Season 15 of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” is ongoing, with the cast expected to film the reunion soon. However, in the meantime, Sutton Stracke is not only adapting to her recent legal name change, but she’s also responding to Lisa Rinna. This comes after the former “RHOBH” co-star body shamed Stracke in her new book, “You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It.”

Sutton Stracke Doesn’t Care What Lisa Rinna Said About Her

Stracke appeared on the “Housewives Nightcap” podcast in March 2026. While on, the host mentioned Rinna’s book and how she’d written “some pretty interesting things” about the “RHOBH” star in it. When asked for her reaction, she said, “I didn’t have a reaction.”

Stracke continued, “I didn’t have a reaction. Like, who cares? I don’t care.” After that, the podcast host said, “That’s your reaction: ‘Who cares.’ Nothing can bother our zin, Sutton.” Stracke then said, “I mean, you know, why, it’s not going to bother me.”

What Did Lisa Rinna Say About Her Former ‘RHOBH’ Co-Star

Rinna released her newest book, “You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It,” on February 24. In it, she spoke openly about her career as an actress, her time on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” and her difficult relationship with Andy Cohen, including her reaction to him featuring her text messages in his book.

In addition to discussing her time on “RHOBH,” Rinna also spoke candidly about many of her former co-stars. According toSutton’s Roller on X, she wrote on Stracke, “I’m happy to drag Sutton. She’s frumpy, there’s no sex appeal about her whatsoever, and she’s got a weird body. So god bless her.”

Following the comments going viral, Kyle Richards defended her fellow “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star. While hosting an Amazon Live session, she responded to a fan who asked for her take. Richards said in the clip, “Not nice. I mean, you know, people have feelings. It doesn’t matter who you are, what you do. We’re all human, and we all have feelings, and I think it’s better not to comment on people’s bodies.”

She added, “And Sutton’s beautiful.”

Fans Think The Comment Bothered Sutton

Following Stracke’s comments, “RHOBH” fans took to the video’s comments section to both defend her and wonder whether she actually did care what Rinna wrote. One person said, “You can see on her face that she cares. But we’re all team Sutton. Rinna was wrong for 90% of that book.”

Another fan said, “Sutton is a stunning lady, and criticism on different bodies is yuck.” A different Instagram user wrote, “Rinna literally has a daughter who openly talked about body dysmorphia and having an eating disorder, and then publicly attacks other women for their bodies. Great parenting!”

Lastly, someone else stated, “Not buying it…she cares.”

Stracke Recently Addressed Her Friendship With Garcelle Beauvais

Garcelle Beauvais appeared on five seasons of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” and became quite close with Stracke. However, she departed the series following the season 14 reunion, ending things on a sour note with her now former friend. This has led many fans to doubt that they were ever really close.

Stracke interviewed with Bravo’s “The Daily Dish” in December 2025 about where they stand after Beauvais publicly said the friendship was over. She said, “Yeah, it’s a lot of questions about Garcelle from cast members, and [the] press, and my friends, and the world. I have been a little taken aback by it.”

The “RHOBH” star then shared that she had reached out, saying, “Well, I’ve told her a lot in text messages, including many apologies. I just said, you know, ‘I’m just not sure for what, but help me understand what I’ve done in this friendship. So it’s a shame that we didn’t get to have a one-on-one conversation.”

Per Bravo, Beauvais said on “Watch What Happens Live” that she ended the friendship because Stracke didn’t support her. Saying, “Not only did she not have my back, she also, when she called me, never took accountability for it.”

The ‘Housewives’ Star Recently Changed Her Last Name

Stracke has opened up during season 15 of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” about her ex-husband requesting an annulment through the Catholic church, prompting her to begin using the surname “Brown” in her real life.

According to Bravo, she said in 2025, “After Christmas, I really decided to do Sutton Brown. There were some things that went on that I just disagreed with.” She later revealed that her full legal name was Sutton Brown Stracke and that she planned to drop the name Stracke.

She has also stated on the “RHOBH” after-show that, “It feels very young to be Sutton Brown, because I was young the last time I was Sutton Brown. It feels like a second lease on life.”

