Top 10 Sci-Fi and Fantasy Movies
Can you define sci-fi and fantasy? Sci-Fi often entails the use of science to solve problems. Where as Fantasy is, well, anything goes.
But a bit of an under-classing has occurred and it seems that both genres have been suffering. They are too often seen as interchangeable.
I have included some great movies that are arguably both and if you feel that a film was unjustly left off please feel free to share in the comments below.
1. The Matrix (1999)
Where do we begin? This movie is one of our most beloved sci-fi films regardless of your genre preference, but what makes it so special? Perhaps it was because this was originally to be a sequel to The greatest film of all time, I have compiled this list based on many factors including originality, quality, overall entertainment value, impact on future films and whether or not the film stands out as a classic or just a forgotten gem in time for all to enjoy.
2.Blade Runner (1982)
The acting is fantastic, every character is believable and extremely likeable. It’s hard not to fall in love with Harry Belafonte as the doctor, Patricia Neal as his wife or Billy Gray, who plays the famous Tommy Gray. Everyone has their moment to shine; even Keanu Reeves, who has suffered a bit of an image make-over that seems to be more popular than he deserves.
3. The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
However before studio head Darryl Zanuck could secure the rights to Kane, he saw The Day the Earth Stood Still and convinced them to change it into a different film altogether. This made absolutely no sense as the only character from Kane that remained was Mr. Thompson, but as we all know, no one asked for logic when it came to Zanuck.
4.Citizen Kane(1941).
We also must mention that at this time, Steven Spielberg had just finished filming The Sugarland Express (1974) and was in talks with 20th Century Fox to transition over into motion pictures full time.
No matter what you think of him today, there’s no denying that Spielberg is a master filmmaker and this film showcases his talent in every aspect of filmmaking. It was his first sci-fi film and it’s a landmark, he would go on to make such sci-fi movies
5.Close Encounters of the Third Kind(1977),
The best sci-fi movies are never predictable, always compelling and sometimes ground breaking and the best fantasy movies are many times be veiled allegories for complex social or political issues that plague our world today.
The entertainment world has seen an influx of fantastical films over the last few years with some notable ventures into all out science fiction territory by acclaimed directors like Christopher Nolan (Dark Knight Rises) and Ridley Scott (Alien).
6.A.I: Artificial Intelligence(2001).
The plot of the movie is simple enough, an alien (Michael Rennie) is sent to Earth by its rulers in order to save humanity from itself. He arrives on a flying saucer, warns mankind that they no longer have the freedom to explore space and must live peacefully or be destroyed by the Klaatu. Keanu Reeves plays a skeptical Army officer who becomes involved in their plot. But who cares about logic or plot when you have such a talented cast and a crazy guy who has the power to destroy all of mankind.
7. Bob Givens and Willis O’Brien(King Kong 1936).
The animation is good, but its the creative story-telling and pacing that really makesthis film stand out as a classic of its time.
This was probably one of the most influential sci-fi films of the ’50s, so much so that it directly influenced Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968). Yet somehow it never seems to be talked about very much.
8. The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008),
The special effects were all done by a variety of different independent animators It’s really hard to find any flaw in this film. It has the perfect balance of action, drama and science. It has great pacing, an amazing story, amazing effects and a timeless message. This is an all around great movie that should be watched by everyone.
9. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Nominated for seven Oscars(5 Razzies) in 1969 including best visual effects, this is one of the most important sci-fi movies of all time. Stanley Kubrick had been trying to make a sci-fi film for over 10 years when he finally got his chance after being turned down by every studio over the course of two decades.
10. The War of the Worlds(2005)
Even Serenity (2005), Fabulous Story but none can come close to matching this original masterpiece.
A lack of attention has been given to the more subtle, intelligent, and elegant balance of both genres that can only be found in the finest film examples.
There have been many remakes over the years including but not limited
The list is not in any particular order and includes the best fantasy and sci-fi films from each major director from a wide variety of genres.
