JuicyTalk
Here are ten sci-fi movies that can comfortably be labeled masterpieces, from their opening shots right to the end credits. Any list of the best sci-fi movies tends to feature the usual suspects like the Star Wars or Star Trek franchises, and for good reason. That said, it’s a very rare kind of movie that can truly be considered near-flawless.
The Wrath of Khan might be the best Star Trek movie, for instance, but it does have some issues. From various plot holes to some occasional hammy overacting, there are nits to be picked. Even amongst movie fans, it’s a small grouping of films that could truly be considered close to perfect.
The Shawshank Redemption is regarded as one of the best dramas ever, and it’s hard to think of a way it could be improved. Same thing with films like Goodfellas or Apocalypse Now. That’s what makes putting together a list of sci-fi movies that are essentially perfect harder than it sounds.
They have to tick every box, from performances to editing, while delivering completely on their premises. The sci-fi outings listed here have fully earned their critical acclaim and reputations as the best the genre has to offer.
From certified retro classics all the way up to modern greats, they are the cream of the crop. When the likes of Mad Max: Fury Road or Stalker are left out, you know the criteria must be strict.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Stanley Kubrick conquered every genre he played in, from horror (The Shining) to war movies (Full Metal Jacket). It stands to reason that his sole sci-fi effort 2001: A Space Odyssey would, thusly, be another classic. It’s a film that requires patience from its audience, but this an odyssey that fully rewards their time and attention.
For a movie that’s nearly 60 years old, the visual effects hold up remarkably well, as does its examination of a rogue A.I. It could be argued the film’s clinical tone makes it hard to warm to, but that was also Kubrick’s intent. It’s a movie that looks at the vast unknowability of space itself with both awe and terror.
Blade Runner (1982)
This Ridley Scott movie might be the most influential entry on this list. It’s hard to think of a sci-fi film, show or video game that arrived after Blade Runner that wasn’t heavily influenced by its visuals and themes. This cyberpunk noir sees Harrison Ford’s titular cop hunting humanoid androids in a bleak vision of the future.
The film is a stunning achievement, exploring themes like what it means to be human and the dangers inherent in technological advancements. It features career-best work from performers like Rutger Hauer, and like the best sci-fi epics, leaves viewers with many questions to ponder.
The Matrix (1999)
The Matrix is a giant potpourri of influences, from Hong Kong action cinema to anime or philosophy. It’s a sci-fi adventure packed with ideas and creative visuals, including the oft-parodied “bullet time” effect. It’s also just an unbelievably rich story, where lowly office worker/hacker Neo (Keanu Reeves) discovers just what “The Matrix” really is.
Before Keanu Reeves was cast, Will Smith was approached about playing Neo in The Matrix.
Some elements may have dated, but its exploration of virtual worlds, alienation and the rise of A.I. feels quite timeless. It’s a blockbuster that works on many levels too; it’s an exhilarating action film, a deep drama about self-discovery, or it’s even one of the ultimate video game movies.
The Terminator (1984)
There is an eternal debate about whether James Cameron’s Terminator or its 1991 sequel, Judgment Day is best. That’s entirely subjective, but the original has so much to offer. It’s like a slasher film dressed up as an action flick, and uses those genre trappings to sneak in other subjects and concerns.
Naturally, it’s looking at where A.I. could take the world feels eerily prescient now, while it also examines notions of fate and destiny. On a mere surface level, it’s a relentless, kick-ass chase film with a legendary turn by one Arnold Schwarzenegger. Even the dated visual effects give this 1984 cyberpunk actioner a unique feel.
Arrival (2016)
Denis Villeneuve has a perfect aim when it comes to sci-fi (see Blade Runner 2049 or his Dune duology), but Arrival is his greatest work. It’s one of the most original and ultimately heartbreaking sci-fi epics of the 21st Century, and features career-best work by Amy Adams.
Those expecting a blockbuster where heroic humans blast invading aliens should steer well clear of Arrival. Instead, it’s a deep dive into the power of language and communication, the importance of time, and free will. For those who’ve never experienced Villeneuve’s sci-fi drama, it’s best experienced knowing very little going in.
Akira (1988)
It should be illegal to declare oneself a cyberpunk fan without having seen Akira. It’s a defining text of the genre, and one of the most important anime ever produced. The film is set in “Neo-Tokyo,” a futuristic metropolis built in the aftermath of a nuclear bomb being dropped on Tokyo.
It’s a story that features psychic experiments, bike gangs, corrupt politicians, and an exploration of Japan’s own history. Akira is a movie with a lot on its mind, just like its tragic teen villain, Tetsuo. The film was also vital in hooking Western audiences on anime.
Alien (1979)
Ridley Scott’s OTHER landmark sci-fi outing was only his second film. It’s the creature feature that launched a million rip-offs, where a spaceship crew picks up a slimy, H.R. Giger-designed beast while exploring a distant planet. Like Blade Runner, Alien presented a wholly unique vision of the future.
Its sets are (often literally) dripping with atmosphere, and its disturbing sexual undertones are very apparent to those paying attention. The titular Xenomorph is one of cinema’s greatest monster designs, the cast is uniformly excellent (which naturally includes future superstar Sigourney Weaver) and it explores how, even in the future, corporations are still exploiting blue-collar workers.
Back To The Future (1985)
Back to the Future is considered to have one of the best screenplays ever written, where everything it sets up pays off like a slot machine. It’s the first film any cinephile thinks of when it comes to time-travel stories, and manages a perfect blend of sci-fi and comedy.
On top of all that, it has the irreplaceable duo of Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd fronting it. Despite some of its darker elements, it’s an adventure fit for the whole family, and a great gateway entry into science fiction for younger viewers. Plus, the DeLorean is the coolest time-travel machine of all time.
The Thing (1982)
John Carpenter’s sci-fi masterpiece was not only a box office dud upon release, it was hammered by critics for its nihilistic tone and gross-out creature effects. Jump ahead 40 years, and The Thing is labeled a high point of the entire genre, both for its craftsmanship and practical special effects.
The story sees a shapeshifting alien invading an isolated American research base in Antarctica. Pretty soon, the twelve-man team is at each other’s necks as they’re overtaken by imitations, with the film examining the death of trust and humanity itself. It’s bleak stuff in one sense – but it’s also endlessly rewatchable.
RoboCop (1987)
Paul Verhoeven is a one-of-a-kind filmmaker, and with RoboCop, he seamlessly merged an action movie, a religious parable, a biting satire, a Frankenstein story and so much more. There are so many layers to Verhoeven’s sci-fi thriller that each viewing yields something fresh.
At its core, it’s the story of a murdered police officer (Peter Weller) resurrected as a cyborg to patrol Detroit. Despite the best efforts of the corrupt corporation that built him, Murphy’s humanity bubbles to the surface. While a good deal funnier (and gorier) than Blade Runner, it explores similar concepts and is just a blast to rewatch.
