The Greatest Sci-Fi Films Ever Made

Or at least the ones you like the most...considering making "Which Sci-Fi Films to Avoid Thread" too...

Alphabetic list

Alien (1979) (one of few times I had to forceably fast-forward a tape because I couldn't bear the suspense---scariest thing ever)
Back to the Future (1985) (best time travel movie)

Contact (1997) (I absolutely love Jodie Foster in everything and this is my favorite role with her, there's just so much great stuff in here. I wish there would have been to the ending but it was nifty. My favorite pure-sci-fi movie)

Dark City (1998) (I was very fond of this one, has a great noir look and compelling twists that the Matrix would later delve into)

Gattaca (1997) (Just awesome genetic future fear kind of movie especially since I probably have lousy genes)

Independence Day (1993) (best of the modern invasion movies...and great popcorn fun)

Jurassic Park (1993) (ooooo....so pretty...and even better when you're feeling deep base in a theater for the first time)

Matrix, The (1999) (subtle, quiet and introspective for an action film, especially for the pace some have reached today

Matrix Reloaded, The (2003) (so sue me, I loved it :p even though it flowed too quickly at times and lingered inexplicably long on others)

Minority Report (2002) (so much fun, although the wash-out look can be tiring after a while, a very compelling future world)

Star Wars (1977) (as if it needs to even be pointed out that it 'made' sci-fi as a big film genre)

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) (clever, fun and great when seen with the first one for context, especially with DVD commentary and deleted scenes...bad T3 for not having "the line" - 'Come with me if you want to live' and all the logical failures)

Thing, The (1982) (Icky with a capital I, creepier than all get out, appropriately disgusting and with the best ending ever)

Total Recall (the ultimate mind trip ^_^)

Twelve Monkeys (1995) (so scary and most accurately reflects how I believe time travel will really be if possible)

X2 (2003) (so much fun to see ^_^)


Will add and edit later. What's your list?

My favorite sci-fi movies, in no particular order:

-The Matrix
-A Clockwork Orange (great movie, even greater book)
-THX 1138 (so...damn...depressing...)
-Star Wars
-Dune
-Planet of the Apes (Charlton Heston)
-Blade Runner
-Solyent Green
-2001: A Space Odyssey
-Close Encounters of the Third Kind
-Logan's Run
-Back To the Future (series)
-Men In Black
-Mission to Mars
-Dark City
-Gattaca
-Alien
-Predator
-Mars Attacks! (sci-fi AND comedy? Sign me up)
-Starship Troopers
-Things to Come (H.G. Wells)
-Terminator 1&2 (one wasn't really that bad...)
-The Fifth Element
-The Andromeda Strain
-Outbreak
-Independence Day
-Pitch Black (just for that one scene where Vin Diesel dislocates both his shoulders in order to escape. Coooooooooool)

I know that I'm forgetting some, so I'll probably edit this list soon. Long live the classics!

Aliens- Step 1: Watch. Step: Play StarCraft. Step 3: Listen to the comments made by the Marine and Dropship. Step 4: Giggle knowingly.

Jurassic Park- "They don't bother to bite your jugular like a lion. No, they slash at you here, or here. Or maybe across the belly, spilling your intestines... But one thing's for sure; you're still alive when they start to eat you."

The Matrix- The thinking man's action movie.

Star Wars 4, 5, 6- For added fun, count how many times Luke and Leia kiss before they realize they're bro and sis. Hey, that rhymed!

The Terminator 2- Time travel is confusing. @.@

Tremors- Say what you will, I love that movie. I'm a sucker for b-movies.

Hmm, so many to choose from, not all popular

Dune
Andromeda strain
Starship Troopers
Terminators
Alien1,2,4
Fortress 1,2
Dark city
Robocop1,2
Star wars 1, pod scene
And whilst not a movie as such, the bit in DS9 when the klingons get pissed with the fed's and have a huge mash time against the starbase.

DS9 did have some really cool battles in it.

I'll keep my list short
Minority report- Dear god, thank you. A sci-fi movie with more going for it than special effects.
Men in Black- Not many people are cooler than K.
Independence Day- good and mostly mindless. I really like the president's speech for some sappy reason
Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan- Eight more movies, and it still hasn't been topped (in my opinion). I dunno, I kind of like comparing space fights to submarine battles instead of aerial dogfights, but that's just me. And *ahem* KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!!!

