact: Aaron Sorkin wrote the screenplay in just six weeks, based on the book "The Accidental Billionaires."


In Time (2011)
Description: Time is currency in this dystopian future where a startup-like system controls the distribution of time, exploring themes of wealth inequality and the commodification of life.
Fact: The film's concept of time as currency was inspired by the idea of "time is money," taken literally.


Ready Player One (2018)
Description: In a virtual reality world created by a startup, users compete in a treasure hunt, exploring themes of escapism, digital identity, and the future of gaming.
Fact: The film features over 100 pop culture references, from movies to video games.


Her (2013)
Description: This film explores the concept of a startup that develops an advanced operating system with artificial intelligence, leading to unexpected personal relationships. It delves into themes of loneliness, love, and the future of human-AI interaction.
Fact: The film's operating system, Samantha, was voiced by Scarlett Johansson, who was not initially considered for the role.


Transcendence (2014)
Description: A scientist uploads his consciousness into a computer, creating a startup that aims to merge human intelligence with technology, exploring themes of singularity and the ethics of AI.
Fact: The film's title refers to the concept of technological singularity, where AI surpasses human intelligence.


The Circle (2017)
Description: Based on Dave Eggers' novel, this film follows a young woman who joins a powerful tech startup, revealing the dark side of transparency and surveillance in a hyper-connected world.
Fact: The film's fictional company, The Circle, was inspired by real-life tech giants like Google and Apple.


Startup.com (2001)
Description: This documentary follows the rise and fall of a dot-com startup, GovWorks, offering a real-life look at the startup world, though not strictly sci-fi, it captures the essence of entrepreneurial spirit and the tech bubble.
Fact: The film was one of the first to document the entire lifecycle of a startup, from inception to failure.


The Internship (2013)
Description: While not strictly sci-fi, this comedy-drama captures the essence of startup culture through the lens of two older interns at Google, showcasing the innovative environment and the clash of generations in a tech-driven world.
Fact: The film was partially shot at Google's real headquarters, providing an authentic backdrop for the story.