Sometimes happiness looks like exactly what you want it to be—and Meagan Good is showing fans she’s ready for the next chapter. The actress, known for keeping her personal life fairly private, opened up about marriage, motherhood, and why she and her husband, Jonathan Majors, are ready to start a family.

RELATED: Hollywood Goes Home! Meagan Good And Jonathan Majors Receive Guinean Citizenship After Ancestry Test (PHOTOS)

Is Meagan Thinking About Babies?

In a candid chat with BET, Meagan got real about her marriage and why she feels so secure with Jonathan. When asked what he does to make her feel safe, she gushed, “I know that this man is an incredible father already. But will be an incredible father to our children. He’s just who I want to do life with. He just makes me so happy. And even as crazy as life has been, I just have never been this happy, just simply doing life with someone the way that we are connected.”

Meagan didn’t hold back when discussing motherhood either. “Strap a baby to his chest, strap a baby to my chest… I want it all,” she said, making it clear that starting a family with Jonathan is not a question of if, but when. Fans can’t help but root for the couple as they move into this exciting next chapter of their lives.

Roomies Can’t Get Enough

Folks immediately flooded TSR’s Instagram comment section to show Meagan Good some love. Many shared their own stories of having kids later in life, while others simply celebrated seeing her so happy and in love. And, of course, plenty of Roomies chimed in asking when they’ll meet someone who makes them feel the way Jonathan makes Meagan feel.

One Instagram user @mzsweetkk said, “Go for it.. Janet did it at 50! 🙌🏾🙏🏾❤️”

This Instagram user @mswendyrose added, “I’m so happy for them! She deserves this type of energy and will be an amazing mom!“

And, Instagram user @chef_ronisha commented, “At 44 … never give up, ladies.. I ❤️ this for her“

Then Instagram user @lolo_b_so_solo shared, “I cant wait to feel this safe with a man“

While Instagram user @rizatisserand wrote, “Mothergood.“

Finally, Instagram user @_aikan__ said, “This is the right way to do it ❤️❤️❤️Waited & happy“

Folks Kept The Love Coming Amid Pregnancy Rumors

Just last year, Meagan Good had Roomies buzzing after a livestream with Jonathan Majors set off pregnancy rumors. While showing off her gym look—an olive green sports bra and black workout shorts, hair slicked into a bun—Majors casually commented, “her belly does look fit,” and the internet immediately went wild. Playing into the speculation, he smirked and added, “Who knows if she’s pregnant? I can’t call it.” Fans couldn’t stop staring at Meagan’s snatched, toned abs and sculpted figure, debating whether there was a baby bump… or if everyone was just reaching again.

RELATED: Lowkey Love! Jonathan Majors & Meagan Good Reveal Photos From Secret Wedding (VIDEO)

Fine lines, dullness and dryness can start to creep in as skin matures — especially once you reach your 50s and 60s. The right moisturizer can make all the difference, helping restore hydration while making skin look smoother, bouncier and more refreshed. Luckily, one shopper-loved formula helps with exactly that — and it just so happens to be on sale right now!

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What makes the hydrating moisturizer stand out is its skin-supporting formula. It’s made with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, two ingredients known for maintaining healthy, hydrated skin. Hyaluronic acid helps draw moisture into the skin for a plumper, more supple look, while niacinamide (vitamin B3) works to smooth the appearance of texture and support a more even-looking complexion over time.

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If your current moisturizer isn’t delivering the results you want, this hydrating formula is an easy upgrade. The lightweight cream delivers smoother, healthier-looking skin without a heavy feel — and the 15% discount makes the find even better. At $41 on Amazon, it’s a deal worth grabbing while it lasts!

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Katy Perry is giving her followers a subtle update on her life with Justin Trudeau.

Posting via her Instagram on Wednesday, February 11, the singer, 41, shared a carousel of photos that included several images of the former Canadian Prime Minister, 54.

One photo showed a candid Trudeau posing with a green tinsel-covered object as he squinted his eye. Another was a selfie that featured both Perry and Trudeau, which appeared to be taken from a low angle.

“You are the treasure you seek,” Perry captioned the photo dump.

