Top 25 Sci-Fi Movies: Part 1

Science fiction is a genre where the possibilities are virtually limitless. You can create worlds set far in the future about what life could be like or adventures through space and time. Sci-Fi has had an incredible influence on me personally. Thanks to films like Star Wars, Terminator, and others, the genre has partially inspired me to pursue a career in IT and computers. Along with comic book and fantasy, science fiction is one of my favorite genres of any media.

One my goals in creating this list is to broaden your scope of sci-fi films with ones that fall into various subcategories of sci-fi like horror, drama, thriller, and even a few animated films, as well as films from various eras and countries. Of course, I have not seen every acclaimed sci-fi film, and there are many films to include on the honorable mentions part after the list concludes. My only qualification is that the film not be based on a comic book, which means movies like Ghost in the Shell, Snowpiercer, and Guardians of the Galaxy will make it on the Top 25 Comic Book films list. Now, without further ado, let's get started. 

25: Metropolis

Fritz Lang's Metropolis is the first feature-length science fiction to ever grace the silverscreen. Almost 100 years later, Metropolis' scope and scale can dazzle today's audiences. The film's influences can still be seen today other sci-fi films such as Blade Runner, Terminator, and even The Hunger Games. The plot is full of metaphors and commentary, which many modern day films continue to convey. Despite its age, Metropolis holds up surprisingly well today. Sure, other films later might have executed the concepts and ideas better, but the first car ever built is not the best one and the original should never be forgotten.

24: Ex Machina

The most recent entry on the list, Ex Machina is an intriguing watch. If you are the type of person that knows what "The Turing Test" refers to, then Ex Machina is probably the film for you. The Turing Test is a test designed to determine whether "a machine's ability to exhibit intelligent behavior equivalent to, or indistinguishable from, that of a human." For an IT guy like myself, who enjoys the discussion about the possibility of artificial intelligence, Ex Machina is a superbly cerebral piece of entertainment. The addition of an witty script and realistic leads made the film all the more worthy of a spot on the list. With that said, the film is far from flawless and being so new, I am hesitant to rank the film any higher on the list as of now. Also, a massive warning because there is mature content in the film that even detracted from my experience due to how unnecessary it was. If you liked Ex Machina, I highly recommend Time of Eve, a film that covers similar topics from a different angle and in a more PG-13 manner.

23: Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Unlike many of the other entries on this list, it has been quite a few years since I have seen Close Encounters of the Third Kind. While I do remember enjoying the film as a young teen, thinking back on it now, Steven Spielberg's sci-fi classic is the type of film that left a lasting impression to me to the point where John William's score and many of the iconic scenes are easily memorable. Upon a second viewing, Close Encounters could easily rank higher or lower on the list, but for some reason, I have a feeling that the film deserves a place on the list. Regardless, every sci-fi and Spielberg fans owe it to themselves to check the film out.

Fun fact: In 1977 George Lucas and Steven Spielberg were talking on set of Close Encounters of the Third Kind when an argument broke out between the two about whose movie would be more successful. Lucas argued that Close Encounters would make more money, while Spielberg said that Star Wars would be more successful. So a bet was made; Lucas bet 2.5% of his stake in Star Wars on Close Encounters while Spielberg bet 2.5% of his stake in Close Encounters on Star Wars. Close Encounters made an impressive $303 million, but Star Wars raked in $775 million worldwide. This friendly bet has proved quiet profitable for Spielberg earning him approximately $40 million. 

22: Redline

Yes, Redline is an anime. Before completely disregarding it, hear me out. The few anime sci-fi films that you will see on this list are ones that I believe can appeal to many science fiction fans, and ones that are considered not too "weird" by the standards of my readership. With that out of the way, let's talk about Redline.

Taking more than 7 years to animate and over 100,000 hand-made drawings, Redline is an insane ride through the galaxy. Essentially, the story follows tough racer, JP, in the galaxy's biggest death race through many different planets, insane environments, and no rules. The story is incredibly simple, but you watch it for the visuals, action, and pure awesomeness. Of the anime included on the list, Redline is the one that might be the hardest to get into due to the art style, but then again, the art is not particularly "anime" in style. You can actually watch the film on Manga Entertainment's YouTube channel for free (click here). However, the film is rated R for a reason, and you have to be 18 or older to watch it on YouTube. On a side note, the dub is a little corny at times, but good for the most part.

What do you think of my so far? What are some of your favorites? Do you plan to try any of the ones on the list? Please comment below and let me know, and check back next week for the continuation of the list!

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