Entertainment
10 Best Sci-Fi Movies in Film History
Science fiction as a whole is a relatively young genre, but since as far back as the very early 20th century, it has been one of the oldest and most foundational in the history of cinema as a storytelling medium. As such, it should be no surprise that throughout film history, several of the best movies ever made have been science fiction stories.
Whether it’s a modern sci-fi-adventure blockbuster like Dune: Part Two or a classic arthouse sci-fi masterpiece like Stalker, the best sci-fi movies in film history are all irrefutable proof of the tremendous narrative, emotional, and thematic power that this genre has always held. These are powerful futuristic reflections of the problems of the real world, while also being among the most engrossing motion pictures in the art form’s history.
10
‘Dune: Part Two’ (2024)
Frank Hebert‘s Dune is nothing short of one of the greatest and most important works of science fiction literature in history, so it was never a surprise that attempts to translate it onto the big screen had historically been all-out failures. That was until Denis Villeneuve came into the picture. But as great as 2021’s Dune was, it’s Dune: Part Two that will easily be remembered as one of the best sci-fi movies of the 21st century even a few decades from now.
It’s one of the best adventure movies in film history, Villeneuve’s vision of the world of Dune matching Herbert’s unique imagination perfectly. From the jaw-dropping visuals to Hans Zimmer‘s unforgettable score to the perfectly-crafted screenplay, this cautionary tale against the dangers of charismatic leaders is among the strongest book-to-screen adaptations in recent memory.
9
‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ (2004)
Directed by Michel Gondry and penned by Charlie Kaufman (who may very well be the greatest screenwriter currently working in Hollywood), Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is one of those soft sci-fi movies that are absolutely perfect from the first scene to the last. But far from being your typical sci-fi film, this romance dramedy is a deeply humanistic drama first and a soft sci-fi gem second.
Indeed, the way Kaufman and Gondry employ sci-fi elements and tropes to elevate this profoundly existential story about the complexities of human connection is nothing short of masterful. Bolstered by Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet at their very best, Eternal Sunshine is one of the most paintfully realistic yet beautifully bittersweet romance dramas in film history.
8
‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’ (1991)
Sci-fi cinema doesn’t have very many filmmakers more visionary than James Cameron, whose The Terminator is one of the greatest sophomore feature efforts in film history. However, it’s its sequel, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, that’s far and away one of the greatest sci-fi action masterpieces of all time, one of those R-rated action movies that can be called masterpieces.
What really makes Terminator 2 stand out even all these many years later is that it offers the perfect balance between high-octane action set pieces and a surprisingly emotional story. Thanks to its tremendous budget (the highest of any movie in history back in 1991), its many action sequences are absolutely riveting from beginning to end. And thanks to a phenomenal cast and a wonderfully-written script, it’s also a deeply moving tale about an unlikely friendship.
7
‘Blade Runner’ (1982)
Ridley Scott‘s output throughout the 21st century has generally been quite hit-or-miss, but back during the 20th century, he was genuinely one of the greatest filmmakers working in Hollywood. For proof, one needn’t look any further than Blade Runner, one of the best sci-fi movies of all time. Part neo-noir detective story, part cyberpunk action flick, it’s truly one of the most iconic masterpieces in Hollywood history.
That wasn’t always the case. Back when it originally released, Blade Runner was an all-around commercial and critical flop. It was home video that granted it a second life, allowing it to become the massive cult classic that it’s still remembered as today. Perfectly directed, hugely complex, deeply atmospheric, and endlessly analyzable, it’s a must-see for anyone who loves science fiction.
6
‘Alien’ (1979)
As if any more proof were needed that sci-fi as a whole owes an awful lot to Ridley Scott, Alien is probably the greatest sci-fi horror movie ever made. While this blend of genres was definitely not uncommon before 1979, Scott essentially revolutionized it, polishing it with a level of artfulness and with an A-level budget that completely changed the way sci-fi horror was approached going forward.
