Author and sci-fi expert Isaac Asimov once said of sci-fi, “Science fiction writers foresee the inevitable, and although problems and catastrophes may be inevitable, solutions are not.”
It’s a brilliant quote that captures what we love about the genre.
Through science fiction, filmmakers can capture the audience’s attention in new and exciting ways. And though there’s no shortage of sci-fi movies for film buffs to choose from, some stand above the rest.
Here are our picks for the best sci-fi movies of all time along with a few honorable mentions for good measure.
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1. “Plan 9 From Outer Space”
Alright, there’s something we need to confess. Including “Plan 9” on a list of the best sci-fi movies is a bit disingenuous.
In fact, if we’re being completely honest, Ed Wood’s 1959 disasterpiece is a total trash fire.
Nothing about the film makes sense. From the casting of aging horror legend Bela Lugosi to the lackluster plot, viewers will find a lot to scratch their heads at.
But at the same time, there’s something wonderful and endearing about it. It’s evident that the piece was a labor of love for Wood, and we admire the guts it took to get his vision on screen.
If you’ve yet to see “Plan 9,” we recommend checking out the famous “Mystery Science Theater 3000” version.
In fact, any other version is tough to find. You may have to use a streaming site like https://downloadhub.link to find a quality copy.
2. Alien
Alien’s tagline states “In space no one can hear you scream.”
Given how terrifying Ridley Scott’s sci-fi masterpiece is, that’s probably a good thing, as we’d be screaming a lot if we came face to face with a xenomorph.
What’s great about “Alien” is how simple it is. When it comes down to brass tacks, “Alien” is little more than a haunted house movie in space.
And yet it manages to be one of the most visceral, terrifying films in cinematic history holds up almost 40 years later. If only we could say the same about “Alien vs. Predator”…
3. Blade Runner
Great sci-fi should make us think about everyday issues is new ways. “Blade Runner” is an excellent example of this philosophy.
At face value, it’s a neo-noir film about a bounty hunter sent to track down four rogue robots.
But once you start to look under the hood, you’ll see commentary about the meaning of humanity, slavery, and consumerism.
It isn’t an easy film to digest, but those looking for a great sci-fi/action hybrid would do well to pair the original classic with last year’s sequel, “Blade Runner 2049.”
4. The Matrix
If you could find a way to distill the essence of the late 1990s, you’d probably end up with “The Matrix”. Trench coats, loud house music, cheesy sunglasses — it’s all here, and man is it wonderful.
If we’re being honest, the story itself isn’t great. That isn’t to say that the Wachowskis’ attempt to make a modernized “Alice in Wonderland” fails. Not by a long shot.
But the true fun of “The Matrix” comes from its excellent fight choreography. To this day, most action films can’t hold a candle to “The Matrix’s” fight scenes.
Action aside, Keanu Reeve’s performance as the stoic Neo is his second best performance to date, only behind his roles in the “John Wick” franchise.
Woah, indeed, Keanu. Woah, indeed.
5. Star Wars: A New Hope
You didn’t think we’d write a list of the best science fiction movies and leave “Star Wars” off the list, did you?
No matter how you feel about the prequels or the recent trilogy, you’d be hard-pressed to come up with an argument against “A New Hope.”
Though it lacks the action of “The Empire Strikes Back,” “A New Hope” is the film that sparked a sci-fi revolution. If it weren’t for “A New Hope,” we likely wouldn’t have most of the sci-fi movies we enjoy today.
And for that, we take off our TIE fighter helmets and salute you, Mr. Lucas. Even if you did give us Jar Jar Binks.
Final Thoughts on The Best Sci-Fi Movies And Honorable Mentions
It was almost impossible to condense our love of sci-fi down to five films. As a result, we know that we missed a ton of important flicks.
Here are five of the best sci-fi movies that didn’t quite make the cut:
- “2001: A Space Odyssey”
- “Annihilation”
- “The Terminator”
- “Inception”
- “Metropolis”
What do you think of our list? Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know in the comments below.
And once “Blade Runner” stops making you question your own existence, be sure to check out our list of the best comedic action movies of all time.