Favorite Sci-Fi movies
In no particular order of rank.
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- DirectorPaul VerhoevenStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerSharon StoneMichael IronsideWhen a man goes in to have virtual vacation memories of the planet Mars implanted in his mind, an unexpected and harrowing series of events forces him to go to the planet for real - or is he?I absolutely love this film. The story and settings are dope. The future as depicted here sure has that typical "80s vibe" to it, which is one of the reasons why I love this film. I also like the acting; Sharon Stone is very alluring and intriguing, while Arnold Schwarzenegger plays it cool with a dry sense of humor.
- DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsMichael J. FoxChristopher LloydLea ThompsonMarty McFly, a 17-year-old high school student, is accidentally sent 30 years into the past in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his close friend, the maverick scientist Doc Brown.I watched this movie several times as a kid. It was so entertaining, which it still was the last time I saw it.
- DirectorRidley ScottStarsSigourney WeaverTom SkerrittJohn HurtThe crew of a commercial spacecraft encounters a deadly lifeform after investigating a mysterious transmission of unknown origin.This one is so full of atmosphere it's like a dream/nightmare.The artwork and settings as designed by H.R. Giger are so fascinatingly dark and mysterious. I just love it!
- DirectorJames CameronStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerLinda HamiltonMichael BiehnA human soldier is sent from 2029 to 1984 to stop an almost indestructible cyborg killing machine, sent from the same year, which has been programmed to execute a young woman whose unborn son is the key to humanity's future salvation.The vibe in this one is so "80s" and dark, I haven't encountered anything like it except for Blade Runner (1982). The style is called "tech-noir"; a hybrid subgenre combining science fiction and film noir.
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsSam NeillLaura DernJeff GoldblumA pragmatic paleontologist touring an almost complete theme park on an island in Central America is tasked with protecting a couple of kids after a power failure causes the park's cloned dinosaurs to run loose.Again, having watched this as a kid at the cinema as it came out in the 90s, makes it worth for repeated viewing in my book. There's nothing like watching it for the first time, so I only mention the first one in the series.
- DirectorJohn McTiernanStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerCarl WeathersKevin Peter HallA team of commandos on a mission in a Central American jungle find themselves hunted by an extraterrestrial warrior.Yet another film with the big man, Arnold Schwarzenegger; it's clear I'm a fan of most of his movies. I also simply loved this one. I've watched it many times, and every time I watch it I still enjoy it.
- DirectorLana WachowskiLilly WachowskiStarsKeanu ReevesLaurence FishburneCarrie-Anne MossWhen a beautiful stranger leads computer hacker Neo to a forbidding underworld, he discovers the shocking truth--the life he knows is the elaborate deception of an evil cyber-intelligence.Very cleverly crafted movie and thoroughly entertaining, especially the first time I saw it in a movie theater. There's a lot in here that could serve as food for thought. The whole idea of a simulated world that is actually "unreal" is very philosophical, as it questions the nature of "reality".
- DirectorDavid CronenbergStarsJeff GoldblumGeena DavisJohn GetzA brilliant but eccentric scientist begins to transform into a giant man/fly hybrid after one of his experiments goes horribly wrong.Beautiful movie directed by David Cronenberg, who has directed many fine films such as Naked Lunch (1991) and The Brood (1979). This one is a combination of science fiction and horror. The style of horror is typical for David Cronenberg's horror/sci-fi films (e.g., Scanners (1981)), which is called "body horror".
- DirectorRidley ScottStarsHarrison FordRutger HauerSean YoungA blade runner must pursue and terminate four replicants who stole a ship in space and have returned to Earth to find their creator.I watched this one as an adult, so it didn't leave such a big impression on me like for example Total Recall (1990) did. But, I still thought it was a good film especially because of its unique style (i.e., tech-noir).
- DirectorGeorge LucasStarsMark HamillHarrison FordCarrie FisherLuke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the mysterious Darth Vader.If you've watched these first Star Wars films as a kid, then you've probably been somewhat impressed by them. These types of films are perfect to watch in a big screen movie theater.
