Science Fiction Movie Primer

It is time for part three of my movie primer series and this month is the Science Fiction movie primer. Science fiction is probably my favorite film genre so it was a bit difficult to whittle down the list to 10 essential films but couldn't get it there but I did get it down to 11. So without further ado, here is the Sci-Fi Movie (and TV) genre primer.

1. Planet of the Apes (1968)

Planet of the Apes is one of the original big Sci-Fi movies. This movie is one of the first big movies to explore space and time travel. It sets the standard for big world-building and unique societies with nonhuman characters. Planet of the Apes also launched a huge franchise that is still strong today with 10 films and a TV show. The movie was also groundbreaking with its Monkey effects as it manages to do so much more than just have the actors throw on a bargain bin monkey mask.

2. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

2001: A Space Odyssey is Stanley Kubrick's Sci-Fi epic that is not just an influential film for the Sci-Fi genre but also widely regarded as one of the most influential movies ever made and as a cinematic masterpiece. The movie revolutionized the idea of AI and was groundbreaking in terms of its visual effects. The movie also has had a lasting cultural impression as it is still as talked about today as it was 57 years ago when it came out (take a look at the beginning of last year's Barbie movie for proof). This movie is studied by almost all film students and is cited by many directors as inspiration for films that they make.

3. Star Wars (1977)

Star Wars is easily the most culturally significant film on this list. Not only did it launch a huge franchise that is still being used today, but it also changed the game in terms of special effects. Even at over 50 years old, the film still holds up today and is beloved by pretty much all of culture. It was also one of the biggest surprises in culture. No one, even George Lucas, thought Star Wars would do well but it exploded at the box office. Outside of changing the way movies were made, Star Wars also changed how movies were marketed and consumed in culture. Star Wars was the film that created the desire for movie merchandise and toys. Every movie that comes out today has some sort of toy that it produced for it and that is all because of Star Wars.

4. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)

Close Encounters of the Third Kind is one of two Steven Spielberg Sci-Fi films to make this list. This is another film with groundbreaking effects especially with its alien spaceship design. What makes this film so important is that it manages to tell an intriguing story of wonder about alien life while also showing the effects an alien encounter has on regular people. This was also the film that proved Jaws was not a fluke and that Steven Spielberg was a true movie-making genius. This film also has the iconic five-note melody that is still referenced in culture today.

5. Alien (1979)

Alien is a masterclass in both the Sci-Fi and horror genre and proves that aliens can be scary. It seamlessly blends the two genres and along with the claustrophobic feel of the setting sets the perfect tone of tension and horror. This movie essentially pioneered the horror in space genre taking what worked numerous times on Earth and taking it to a science fiction setting. The film also inspires countless films today with many other horror films trying to recreate the true terror that was present in Alien. The movie was also revolutionary in the effects field with the use of lighting and creature design to create a truly terrifying creature.

6. Blade Runner (1982)

Blade Runner is the section Ridley Scott film (after Alien) on this list. One of the most influential things about this film and what makes it different than other Sci-Fi films is its deep philosophical themes about humanity and artificial intelligence. The movie sets the standard for how complex ideas can be explored in a Sci-Fi world. The movie was also one of the first to introduce the dystopian future setting and established the iconic cyberpunk aesthetic. The cyberpunk look of the film is still a heavy influence in today's culture with its incorporation into movies, TV, and video games.

7. E.T. the Extraterrestrial (1982)

E.T. the Extraterrestrial is the second Steven Spielberg film to make this list. Just like with Close Encounters, this movie proves that Spielberg is a top-tier director with its iconic characters, sweet story, and memorable score. E.T. brings a different take to the alien encounter genre as it makes it more of a positive experience instead of a scary one. The movie is all about friendship, loneliness, and a sense of belonging. It is easily one of the most beloved films ever made catching the hearts of both kids and adults. E.T. is also the film that launched the popularity of Reese's Pieces as it was E.T.'s favorite snack.

8. The Terminator (1984)

While Alien pioneered the idea of a creature feature in space, The Terminator introduces the idea of a Sci-Fi slasher film. This is one of the films that launched the career of both Arnold Schwarzenegger and James Cameron and brought mainstream the idea of evil robots. This is yet another film with groundbreaking special effects in its creation of the T800. The movie also brings in ideas of time travel and saving the future. The Terminator is also considered to be such an iconic movie with its quotable line "I'll Be Back" and iconic Terminator look. This movie set the standard for evil robot movies. It is also one of the few films to receive a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.

9. Back to the Future (1985)

Back to the Future was one of the first films to embrace the idea of time travel. This movie blends comedy, adventure and Sci-fi together into the ultimate film. Doc Brown and Marty are timeless characters that are still referenced in todays culture. The movie has so many iconic elements from the Dolorian to "Great Scott". Back to the Future was so influential in culture that movies today will still reference it as the gold standard to understanding time travel.

10. The Matrix (1999)

The Matrix already made an appearance on the action movie primer but it is just as essential to the science fiction genre. The movie is groundbreaking with its world-building as it introduces the idea of a virtual world of all of humanity. Much like many of the other films on this list, it features the idea of evil AI. This movie is extremely prevalent in pop culture as it is constantly referenced and spoofed to death. The movie also launched the career of Keanu Reeves.

11. Dune (2021)

Dune is the only movie from the 21st century on this list but it is still essential to the genre. This isn't the first Dune movie to be created but it is by far the best and most influential and thus deserves a spot on the list. The original Dune novel is a staple of the sci-fi genre and was a major inspiration for Star Wars, thus it is only fitting that the superior film adaption appears in the primer. The movie has amazing special effects that make it look like Arrakis is a real place. This is also one of the rare sci-fi movies to get love at the Oscars with both part 1 and part 2 receiving multiple Oscar nominations.

Science Fiction is the rare genre that has TV shows that are just as crucial as movies so I had to include those as well. Science Fiction lends itself well to the episodic format of TV so it is no surprise that there are a few TV shows that are essential to the genre.

1. Doctor Who (1963-1989,2005-2022,2023-now)

Doctor Who is one of the longest-running sci-fi franchises out there having been around for over 60 years. This show has such a dedicated fandom with loyal fans staging their own Doctor Who conventions. It is also a major part of both American and British culture. The show also manages to stay culturally relevant by reinventing characters and villains to fit the times. Doctor Who is also one of the first shows to revolutionize the recasting of main characters with over 15 actors playing the titular Doctor.

2. Star Trek (1966-1969)

Star Trek is the reason I had to create a TV section of this list. You can't have the sci-fi genre without Star Trek and the original film was just not good enough to earn a spot on this list. Star Trek was able to create a magnificent universe with each episode exploring a unique world. The show also created an insanely dedicated fanbase with them creating their own Star Trek conventions and getting into arguments over which series of Star Trek is the best. The show also has so many iconic characters such as Spock and Kirk that are still prevalent in the culture today. You will also not run into someone who doesn't know the Vulcan symbol for live long and prosper. The show is so prevalent in culture that its legacy continues today with the franchise still going strong.