The Best Sci-Fi Movies

01

Blade Runner

(1982, )

The dystopian future presented by Blade Runner is one scourged by social decay; it's an intense and prophetic look at a world plagued with some of the realities we face today: overpopulation, globalization, climate change, and genetic engineering. Without a doubt, Blade Runner has had a dramatic impact on literary, scientific, and cinematic pop culture, and the stark reality presented by the film and its accurate, if accidental, prediction of a future close to ours is nothing to sneer at.

02

Gattaca

(1997, )

In a world increasingly influenced by genetic research, Gattaca has some terrifying relevance: what if you could be distinguished, not on the basis of race or color, but by your very genes? This movie came out in 1995 and was way ahead of its time. The plot, characters, and questions explored make this film a must watch.

03

The Matrix

(1999, )

The world is a machine and reality is a fake; this action-packed thriller really makes you question your perception of reality. With the increasing role computer technology plays in our lives and the ever-expanding computer breakthroughs, it's not that much of a stretch to imagine the scenario presented by the matrix becoming a reality. It may be implausible but it could certainly be possible (minus Neo). 

04

Alien

(1997, )

A horror masterpiece set in an alien landscape. Everything about this film just works. The big debate is between fans about whether Ridley Scott's film, Alien, is superior to the James Cameron's sequel, Aliens. Both films are great and the directorial style of both films is quite different. Out of personal preference, I prefer Alien, but Aliens is equally enthralling (and terrifying!).

05

Star Wars (iv, V, And Vi)

(1977, )

A blend of almost every mythical archetype you can think of but wow, what a set of movies. There's something magical about these movies; maybe it's the vicarious pleasure of juggling some badass-looking lightsaber while rescuing scantily clad princesses that appeals to the nerd inside of us; or maybe it's the idea of a grand adventure in a far away galaxy infested with our nerd fantasies. Whatever the case, the original Star Wars movies have been around for decades but still retain the original magic. Star wars is a story that will appeal to all ages. The new "prequel" series (Episodes I,II,III) are worth watching but lack the magic of the "original" trilogy.

06

2001: A Space Odyssey

(1968, )

This movie explores several ideas but the most prominent (and famous) is the idea of an AI rebelling against human masters. 2001: A Space Odyssey is the most realistic portrayal of this scenario. To some extent, this idea has been handled by other movies (the Terminator series for example), but 2001: A Space Odyssey gives the most realistic scenario. This is a movie that has contributed to literary, social, and cinematic culture and should not be missed by any science fiction fan. 

07

Children Of Men

(2007, )

A recent movie that gives us a glimpse of a terrible dystopian future without hope: humans can no longer reproduce. This dark future is just realistic enough to send chills up your spine. With current headlines monopolized by failing economies, terrorist attacks, and global warming meltdowns, the dystopian future presented by Children of Men may just be more then science fiction...

08

The 5th Element

(1997, )

Sometimes you need a stylish, fun, over-the-top sci-fi action flick like The 5th Element. The 5th Element is full of bizarre characters and an even more bizarre world. It's great blend of high adventure, cyberpunk, adventure, romance, comedy, and Bruce Willis throwing around his guns. If you want a fun, fun thrill ride through the galaxy that's entertaining as hell, you need to check out The Fifth Element. 

09

Tron

(1982, )

This oldie is still a real goodie. Tron is both action story and allegory critique of the personal computer revolution of the 80s. The Tron world makes techies into heroes (sadly, no longer true). With special effects out of this world in 1982, this cult classic is still enjoyable today and can be appreciated for what it was and still is: a damn fine science fiction flick.  The new Tron (Tron 2) lacks some of the magic of the old Tron, but is a pretty good action flick. Not good enough to replace Tron 1, however.

10

12 Monkeys

(1996, )

An action sci-fi flick with an intelligent plot and lots of action. While it lacks the pure visual style and situational comedy of The Fifth Element, 12 Monkeys delivers an altogether different sort of thrill ride. It's darker, more intelligent, and ultimately one of the best "intelligent" action sci-fi films out there. If you loved the likes of the Fifth Element and the action of Terminator series, 12 Monkeys is a film you should definitely check out.

11

Inception

(Nolan, Christopher)

A man, highly skilled in entering people's dreams to extract secret information, is offered a chance to implant an idea in another man's head, a practice known as inception.

12

Interstellar

(Thorne, Kip)

A journey through the otherworldly science behind Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated film, Interstellar, from executive producer and theoretical physicist Kip Thorne. Interstellar, from acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Nolan, takes us on a fantastic voyage far beyond our solar system. Yet in The Science of Interstellar, Kip Thorne, the physicist who assisted Nolan on the scientific aspects ofInterstellar, shows us that the movie’s jaw-dropping events and stunning, never-before-attempted visuals are grounded in real science. Thorne shares his experiences working as the science adviser on the film and then moves on to the science itself. In chapters on wormholes, black holes, interstellar travel, and much more, Thorne’s scientific insights—many of them triggered during the actual scripting and shooting of Interstellar—describe the physical laws that govern our universe and the truly astounding phenomena that those laws make possible.

13

Avatar

(Dimartino, Michael Dante)

Avatar: The Last Airbender creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko bring The Promise to its explosive conclusion! The Harmony Restoration Movement has failed, and the four nations are plunged back into war! In the midst of the battle, can Aang and Fire Lord Zuko mend the rift between them, or will Aang be forced to take actions that can't be undone? Written by Eisner winner and National Book Award nominee Gene Luen Yang (American Born Chinese) and drawn by Gurihiru(Thor and the Warriors Four), this is the adventure Avatar fans have been craving!

