There was an interesting post the other day listing the 50 Must-See Science Fiction movies. I scored 48 of 50 on the list but there were quite a few that I didn’t agree with as a “must-see.” So I thought I’d put my own list together but I have so many favorites that I just got confused. So I decided to do a list of science fiction movies I think are just perfect.
These are the masterpieces. These are the films that define the science fiction movie genere. If you’ve seen a science fiction film in the last 20 years, chances are the director counts several of these as influences. They get better with age. They work on multiple levels as both a compelling story and a moral question.
Alien (1979)
Why did it make the list?
The perfect marriage of science fiction and horror. Not a frame is wasted. The surprise ending just keeps on giving thrills. The creature design is one of the most perfect monsters ever created.
Is it worth watching these days?
Infactically yes. With the exception of super computer “Mother”, most of the tech still looks realistic and believable. Notable for its “used” look, the near opposite of the ship design in Star Trek.
Blade Runner (1982)
Why did it make the list?
Most Anime would not exist if it weren’t for Blade Runner. It’s that influential. Harrison Ford adds to the gloom of this futurist noir. Rutger Hauer is tragedy emodied, and it has James Hong!
Is it worth watching these days?
Barring a few 80’s hairstyles, the effects are still jaw dropping. The film used lens flare before it was “cool.” The analysis of what it means to be alive will haunt you.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Why did it make the list?
The absolute gold standard in science fiction cinema. Kubrick’s film is so deep many believe it to be unintelligible (which couldn’t be further from the truth.) The ballet-like movements of space travel still amaze to this day and the trip into the infinite continues to blow minds. I still can’t get over the fact that this was made a year before we even landed on the moon!
Is it worth watching these days?
Only if you have patience. The film is meant to be contemplative so there are a lot of long tracking shots and no dialogue for large sections of the film. If you have the patience and want to think about what is being presented, you will be rewarded.
Brazil (1985)
Why did it make the list?
A terrifying analysis of what happens when government bureaucracy becomes overwhelming. The heartbreaking ending perfectly completes the dystopian feel of the film. A superb social commentary.
Is it worth watching these days?
It’s Terry Gilliam so it’s weird (to the uninitiated). The costumes, set designs, even some of the acting choices are meant to be bizarre. Even Robert De Niro’s cameo-like role is odd. Prepare yourself for the strange and you’ll love it.
Escape from New York (1981)
Why did it make the list?
I can’t think of another movie that combines the bleakest and most debased view of humanity with the greatest anti-hero character ever created. Metal Gear Solid’s Snake character is directly based on Kurt Russell’s walking “middle finger to the world” Snake Plissken.
Is it worth watching these days?
You’ll fall in love with Snake. As with most of John Carpenter’s films, the social commentary is top notch. The synthesized music sounds like it could have been made by Daft Punk today. Check out the background matte paintings. None other than James Cameron (Avatar, Terminator 2) painted them.
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Why did it make the list?
You’re probably wondering why Star Wars isn’t on the list but its sequel is. Simple answer. The sequel is better. It’s dark, it has tremendous heart, and it has a puppet for a Jedi master! Think about how crazy it would be today to use a puppet as a major character in a film like this? This is the one that made Star Wars matter.
Is it worth watching these days?
Ten times the movie that any of the prequels were, it holds up tremendously well. A perfect melding of fantasy and science fiction elements that completely ups the stakes of the previous film. The special effects are still marvelous.
The Matrix (1999)
Why did it make the list?
This film invented “bullet time”, now a common occurrence in most big budget films, it was truly ground-breaking for the time. But what’s even more impressive are the themes at play here between man and machines. It is impossible to count the number of movies that have ripped this off since.
Is it worth watching these days?
A film that makes you believe Keanu Reeves can act? Now that’s an achievement (actually, he rocks in Bill & Ted’s). Some of the CG is looking a little dated but the story is so engaging and the plot moves so fast, it more than makes this worth checking out.
Solaris (1972)
Why did it make the list?
Note, this is the Russian language 1972 Solaris, not the George Clooney 2002 remake (which isn’t terrible but not as good as this). There is a sense of deep dread throughout as if David Lynch were secretly directing scenes behind the camera. The really unique thing here is how much further this went into the psychological realm than science fiction films before it. Really ground-breaking and not just spaceships and aliens fighting each other.
Is it worth watching these days?
It is slooooow. The director is on record as saying the first 15 minutes of the film were put there to “weed out” the audience so that only the people that really cared and had patience would be left. I’m captivated by it. You may fall asleep.
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
Why did it make the list?
Star Trek movies are still running on the fumes from this film. It redefined Star Trek with naval combat-like actions scenes and one of the most beloved character deaths ever filmed. Ricardo Montalban plays Khan as if he is doing shakespeare and William Shatner actually seems believable.
Is it worth watching these days?
All the technology, hair styles, & make-up, look horribly dated. The special effects are pretty strong though. The whole film is so adventurous you’ll be swept away. Besides, everyone has to watch the scene where “they put creatures in our bodies to control our minds.”
The Thing (1982)
Why did it make the list?
John Carpenter’s science fiction horror masterpiece. Kurt Russell plays a character that is just as anti-hero as his Snake Plissken but also has a hint of real sadness. The ensemble cast is fabulous. The claustrophobic setting of antarctica in the middle of a storm only adds the terror.
Is it worth watching these days?
This film is worth it just for practical effects alone. The creatures they designed will blow your mind. The tension is off the charts. The stop motion special effects look terrible but everything is so scary, it easily overcomes this.
What am I missing?
Nice list. You are missing:
– Serenity. From a storytelling and watchability POV, best SF movie ever made. Ever.
– The Abyss. But only if you cut out the last five or so minutes. Much as a dislike (or despise) James Cameron, he may be the most talented director in Hollywood. For that matter, the original Terminator wouldn’t be out of place on this list.
I love Firefly but actually thought Serenity wasn’t as strong as the TV show. I love it. Seems like it is kind of in that period where Joss was trying to figure out how to direct big action. Huge entertainment value though!
I LOVE the Abyss but you are exactly right. The director’s cut is a disaster with the “save the world” message getting in the way of the story. Also, the ending just doesn’t quite work.
A good case could be made for both Terminator and T2: Judgement Day. Jim Cameron knows how to do great hollywood popcorn movies.