The Greatest Science-fiction Movies Ever Made

Not many film genres have earned appreciation of science-fiction. Since the 1970’s, science-fiction movies have earned a huge audience. Whether it’s space travellers, blade runners or forceful jedis, the sci-fi genre has created several characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the greatest sci-fi movies ever made that deserve to be celebrated.

1. Star Wars: A New Hope

Star Wars is a spectacular science-fiction franchise my teacher always loved dearly. Years ago, I developed powerful bonds with a teacher that adored the franchise. Star Wars was a franchise my English teacher came to cherish. A force to be reckoned with, he spoke fondly about movies that shaped his identity. He was a huge fan of a franchise about starry galaxies that made him feel happy. My teacher adored all the movies in the Star Wars franchise but his favourite film was always “Star Wars: A New Hope”. Ever since its release in 1977, George Lucas’ movie has stood the test of time as the greatest science-fiction film ever made. With the greatest film of his career, Lucas captured starry galaxies facing wars that are a heavy burden to bear. Lucas is one of those filmmakers that has always excelled at world-building, and his strengths are clearly evident in “Star Wars: A New Hope”. For instance, the iconic Cantina scene in which Han Solo is introduced remains one of the greatest moments of the sci-fi genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance from Harrison Ford, who created one of the most iconic characters in cinematic history with Han Solo. Ultimately, what makes “Star Wars: A New Hope” the greatest science-fiction film ever made is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about the importance of finding identity which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most movies made in the 1970’s, it has aged beautifully with a message that remains commemorated. 40 years following introduction of a sci-fi series created a long time ago in a galaxy far far away, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that hasn’t lost abilities to blow audiences away with unforgettable movies that deserve to be celebrated today.

2. 2001: A Space Odyssey

Science-fiction is a genre of films that has always earned my grandfather’s appreciation. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a grandfather that loved movies about galaxies facing damage. A huge sci-fi nerd, he always spoke fondly about a genre that made him feel heard. He would always love movies about space travel that held a precious place in his heart he came to embrace. My grandfather loved all kinds of science-fiction movies but his favourite film was always “2001: A Space Odyssey”. Ever since its release in 1968, Stanley Kubrick’s movie has stood the test of time as a sci-fi classic audiences appreciate. With the greatest film of his career, Kubrick captured space travel causing astronauts to face despair. Kubrick has always thrived at using symbolism in his movies, and his strengths are clearly evident in “2001: A Space Odyssey”. For instance, the opening dawn of man sequence is one of the greatest moments of the sc-fi genre. Ultimately, what makes “2001: A Space Odyssey” a sci-fi classic is its message. The film delivers a profound message about space travel that would resonate with everyone. A spectacular portrait of dangers astronauts face in space, it’s a sensational reminder of a genre that audiences have grown to embrace.

3. Inception

Dreams are complex psychological states that have always fascinated my mother. At an early age, I bonded with a mother that was fascinated with dreams causing damage. She would commonly love sharing her dreams with my family which she remembered clearly. Few science-fiction films I’ve ever seen have captured the complex emotion associated with dreams as powerfully as “Inception”. Ever since its release in 2010, Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending blockbuster has stood the test of time as a sci-fi classic. With the greatest film of his career, Nolan used innovative cinematic techniques to capture dreams evoking fear. Nolan has always excelled at using cross-cutting in movies to build tension, and “Inception” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the final scene in which the team performs the kick during the last stage of the dream is one of the most memorable moments of the sci-fi genre. At the centre of it all is an amazing performance by Leonardo DiCaprio, capturing a thief with dreams to follow. Ultimately, what makes “Inception” a sci-fi classic is its message. The film delivers a profound message about value of dreams which would resonate with everyone. A dream come true, it’s a dazzling reminder of an amazing genre that hasn’t lost abilities to captivate producing memorable movies that audiences value.

4. Blade Runner

Everyone experiences an existential crisis at some point in their lives. Several years ago, my life hit a crushing low when I struggled to find jobs causing sorrow. After graduating from university, I struggled to find stable employment leaving me emotionally affected. Facing a dilemma that was frightening, I questioned whether I had a purpose for living. As someone impacted by an existential crisis that caused my life to face disaster, I adored “Blade Runner”. Released in 1982, Ridley Scott’s movie forever changed the sci-fi genre through depictions of replicants questioning their life purpose. Scott excels at building visually stunning worlds in movies, and his strengths are clearly evident in “Blade Runner”. For instance, the iconic scene in which Roy sheds tears in the rain expressing the pain of being a replicant remains one of the greatest moments of the sci-fi genre. Ultimately, what makes “Blade Runner” a sci-fi classic is its message. The film delivers a strong message about communication which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years following the release of a blockbuster about replicants shedding tears in the rain, it’s a strong reminder about a great genre that has produced timeless movies which have never lost abilities to entertain.