It’s one of those horror movies without any flaws, a haunted house in space that anyone who loves horror, science fiction, or even just filmmaking as a whole ought to watch at least once in their lives. With a top-tier Sigourney Weaver performance, stunning production values that have aged like fine wine, and a level of slow-burning atmosphere rarely seen in either of Alien‘s genres, what’s not to love?
5
‘Back to the Future’ (1985)
The Back to the Future series is one of the most universally-beloved movie trilogies of all time, but as far as quality and iconicity go, it doesn’t get any better than the original. One of the most popular sci-fi blockbusters in film history, this delectably ’80s-y masterpiece is not only Robert Zemeckis‘ magnum opus, but also one of the greatest popcorn flicks in the history of cinema.
Back to the Future is irrefutable proof that sci-fi movies don’t need to be extremely artsy in order to be genuinely flawless, because there is simply nothing to complain about when watching this masterpiece. From Marty’s first time-travel to his climactic return to 1985, Back to the Future is filled to the brim with unforgettable set pieces, excellent performances, great music, and production values that have aged wonderfully.
4
‘The Empire Strikes Back’ (1980)
The Star Wars franchise is, simply put, the biggest and most successful multimedia franchise in history. But as full as it is of enthralling pieces of media, it was the original trilogy that started it all, and it’s almost universally agreed-upon that Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back is the best that the whole Star Wars franchise has ever been.
Where can one even begin singing Empire‘s praises? It contains several of the most immensely entertaining sci-fi set pieces in film history, one of John Williams‘ most beloved scores, one of the scariest sci-fi movie villains of all time, and the single most iconic plot twist in film history. Blockbusters simply don’t get any better or more universally appealing than this.
3
‘Metropolis’ (1927)
When talking about film history’s most important sci-fi classics, the conversation can never be complete without Fritz Lang‘s Metropolis. This silent German epic is one of those perfect sci-fi movies that are pure cinema, the sort of classic masterpiece that tends to make people go “they sure don’t make ’em like that anymore.” When talking about Metropolis, that’s not any sort of exaggeration.
Lang’s magnum opus is still one of the most stunning sci-fi filmmaking achievements in film history even after nearly a century of its release. On paper, it’s a relatively simple story about class differences and the conflicts between the heart and the mind, but the wonders that Lang pulls off with that premise must be seen to be believed. Technically masterful, emotionally stirring, and packed with unforgettable imagery, it’s one of the most essential masterpieces in the genre’s history.
2
‘Stalker’ (1979)
Andrei Tarkovsky was far more than just a simple filmmaker: He was a poet with a camera, one of the most important and revolutionary arthouse filmmakers in the history of European cinema. The Soviet auteur only made two sci-fi movies during his career, and though some may argue in favor of Solaris being superior, it’s Stalker that’s more often recognized as one of the greatest sci-fi movies in history.
Those who prefer more traditionally entertaining popcorn blockbusters to provide their sci-fi movie fix are probably better off looking elsewhere. However, those who love artful, slow-burning, meditative science fiction ought to experience Stalker at least once in their lives. It’s one of the most poetic sci-fi movies of all time, an endlessly analyzable masterpiece that grows even more complex and spiritually provocative with every rewatch.
1
‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ (1968)
Far more than just one of the best sci-fi epic movies of all time, 2001: A Space Odyssey is perfect proof of why many would confidently call Stanley Kubrick the greatest filmmaker in Hollywood history. With a perfect balance between slow-burning arthouse atmosphere and the sort of high-budget technical wonders that you expect from an A-lister Hollywood production, it’s one of the most essential masterpieces in film history, regardless of genre.
What’s not to love and praise when watching 2001? Kubrick’s direction is as powerfully evocative as it is technically impressive, HAL 9000 is one of the most effective villains in film history, the music and visuals are high art in and of themselves, and the way the whole story is paced is enthralling without ever losing its arthouse-coded charm. There is no sci-fi movie more perfect than 2001: A Space Odyssey.
2001: A Space Odyssey
- Release Date
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April 10, 1968
- Runtime
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149 minutes
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Keir Dullea
Dr. David Bowman
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Gary Lockwood
Dr. Frank Poole
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