I'll keep my list short
Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan- Eight more movies, and it still hasn't been topped (in my opinion). I dunno, I kind of like comparing space fights to submarine battles instead of aerial dogfights, but that's just me. And *ahem* KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!!!

Oh, believe me, you are not the only person around who thinks the exact same thing. Star Trek 2 kicks them all with a serious story, humorous moments, great music which made it felt more alive and more powerful... Just so many elements... The two great captains duke it out... one cannot move beyond the past, so he clings to it like a lost lover, and it kills him in the end... Of course, there was also the death of Spock...

Best sci fi movie of all time?

... ... ... Babel II.

(also qualifies as best anime ever.)

Thing, The (1982) (Icky with a capital I, creepier than all get out, appropriately disgusting and with the best ending ever)

Brilliant, brilliant movie. Best SciFi/Horror flick I've ever seen. I loved the way that it focused less on the shapeshifting alien critter, and more on the complete paranoia that it instilled in the characters.

Also noteworthy: 'They Live', and the original versions of 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers' and 'Godzilla'.

Oh, and I love all of those campy black and white horror/SciFi flicks from the fifities and sixties. ^_^

The greatest fun is the long and enjoyable making of and commentary with the DVD to The Thing :)

*Sniff* all those are great, but no one mentioned "the Blob".... that was perhaps one of the greatest B movies in the sci-fi genre, and it had a THEME SONG!!! which made the movie impossible to take seriously, as it was hip then, and funny as hell today.
Ah well, I suppose that not all people have a taste for B movies, tho the thing was mentioned. I assume everyone is talking about the remake.

Ah well, I suppose that not all people have a taste for B movies, tho the thing was mentioned. I assume everyone is talking about the remake.

I was talking about the 1982 John Carpenter film (which IIRC was a remake of another movie from sometime in the 1950s, 'The Thing From a Distant World' or something like that).

Yes. that remake.

Sci-Fi movies are getting more and more disapointing.

-Back to the Future -no quote-
-Star Wars "I have a bad feeling about this."
-The Matrix "Have a cookiee."
-Spaceballs "Raspberry..."
-Lord of the - doh. nevermind.

"Greeeeen slime! Maybe it's just something in your head! Maybe you'll believe it when you're dead!"

That was hardest to forget (unfortunately) sci-fi movie theme song.

Maybe they are just losing that old-schoolness that the classics have...I've noticed this too as of late. But it's important to remember that the times are changing, and the accountants are shrewd when it comes to ruining a good idea.

man, Star Wars Episode 1 rocked, Jar Jar was awesome. :Party:

man, Star Wars Episode 1 rocked, Jar Jar was awesome. :Party:

:twitch:

Those words were never meant in any parallel universe to ever go together *shudder*

Woodtopian, I'm seriously wondering if you are trying to piss someone in particular off... I mean, you've made many comments that scream "I worship popular commercialism!", Which, in itself, makes you an outcast in a nation of outcasts.. the OTHER commercial industry... 'course, we don't buy much... anyhoo, If indeed you are attempting to infuriate someone in particular, PLEASE keep it to Private Messages, the rest of us don't need it.. Else, sorry, but this is how you're coming off as...

Woodtopian, I'm seriously wondering if you are trying to piss someone in particular off... I mean, you've made many comments that scream "I worship popular commercialism!", Which, in itself, makes you an outcast in a nation of outcasts.. the OTHER commercial industry... 'course, we don't buy much... anyhoo, If indeed you are attempting to infuriate someone in particular, PLEASE keep it to Private Messages, the rest of us don't need it.. Else, sorry, but this is how you're coming off as...

er... what? I'm sorry if I infuriated you by liking Jar-Jar. he really wasn't that bad. :ermm:. I didn't realize it was such a touchy subject, though I hope you realize that if I had a problem with you or anyone else I'd come out and deal with it directly.:Puzzled:

Minority report - More then just pretty packaging.

Star Wars 4-6 - Classic Space Oprea

Star Trek 2 - A villian that you can sympathize with.

The Matrix - Action plus a plot how bold.

Alien - They should have Nuked the planet form orbit like they said they could.

Spaceballs - Why couldn't Galaxy Quest be this good.