Related: Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau Cuddle Up in New Selfie: ‘Tokyo Times on Tour’

Katy Perry and former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau are Instagram official. “Tokyo times on tour and more,” Perry, 41, wrote via Instagram on Saturday, December 6, sharing a slew of photos in Japan. In one photo, Trudeau, 53, snapped a selfie with Perry as they took in the fall foliage. A second clip, meanwhile, […]

The final slide also appeared to reference Trudeau. The image was a cartoon meme which read, “Patiently waiting for my bf to finish his big boy business stuff so we can call.”

Followers flocked to the comments section to gush over Perry and Trudeau’s romance.

“I’ve never seen you look so happy with someone omg you guys are so cute together,” wrote one fan, while another added, “She’s soooooo in love.”

Meanwhile, another follower joked, “Canada’s royal couple.”

Perry and Trudeau went “Instagram official” in December 2025, six months after the “Firework” singer announced her split from Orlando Bloom after a decade together.

While visiting Japan for her Lifetimes Tour, the singer posted a series of photos via her Instagram on December 6, which showed her enjoying her downtime with the politician.

“Tokyo times on tour and more,” she captioned the carousel of images and videos, which included a photo of the pair cozying up for a selfie. Another clip showed the pair enjoying a sushi dinner date together.

The couple were also photographed together during a meeting with former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The photo was posted via Instagram on December 4, marking the duo’s public debut.

Related: Katy Perry Is ‘Very Happy’ Amid ‘Low-Key’ Romance With Justin Trudeau

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Katy Perry’s blooming romance with former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is heating up. “Katy is really into it. She’s very happy,” an inside source tells Us Weekly exclusively. “She’s trying to keep it low-key, and they’ve spent a lot of private time together. She’s not looking to publicize this relationship.” The source adds, “Their […]

“Former Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau came to Japan with his partner Katy Perry and had lunch with us,” Kishida, 68, wrote via Instagram at the time. “During my time as Prime Minister, I met Prime Ministers many times, and when I visited Canada, we worked together to strengthen bilateral relations, including formulating the ‘Nikka Action Plan.’ I am glad that we are continuing this friendship.”

Perry and Trudeau were first linked when they were spotted out to dinner in Montreal in July 2025. The politician also attended her Lifetimes Tour in the Canadian city days later.

A source exclusively told Us Weekly at the time that their outing was “definitely” a date, but they were keeping it “casual.”

In October 2025, they made another public appearance together while walking out of a club holding hands.

Science fiction is a broad spectrum of material that can include everything from aliens and robots to alternate worlds and time travel. In many ways, it’s just fantasy with some technical mumbo-jumbo that attempts to ground the world in reality rather than magic. Sometimes, sci-fi gets really technical by using real-world science, but no matter how you slice it, there’s still something fantastical about the end result. Perhaps that’s why we love binging sci-fi television shows, as it helps us further immerse ourselves in that world.

While many sci-fi shows are memorable from the very start, some just get better with age. Looking beyond some of the dated special effects and terminology, the very best science fiction television continues to hit home years, even decades, later. This is the case with these sci-fi TV shows that we’ve put together — shows that you’ll be pleasantly surprised are even more fun with every rewatch.

‘Fringe’ (2008–2013)

Image via FOX

There was perhaps no sci-fi drama more bold and creative to come out of the early 2000s than Fringe. What began as a simple sci-fi-flavored procedural where the FBI would investigate a pattern full of fringe-science-related cases quickly grew into a series that dealt with everything from parallel worlds, time travel, robotic shape-shifters, and a post-apocalyptic future. During its five seasons, the familiar faces at Fringe Division never led us astray.

Co-created by J. J. Abrams, Fringe was often ahead of its time regarding the pseudo-scientific conversations it was having, dealing in parallel universes and timelines long before the multiverse became mainstream. Not only does the show become more relevant and compelling with every watch, but the relationship between Olivia (Anna Torv) and Peter (Joshua Jackson) — as well as Walter’s (John Noble) overall development — becomes so much clearer in hindsight. Plus, it’s just a great show.

