One of the most popular genres in cinema is undoubtedly science fiction. These productions, which take us to different realities from space to a dystopian future, are beloved by movie enthusiasts. So, what are the best science fiction films in cinematic history, according to critics?
Without a doubt, one of the most popular movie genres is science fiction. Since the 1920s, thousands of sci-fi films have been released, taking us to worlds and realities we’ve only dreamed of. So, what are the best sci-fi movies you can watch right now?
In this article, we’ll look at the best science fiction movies that have received high scores from critics. The list contains 10 films. Of course, we must mention that there are many more beloved films that we couldn’t include. So, if a movie you love didn’t make the list, please don’t be upset. We unfortunately can’t include every single film.
The Best Sci-Fi Movies According to Critics:
- 2001: A Space Odyssey
- Metropolis
- Alien
- Blade Runner
- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
- E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
- Back to the Future
- Star Wars
- Children of Men
- The Matrix
2001: A Space Odyssey
Genre: Sci-fi Year: 1968 Director: Stanley Kubrick IMDb: 8.3 Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
For many film lovers, it’s impossible to create a list of the best movies of all time without including 2001: A Space Odyssey. Released in 1968, this masterpiece from legendary director Stanley Kubrick was inspired by a story from Arthur C. Clarke. With visuals and effects that were stunning for their time, the movie follows a spacecraft crew—consisting of two humans and a supercomputer—on a journey to Jupiter after a mysterious object appears on the moon.
Metropolis
Genre: Sci-fi, Drama Year: 1927 Director: Fritz Lang IMDb: 8.3 Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
The oldest film on our list of the best sci-fi movies, Metropolis is a notable black-and-white silent film. Set in a distant future, the movie depicts a world where the lives of workers and bosses are sharply divided. The city’s workers are waiting for a savior, and when he arrives, we witness some marvelously designed scenes for the era’s technology.
Alien
Genre: Sci-fi, Horror Year: 1979 Director: Ridley Scott IMDb: 8.4 Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
Alien is arguably the best example of the sci-fi horror genre. This film, which continues to inspire new productions today, bears the signature of iconic director Ridley Scott and introduces us to one of the most legendary creatures in film history. The movie follows a crew traveling through the depths of space. After receiving a distress signal from another ship, they find an egg containing a life form they have never encountered before.
Blade Runner
Genre: Sci-fi, Cyberpunk, Action, Thriller Year: 1982 Director: Ridley Scott IMDb: 8.1 Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
Another Ridley Scott film on our list, Blade Runner, is a sci-fi movie that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Based on the novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick, this film takes us to a dystopian Los Angeles where synthetic humans known as replicants exist. We should also mention that a sequel, Blade Runner 2049, was released in 2017. If you love the original, you should definitely check it out.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Genre: Sci-fi, Romance Year: 2004 Director: Michel Gondry IMDb: 8.3 Rotten Tomatoes: 92%
We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to include a romantic sci-fi film on this list. Starring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a favorite among many and features one of the most original screenplays you’ll ever see. In this movie, we enter a world with memory-erasing technology that helps people forget their relationships, and we follow the experiences of our two main characters.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Genre: Sci-fi, Family Year: 1982 Director: Steven Spielberg IMDb: 7.8 Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
While aliens were often portrayed as terrifying creatures in the 1980s, Steven Spielberg broke that mold with E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. The film tells the story of a young boy who befriends a cute and friendly alien that has somehow found its way to Earth. The movie, which eliminates the fear of the unknown and shows that different species can be friends, turns into a fun adventure as the boy helps the alien escape from Earth.
Back to the Future
Genre: Sci-fi, Teen, Comedy Year: 1985 Director: Robert Zemeckis IMDb: 8.5 Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
If you’re a fan of time travel, you have to watch the iconic Back to the Future trilogy. This three-movie series is perfect to watch with your family, offering a great story and performances for a very entertaining time. In the first film, we see high school student Marty McFly travel 30 years into the past with a time machine invented by his close friend, scientist Doc Brown.
Star Wars
Genre: Sci-fi, Fantasy, Space Year: 1977 Director: George Lucas IMDb: 8.6 Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
One of the most important series in the fantasy sci-fi genre is undoubtedly Star Wars. Created by George Lucas, the franchise has become a multi-billion dollar brand over the years, starting with the film A New Hope in 1977.
Children of Men
Genre: Sci-fi, Thriller, Dystopian Year: 2006 Director: Alfonso Cuaron IMDb: 7.9 Rotten Tomatoes: 92%
Children of Men is a highly acclaimed sci-fi film that, although underrated, receives immense praise from everyone who sees it, whether they are critics or average moviegoers. Set in the year 2027, the film takes us to a world where women can no longer have children. An ex-activist agrees to help transport a woman who has managed to get pregnant to a sanctuary, and we follow the events that unfold.
The Matrix
Genre: Sci-fi, Action Year: 1999 Directors: Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski IMDb: 8.7 Rotten Tomatoes: 83%
Loved by all who see it for both its action and its plot, The Matrix tells the story of a character we know as “Neo,” who learns that the world he lives in is a simulation. The first film, which is undoubtedly the best in the series, will make you question reality while providing you with an abundance of action-packed scenes.
We’ve looked at some of the best science fiction movies of all time, highly praised by both critics and audiences. If you’ve watched any of the films on this list, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. And if there are any films you’d like to add, don’t forget to write them down as well.
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