It wasn’t long ago that science fiction was deemed a niche interest, the ultimate form of nerdery. Yet fast forward to now, and it’s hard not to be astounded by how far we’ve come with geek culture permeating entertainment in significant ways. Science fiction has become so popular that you could even argue it’s the prevailing genre across pop culture—all thanks to its passionate fanbase.
Contrary to popular belief, the audience for science fiction is limitless. Going beyond mythologies and multiple universes, great sci-fi movies actually feature themes that are relevant in our world today. They just happen to be expressed through mythical creatures and extraterrestrial technology. This can be seen by the diversity of movies represented on the list of the greatest sci-fi films ever made.
The following ten highest-rated sci-fi movies are by no means an exhaustive list. That’s why we’ve also included (at the bottom) some other notable top sci-fi films that didn’t make the cut, but are definitely worthy cult classics.
10 ‘Avengers: Endgame’ (2019)
IMDb: 8.4
Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth
With The Infinity Saga reaching its epic conclusion in ‘Avengers: Endgame’, the Avengers and their allies launch a final, daring mission to undo Thanos’ catastrophic snap. However, even with success in sight, doubt still lingers. What lies ahead for Earth’s strongest heroes?
Marvel’s Endgame boasts a truly gutwrenching story that has stood the test of time. Years later, fans continue to talk about its intensely painful scenes. This iconic MCU movie showcases the Avengers’ most difficult mission yet; with no straightforward answer in sight. It is up to them to save all they know and love from an uncertain future.
9 ‘The Prestige’ (2006)
IMDb: 8.5
Director: Christopher Nolan
Stars: Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson, Michael Caine
Director Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Prestige’ takes us back to the bustling London of the late 19th century. Here, we witness an intriguing battle between two illustrious stage magicians – Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale). They each try with all their might to prove who is truly superior in this art of deception. While doing so, they are willing to risk anything and everything by performing extraordinary magic tricks that have never been seen before on stage.
By incorporating elements of sci-fi, the filmmakers craft a thrilling psychological race between magicians who utilize unique and perilous experiments to outdo each other. The sci-fi element adds an extra layer of danger and suspense as we watch this tension-filled story culminate in its tragic conclusion.
8 ‘Back to the Future’ (1985)
IMDb: 8.5
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Stars: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover
The unforgettable classic ‘Back to the Future’, starring Michael J. Fox, captivated audiences when it premiered in 1985 and quickly became a box office hit. It follows Marty McFly’s crazy time-traveling journey when he unexpectedly finds himself navigating an alternate past after hopping aboard Dr. Emmett Brown’s DeLorean. Things take a turn for the worse as soon as Marty realizes that his very existence is at risk if he fails to restore harmony between his parents.
The brilliance of the classic movie lies in its effortless avoidance of overly technical science and instead focuses on craftily creating a character that viewers are highly invested in. Its humor adds to its charm, providing an air of positivity despite Marty’s mischievous behavior – making us believe that everything will turn out alright.
7 ‘Alien’ (1979)
IMDb: 8.5
Director: Ridley Scott
Stars: Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, John Hurt, Veronica Cartwright
A classic best thriller movie, ‘Alien’ starring Sigourney Weaver is an Oscar-winning film directed by Ridley Scott. It follows the crew of Nostromo – an interplanetary tug – as they discover an abandoned spacecraft and unwittingly bring back with them a deadly alien life form that threatens their existence.
This classic sci-fi film seamlessly blends two genres in an atmosphere that is chillingly quiet and suspenseful. You won’t get to see the alien itself until its last few minutes, but it’s well worth the wait. The movie has stood the test of time and still ranks highly on the IMDb Top 250 Movies list.
6 ‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’ (1991)
IMDb: 8.6
Director: James Cameron
Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong, Robert Patrick
The sci-fi classic ‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’ directed by James Cameron is a sequel that perfectly builds on its predecessor’s storyline. The action film follows John Connor (Edward Furlong) as he emerges as the leader of an impending rebellion. He is targeted for destruction by Skynet, who sends a highly advanced Terminator (T-1000) to eliminate him. To protect John from this threat, the resistance deploys one of their own, a T-800 played by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The box office smash was even more remarkable than the 1984 classic – and that’s really saying something. Its shape-shifting antagonist played by Robert Patrick raised the stakes, taking action sequences to a whole new level of excitement. As if it couldn’t get any better, this bolder and bigger sequel amped up the suspense.
