When it comes to film, few genres evolve as rapidly as science fiction. The genre not only reflects society’s current anxieties but also embraces cutting-edge technology to deliver an ever-evolving spectacle to the screen. Because of this constant reinvention, many modern fans hesitate to look back at earlier classics, assuming the genre has only improved with time. Yet in doing so, they risk overlooking some truly phenomenal films.
These sci-fi classics remain essential viewing, whether for their historical importance or their continued resonance with modern audiences. Add these 10 films to your watchlist, or make a point to revisit them. You won’t be disappointed.
10
‘Planet of the Apes’ (1968)
A group of astronauts, led by George Taylor (Charlton Heston), crash-land on a planet they believe to be located far away from Earth, inhabited by intelligent apes. They soon discover that humans are kept as mute animals, and George Taylor finds himself among them, unable to speak due to damaged vocal cords from a gunshot while being captured. As he regains his ability to communicate, George convinces two apes, Zira and Cornelius, of his intelligence, which forces them to question everything they thought they knew about humanity.
A Sci-Fi Spectacle That Heavily Influenced the Genre
While now commonplace in the sci-fi genre, the big-budget genre mash-up of adventure, social commentary, with a shocking twist ending was seen as landmark storytelling in the sci-fi genre on release. This initial success has led to Planet of the Apes becoming one of the longest-running sci-fi franchises of all time. While the newer films in the franchise offer up a more action-heavy, visually striking experience, fans owe it to themselves to watch the original, as it is integral in understanding the timeline of the series.
9
‘Them!’ (1954)
When a young girl is found wandering in New Mexico after her parents’ trailer is destroyed, authorities are soon put on the trail of creatures out in the desert attacking people they come across. Tracing large tracks, a team of scientists and police officers discovers an ant colony that has grown to gargantuan proportions. After fighting off the initial threat, the crew learn that the queen of the colony has escaped and Earth is under threat with new colonies popping up in major cities.
Giant Monster Madness
Any sci-fi from the ’50s is going to have some degree of cheesiness. However, Them! rests in an interesting pocket of history and was considered highly innovative at the time of its release. The movie marks the first major creature feature in the US that used the ‘science gone wrong’ concept. Moreover, Them! touches on grander themes, as good sci-fi does, exploring Cold War paranoia through fears of nuclear fallout. Don’t overthink the poorly dated effects, and Them! is a surprising gem of early American science fiction.
8
‘Solaris’ (1972)
Psychologist Kris Kelvin is sent to explore an anomaly on a space station orbiting the planet Solaris, which is covered by a sentient being known as ‘ocean.’ Shortly after arrival, his deceased wife, Hari, appears before him as part of the ocean’s ability to manifest others. The two begin a complex rekindling, with Hari unable to exist outside of Solaris’s influence, and Kris trying to rationalize his duty and desire to have Hari back in his life again.
Exploring the Human Soul Through Science Fiction
Andrei Tarkovsky’s Solaris is first and foremost a stunning spectacle of the director’s mastery of weaving haunting visuals through meditative pacing and dreamlike imagery. Yet, what makes the movie essential viewing is how influential it was in using science fiction to craft a philosophical and emotionally poignant story in an era when much of the genre was dominated by space battles and futuristic technology. A breathtaking masterpiece whose profundity has not diminished with time.
7
‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ (1968)
Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey traces humanity’s journey from its prehistoric times to the distant future, guided by mysterious black monoliths that appear at key turning points in humanity’s continued evolution. Still, much of the movie’s focus centers on astronaut Dave Bowman aboard the spaceship Discovery One, overseen by the sentient computer HAL 9000, whose malfunction proves deadly.
A Definitive Sci-Fi Masterpiece
2001: A Space Odyssey is one of those films that, even if you have not seen it, feels familiar due to cultural relevance and homage. However, there is no reason to skip over this classic, which would redefine the science fiction genre in America with its groundbreaking visuals, philosophical depth, and innovative storytelling devices.
6
‘Westworld’ (1973)
The theme park known as Delos has become the world’s most popular getaway, offering patrons a chance to escape into a different era. However, when an error occurs behind the scenes, the AI robots, meant to entertain visitors, turn on them and adopt their themed, violent, performative personas. Notably, one man, Peter Martin (played by Richard Benjamin), finds himself hunted by a relentless gunslinger from the area of the theme park known as Westworld.