‘Warehouse 13’ (2009–2014)

Image via SYFY

For science fiction that isn’t afraid to lean into the campy nature of the genre, Warehouse 13 is one of the best. A SyFy original that exists in the same shared universe as Alphas and Eureka, the series primarily follows two U.S. Secret Service agents as they join the title warehouse in finding mythical artifacts that start making trouble around the globe. While this one does teeter the line between sci-fi and fantasy, it’s a fun show that definitely gets better with age.

Over five seasons, Warehouse 13 leans more into humor and levity as Pete (Eddie McClintock) and Myka (Joanne Kelly) are thrown into each zany new case. In many ways, this show gets better each rewatch simply because it’s a comfort show. Its intent isn’t to bend your mind or push you to near-insanity trying to figure it all ou, it’s simply fun, sci-fi entertainment that pulls you into a fascinating world full of lovable characters.

‘Stargate Atlantis’ (2004–2009)

Image via SYFY

The first spin-off of the larger Stargate television franchise, Stargate Atlantis sends the members of the Atlantis expedition to the neighboring Pegasus Galaxy to explore new worlds. Based in the famed “Lost City” itself, the Atlantis crew makes quick enemies with the Wraith, an ancient race of vampiric aliens who drain the life from those in their path. As they seek to free the galaxy from their terror, Major John Sheppard (Joe Flanigan) and the rest of the team find themselves in heaps of trouble.

Stargate Atlantis is another sci-fi wonder that lasted five seasons on SyFy, continually dazzling viewers with its creative new ways to put the Atlantis crew in peril. Of course, as you continue to revisit the series, you’ll fall more in love with its charming cast and unique take on the Stargate brand. You’ll especially have fun revisiting one of Jason Mamoa’s first notable television roles, long before he would return to another version of Atlantis in Aquaman.

‘Falling Skies’ (2011–2015)

Image via TNT

For fans who watched Falling Skies every summer when it aired in the early 2010s, you’ll remember that this TNT drama was a blast from the beginning. Produced by Steven Spielberg and starring Noah Wyle as history professor-turned-militia leader Tom Mason, the show followed a group of Boston-based rebels who stand against a horde of alien invaders who took over the planet six months prior. Even better, plotlines often mirrored American (and later world) history, albeit with an extraterrestrial bent.

For five seasons, the folks in the 2nd Mass battled the invading Espheni in hopes of restoring their old world. Falling Skies is one that you may not have returned to in a while, but you won’t regret it if you do. The show diligently unveils the truth about the alien invaders in question as the characters themselves are forced to shed their old ways to adapt to this new interstellar world. By the time the series ends, you’ll be so amped up that you may just want to binge it again.

‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ (1987–1994)

The first live-action continuation of the Star Trek franchise, Star Trek: The Next Generation has often been hailed as one of the greatest science fiction shows ever made. Set a century after the original with a new crew, the USS Enterprise sets sail again for the stars, as creator Gene Roddenberry successfully reinvented the brand. The Next Generation ran an impressive seven seasons, even sparking film continuation sequels and revival projects like Picard decades later.

Like many Star Trek installments, The Next Generation also benefits from a rewatch. Each time we reunite with the Enterprise crew, we are delighted by Captain Picard’s (Patrick Stewart) more intellectual approach to the brand’s space adventures, effectively turning the series into something more of a “thinking man’s sci-fi drama.” For longtime fans, revisiting the best episodes of The Next Generation is like reuniting with an old friend, and those reunions only become more enjoyable with every new binge.

‘Stargate SG-1’ (1997–2007)

Image via Showtime

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After the success of the original Stargate feature film, Stargate SG-1 continued the narrative with a new cast on television. The Showtime-turned-Syfy adventure series created by Brad Wright and Jonathan Glassner pushed the Stargate crew back together to explore new worlds and keep the villainous Goa’uld from making their way to Earth. While the plot developed beyond that over time, that thread would stick with the series throughout its impressive 10-season run.

Stargate SG-1 was the flagship Stargate series that reinvented the franchise into a television staple throughout the early 2000s. Each new binge of SG-1 reminds us of how good we had it at the time. While a new Stargate series is in development, nothing quite beats the original, which even produced two direct-to-video continuation films that effectively concluded the franchise.