5 ‘Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope’ (1977)
IMDb: 8.6
Director: George Lucas
Stars: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness
‘Star Wars: A New Hope’ unleashed the immensely successful franchise that director George Lucas created and is still known today. It also presented viewers with a captivating conflict between the oppressive Galactic Empire and the brave Rebel Alliance. Moreover, iconic characters like Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Han Solo (Harrison Ford), and Princess Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) were introduced to us then – making them beloved names throughout pop culture now.
This timeless classic, lauded for its revolutionary visuals and futuristic scenes set in space, served as an iconic launching pad for science fiction films. To this day, countless fans around the world are still drawn to re-watch the original Skywalker trilogy — all beginning with a movie that created a legacy all its own.
4 ‘Interstellar’ (2014)
IMDb: 8.6
Director: Christopher Nolan
Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Mackenzie Foy
In Christopher Nolan’s ‘Interstellar,’ the audience is taken to a rather bleak version of Earth in the near future. Ex-NASA pilot Joseph Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) embarks on an expedition through space with no idea of what he might discover. This epic journey will take him and his crew farther than they ever imagined possible as they search for a new home amongst the stars.
The acclaimed film masterfully captures both the infinite expanse of space, as well as the intricate details that make its characters so human. It is a unique combination of science and emotion – a remarkable journey into theoretical physics brought to life with awe-inspiring visuals. Not only does this emotionally gripping story captivate viewers, but it also provides an accurate representation of celestial bodies and space travel.
3 ‘Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back’ (1980)
No, I am your father.
IMDb: 8.7
Director: Irvin Kershner
Stars: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams
We practically never get a sequel that’s better than the first, but this one stands above all others in every genre. Irvin Kershner directs the thrilling follow-up to the classic space epic, ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ which begins with Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) and her rebel forces facing off against the Emperor Palpatine-led Empire. As this riveting fight unfolds on screen, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) takes it upon himself to learn how to wield the Force under Yoda’s tutelage in preparation for his crucial upcoming battle with Darth Vader (aka Anakin Skywalker).
‘The Empire Strikes Back’ remains a cherished installment of the Star Wars franchise due to its various iconic scenes. Even decades later, it continues to spark fan excitement; proving that this classic movie is far from forgotten in popular culture.
2 ‘The Matrix’ (1999)
IMDb: 8.7
Directors: Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski
Stars: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving
Fans around the world unanimously agree that the Wachowskis‘ first installment of The Matrix trilogy remains unparalleled in its brilliance. ‘The Matrix’ brought Keanu Reeves to our screens as Thomas Anderson aka Neo, a computer programmer who ultimately discovers reality is an illusion controlled by “the machines” and joins forces with Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) to free humanity from oppression. This captivating tale opened viewers’ eyes to a new type of sci-fi adventure that they had never experienced before.
The film garnered countless awards and is renowned for its innovative ideas and groundbreaking visuals. Even those unfamiliar with the movie may acknowledge its iconic cyberpunk imagery or recognize “bullet time” moments that are now firmly embedded in cinematic history.
1 ‘Inception’ (2010)
IMDb: 8.8
Director: Christopher Nolan
Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elliot Page, Ken Watanabe
Christopher Nolan’s magnum opus, ‘Inception,’ centers around Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his team of professional thieves tasked with a seemingly impossible mission: to implant an idea into a victim’s subconscious. As they embark on this nerve-wracking journey, the protagonist’s own life is also drawn into their intricate scheme – elevating the stakes even higher.
Through its imaginative dreamscapes and thought-provoking premise, this movie has rightfully earned a special place among both fans and critics. Truly remarkable for the sci-fi genre, it sets itself apart as an unparalleled standout that pushes boundaries with every scene.
Other Notable Top Sci-Fi Movies
From space epics to dystopian futures, these incredible films transport us to exciting worlds where anything is possible. The following are some of the best sci-fi movies that should not be missed.
‘Aliens’ (1986)
IMDb: 8.4
Director: James Cameron
Stars: Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, Carrie Henn, Paul Reiser
Sigourney Weaver returns as the iconic Ellen Ripley, who is finally rescued after being in cryosleep for decades, in the thrilling sequel to ‘Alien.’ She then joins a team of colonists sent to explore an alien-infiltrated planet and discovers that everyone around her severely underestimates what these creatures are capable of.