5. Alien

Aliens are creepy creatures which have always scared me. At an early age, I developed a fear for aliens that cause damage. With their frightening eyes, painful claws and creepy bodies, aliens have always terrified me. I would be afraid to sleep alone at night in the fear I would be attacked by aliens that were a shocking sight. My fear of aliens first began when I watched Ridley Scott’s “Alien”. Released in 1979, Ridley Scott’s movie forever changed the sci-fi genre through its frightening depiction of aliens causing trauma. With “Alien”, Scott used breathtaking practical effects to create aliens which were frightening. For instance, the opening scene of the film in which the camera examines the corridors of a spaceship in silence hinting at danger to come is one of the best moments of the sci-fi genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance from Sigourney Weaver, who embodies a feminist hero. Ultimately, what makes “Alien” one of the greatest science-fiction movies ever made is its perfect balance. Unlike most movies in the genre, it strikes the prefect balance between storytelling and spectacle. As powerful as the aliens attacking a spaceship, it’s an awe-inspiring reminder of a genre that audiences have grown to worship.

6. Arrival

Alien invasions are frightening disasters that have always fascinated my teacher. At an early age, I developed a strong bond with a teacher that feared alien invasions causing damage. He would fear the day that the Earth would be invaded by aliens with a price to pay. As someone treasuring fond memories of a teacher that was frightened by the arrival of aliens, I adored “Arrival”. Released in 2016, Denis Villeneuve’s movie captured alien invasions. Villeneuve showcased his strengths for creating frightening aliens through special effects. Aided by Amy Adams who is extraordinary in the lead role, Villeneuve created a science-fiction film about alien invasions. As strong as Dr. Louise Banks’ desire to investigate an alien invasion, it’s a spectacular reminder of a genre filled with unforgettable movies worthy of celebration.

7. Back to the Future

Time travel is a tricky concept to execute in movies. In order for any film about time travel to be successful, it needs to strike balances between being entertaining and logical. It’s a complicated balance most movies can’t achieve. That being said, in 1985 Robert Zemeckis tackled the complex subject matter effectively in his film “Back to the Future”. Zemeckis’ movie forever changed the sci-fi genre through its depiction of time travel. Zemeckis showcased his strength for telling a story about time travel that was both entertaining and understandable. Anchored by an amazing performance by Michael J. Fox, it’s one of those rare movies made in the 1980’s that has aged beautifully. As strong as Marty McFly’s desire to travel back to the future, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre filled with memorable movies that audiences treasure.

8. Dune

When it comes to the greatest science-fiction books ever written that won’t be forgotten soon, it’s worth discussing “Dune”. Published during the 1960’s, Frank Herbert’s book has become timeless literature that readers have cherished. In 2021, Denis Villeneuve did an extraordinary job of adapting the beloved sci-fi book about dusty dune planets in his film “Dune”. It isn’t easy to adapt a complex book to the big-screen, but Villeneuve succeeded. With the most visually stunning film of his career, Villeneuve used innovative techniques to celebrate a book about which readers care. Anchored by an amazing performance by Timothee Chalamet, “Dune” remains one of the most impressive science-fiction films today. As precious as dusty dune planets, it’s a dazzling reminder of a genre filled with timeless movies that won’t be forgotten soon.

9. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

Steven Spielberg is a spectacular filmmaker whose movies have always earned recognition. With their stunning special effects, strong storytelling and phenomenal acting, Spielberg’s movies have earned a huge following. In 1982, Spielberg showcased his strengths for creating a successful science-fiction film when he made “E.T The Extra-Terrestrial”. With the most imaginative film of his career, Spielberg captured the strong friendship between a child and alien facing despair. Unlike most movies in the genre, what sets “E.T.” apart is its strong sense of imagination. Spielberg used animatronics to create a realistic alien marking a breakthrough for the sci-fi genre. Nearly 40 years after the release of a celebrated classic about aliens from extra-terrestrial galaxies, it’s a strong reminder of a genre that audiences have loved dearly.

10. The Matrix

Few science-fiction films made with stunning tricks are as beloved as “The Matrix”. Since its release in 1998, the Wachowski’s movie has gained a huge following. Despite its merits, I must admit that I have never been a huge fan of “The Matrix”. On a technical level, the film is extremely well made offering groundbreaking special effects. The slow-motion scene in which Neo dodges bullets remains a staple of the sci-fi genre. However, the focus on spectacle leaves little room for compelling storytelling. Amidst the special effects, the film forgets to tell a story. Nevertheless, the film remains a great addition to the sci-fi genre. As precious as the matrix, it’s a strong reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost its ability to transfix audiences that I will forever treasure for inspiring me to pursue dreams of joining communities of film critics.