‘Continuum’ (2012–2015)

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Many of the shows on our list have dealt exclusively with alien invaders or case-by-case adventures, but when it comes to time travel, few shows are more compelling than Continuum. Not only does the show offer us a look at a dystopian future where corporations control all aspects of life, but it’s also a mind-bending time travel drama that features complex characters and an enjoyable weekly caseload. For four seasons, Continuum continued to surprise us, and it’s still at the top of its game.

Set primarily in 2012 Vancouver, the show follows 2077 police officer Kiera Cameron (Rachel Nichols) as she travels to the past to pursue a terrorist organization called Liber8. The only problem is, over time, Kiera begins to understand the group’s cause, even if she disapproves of their methods. The tensions between corporatism and an overreliance on technology are at the heart of this show, making it more relevant today than ever.

‘Firefly’ (2002–2003)

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Billed as a “space Western,” Firefly was the brainchild of Joss Whedon, who aimed to view the future through a distinct lens that blended cultures and pushed its outlaw heroes into further paths of rebellion. As the crew of the Serenity soar among the stars, they soon find themselves in the middle of uncharted waters when they pick up some mysterious passengers who put them on Alliance radar. With Captain Malcolm Reynolds (Nathan Fillion) — easily the best of this wild bunch — to guide them, the crew takes odd jobs all across the ‘verse.

Only lasting a total of 14 episodes, Firefly is a quick-and-easy binge, but one that will leave you wanting more. The series was cancelled long before its time, but each new watch reminds us of the potential that this cast and crew had to create something truly great. The cult following it garnered is enough proof that the short-lived Fox series succeeded, as is the continuation film Serenity.

‘The X-Files’ (1993–2018)

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The original “spooky cop show,” The X-Files is the perfect blend of science fiction and network television. As FBI Special Agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) investigate the weird and unexplained, they fall into a conspiracy so large it spans not just the globe but the stars as well. What began as an alien-heavy series about abductions, UFOs, and government cover-ups soon turned into a pop culture phenomenon.

After nine original seasons and two feature films, The X-Files spawned two revival seasons in the 2010s. Around that time, many binged the series through once more, only to be reminded that there has never been another TV duo like Mulder and Scully. With over 200 episodes to choose from, binging The X-Files is no small feat, but once you do, you’ll be reminded of how novel this Chris Carter-created series was from the get-go.

‘Battlestar Galactica’ (2004–2009)

Image via SYFY

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Perhaps the most groundbreaking installment in televised science fiction, Battlestar Galactica took a long-dead franchise and, under the direction of Ronald D. Moore, revived a brand by stripping it of all the camp and making it more adult. After humanity is nearly wiped out by a race of cybernetic Cylons, the remaining survivors search for the mythical homeworld of Earth. With the Galactica leading the fleet, this high-octane, politically charged drama is considered among the best of its kind for a reason.

Kickstarting with a two-part miniseries, SyFy launched Battlestar Galactica in 2004, resulting in a four-season space epic that remains unmatched. Even if it’s been a while since you watched it, the very first episode will suck you back in with force, and you’ll be glad it did. And, with several prequels and mid-series films also available, you can make it last even longer.

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Battlestar Galactica

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Release Date

2004 – 2009-00-00

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Directors

Wayne Rose, Michael Nankin, Rod Hardy, Sergio Mimica-Gezzan, Edward James Olmos, Robert M. Young, Jeff Woolnough, Félix Enríquez Alcalá, Jonas Pate, Allan Kroeker, Anthony Hemingway, Jean de Segonzac, Marita Grabiak, James Head, Paul A. Edwards, Gwyneth Horder-Payton, Brad Turner, Ronald D. Moore, Bill Eagles

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Virgin River‘s Marco Grazzini is breaking his silence after Mike was written off the show before season 8.

“Character departures are very common in this business — especially on a long-running and beloved series like Virgin River,” Grazzini, 45, who has been on the show since season 2, told Entertainment Weekly on Thursday, March 12. “It’s been a wonderful opportunity to play Mike for six seasons.”

Grazzini said he has “nothing but love for the cast, crew, and especially the phenomenal fans who make the show so special,” adding, “I’m excited for this new chapter in my career.”