‘WALL·E’ (2008)
IMDb: 8.4
Director: Andrew Stanton
Stars: Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin, Fred Willard
Pixar’s ‘WALL·E’ paints an apocalyptic picture of the world that’s engulfed in nothing but garbage. In order to survive, humankind is forced to flee their home for safety on a luxurious spacecraft. Humanity is then presented with displays, robots, and levitating seats that enable them to move around; all efforts by mankind to keep the species alive. An inconsequential and adorable waste-collecting robot named WALL-E will ultimately decide the destiny of humanity as he sets off on a voyage into space.
‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ (1968)
IMDb: 8.3
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Stars: Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, William Sylvester, Daniel Richter
Stanley Kubrick’s ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ is a masterpiece that transcends time. This groundbreaking movie follows a mission to Jupiter and its exploration of the relationship between human evolution, technology, and intelligence – ultimately leading to man’s ascendancy. Through its innovative cinematography, musical score, and profound themes, this is easily one of the greatest sci-fi films of all time.
‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ (2004)
IMDb: 8.3
Director: Michel Gondry
Stars: Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Tom Wilkinson, Gerry Robert Byrne
Michel Gondry’s ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ is an artfully crafted breakup movie that perfectly captures the heartbreaking emotions associated with relationship endings. The film follows Joel (Jim Carrey) and Clementine (Kate Winslet), a couple struggling to make sense of their situation in a world where technology has made it possible for them to erase memories. It masterfully navigates this difficult line between wanting to keep memories alive yet also wanting desperately to forget, encapsulating all our deepest longing, confusion, and regret along the way.
‘A Clockwork Orange’ (1971)
IMDb: 8.3
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Stars: Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Michael Bates, Warren Clarke
‘A Clockwork Orange’ is an adaptation of Anthony Burgess‘ 1962 novel of the same name that explores free will and morality. This powerful movie directed by Stanley Kubrick follows a juvenile delinquent named Alex (Malcolm McDowell) and his gang as they embark on a campaign of terror in dystopian Britain. Through its shocking violence, hypnotic score, and compelling themes, this unsettling movie is both enthralling and unforgettable.
‘Jurassic Park’ (1993)
IMDb: 8.2
Director: Steven Spielberg
Stars: Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough
Steven Spielberg brings Michael Crichton’s 1990 sci-fi novel to life in ‘Jurassic Park’. This thrilling movie follows a group of scientists and visitors as they explore an amusement park filled with genetically engineered dinosaurs. This incredible film manages to capture the fear, wonder, and awe of facing dinosaurs for the first time.
‘The Thing’ (1982)
IMDb: 8.2
Director: John Carpenter
Stars: Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, Keith David, Richard Masur
John Carpenter directs this remake of the 1951 classic sci-fi horror and delivers an intense experience. This movie follows a group of scientists in Antarctica as they discover and battle a shape-shifting alien organism that can mimic any living creature. With its unnerving atmosphere, shocking visuals, and eerie score, ‘The Thing’ is one of the greatest sci-fi movies of all time.
‘V for Vendetta’ (2005)
IMDb: 8.2
Director: James McTeigue
Stars: Hugo Weaving, Natalie Portman, Rupert Graves, Stephen Rea
James McTeigue’s ‘V for Vendetta’ is a visually stunning movie with powerful political messages. This explosive story follows V (Hugo Weaving), a revolutionary in an alternate futuristic England, as he attempts to bring down the totalitarian government while protecting a young woman (Natalie Portman). This riveting movie is a thought-provoking look at the power of freedom and justice.
‘Blade Runner’ (1982)
IMDb: 8.1
Director: Ridley Scott
Stars: Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, Edward James Olmos
Ridley Scott’s classic sci-fi neo-noir masterpiece, ‘Blade Runner’, stars Harrison Ford as a by-the-book cop tasked with hunting down rogue replicants. Set in a dystopian future where bioengineered androids struggle for freedom, this movie explores themes such as self-discovery and mortality.
‘The Terminator’ (1984)
IMDb: 8.1
Director: James Cameron
Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Michael Biehn, Paul Winfield
‘The Terminator’ by James Cameron is a classic action movie with themes of fate and destiny woven throughout. This time-traveling sci-fi thriller follows Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) and her protector Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn) as they battle an unstoppable cyborg sent from the future to kill Sarah.
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