For all you people who said Starship troopers I have a Nuclear rocket with your name on it. SST riped out every single good part about the book and preverted the rest of it to make it into a popcorn action movie. The director did this on purpose to because he hated the book and didn't seem to pay attention to everything it said in the book. If you haven't read the book go read it no. If you have and don't like it because of its statments open you minds. I am a pacifistic liberal and I love the book. Plus try reading some of Heinlein's other works and compairing it to Starship Troopers (book). *growls incoherntly at the mockery of SST that is that movie*

The basic problem is that, by general concensus of old Star Wars nerds, and with the support of a great deal of the less-than-old Star Wars nerds, George Lucas went senile sometime before writing Episode I.

Yeah, George Lucas is so g** it's lame.

I'm going to piss myself off oneday using that word too much.

Yep, I also found it extremely dissapointing how Georgey boy managed to ruin star wars... Although that wont stop me from watching the 3rd movie in theatres >_>

*sigh* I don't get out much to watch any videos :(

These are the only ones that come to mind (after seeing ever ones else lists)

Independence Day
Men in Black I and II
Juassic Park
Spaceballs

Top 5 or so Sci Fi movies

1. Alien 1&2- creepy environments which made me question the snaity of the designer of such space craft. And 2 because Hudson was a wonderful fatalist.

2. Dune- Spice a wonderful substance that does everything Acid can't.

3. Thing- amazing movie in which lots of FIRE was used.

4. The Matrix- Only action Sci Fi movie I've seen in a long time that actually gave me pause to think.

5. Star Wars 4-5-6- Defined the genra as we now know it. Gripping plot mixed in with tacky special effects. Yet somehw Chew still came out as the only sane character and we love him for it. "Would somebody PLEASE get this walking carpet outta my way."

6. The Matrix Reloaded- BEST CAR CHASE EVER


SIDE NOTE: Jar Jar must die dumbest chracter ever to destroy a movie that already sucked. Although the Lightsaber duels are sweet.

For all you people who said Starship troopers I have a Nuclear rocket with your name on it. SST riped out every single good part about the book and preverted the rest of it to make it into a popcorn action movie. The director did this on purpose to because he hated the book

He's not the only one who doesn't like the book. The application of corporal punishment is but only one part in Heinlin's misguided philisophy.

Crime was just as bad one hundred years ago when public floggings and beatings were given out. When you live in a place that breeds hatred and violence then maybe one day you'll understand that. Heinlin evidently hasn't.

Y'know, we've had this discussion before once already, but considering Heinlein's personal philosophy was more about Chivalry and personal responsibility, you're assuming that because Corporal punishment is beleived to have some merit in his book, Starship Troopers, that Heinlein himself thought bringing back the lash was a good idea.

Besides, the main point of the lash in ST wasn't the pain, it was the shame it brought upon the person, which can be a powerful tool if used correctly, and there's no arguing with that.

Don't confuse the actions of a character equally with the possible beliefs of the author. ST was a glorification of the military ideal, which, in that respect, it does well.

Top 5 or so Sci Fi movies

SIDE NOTE: Jar Jar must die dumbest chracter ever to destroy a movie that already sucked. Although the Lightsaber duels are sweet.

Pffth, everyone knows that Jar Jar didn't kill Episode One. I suspect that Lucas had him inserted into the movie in order to draw fire away from the horrible acting of the kid who played Mannequin Skywalker.

--Rags

Hey it's a kid! Kid's are like alpha previews of what they will be.

Darth Vader is so much better.

Also, I saw the Akira film (the Japanese version with sub's, the first english dub and im hlafway through the remastered one which has nicer sound effects) Does this count as sci fi? Becaiuse in it's own right it's an exceptional film, the animation and attention to detail are astounding!

Hey nobody mentioned Forbidden Planet! Even the soundtrack still stands up. A lot of modern films are really good, The Matrix is pretty nearly my favourite movie (I haven't seen reloaded, I have to wait for the DVD), but there wouldn't be the class there is now without FP -discuss! :3

2001: A Space Oddysey. With ease, the greatest science fiction movie ever.

Other, in no particular order:

Minority Report
The Matrix, and Reloaded
Jurrassic Park
Twelve Monkeys
eXisTance (is that right?)
Cypher (brand new film, very simple, very...odd)
X2
Donnie Darko (not a brilliant example of sci fi, but one of the best films ever made)

and for fun/silliness

Men in Black, and MIB2 (was I the only person who enjoyed that?)
Independance Day
Galaxy Quest
Star Wars Episodes 4, 5, 6 and 2 (I believe 2 gave Jar Jar a point in existance)

Do you know where I can find "Cypher"? Who's in it?

