The "sci fi" distributions channels that you're describing were taken over by the "horror/moneymaking" people. I wouldn't even call most of that science fictio

The "sci fi" distributions channels that you're describing were taken over by the "horror/moneymaking" people. I wouldn't even call most of that science fiction. For more recent works, you might like: Vernor Vinge "Rainbow's End" -- more near term and what you describe "A Fire Upon the Deep" & "A Deepness in the Sky" David Brin "Earth" -- again, more near term, although with a fantastic ending The Uplift Trilogy (a bit more fantastic, but very well done, particularly the 2nd and 3rd novels) There are many "classic" authors and novels. One novel that receives somewhat less attention/accolades, but which I think speaks to some of what you ask, is: Arthur C. Clarke "The City and the Stars" Neal Stephenson' The Diamond Age might also resonate. And while both more "near term" and historical, his Cryptonomicon has some very worthy reflections and speculations. And I guess I really can't pass up suggesting Carl Sagan's Contact. Superb. As for films, I'm not the most versed, but the following, more "real" science fiction films come to mind: GATTACA Blade Runner (yeah, yeah, but I just re-watched it) And I'll mention that Star Trek (particularly, for me, The Next Generation), is now on or coming to Netflix P.S. And of course, William Gibson's Neuromancer and, was it the next one or the next two novels? His short story collection, "Burning Chrome", fits well into these two or three. And as for a certain pragmatic perspective on human psychology, behavior, and possible near term societal/political developments, the classic Heinlein ouvre, while perhaps sexist or interpretable as such, and also in other ways somewhat "archaic", is nonetheless insightful. Probably not what you're looking for, but now that I've rambled on, there it is. P.P.S. I found Asimov's original "Robot" trilogy a very insightful allegory for the competing demands of public knowledge and privacy in the modern world. Set aside the robotic aspect, per se, and look at how the different societies lead there lives and social conduct.