- DirectorIrvin KershnerStarsMark HamillHarrison FordCarrie FisherAfter the Rebel Alliance are overpowered by the Empire, Luke Skywalker begins his Jedi training with Yoda, while his friends are pursued across the galaxy by Darth Vader and bounty hunter Boba Fett.
- DirectorRichard MarquandStarsMark HamillHarrison FordCarrie FisherAfter rescuing Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt, the Rebel Alliance attempt to destroy the second Death Star, while Luke struggles to help Darth Vader back from the dark side.
- DirectorJames CameronStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerLinda HamiltonEdward FurlongA cyborg, identical to the one who failed to kill Sarah Connor, must now protect her ten year old son John from an even more advanced and powerful cyborg.I saw this one before I saw the first installment in the Terminator franchise, but I still think the first one is quite unique because of the atmosphere.
- DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsMichael J. FoxChristopher LloydLea ThompsonAfter visiting 2015, Marty McFly must repeat his visit to 1955 to prevent disastrous changes to 1985...without interfering with his first trip.To me this one is on par with the first one in the series.
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsHenry ThomasDrew BarrymorePeter CoyoteA troubled child summons the courage to help a friendly alien escape from Earth and return to his home planet.Excellent film for children, imo.
- DirectorJames CameronStarsSigourney WeaverMichael BiehnCarrie HennDecades after surviving the Nostromo incident, Ellen Ripley is sent out to re-establish contact with a terraforming colony but finds herself battling the Alien Queen and her offspring.I personally prefer the first one, but it's just got a different vibe to it. This one is more about the action than about a creepy atmosphere. Still, I find it a great sci-fi/horror film.
- DirectorStephen HopkinsStarsDanny GloverGary BuseyKevin Peter HallThe Predator returns to Earth, this time to stake a claim on the war-torn streets of a dystopian Los Angeles.I prefer the first one, but it's still quite exciting to watch.
- DirectorDavid FincherStarsSigourney WeaverCharles S. DuttonCharles DanceReturning from LV-426, Ellen Ripley crash-lands on the maximum-security prison Fiorina 161, where she discovers that she has unwittingly brought along an unwelcome visitor.This one is more like the first one in the series, but the setting is different. The vibe is also dark and scary like in the first one.
- DirectorFranklin J. SchaffnerStarsCharlton HestonRoddy McDowallKim HunterAn astronaut crew crash-lands on a planet where highly intelligent non-human ape species are dominant and humans are enslaved.A planet with intelligent apes that are physically stronger and (seemingly) smarter than humans. Great material for a whole bunch of movies that followed in the wake of this first installment.
- DirectorTim BurtonStarsMark WahlbergHelena Bonham CarterTim RothIn 2029, an Air Force astronaut crash-lands on a mysterious planet where evolved, talking apes dominate a race of primitive humans.Good adaptation of the original.
- DirectorJohn BoormanStarsSean ConneryCharlotte RamplingSara KestelmanIn the late 23rd century, a savage trained only to kill finds a way into the community of bored immortals that alone preserves humanity's achievements.I liked this one because it's so weird, but in a good way.
- DirectorKen RussellStarsWilliam HurtBlair BrownBob BalabanA psycho-physiologist experiments with drugs and a sensory-deprivation tank and has visions he believes are genetic memories.Very esoteric themes in this one, that are interwoven with science-fiction and horror elements. All this makes watching it pretty unique and weird (though in a good way).
- DirectorTerry GilliamStarsBruce WillisMadeleine StoweBrad PittIn a future world devastated by disease, a convict is sent back in time to gather information about the man-made virus that wiped out most of the human population on the planet.Pretty cool flick! 'Nuff said.
