Go See These 10 Sci-Fi Movies Right Now (Or Soon)

Science Fiction is described as a type of fiction that deals with “imaginary but often plausible” settings and situations that include but are not limited to space travel, teleportation, advanced technology and alien life (Wikipedia). The amount of science fiction films that are notable, entertaining and/or ground-breaking is quite large, but there are a few gems that any self-respecting nerd should see. So that when the nerd roundtable is called, you won’t be the one asking what the fifth element is.

1. The Fifth Element

Starring an old-enough-to-be-bald Bruce Willis and a screechingly hilarious Chris Tucker, The Fifth Element is actually a pretty bad movie, by science fiction standards, because the plot (often the core of any good sci-fi flick) is seriously lacking. But director Luc Besson’s vision of a garish and over-the-top future is entertaining as well as visually stimulating.

2. Jurassic Park

If you haven’t seen this, shame on you. Jurassic Park is the perfect combination of popcorn action flick and nerdy science (or made up science). The acting is superb and the special effects still hold up almost ten years later. Damn, I’m getting old.

3. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Okay, this movie is weird, I am not going to lie to you about that one. But its a love story I can actually stomach, and one that touches on some seriously intriguing philosophies. Plus Jim Carrey is in it.

4. Minority Report

This movie should have been a blockbuster, and I’m confused as to why it was not. It’s an awesome combination of science fiction and philosophy that poses questions regarding the manner of free will and predetermination. It’s okay to like this movie and hate Tom Cruise, I promise you. I manage just fine.

5. Donnie Darko

Time travel and a creepy bunny? If that’s the kind of stuff you’re into, then Donnie Darko is your movie. Starring a young Jake Gyllenhaal who falls victim to to the effects of a worm hole, this movie is a hipster science fiction freak’s wet dream.

6. A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

I watched this movie after my roommate demanded it of me, and let me tell you it was entertaining. It was certainly weird (a British version of The Fifth Element, if I may), but its stance on the meaning of life is not only meaningless, but also hilarious. By the way, the answer is forty-two.

7. Galaxy Quest

A science fiction spoof that is better than Spaceballs, Galaxy Quest follows a group of actors who star on a Star Trek-esque television show that encounter real life aliens. The aliens are hilariously overly enthusiastic and optimistic, and as per usual Alan Rickman is a delight.

8. Blade Runner

Another movie that did not fare well with critics or at the box office, Blade Runner is entertaining for a few solid reasons: it’s a Ridley Scott movie, Harrison Ford is in it, and the style and tone of the movie lingers with viewers. Sure, after a time the neon lights hurt your eyes, but Harrison Ford won’t. I promise.

10. Star Wars (Episodes 3-6)

I coupled the Star Wars films together for a few reasons. First, I’m assuming anyone on a website such as this has seen at least one Star Wars film, so a spot on the list for every film would be redundant. Second, there is more than one Star Wars every good science fiction fan should watch. And third, the “first” two movies (Episode I and Episode II) are virtually unwatchable. Seriously, try to watch them. If your eyes are still intact, I applaud you.

 

 

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