Science Fiction Movies: 15 Influential Sci-Fi Films

Science fiction movies (“sci-fi” for short) are films set in a world with futuristic technology. Science fiction movies typically feature unfamiliar locales, such as distant reaches of outer space, parallel dimensions, and human-like aliens. Science fiction films were inspired by the [literary genre](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-are-science-fiction-and-fantasy-distinct) and date back almost to the beginning of cinema. The genre and its themes have evolved over time: - __Utopia__: Early science fiction films were hopeful and utopian, looking ahead to a world where technology and society had progressed to achieve new, inspiring possibilities. *Le Voyage dans la Lune* (1902), wherein a group of astronomers travel in a rocket ship to explore the moon and its fantastical inhabitants, is an example of this more optimistic style. - __Dystopia__: Over time, sci-fi became much more ambiguous and pessimistic, as in *Total Recall* (1990) and *The Matrix* (1999), often featuring dystopian worlds in stagnation or decline, despite technological advances. Alien invasions and technology run amok are common tropes. - __ Animation __: As the genre progressed, many of the fantastical environments and technology were difficult to simulate in live action, so sci-fi filmmakers used animation. Japanese anime in particular was a source of many genre classics, such as Akira (1988) and *Ghost in the Shell* (1995), both of which are set in futuristic versions of Japan. - __Special effects__: Some of the most impressive special effects and innovative visual effects have appeared for the first time in sci-fi films such as *Star Wars* (1977) and *The Terminator* (1984). Science fiction films can cross into other genres, such as thrillers and horror movies, but most sci-fi movies share these common themes: 1. __Technology__: Science fiction movies often feature advanced technology, such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, time and space travel, and futuristic weapons. 2. __Imaginative settings__: Sci-fi movies may be set in fantastical worlds, such as planets other than Earth with extraterrestrial life forms, robots, cyborgs, and futuristic humans. 3. __Abstract concepts__: In science fiction, filmmakers can explore abstract concepts in more concrete forms, such as the relationship between humans and technology, or the possibility of other forms of intelligence. Some even incorporate spiritual themes, such as 1972’s *Solaris*. 4. __Social issues__: Social themes are common in science fiction, with the futuristic setting providing an opportunity to indirectly comment on current or past events, political situations, or social trends. Science fiction movies range from low-budget films to blockbusters, but the best sci-fi movies find filmmakers working at all budget levels to find creative ways to impart a sense of wonder to the audience. Some of the most prominent examples of sci-fi films include: 1. __*Metropolis* (1927)__: Directed by Fritz Lang, this classic film is one of the first feature-length science fiction movies. Featuring a futuristic society in crisis, it’s recognized for its social commentary as well as the highly stylized effects and set design. 2. __*Invasion of the Body Snatchers* (1956)__: A classic of the genre, this Don Siegel–directed film blurs the line between sci-fi and horror. It tells the story of a small California town invaded by an alien species who can grow artificial people that steal the thoughts and memories of real humans. It was followed by a 1978 remake. 3. __*Planet of the Apes* (1968)__: Humans crash-land on an unfamiliar planet and discover it is inhabited and ruled by sophisticated ape-like creatures. Recognized for its innovative prosthetics and makeup, *Planet of the Apes* was directed by Franklin J. Schaffner. 4. __*2001: A Space Odyssey* (1968)__: Stanley Kubrick’s epic features cutting-edge special and visual effects and explores the idea of humanity’s origin and eventual destiny. Initially released to mixed reviews, word-of-mouth helped propel it to box office success and eventual classic status. 5. __*Star Wars* (1977)__: One of the first Hollywood blockbuster films, its release was a watershed moment in science fiction. Director George Lucas showed his knack for world-building, which expanded in the sequels and has since become the basis for one of the biggest franchises of all time. Its first sequel, *The Empire Strikes Back* (1980), was also massively popular and features some of the most advanced visual effects of the time. 6. __*Close Encounters of the Third Kind* (1977)__: Director Steven Spielberg’s first major take on the sci-fi genre features innovative storytelling and spectacular effects. He went on to make several influential entries in the genre such as ET: *The Extra Terrestrial* (1982), *Jurassic Park* (1993), *A.I. Artificial Intelligence* (2001), *Minority Report* (2002), *War of the Worlds* (2005), and *Ready Player One* (2018). 7. __*Star Trek* (1979–2016)__: A continuation of one of the most popular TV shows of the ’60s, the *Star Trek* franchise is one of the mainstays of the genre, having spawned several sequels and reboots. A throwback to earlier, utopian sci-fi, it focuses on the adventures of a crew of a light speed–capable spaceship. 8. __*Alien* (1979)__: A futuristic space freighter receives a distress signal and is redirected to investigate. This frightening sci-fi film, directed by Ridley Scott, is a combination of a science fiction and horror movie. 9. __*Blade Runner* (1982)__: Ridley Scott’s adaptation of the Philip K. Dick novel *Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?* is set in a dystopian Los Angeles. Harrison Ford plays Rick Deckard, whose job as a “Blade Runner” entails the pursuit and killing of high-tech androids called “replicants.” The film is also an homage to the film noir genre, and like those films, its world is dark, complex, and morally ambiguous. 10. __*The Terminator* (1984)__: A time-traveling cyborg played by Arnold Schwarzenegger is sent back into the past to rescue the child who will come to be humanity’s leader against a dystopian artificial intelligence. Director [James Cameron](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/james-cameron-movies) would go on to direct other prominent sci-fi features such as *Terminator 2: Judgment Day* (1991), *The Abyss* (1989) and *Avatar* (2009). 11. __*Back to the Future* (1985)__: Robert Zemeckis’ lighthearted, humorous take on science fiction features Michael J. Fox as a high-schooler who befriends an oddball scientist who has figured out time travel. 12. __*Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind* (2004)__: Directed by Michel Gondry from a script by Charlie Kaufman, this sci-fi is a drama-comedy hybrid set in New York and features a high-tech method of selective memory erasure. 13. __*Children of Men* (2006)__: Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, this sci-fi movie is set in a not-too-distant future where human fertility has declined to the point of catastrophe and social breakdown. 14. __*Inception* (2010)__: This high-concept genre hybrid, directed by Christopher Nolan, focuses on professional thieves who can steal ideas from inside peoples’ minds. 15. __*Ex Machina* (2014)__: Alex Garland wrote and directed this sci-fi thriller about a computer scientist invited to test the intelligence of a sophisticated humanoid robot. Become a better filmmaker with the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com). Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Ron Howard, Ken Burns, Spike Lee, David Lynch, Shonda Rhimes, Martin Scorsese, James Cameron, and more. From alien invasions to time travel, science fiction movies feature cutting-edge tech and otherworldly creatures.