He's not the only one who doesn't like the book. The application of corporal punishment is but only one part in Heinlin's misguided philisophy.

Crime was just as bad one hundred years ago when public floggings and beatings were given out. When you live in a place that breeds hatred and violence then maybe one day you'll understand that. Heinlin evidently hasn't.

Um... 'Heinlin's misguided philisophy'. Have you ever read any of his other works spacificaly Stranger in a Strange Land? SST was him trying something different from his normal works and he succeded.

Also as said before it was not the pain that was the motive of the flogging but the shame and shame is the most effective form of punishment. Shame makes you change your actions much more effectively then any pain or confinement ever created.

Do you know where I can find "Cypher"? Who's in it?

Sorry, absolutely no idea! When I was in Australia it had just come out there, and I saw it on an Emirates airoplane! I think it's probably going to be hard to find in the UK and USA...I heard it was showing with a whole load of wierd films at the Edinburough Fringe Festival here. So I advise you look out for it in any arthouse cinemas you have around. Then again, it might end up in the multiplexes. *shrugs*

Hmmm...a very elusive film. I've had a good look around for you, but can only find good reviews of it...from Australia and France only...and the UK release date (September 5 for my fellow Britons). I'm afraid I can't find ANYTHING mentioning when it will be out in the USA. So look out for it!

Company Men is an alternate name I think.

Yeah...I thought so...but I looked *that* up and that seemed to be a really bad comedy apparently. About as far away from Cypher as you can get...

My favorites are (not necessarily in this order):

1) The Original Star Wars Trilogy and Episode II, which (I hate to say it) had action sequences that completely blew the memory of the mediocre storyline out of my mind
2) Minority Report
3) Jurassic Park (the original and the Lost World)
4) Planet of the Apes (the original)
5) The Matrix (orignial; Reloaded just didn't cut it)
6) I'm glad someone mentioned Donnie Darko before (LOVED IT)
7)The SciFi Channel's Dune miniseries (the 80s version was horrible)
8) E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial

all the alien searies
predator 1 & 2
starship troopers
and anything with aliens killing humans

As I interpreted it, the point of Starship Troopers (even the movie) was to show how easily people can be misled by propaganda. The fact that the movie is considered a Popcorn Action Flick is almost horrifying to think about. The obvious propagandizing of everything from the story to the news reports within the movie, and the fact that you're never really given any proof that the bugs attacked Earth first (in fact, you're told repeatedly that we encroached upon their territory). The idea is that it's a story that shows that no man thinks he's the villain, even when he is. The best thing you can do is question your government, and yourself, a theme that runs through nearly all of his books.

Sorry, bit of a Heinlein fanboy. :p

Well- to throw in some good movies:

Blade Runner - oh yes! But the original with Harrison Ford narration, not the director's cut.

The Handmaid's Tale - an excellent book, which was then made into an outstanding film.

Dark Star - Hilarious, there's not enough SF comedy out there!
(I was not a big fan of Spaceballs, though Galaxina is another very funny movie- there are others).

Ghost in the Shell - along with Akira, two of the all time greats in Anime SF

Metropolis (old 30's B&W film) - a very good film depicting the struggle of downtrodden workers against the overall needs of society. It's a silent film, but the DVD version has the original musical soundtrack. If anyone out there knows of any versions with the original film, but the re-release 80's soundtrack, please let me know!!!

Along with many of the other films mentioned by everyone else here-- I was trying to go for those films I hadn't seen mentioned earlier in the thread (though I just *had* to include Blade Runner, as it's my all-time fave!)

Apeaking of anime Sci-Fi:

Crest/Banner of the Stars. Not only is it my absolute favorite Sci-Fi anime, it's one of my all time favorites on the whole of sci-fi. How can you argue when a writer goes as far as making a whole new damn language? (a la Tolkien) And if your a fan of good Sci-Fi and like Anime, it's a MUST SEE (3 series, Crest of the Stars, Banner of the Stars, and Banner of the Stars II)

Revolutions :)

I wouldn't call it a classic (yet) but Revolutions really was a very good film. In fact, it could do with a topic...

*pops out to make topic*

Star Wars saga...
Star Trek series...
Matrix trilogy...
Terminator trilogy...
Dune miniseries...

Space Balls. :D