Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Futurism.
Top Artificial Intelligence Movies
Since the Maschinenmensch (German for machine-human) first appeared in Fritz Lang’s Metropolis in 1927, sci-fi fans have been obsessed with sentient robots, androids, and cyborgs. Named by computer scientist John McCarthy in 1955, the term used to describe these sentient machines is artificial intelligence (AI).
By Richard Haynes10 years ago in Futurism
Stunning Sci-Fi Art Spaceships
Of all things futuristic and infeasible, spaceships steal the hearts of sci-fi lovers more than just about anything else. From the stalwart flagbearers like the Millennium Falcon and the Mothership to fighter craft and faster-than-light travel, spaceships—along with their Captains, crews, and missions—have always enraptured fans.
By Jake Burgess10 years ago in Futurism
Examining the Pyramids
Herodotus, the “father of history,” lived during the 5th century B.C. He was the first of many to record either legend or theory about the Great Pyramid of Giza, which was built in Egypt an estimated 2,000 years before his “history” was written. According to Herodotus:
By Futurism Staff10 years ago in Futurism
Best Sci-Fi Fantasy Movies
The line between science fiction and fantasy is a thin one. How are spaceships and super advanced technology capable of shooting fireballs so different from, say, a wizard doing the same? It's not surprising that the two genres have many crossover fans, and it's not too uncommon for movies to cross the two genres as well. You might think the idea of wizards flying around in spaceships and shooting lightning bolts from their hands sounds ridiculous, but there's a movie you've probably heard of that does just that. You know, that little film called Star Wars that perfectly blends fantasy and sci-fi? It has a grand dark wizard who literally shoots lightning from his fingertips and lives in a giant moon castle capable of destroying planets. Sometimes crossing the peanut butter of sci-fi with the chocolate of fantasy can equal an amazing delight of cinema. Here are a few of our favorite sci-fi fantasy movies that form the perfect Reese's Peanut Butter Cup of good, nerdy, cinematic taste.
By Futurism Staff10 years ago in Futurism
How Pixar’s 'Wall-E' Predicts the Future
Self-driving cars. Humans glued to the screens of their devices. Trash everywhere. One company to rule them all. Sound familiar? Either you just watched the 2008 Pixar hit Wall-E, or you simply looked at the ever-changing world around us. Debuting at a time when the economy hit its lowest point since the Great Depression, the dystopian society surrounding everyone’s favorite hardworking robot scared many with its foreboding predictions. But before humans actually admit that Wall-E predicted the future and director Andrew Stanton’s garbage-covered, humanless Earth of the year 2805 becomes a reality, we must take action for the sake of our planet.
By Jake Aronskind10 years ago in Futurism
Sci-Fi Artist Chris Moore's Illustrative Universe
Chris Moore is a British painter, designer, and illustrator recognized as a master of depicting high-tech science fiction. Moore has elegantly devised parallel universes that have graced the works of prestigious authors such as Philip K. Dick and Isaac Asimov. Moore’s work boasts a fascinating level of technical skill and ascendancy over the canvas, using technology as merely an aid to his own distinctive technique.
By Natasha Sydor10 years ago in Futurism
Is Pluto a Planet?
Every space-minded child growing up found their niche among the stars once they were able to name all the planets in order from the Sun. For anyone born after 2006, they might find it a little harder as we continue to ask: Is Pluto a planet? Pluto, the true underdog story of the Milkyway, was declassified as a primary planet after it failed to meet the International Astronomical Union's specifications. The world watched on as the baby brother of the planet family was disowned and thrown into a meaningless group of misfit dwarf planets. So while we brush away our tears as we watch everyone’s favorite underdog become stripped of its planetary ties, let’s find the true reasons why we still question whether or not Pluto is a planet.
By Jake Aronskind10 years ago in Futurism
History of Japanese Seppuku
Japanese culture is everywhere in today’s world. However, one particularly grisly aspect has affected our general consciousness—seppuku. You may not get the same sensation when reading it, but the evocative image of a samurai stabbing himself in the gut with a tanto is one you’re not likely to forget. But why did this form of honorable suicide take hold in Japan? What would cause someone to commit Japanese seppuku? Does it still exist today?
By Futurism Staff10 years ago in Futurism
Authentic 'Star Wars' Costumes for Cosplay
Cosplaying. It’s living gloriously in America—and with good reason. From My Little Pony to the Marvel Universe's Black Widow to DC's Suicide Squad, people are coming out in flocks to impersonate their favorite characters. With the expansion of the Star Wars movie anthology, Star Wars cosplay exploded in popularity. You can’t go to a comic con without spotting at least one Darth Vader, Han Solo, or Princess Leia.
By Futurism Staff10 years ago in Futurism
Most Famous Astronauts
More than 500 brave men and women have left Earth’s orbit in the name of science and space exploration, and they all merit adulation. Nevertheless, throughout humanity’s ventures into the Heavens, there have been those astronauts and cosmonauts who, for whatever reason, have stood out from the rest. There are those who became household names and those whose deeds became landmarks in history. From being the first woman in space to being the first person to step foot on the Moon, there are many accomplishments for which the most notorious astronauts should be recognized.
By Richard Haynes10 years ago in Futurism
Chris Foss Sci-Fi Starship Artist
Obsessed by speed, color, and hybrid technology, Chris Foss paints enormous spaceships and intergalactic arks that are too big for the horizon to hold. The curiously antiquated qualities of his vehicles evoke memories of Edwardian ocean liners and World War I tanks. With structures that are postmodern and completely unlike the streamlined shapes of his predecessors, Foss gives form to machines that will one day populate all of interstellar space.
By Natasha Sydor10 years ago in Futurism
Greatest Sci-Fi Antagonists
Why are nice readers attracted to evil literary characters? Yes, I’m talking to you! But I’m also guilty, and I have finally reached a point where I can speak about this openly. There’s no denying it—we all crave villains. A good author better know about this phenomenon, for the merits of their protagonists are measured against the strengths of their opponents. It’s no fun reading about a hero fighting a 90-pound pushover! So have no fear, faithful reader, for we’ve assembled a list of sci-fi’s most fiendish fiends. You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villa—oh, okay, sorry! I don’t want to get busted for plagiarizing Obi-Wan Kenobi. These guys are the worst of the worst.
By Matt Cates10 years ago in Futurism