- DirectorJames CameronStarsEd HarrisMary Elizabeth MastrantonioMichael BiehnA civilian diving team is enlisted to search for a lost nuclear submarine and faces danger while encountering an alien aquatic species.James Cameron had/has a knack for directing really dope films like this one. If Terminator (1984), Aliens (1986) or The Abyss (1989) aren't your cup of tea, then surely Titanic (1997) didn't leave you unimpressed.
- DirectorStanley KubrickStarsMalcolm McDowellPatrick MageeMichael BatesIn the future, a sadistic gang leader is imprisoned and volunteers for a conduct-aversion experiment, but it doesn't go as planned.Thoroughly wicked film! Malcolm McDowell gives such a great performance in this one.
- DirectorBarry SonnenfeldStarsTommy Lee JonesWill SmithLinda FiorentinoJames, an NYC cop, is hired by Agent K of a secret government agency that monitors extraterrestrial life on Earth. Together, they must recover an item that has been stolen by an intergalactic villain.I had a really fun time watching this when it came out.
- DirectorSam RaimiStarsBruce CampbellEmbeth DavidtzMarcus GilbertWhen Ash Williams is accidentally transported to 1300 A.D., he must retrieve the Necronomicon and battle an army of the dead in order to return home.Combination of mostly fantasy, some horror, and a lil' bit of sci-fi thrown in the mix. Also, pretty funny like the previous installments in the Evil Dead series.
- DirectorChristian AlvartStarsDennis QuaidBen FosterCam GigandetTwo crew members of a spaceship wake up from hypersleep to discover that all their colleagues are missing. Despite this, it appears that they are not alone.Pretty exciting flick!
- DirectorRoland EmmerichStarsWill SmithBill PullmanJeff GoldblumThe aliens are coming and their goal is to invade and destroy Earth. Fighting superior technology, mankind's best weapon is the will to survive.
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsTom CruiseColin FarrellSamantha MortonJohn works with the PreCrime police which stop crimes before they take place, with the help of three 'PreCogs' who can foresee crimes. Events ensue when John finds himself framed for a future murder.
- DirectorJames CameronStarsSam WorthingtonZoe SaldanaSigourney WeaverA paraplegic Marine dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission becomes torn between following his orders and protecting the world he feels is his home.
- DirectorRené LalouxStarsBarry BostwickJennifer DrakeEric BauginOn a faraway planet where blue giants rule, oppressed humanoids rebel against their machine-like leaders.Weird (in a good way) and very dreamy animation film. Sure was worth the watch.
- DirectorPaul Michael GlaserStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerMaria Conchita AlonsoYaphet KottoIn a dystopian America, a falsely convicted policeman gets his shot at freedom when he must forcibly participate in a TV game show where convicts, runners, must battle killers for their freedom.Another film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Watched a few scenes of this one as a kid for the first time, which left quite an impression on me. Though, watching it now as an adult is very different of course, as it's not actually meant to be watched by children. It has that typical 80s vibe and depicts a pretty cynical view of the future.
- DirectorRichard LinklaterStarsKeanu ReevesWinona RyderRobert Downey Jr.An undercover cop in a not-too-distant future becomes involved with a dangerous new drug and begins to lose his own identity as a result.A cool and clever film by Richard Linklater who directed quite a few cool films (e.g., Waking Life (2001)).
- DirectorJean-Pierre JeunetStarsSigourney WeaverWinona RyderDominique PinonTwo centuries after her death, a powerful human/alien hybrid clone of Ellen Ripley aids a crew of space pirates in stopping the aliens from reaching Earth.Still pretty good for a third sequel, imo.
- DirectorLuc BessonStarsBruce WillisMilla JovovichGary OldmanIn the colorful future, a cab driver unwittingly becomes the central figure in the search for a legendary cosmic weapon to keep Evil and Mr. Zorg at bay.I had fun watching this a couple of times. Chris Tucker played quite a funny role in this one.
- DirectorDavid CronenbergStarsJennifer O'NeillStephen LackPatrick McGoohanA scientist trains a man with an advanced telepathic ability called "scanning" to stop a dangerous Scanner with extraordinary psychic powers from waging war against non scanners.