News originally broke on Thursday that Grazzini won’t be returning as a series regular — for now.

Related: Which ‘Virgin River’ Stars Are — And Aren’t — Returning for Season 7?

Between a cast exit, love triangle complications and several open-ended story lines, Virgin River has a lot of questions that need answering in season 7 — but is every cast member returning for more episodes? Virgin River, which premiered in 2019, is based on Robyn Carr’s book series and follows the lives of residents living […]

“For me, I’m just trying to look to the longevity of the show and making sure that the characters that we’re keeping have enough story engine in them to keep going,” showrunner Patrick Sean Smith told Deadline. “So I can’t say there are any specific cast shakeups planned, but I think we will have to start to — as characters run their course — make some decisions and bring in some new blood.”

In addition to Grazzini, Lauren Hammersley, who has been playing Charmaine since the show premiered on Netflix, is also not expected to come back. With the exception of Grazzini, the rest of Virgin River‘s season 7 series regulars are expected to return in season 8.

Based on the book series written by Robyn Carr, Virgin River centers around the lives of residents living in a small town in Northern California, including Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) and her love interest, Jack (Martin Henderson). The series also stars Colin Lawrence, Annette O’Toole, Tim Matheson, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Sarah Dugdale, Zibby Allen and Kai Bradbury.

This isn’t the first time the show has gone through some changes behind the scenes. Grayson Gurnsey left as Ricky after season 4, and Mark Ghanimé, who played Cameron, had a surprising exit once season 6 was released.

Grazzini recently teased Mike’s future after his split from Brie (Allen) led to him potentially finding love with Victoria (Sara Canning), exclusively telling Us Weekly, “I think that Mike falls into the same patterns that he’s always been in. She’s somebody that he’s worked with in the past and she’s been in law enforcement.”

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Related: Meet the Season 7 Cast of Netflix’s Hit ‘Virgin River’ After Surprise Exit

Netflix’s longest-running scripted series Virgin River has gone through some surprising cast changes — so who is expected to appear in season 7? Based on Robyn Carr’s book series, Virgin River follows the lives of residents living in a small town in Northern California, including Mel and Jack. The hit series, which premiered in 2019, […]

Grazzini teased that Mike “definitely has a type.”

“Mike definitely falls hard and he falls fast. He’s a romantic at heart and he just wants to find love,” he noted. “But maybe he needs to exercise a little bit more [caution]. Just wait and see. But obviously he’s taken by Victoria.”

The actor expressed hope that Mike could “broaden his horizons and maybe find other interests in common.”

“It would be somebody that could distract him from his work life and bring him more into other parts of himself. His hobbies and his passions. Because you know that that line of work can weigh on you,” he continued. “So when the other person in the relationship is also in that line of work, it can get pretty heavy. As familiar as it is, it would be nice for Mike to step out of his comfort zone.”

Virgin River is currently streaming on Netflix.

Cinema in the 1980s was filled with imaginative tales that reached beyond the stars. The sci-fi genre, in particular, was quickly evolving from a technological standpoint after the success of Star Wars, inspiring filmmakers to take on ambitious projects with greater challenges. Though genre masterpieces such as Blade Runner and Back to the Future became embedded in pop culture, there were several other sci-fi gems overlooked at the time that went against the grain.

These ten most forgotten sci-fi movies from the ‘80s comprise of projects that fell through the cracks during the decade of decadence. Many of them suffered from marketing missteps or were way ahead of their time. From dystopian thrillers to cosmic discoveries, these instant cult classics are worth revisiting today.

10

‘Enemy Mine’ (1985)

Image via 20th Century Studios

Fresh off the success of The Neverending Story, director Wolfgang Petersen tackled racial tensions within the context of outer space and an intergalactic species at war with the human race. Based on the novella by Barry B. Longyear, Enemy Mine takes place on a volcanic planet where a cocky human pilot (Dennis Quaid) gets stranded alongside his nemesis: a reptilian soldier (Louis Gossett Jr.) who is part of an alien race called the Drac. As they struggle to survive in the volatile environment, their mutual hatred develops into a close friendship.

