Science fictionhas always beenone of the most versatile and interesting genres in movies. The possibilities are quite literally endless, limited only by a filmmaker’s imagination and creativity regarding the future and technology. However, the world is at the point where some science fiction movies (especially older ones) are less fantastical and instead mirror current-day and modern technology.
While being one of the most compelling genres,sci-fican also be one of the most daunting to get into. In a genre so densely packed with out-there concepts and narrative elements, it can be difficult to find a jumping-off point for those wishing to dive into the world of science fiction films. For those looking to begin their sci-fi journey,this is a healthy selection of essential watches that aren’t too demanding or overwhelming.
10’The Martian' (2015)
Directed by Ridley Scott
After an exploratory mission on the surface of Mars is ravaged by a fierce storm, astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is left stranded on the planet’s surface. After managing to communicate to Earth that he is still alive, a rescue force is dispatched, but it will not be a timely effort. With scarce resources at his disposal,Watney must rely on wit and ingenuity if he is to survive until rescue.
The Martianis slick, entertaining and clean modern sci-fi at its most accessible. Damon is a more than capable leading man, providing a healthy dose of charm and humor, bolstering an already sharp script. It’sa simple story of perseveranceand survival, bearing little to no frills.The Martiandoesn’t do much to reinvent the genre, but it’s nonetheless clever and thoroughly well-crafted.
The Martian
An astronaut becomes stranded on Mars after his team assume him dead, and must rely on his ingenuity to find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive and can survive until a potential rescue.
9’Ex Machina' (2014)
Directed by Alex Garland
Junior programmer Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson) wins a company lottery to visit the retreat of brilliant tech CEO Nathan Bateman (Oscar Isaac). Upon visiting the remote home/research facility,Caleb finds himself especially fascinated with one of Nathan’s more recent innovations: a highly advanced artificial intelligence named Ava (Alicia Vikander). Caleb quickly finds himself enamored with Ava, but dark secrets begin to surface as their interactions grow more intimate.
AI is as prevalent now as it has ever been—in that way,Ex Machinawas scarily ahead of its time. This is a movie thatonly gets more relevantas the years go by,managing to be both startlingly prophetic and hauntingly beautiful. The line between human and machine has never been more blurred, andEx Machinashowcases that reality in truly provocative ways.Ex Machinais a sleek, well-acted and thoroughly engaging piece of science fiction that mirrors reality in ways that only sci-fi can.
Ex Machina
A young programmer is selected to participate in a ground-breaking experiment in synthetic intelligence by evaluating the human qualities of a highly advanced humanoid A.I.
8’Back to the Future' (1985)
Directed by Robert Zemeckis
High school student Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) lives his life as any typical teenager in the'80swould: writing papers, chasing girls, and avoiding run-ins with bullies. What isn’t so typical about Marty’s existence, however, is his friendship with the eccentric scientist Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd). When Doc Brown fashionsa time machine from 1982 DeLorean, Marty is unwillingly thrust 30 years into the past, threatening his future self’s very existence.
There’s a reason whyBack to the Futureisone of the most widely celebrated and iconic sci-fi movies ever made. There’s simply so much to love aboutBack to the Future: fromthe pitch-perfect performances, clever script and total lack of a single dull moment. This is timeless entertainment that transcends genres;it’s full of heart and passion, guaranteed to leave an impression that will stick even after countless rewatches.
Back to the Future
Marty McFly, a 17-year-old high school student, is accidentally sent 30 years into the past in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his close friend, the maverick scientist Doc Brown.
7’Arrival' (2016)
Directed by Denis Villeneuve
Massive alien spaceships have touched down in 12 different locations around the globe. The United States military enlisted the help of linguistics professor Louise Banks (Amy Adams) to establish a line of communication with these extraterrestrial visitors. As the conflict between nations surrounding the situation increases global tensions,Banks and her team must race to decipher the meaning behind symbols drawn by the beings.
Arrivalis an alien invasion movie told with an unexpected level of profundity; there’s no brain-harvesting or action set pieces to be found here. While the subject matter may be familiar, the approach and executionare elegant and deeply poetic. While many modern sci-fi movies place a particular focus on spectacle,Arrivalis deeply rooted in character and real-world messaging. There are far too few sci-fi movies likeArrival, making it a must-watch for genre enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Linguistics professor Louise Banks (Amy Adams) leads an elite team of investigators when gigantic spaceships touch down in 12 locations around the world. As nations teeter on the verge of global war, Banks and her crew must race against time to find a way to communicate with the extraterrestrial visitors. Hoping to unravel the mystery, she takes a chance that could threaten her life and quite possibly all of mankind.
6’The Thing' (1982)
Directed by John Carpenter
On a remote research station in frigid Alaska, the tranquility of a group of American scientists is broken by an encounter with a Norweigan helicopter chasing a stray sled dog. Unfortunately for them, allowing the canine into their settlement has grave consequences. What was thought to be a dog turns out to bea grotesque, shapeshifting alien creature that can take the appearance of its victims. It’s not long before the station and its crew succumb to paranoia-fueled chaos.
The marriage of science fiction and horror always has the potential to produce something truly special, andThe Thingis just that. This is a masterpiece of atmosphere, tension and (often grotesque) practical effects.The Thinghas cemented itself in cinema history asone of the greatest genre-blends of all time, as well as one of the most taught and deftly helmed science fiction movies ever created. If they have the stomach for some gruesome monster effects,The Thingis an absolute must-watch for any genre beginner.
