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 a strong bond with a high school teacher that was a big fan of the sci-fi franchise. Star Wars was a great franchise that my English teacher grew up to cherish. A force to be reckoned with, he often spoke fondly about a great sci-fi series that shaped his identity. His big classroom was decorated with big posters of an iconic film series that he often appreciated. He was a huge fan of a franchise about starry galaxies that often 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 by 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 Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s which tend to be outdated today, the film has aged beautifully. Nearly 40 years after inception of a sci-fi series manufactured 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 making unforgettable films that deserve to be celebrated absolutely tremendously 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 a huge fan of dreams causing damage. My mother enjoyed going to sleep at night with hopes that her dreams would be bright. She would love to share her dreams with my family which she remembered clearly. Few science-fiction films I have 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 best 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 commonly 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 anytime 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 commonly 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 tremendous 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 tremendously worship.
7. Contact
Alien invasions are disasters that always fascinated my mother. At an early age, I developed a bond with a mother fearing aliens causing damage. She feared the day that the Earth would be invaded by aliens with a price to pay. As someone treasuring memories of a mother afraid of extra-terrestrial contact, I adored “Contact”. Released in 1997, Robert Zemeckis’ movie offered an engaging depiction of alien invasions. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Contact” stand out is its subtlety. Zemeckis used minimalistic diegetic sounds to capture an alien invasion. Assisted by Jodie Foster who is excellent in the lead role, Zemeckis captured alien disasters. A captivating portrait of astronomers seeking to make extra-terrestrial contact, it’s a compelling reminder about a genre making movies that have had a massive worldwide impact.
8. Gravity
One of the common characteristics of the space genre is its spectacle. Filmmakers have used innovative cinematic techniques to capture hardships astronauts face in space. The genre’s ability to craft gravity-defying spectacle leaving audiences in awe is clearly evident in the film “Gravity”. Released in 2013, Alfonso Cauron’s movie captured astronauts seeking to survive catastrophe. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Gravity” stand out is its strong sense of spectacle. Cauron used stunning special effects to capture hardships astronauts in space are facing. Assisted by Sandra Bullock who is excellent in the lead role, Cauron created a powerful portrait of space survival. As strong as Dr. Stone’s desire for survival, it’s a remarkable reminder of a genre that has made timeless movies which audiences consider extremely special.
9. The Martian
The Martian is a beloved science-fiction book about bravery that has built a great reputation. Since its publication in 2011, Andy Weir’s book has become a literary classic. In 2015, Ridley Scott celebrated the book about space survival in his movie “The Martian”. Unlike most movies in the survival genre, what makes “The Martian” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. Scott effectively uses humour to capture a brave astronaut seeking to survive a disastrous planet. It’s refreshing to come across humour in a genre that has always followed a serious tone. Assisted by Matt Damon who is fantastic in the lead role, Scott created a powerful space survival epic. As strong as Mark Whatney’s desire to survive a planet, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has achieved a following by making movies which are impossible to commonly forget.
10. The Matrix
Few sci-fi movies ever made are as beloved among film critics as “The Matrix”. Since its release in 1999, the Wachowski’s movie has become a science-fiction classic. 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 stunning special effects. The slow-motion scene in which Neo dodges bullets remains a highlight of the action genre. However, the film’s intense focus on spectacle leaves little room for compelling storytelling. Nevertheless, for all its flaws it’s an incredibly influential film that remains a memorable addition to the sci-fi genre. As precious as the matrix, it’s a strong reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost ability to transfix audiences that I will forever treasure for inspiring me to pursue dreams of joining communities of strong film critics.
The Film Buff 