The film’s moving subject matter, mixing tolerance with sci-fi adventure spectacle, surprised audiences who expected Enemy Mine to be simply escapist entertainment in 1985. The troubled behind-the-scenes production and its difficult marketing caused the film to get lost in the shuffle during the crowded holiday season. But over the years, Enemy Mine found enough appreciation from fans, especially for Louis Gossett Jr.’s prosthetics-heavy performance, to draw interest in a remake from Disney.

9

‘The Quiet Earth’ (1985)

Image via Cinepro

New Zealand’s haunting sci-fi drama The Quiet Earth follows scientist Zac Hobson (Bruno Lawrence), who wakes up one morning to discover that every other person on Earth has mysteriously vanished. As he wanders through abandoned cities and empty highways, Zac struggles to maintain his sanity while searching for answers about the strange global event that erased humanity.

While the post-apocalyptic film from director Geoff Murphy (Young Guns II, Freejack) gained critical praise for its eerie atmosphere and philosophical themes, it never achieved widespread recognition outside of cult circles. Its slow-burn storytelling and cerebral focus set it apart from the effects-driven sci-fi blockbusters of the era. Today, The Quiet Earth stands as one of the most haunting post-apocalyptic films of the decade, quietly influencing later stories about isolation and the fragility of civilization.

8

‘Saturn 3’ (1980)

Image via ITC Entertainment

Set on a remote research station orbiting Saturn, Saturn 3 stars Kirk Douglas and Farrah Fawcett as scientists whose quiet lives are disrupted by the arrival of a sinister technician (Harvey Keitel). The newcomer brings with him a massive experimental robot named Hector, which quickly develops a deadly obsession with the station’s inhabitants.

Although it featured a strong cast and impressive production design, Saturn 3 struggled critically upon release. Its uneven tone and behind-the-scenes production issues prevented it from becoming a major hit. Still, the film’s eerie atmosphere and unsettling robot antagonist make it a fascinating relic of early ’80s sci-fi horror that deserves a reassessment.

7

‘The Last Starfighter’ (1984)

Image via Universal Pictures

Cashing in on the video game craze of the early ‘80s, The Last Starfighter follows a teenager named Alex Rogan (Lance Guest) whose high score on an arcade machine gets him recruited by an intergalactic group called the Star League to fight in an interstellar war. Meanwhile, an android posing as Alex takes his place back on Earth to keep his girlfriend (Catherine Mary Stewart) and his family in the dark about his secret mission.

Mixing space opera and fantasy wish fulfillment, The Last Starfighter could have been the new Star Wars for the decade. The underrated sci-fi adventure was groundbreaking for its early use of computer-generated imagery, replacing traditional model effects with digital spacecraft battles. While not a blockbuster on the level of other sci-fi hits of the decade, its imaginative direction by Nick Castle makes it one of the era’s most charming underappreciated gems.

6

‘Millennium’ (1989)

Image via 20th Century Fox

A decade after making the iconic sci-fi thriller Logan’s Run, British filmmaker Michael Anderson took on his strangest project with 1989’s Millennium. Based on the short story “Air Raid” by John Varley, Millennium centers on an NTSB investigator (Kris Kristofferson) examining a mysterious plane crash. His search for answers leads him to uncover a bizarre truth: travelers from 1000 years into a dystopian future are abducting passengers from doomed flights in order to preserve humanity’s genetic survival. Complicating matters further is a futuristic time traveler (Cheryl Ladd) sent to stop the investigator and a quack physicist (Daniel J. Travanti) who believes in time travel.

The initial intrigue of Millennium’s mystery concept quickly falls apart once the future scenes are depicted. The B-movie values of the costumes, New Wave-inspired makeup, and special effects were out of step in a year when The Abyss and Back to the Future Part II were pushing cinematic technology to new heights. Nevertheless, the film’s complex premise and eerie tone have helped it gain a cult following among fans of ambitious sci-fi storytelling.

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5

‘Cherry 2000’ (1988)

Image via Orion Pictures

Part sci-fi adventure and part offbeat romance, Cherry 2000 takes place in a dystopian future where relationships have become transactional. After his robotic companion malfunctions, a lonely man (David Andrews) ventures into the dangerous wasteland outside society to find a replacement model—guided by a tough red-haired tracker (Melanie Griffith).

