This curated selection of science fiction films with an operatic twist offers a unique blend of futuristic settings and the dramatic, emotional depth of opera. These films not only entertain but also explore themes of love, loss, and the human condition through the grandeur of operatic storytelling, making them a must-watch for fans of both genres.

Moonraker (1979)
Description: While not strictly an opera, the film includes a memorable scene where James Bond attends a performance of "The Flower Duet" from the opera "Lakmé" in a space station.
Fact: The film was one of the first to feature a space shuttle in a movie, predating the actual shuttle program.


Brazil (1985)
Description: A surreal dystopian film by Terry Gilliam, where the protagonist's dreams are filled with operatic themes, reflecting his escape from a bureaucratic nightmare.
Fact: The film's title was inspired by the song "Aquarela do Brasil," which plays during the opening credits.


The City of Lost Children (1995)
Description: While not directly about opera, the film's surreal, dreamlike quality and its score evoke the emotional depth and drama of opera.
Fact: The film was co-directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Marc Caro, known for their visually stunning work.


The Fifth Element (1997)
Description: This film features an opera singer, Plavalaguna, who performs the iconic "Diva Dance" in a futuristic setting, blending opera with sci-fi elements.
Fact: The "Diva Dance" was sung by Albanian soprano Inva Mula, and the song was composed by Eric Serra.


The Matrix Revolutions (2003)
Description: The final installment of the Matrix trilogy features a scene where the machines use a massive opera-like structure to attack Zion, symbolizing the clash of technology and human emotion.
Fact: The film was released simultaneously in 108 countries, setting a record for the widest release of any film at that time.


The Phantom of the Opera (2004)
Description: Although not sci-fi, this adaptation of the classic story includes elements of fantasy and the grandeur of opera, making it a thematic fit.
Fact: The film was directed by Joel Schumacher, who also directed "Batman Forever," blending his experience with both genres.


The Fountain (2006)
Description: This film intertwines three different stories across time, with one storyline featuring a conquistador searching for the Tree of Life, accompanied by operatic music.
Fact: The film was initially conceived as a trilogy, but was condensed into a single narrative.


The Prestige (2006)
Description: This film about rival magicians includes elements of mystery and the supernatural, with the dramatic tension akin to an operatic performance.
Fact: The film was adapted from a novel by Christopher Priest, and the title refers to the final part of a magic trick.


The Congress (2013)
Description: This animated/live-action film explores a future where actors are scanned and their digital likenesses used in films, with an operatic performance by Robin Wright's character.
Fact: The film is based on the novel "The Futurological Congress" by Stanisław Lem.


The Zero Theorem (2013)
Description: This film by Terry Gilliam features a dystopian world where a reclusive computer programmer seeks meaning, with operatic music playing a significant role in the soundtrack.
Fact: The film was inspired by the works of Franz Kafka and the concept of the "zero theorem" from mathematics.