A team of researchers set out to study an alien spacecraft found in Antarctica, where they also discover an alien body on the site. The alien buried in ice is actually alive and has the ability to imitate human form. The group must find a way to distinguish who the real person is from The Thing and stay alive. John Carpenter’s 1982 film is a remake of 1951’s The Thing from Another World and stars Kurt Russel as the hero RJ MacReady.
5’The Terminator' (1984)
Directed by James Cameron
Los Angeles native Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) is a waitress leading an unassuming and lonely existence. Everything changes when a cyborg assassin known as a Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is sent back from the future to kill her. Future freedom fighter Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn) is also sent back to ensure Sarah’s survival. In this game of cat and mouse, the fate of humanity is on the line.
Not only canThe Terminatorbe thanked forcreating one of the most iconic movie characters of all time(Schwarzenegger as the titular cyborg), but it’s also fondly remembered for being just an absolute blast to watch. The concept is simple yet genius—despite a narrative revolving around time travel, the movienever gets bogged down in explanation.The Terminatoris just wall-to-wall thrills with none of the baggage. Rest assured, anyone who givesThe Terminatora shot is guaranteed to be back.
The Terminator
A relentless cyborg assassin is sent from the future to kill Sarah Connor, whose unborn son is destined to lead the human resistance against machines. Protected by a soldier also sent from the future, Sarah must navigate a deadly game of cat and mouse to ensure her survival and humanity’s future.
4’Blade Runner' (1982)
The year is 2019.A mega-corporation has developed lifelike robots, known as replicants, to aid humanityby undertaking dangerous tasks or exploring distant regions in the stars. When a small group of replicants violently rebel against their human handlers, Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) is assigned to hunt the rogue machines and neutralize them. Opposing him is Roy Batty (Rutger Hauer), the leader of the group of replicants in search of his creator.
Science fiction is rarely as elegant and melancholic as it is inBlade Runner. A bonafide sci-fi masterpiece,Blade Runnerisa thematically rich and spectacularly realized piece of filmmakingthat has left a legacy as one of the most profound andinfluential genre movies ever made. If viewers can handle its deliberate pacing and general lack of conventional thrills, they’ll be treated to one of the most dense and stimulating pieces of science fiction ever.
Blade Runner
A blade runner must pursue and terminate four replicants who stole a ship in space and have returned to Earth to find their creator.
3’Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope' (1977)
Directed by George Lucas
The galaxy is threatened by the evil forces of the Galactic Empire, led by the tyrannical Darth Vader (David ProwseandJames Earl Jones). Unassuming farm boy Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) is deemed the galaxy’s last hope against a formidable army. With the help of the smooth-talking Han Solo (Harrison Ford), legendary Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness) and the stoic Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), Skywalker must lead a force to take down the Empire’s new planet-killing weapon.
Star Warsis one of the largest media properties ever created and this is where it all began. The sheer influence ofStar Wars: Episode IV - A New Hopeis difficult to quantify;the level of imagination and creativity on display is astounding. Distant worlds, alien species and even languages were developed to establish an entire universe of sci-fi concepts.Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hopefeelsjust as fresh and exciting as it didnearly 50 years ago, and for those who have somehow yet to watch it—what are you waiting for?
Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope
A farm boy from a desert planet becomes an unlikely hero in the fight against the oppressive Galactic Empire. Guided by a former Jedi Knight and alongside a rebellious princess, a smuggler, and his co-pilot, he embarks on a mission to destroy the Death Star, a massive space station capable of annihilating entire planets. As he learns about the mystical Force, he discovers his destiny and the true strength within himself.
2’Alien' (1979)
The crew of the space freighter Nostromo is on their long voyage back home to Earth when they receive a distress signal from a distant moon. Obligated to investigate, the crew soon find themselves at the mercy of a stowaway aboard their ship:an incredibly hostile and virtually unkillable alien creature that stalks the vessel’s endless dark corridors.
Alienis a genre-defining blend of masterful horror tension and visceral sci-fi thrills. From the set design to the creature effects and immaculate casting,Alienis a science fiction moviewith virtually no flaws. Every piece is intricately placed in a way that makes this a captivating, thoroughly engaging watch. As simple asAlienmay appear on the surface, there’s a thematic and technical proficiency on display that makes ita benchmark genre effort that stands the test of time.
1’The Matrix' (1999)
Directed by Lana and Lilly Wachowski
Thomas Anderson (Keanu Reeves) works a day job as a meek computer programmer but otherwise operates as a hacker known in the underworld as Neo. When Neo is presented with the opportunity to learn the truth behind humanity’s existence, he accepts. The rabbit hole Neo enters goes deeper than he could’ve ever imagined, ashe is determined to be the chosen one who will save the human race from simulated bondage.
Great science fiction challenges preconceived notions surrounding the world as we know it, andTheMatrixmightjust be cinema’s most exciting example of that.The Matrixwould still be a masterpiece if only taking into consideration the breathtaking technical innovations, yet it also offers a bold and imaginative storythat should only be describedas a work of subversive genius.The Matrixis a definitive science fiction effort that changed the way movies were made, and it’sthe best possible place to start for those looking to dip their toes into an expansive genre.
The Matrix
When a beautiful stranger leads computer hacker Neo to a forbidding underworld, he discovers the shocking truth–the life he knows is the elaborate deception of an evil cyber-intelligence.
