Not many genres satisfy audiences like sci-fi. Since the 1960’s, the science-fiction genre has produced memorable movies. Whether it’s space scavengers, aliens causing danger or blade runners, the genre has produced several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite science-fiction films of all-time that deserve to be celebrated.
1. Star Wars: A New Hope
Star Wars is a spectacular science-fiction franchise that shaped my teacher’s identity. Years ago, I formed powerful bonds with a teacher that was a fan of the sci-fi franchise. Star Wars was a great franchise my English teacher came to cherish. A force to be reckoned with, he often spoke fondly about a series that shaped his identity. His classroom was decorated with posters of a film series that he appreciated. He was a huge fan of a franchise about starry galaxies that made him feel happy. My teacher’s lifelong love for Star Wars first began when he saw “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. The first “Star Wars” film a big impact on the sci-fi genre forever changing Cinema. 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 by Harrison Ford, who created an iconic space hero that audiences adored. Ultimately, what makes “Star Wars: A New Hope” my favourite science-fiction film of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s which tend to be outdated today, the film has aged beautifully. It delivers a bold message about the importance of finding one’s identity which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years after creation of a sci-fi series created a long time ago in a galaxy far far away, it’s a bold reminder of a great genre that hasn’t lost abilities to blow audiences away making unforgettable films that deserve to be celebrated today.
2. Inception
Dreams are complex states of the mind that always fascinated my mother. At an early age, I bonded with a mother that was fascinated with dreams causing damage. My mother enjoyed going to sleep at night hoping her dreams would be bright. She would love sharing her dreams with my family which she remembered clearly. Few science-fiction films I’ve ever seen have captured the emotion of dreams as powerfully as “Inception”. Ever since its release in 2010, Christopher Nolan’s movie has stood the test of time as a sci-fi classic. Nolan has always excelled at using cross-cutting in movies to build tension, and “Inception” showcased his strengths. 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 incredible performance by Leonardo DiCaprio, who embodies a thief facing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “Inception” a science-fiction masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about dreams which would resonate with everyone. A dream come true, it’s a dazzling reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to produce memorable movies which audiences value.
3. Dune: Part Two
The Middle East is a magnificent country that shaped my identity. I recall with nostalgia joyous memories of growing up in Saudi Arabia. During my childhood, I grew up in a Middle Eastern neighbourhood. Whether it’s the gorgeous deserts or oil economy, I grew up to value a country that I regarded highly. As someone treasuring a country that I grew up to value, I adored “Dune: Part Two”. Released in 2024, Denis Villeneuve’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved sci-fi book. Villeneuve has an aptitude for creating stunning science-fiction films through breathtaking visuals, and “Dune: Part Two” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Paul Atreides rides the sandworm through the desert with high stamina is one of the greatest moments of the sci-fi genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Timothee Chalamet, who creating a strong sci-fi hero. Ultimately, what makes “Dune: Part Two” a sci-fi classic is its depiction of Middle East. Unlike most movies depicting the Middle East as a land of terrorism, the film honoured a misunderstood country. As precious as dusty dune planets, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has produced unforgettable movies which won’t be forgotten soon.
4. Blade Runner
Everyone faces an existential crisis 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 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 disaster, I appreciated “Blade Runner”. Ever since its release in 1982, Ridley Scott’s movie has stood the test of time as a science-fiction masterpiece. Ridley Scott excels using world-building in movies, and “Blade Runner” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Scott uses stunning visuals to capture replicants questioning their life purpose. For instance, the scene in which Roy delivers a monologue about shedding tears in the rain facing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the 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 genre that has produced movies which have never lost abilities to entertain.
