 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Highly influential, visually impressive, mind-bending tale of space travel, mysterious
monoliths, and too-smart computers is considered a sci-fi landmark. Still widely appealing
to genre fans and film buffs.
Starring: Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Runtime: 138 minutes
Rating: G |
 The
Abyss (1989)
Innovative, deep-ocean sci-fi action/thriller about submarine encountering undersea
aliens. With its eye-popping effects, ever-increasing tension, this appeals to fans of
mainstream action films and those seeking a more thought-provoking adventure.
Starring: Ed Harris, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
Director: James Cameron
Runtime: 145 minutes
Rating: PG-13 |
 Alien (1979)
Horrifying, riveting tale of alien invading space ship was enormously popular. Critics
agree this slime-fest is one of most effective sci-fi/horror films ever. Compulsory
viewing for suspense, horror, terror fans.
Starring: Tom Skerritt, Sigourney Weaver
Director: Ridley Scott
Runtime: 117 minutes
Rating: R |
 Blade Runner (1982)
Moody futuristic thriller about hard-boiled detective hunting near-human
"replicants." With its stunning effects, rich characterizations, and brooding
atmosphere, this is a cult classic with fans of noir, sci-fi, offbeat drama.
Starring: Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer
Director: Ridley Scott
Runtime: 121 minutes
Rating: R |
 Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
Tension-building sci-fi drama about a brush with extraterrestrials. Despite a somewhat
dated feel, still thrilling for sci-fi buffs. Also widely appealing to drama and character
study fans.
Starring: Richard Dreyfuss, Francois Truffaut
Director: Steven Spielberg
Runtime: 137 minutes
Rating: PG |
 Contact (1997)
Polished, epic-length sci-fi/drama profiles scientist's search for extraterrestrial life.
Appreciated by fans of thought-provoking, cerebral films who are more interested in
meditation on science and religion than on dramatic narrative.
Starring:
Jodie Foster, Matthew McConaughey
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Runtime: 150 minutes
Rating: PG |
 The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
Much-loved sci-fi classic about
alien warning against nuclear explosions has acclaimed performances, compelling character
development, moody feel. Considered by critics a masterpiece, this genre-bender holds wide
appeal.
Starring: Michael Rennie,
Patricia Neal
Director: Robert Wise
Runtime: 88 minutes
Rating: G |
 The Fifth Element (1997)
Effects-packed sci-fi/adventure about commando-turned-cabbie stumbling on ancient
prophecy. Uneven plot, poor characterizations will disappoint art-house fans expecting
landmark cinema, but wondrous special effects, futuristic gunplay will appease forgiving
action fans.
Starring: Bruce Willis, Gary Oldman, Milla Jovovich
Director: Luc Besson
Runtime: 122 minutes
Rating: PG-13 |
 Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
Sci-fi cult classic about human replicas hatched from plant pods still induces chills. A
must-see for true sci-fi buffs. With its philosophical undertones, it even holds appeals
to non-genre fans.
Starring: Kevin McCarthy, Dana Wynter
Director: Don Siegel
Runtime: 80 minutes
Rating: NR |
 Mars Attacks! (1996)
Offbeat, big-budget, all-star sci-fi/comedy about alien invasion. Classic sci-fi buffs
enjoyed its references to schlocky 1950s-era films. Also appealing to fans of eye-popping
effects, cynical humor who aren't seeking cohesive storyline.
Starring: Jack Nicholson,
Glenn Close
Director: Tim Burton
Runtime: 103 minutes
Rating: PG-13 |
 The Matrix (1999)
Mind-bending action/thriller about programmer discovering his world isn't what it seems.
Some called its plot overly convoluted, but sci-fi fans should jack into the thoughtful
story line, dazzling effects, and blistering action.
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne
Director: Andy Wachowski, Larry Wachowski
Runtime: 136 minutes
Rating: R |
 Metropolis (1926)
Silent masterpiece about oppressed workers rebelling still wins acclaim for evocative set
designs, innovative special effects. Compulsory for students of cinema. Appreciated by
fantasy buffs in mood for slower-paced classic.
Starring: Brigitte Helm,
Alfred Abel
Director: Fritz Lang
Runtime: 90 minutes
Rating: NR |
 Them! (1954)
Atomic test-created giant ant mutations run amok in 50s sci-fi classic. Classic
horror/sci-fi enthusiasts will be drawn in by intelligent script, building tension, and
acclaimed, though dated, special effects.
Starring: James Whitmore, Edmund Gwenn
Director: Gordon Douglas
Runtime: 93 minutes
Rating: NR |
 The Thing (1982)
Antarctic research team discovers frozen alien spacecraft in this slime-spattered,
graphically violent sci-fi thriller. Despite its intriguing story, this non-stop gore fest
is most appealing to die-hard, strong-stomached horror fans.
Starring: Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley
Director: John Carpenter
Runtime: 108 minutes
Rating: R |
 The War
of the Worlds (1953)
Big-budget Hollywood adaptation of H.G. Wells' novel about Martian invasion of Earth.
Classic sci-fi fans will enjoy the vintage effects. This was the
catalyst behind ID4.
Starring: Gene Barry, Les Tremayne
Director: Byron Haskin
Runtime: 85 minutes
Rating: G |