Though it features Laurence Fishburne before he became a household name, Cherry 2000 barely made a splash upon release, hampered by distribution issues from Orion Pictures and its uneven tone. However, the film has since developed a cult reputation thanks to its unique blend of genres and its satirical take on consumer culture and artificial companionship. Its quirky style makes it feel like a forgotten cousin to better-known ’80s sci-fi dystopias.

4

‘Runaway’ (1984)

Image via TriStar Pictures

Before becoming known as the creator of the Jurassic Park franchise and NBC’s ER, Michael Crichton wrote and directed Runaway. The futuristic cop thriller features Tom Selleck during his Magnum P.I. days as Sgt. Jack Ramsay, who specializes in tracking down malfunctioning household robots that have turned deadly. As he investigates a series of incidents alongside his new partner (Cynthia Rhodes), Ramsay uncovers a conspiracy involving weaponized microchips and a ruthless defense contractor (Gene Simmons).

While Runaway fits Crichton’s signature theme of technology turning against its creators, the execution is hard to take seriously. Aside from Selleck’s struggles to find box-office success outside his small-screen fame, the film largely suffers from the less-than-threatening spider robots as well as Simmons’s over-the-top villain role. Conceptually, however, Runaway’s exploration of rogue automation and the accessibility of artificial intelligence to the masses is more relevant today than it was in 1984.

3

‘Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone’ (1983)

Image via Columbia Pictures

Released during the early ’80s boom of space-themed adventures, Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone follows a rugged bounty hunter (Peter Strauss) who ventures into a post-apocalyptic wasteland planet to rescue three kidnapped women. Along the way, he teams up with a scrappy young scavenger (Molly Ringwald) as they battle mutants, raiders, and a tyrannical overlord.

The film was originally released in 3D, part of a brief craze that swept theaters in the early 1980s. Unfortunately, the gimmick overshadowed the movie itself, and it quickly faded from view. Today, its colorful world-building and pulpy tone make it a fun relic of the era’s adventurous sci-fi spirit.

2

‘The Hidden’ (1987)

Image via New Line Cinema

The Hidden begins as a gritty crime thriller when a mysterious criminal embarks on a violent spree in a Los Angeles bank. Soon an FBI agent (Kyle MacLachlan) and an LAPD detective (Michael Nouri) discover the shocking truth: the killer is actually a parasitic alien lifeform that jumps from host to host while indulging in humanity’s most destructive impulses.

Despite a strong 76% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a clever, genre-blending premise, The Hidden was hardly a blockbuster success given its modest budget. The blend of sci-fi and cop-movie tropes may have confused audiences expecting something more conventional. In retrospect, the film’s wild energy and inventive concept have made it a cult favorite among fans of ’80s genre cinema.

1

‘Outland’ (1981)

Combining the Old West aspects of High Noon with the space tension of Alien, 1981’s Outland could easily pass as a spirited spinoff of Ridley Scott’s breakout film. Starring Sean Connery, still shedding his James Bond image, the Peter Hyams sci-fi thriller features the legendary actor as a federal marshal on duty in a mining colony located on Jupiter’s moon Io. He investigates a string of apparent accidental deaths of workers on the colony connected to a powerful drug designed to make them work harder. Eventually, the marshal becomes the prime target of the powerful corporation behind the greater conspiracy.

Outland did not involve laser gun battles, space battles on ships, or imaginative creatures. It was too adult for a time when audiences would watch a Star Wars movie and rush to the store to buy their kids action figures. The film is a straight-up human thriller grounded by the Hitchcockian suspense of Hyams’s direction and Connery’s heroic but restrained performance. Additionally, its epic pre-CGI finale outside the mining facility with Connery battling the assassins in a spacesuit remains one of the most visually stunning sequences for any sci-fi movie to this day.

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Release Date

May 22, 1981

Runtime

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109 Minutes

Director

Peter Hyams

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Writers

Peter Hyams

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• 

  Marshall William T. O’Niel

• 

  Frances Sternhagen

  Dr. Marian Lazarus

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