5. Arrival
Alien invasions are frightening disasters that have always fascinated my teacher. I remember a teacher that feared alien disaster. He would anticipate the day that the Earth would be invaded by aliens with a price to pay. As someone treasuring joyous memories of a teacher that feared aliens’ arrival, I adored “Arrival”. Released in 2016, Denis Villeneuve’s movie offered an engaging depiction of an alien invasion. Unlike most movies in the sci-fi genre, what makes “Arrival” stand out is its clever storytelling. Villeneuve uses non-linear storytelling to capture a woman impacted by an alien invasion. For instance, the scene in which Dr. Louise Banks meets the aliens for the first time that cause the world to face a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an amazing performance by Amy Adams, who embodies a linguist bonding with aliens. Ultimately, what makes “Arrival” a sci-fi classic is its message. The film delivers a bold message about communication which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most alien invasion movies, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. An amazing depiction of an alien invasion, it’s an astonishing reminder of a genre that has made movies which deserve celebration.
6. Alien
Aliens are creepy creatures which have always scared me. With their frightening eyes, painful claws and creepy bodies, aliens have always terrified me. My lifelong fear of aliens first began when I watched “Alien”. Released in 1979, Ridley Scott’s movie forever changed the sci-fi genre through its frightening depiction of aliens causing trauma. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Alien” stand out is its groundbreaking special effects. Scott used commemorated practical effects to create aliens that are terrifying. Assisted by Sigourney Weaver who is extraordinary in the lead role, Scott created a breathtaking science-fiction blockbuster. As powerful as the aliens attacking a spaceship, it’s an awe-inspiring reminder of a genre that has produced unforgettable movies which audiences have grown to worship.
7. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
Steven Spielberg is a spectacular filmmaker whose movies audiences have grown to treasure. 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 science-fiction film when he made “E.T The Extra-Terrestrial”. With the most imaginative film of his career, Spielberg captured the bond between a child and alien facing despair. Unlike most movies in the genre, what sets “E.T.” apart is its 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 groundbreaking films about aliens from an extra-terrestrial galaxy, it’s a spectacular reminder of a genre that has manufactured memorable movies audiences love dearly.
8. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Memory loss is a painful condition that causes people to face stress. I recall with nostalgia memories of a grandma that suffered from Dementia. She would always become forgetful losing track of people in her life that were important. As someone treasuring a grandmother whose memory declined in the mind, I adored “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”. Released in 2004, Michel Gondry’s movie depicted impact of memory loss on lovers. Gondry uses stunning visuals capturing a romantic bond impacted by memory loss that’s frightening. Assisted by Kate Winslet who is amazing in the lead role, Gondry created a compelling sci-fi film that’s hard to forget. A bold depiction of memory loss impacting the mind, it’s a strong reminder about a one-of-a-kind genre that has made timeless movies in which interest has rarely declined.
9. The Matrix
Originality is a rare quality that’s seldom seen in science-fiction movies. The sci-fi genre has often relied on recycled ideas lacking innovation. It’s exceptionally rare to come across a sci-fi film that’s original. In a genre where originality is rarely seen, it’s worth praising “The Matrix”. Released in 1999, the Wachowski’s movie forever changed the sci-fi genre. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Matrix” stand out is its originality. The Wachowskis used breathtaking visuals to create an original science-fiction film with innovation. Assisted by Keanu Reeves who is amazing in the lead role, the Wachowskis created a sci-fi film audiences value. As precious as the matrix, it’s a marvellous reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to transfix audiences manufacturing commemorated movies using breathtaking special effects tricks.
10. Mad Max: Fury Road
Few science-fiction films ever made about mad warriors on a road are as beloved as “Mad Max: Fury Road”. Since its release in 2015, George Miller’s film has become a sci-fi classic. I may be in the minority but I wasn’t a huge fan of the movie. Miller created awe-inspiring action that broke barriers for the sci-fi genre. Assisted by Tom Hardy who is amazing in the lead role, Miller honoured a franchise. However, the film’s focus on style leaves little time for storytelling. We’re barely given reason to care for the road warriors on a place facing despair. Nevertheless, the film is a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Furiosa’s desire to battle sexism, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has achieved stardom creating characters with wisdom in movies I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve dreams of film criticism.
The Film Buff 