Early Fears of AI
Westworld presented the groundbreaking premise of AI gone out of control, a subject that has only become more prevalent with time. The film’s significant influence on pop culture is a compelling reason to view this classic. Those who do will find phenomenal performances and a poignant exploration of the potential downfalls of technology — those who have enjoyed the TV series (2016-2022) should make it a priority to check out the original Michael Crichton film.
5
‘Logan’s Run’ (1976)
Logan 5 (Michael York) is a ‘Sandman’ in a futuristic domed city in the 3rd century, tasked with hunting down anyone who tries to escape being incinerated when they turn 30; a form of population control disguised as a rite of passage into another existence. As Logan comes close to his turn, he begins to panic, teaming up with Jessica 6 (Jenny Agutter), who already doubts the system, to make a run for it.
A Sci-fi Snapshot of the ’70s
Logan’s Run is one of the quintessential films for capturing a lot of cultural anxiety during the era of its release: overpopulation, consumerism, and generational divide. Yet, since then, these themes may have been addressed differently, but are still part of public discourse, making Logan’s Run a snapshot of the ’70s that still resonates today.
4
‘Phase IV’ (1974)
After a strange occurrence originating from space, ants in Arizona’s desert begin to exhibit bizarre new intelligence. Scientists James Lesko (Michael Murphy) and Dr. Ernest Hubbs (Nigel Davenport) are tasked with studying the transformation of the ant species, which is slowly succumbing to fear as they realize they are emerging as rival intelligence to humanity.
Nature Overtakes Humanity
The inclusion of Phase IV may be a bit of a head-scratcher, particularly for those who first saw it as part of the lineup of films torn apart on Season 7 of Mystery Science Theater 3000. Yet, the movie’s cerebral exploration of themes like evolution and humanity’s place in the natural order of things, combined with a visually rich and unique direction by Saul Bass, has only grown in appreciation with time. It is abstract and weird, and definitely won’t be for anyone, but as a one-of-a-kind stand-out in the genre, Phase IV deserves to be watched at least once.
3
‘THX 1138’ (1971)
In a dystopian Earth, the idea of individualism has been squashed by an oppressive system that uses policing, surveillance, and mandatory drugs to subdue its population. A couple challenges the system, a worker designated THX 1138 (Robert Duvall), and his roommate LUH 3417 (Maggie McOmie), by stopping taking their mandatory prescriptions. This act of defiance triggers a string of events that challenge the status quo.
George Lucas’s First Film Set the Groundwork for the Future of Science Fiction
As George Lucas’s debut film, THX 1138 holds significant historical importance in charting the path that would lead to the sci-fi powerhouse that is Star Wars. While the film presents a more dystopian vision of the future, it still embodies the anti-establishment approach to filmmaking that characterized Lucas’s uncompromising push to make Star Wars happen. Still, THX 1138 stands on its own, offering a deeply introspective meditation on consumerism and the loss of identity in a conformist society.
2
‘Matango: Attack of the Mushroom People’ (1963)
A group of wealthy friends and associates find themselves stranded on a strange island after their yacht sinks. The crew finds an abandoned, large ship that they use for shelter, but a power struggle soon ensues as the food and water situation becomes desperate. Matters are complicated further when the crew learn that the bizarre mushrooms growing on the island had led to the death of those who had landed on the island before them.
Japan’s Most Underrated Sci-Fi Film
While Godzilla deserves mention on this list (consider that statement as if it were included), one of the lesser-known sci-fi films to emerge from Japan is a masterpiece in its own right. Matango blends cosmic horror, drama, science fiction, and, much like its big kaiju cousin, exists in response to dealing with trauma suffered during WWII. For those who enjoyed The Day of the Triffids, Matango uses similar plant-like horrors but delves into the darker, human side of the aftermath of war, exploring social paranoia, national identity, and class disparity among its many subjects.
1
‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’ (1977)
After experiencing a strange encounter with a UFO, Roy Neary (Richard Dreyfuss) becomes obsessed with a mysterious mountain-like shape, which he meticulously tries to reconstruct. At the same time, others around the world are experiencing an odd phenomenon, hearing a five-note musical sequence. These instances draw various people to Devil’s Tower in Wyoming, which appears to be the site of a reported UFO landing.
Spielberg Flips the Script on Alien Life
Close Encounters of the Third Kind is one of the earlier instances of alien life being viewed as hopeful as opposed to a potential threat; leave it to Spielberg to give a new vision of sci-fi with aliens as a film presenting them as mysterious but benevolent. On its release, the movie was also touted as the next evolution in sci-fi with its groundbreaking visual effects, made by under-champion Douglas Trumbull, who also worked on 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Source link
Add Comment