14

The Empire Strikes Back

(Glut, Donald F.)

Based on the story by George Lucas and the screenplay by Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan The adventures of Luke Skywalker did not end with the destruction of the Death Star. Though the Rebel Alliance won a significant battle, the war against the Empire has only just begun. Several months have passed, and the Rebels have established a hidden outpost on the frozen wasteland of Hoth. But even on that icy backwater planet, they cannot escape the evil Darth Vader’s notice for long. Soon Luke, Han, Princess Leia, and their faithful companions will be forced to flee, scattering in all directions—with the Dark Lord’s minions in fevered pursuit.

15

Terminator 2

(Nathan, Ian)

The Terminator’s back in this magnificent, behind-the-scenes look at The Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Long before Titanic and Avatar broke box-office records and won countless awards, James Cameron announced his genius with the 1984 release of The Terminator. Nothing like it had ever been seen before—it fused time travel, thrilling action, artificial intelligence, and terror with provocative questions about the human race—and of course, it made Arnold Schwarzenegger an international superstar. The movie’s 1991 sequel, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, has some of the greatest special effects in movie history and remains one of the most influential science fiction films of all time. The story of Sarah and John Connor’s fight against the advanced assassin cyborg, the T-1000, is an astonishing look at the battle between good and evil. Now, for the first time ever, here is the complete story of the Terminator world. Terminator Vault, written by acclaimed film expert Ian Nathan and with a foreword by “Governator” Schwarzenegger, takes a behind-the-scenes look at the making of both films, from the initial conception of Skynet (the AI system determined to destroy humanity) to the creation of the films’ special effects, many of which had never been previously attempted. Reproductions of original scripts and concept drawings provide completely new insights into the Terminator backstory, and there are over 170 color images of the development, production, and more. This is a must-have book for any Terminator fan, released in anticipation of the first film’s thirtieth anniversary.

16

Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind

(Kaufman, Charlie)

In the new Charlie Kaufman film directed by Michel Gondry, Joel (Jim Carrey) is stunned to discover that his girlfriend Clementine (Kate Winslet) has had her memories of their tumultuous relationship erased. This shooting script includes the complete screenplay, a selection of b&w movie stills, selected production notes, and complete cast and crew credits.

17

2001 A Space Odyssey

(Clarke, Arthur C.)

The classic science fiction novel that captures and expands on the vision of Stanley Kubrick’s immortal film—and changed the way we look at the stars and ourselves. From the savannas of Africa at the dawn of mankind to the rings of Saturn as man ventures to the outer rim of our solar system, 2001: A Space Odyssey is a journey unlike any other. This allegory about humanity’s exploration of the universe—and the universe’s reaction to humanity—is a hallmark achievement in storytelling that follows the crew of the spacecraft Discovery as they embark on a mission to Saturn. Their vessel is controlled by HAL 9000, an artificially intelligent supercomputer capable of the highest level of cognitive functioning that rivals—and perhaps threatens—the human mind. Grappling with space exploration, the perils of technology, and the limits of human power, 2001: A Space Odyssey continues to be an enduring classic of cinematic scope.

18

Just Kids

(Jr., L. E. Modesitt)

Books in The Saga Of Recluce Series (26)

19

Big Hero 6

(Disney, Rh)

The villainous Yokai has stolen the microbots, so Hiro develops high-tech super suits for his team in order to get the microbots back.

20

Jurassic Park

(Crichton, Michael)

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the author of Timeline, Sphere, and Congo, this is the classic thriller of science run amok that took the world by storm. Nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read “[Michael] Crichton’s dinosaurs are genuinely frightening.”—Chicago Sun-Times An astonishing technique for recovering and cloning dinosaur DNA has been discovered. Now humankind’s most thrilling fantasies have come true. Creatures extinct for eons roam Jurassic Park with their awesome presence and profound mystery, and all the world can visit them—for a price. Until something goes wrong. . . . In Jurassic Park, Michael Crichton taps all his mesmerizing talent and scientific brilliance to create his most electrifying technothriller. Praise for Jurassic Park “Wonderful . . . powerful.”—The Washington Post Book World “Frighteningly real . . . compelling . . . It’ll keep you riveted.”—The Detroit News “Full of suspense.”—The New York Times Book Review

21

Her

(Lane, Harriet)

You don't remember her--but she remembers you. Two different women; two different worlds. On the face of it, Emma and Nina have very little in common. Isolated and exhausted by early motherhood, Emma finds her confidence is fading fast. Nina is sophisticated and assured, a successful artist who seems to have it all under control. And yet, when the two women meet, they are irresistibly drawn to each other. As the friendship develops, as Emma gratefully invites Nina into her life, it emerges that someone is playing games-and the stakes could not be higher. What, exactly, does Nina see in Emma? What does she want? And how far will she go in pursuit of it? A gripping novel about friendship and identity, about the wild hopes and worst fears of parenthood, about the small and easily forgotten moments that come to define a life, Her is unputdownable-compelling and hauntingly discomfiting.

22

Star Trek

(Miller, John Jackson)

"Based on Star trek and Star trek: the next generation created by Gene Roddenberry, and Star trek: deep space nine created by Rick Berman & Michael Piller."

23

Brazil

(Reid, Michael)

Examines the South American country that is destined to be one of the world's premier economic powers by the year 2030, and considers some of the abundant problems the nation faces.

24

District 9

(Falconer, Daniel)

In 2009 Weta Workshop created a world so uncannily realistic that the special effects (in addition to an undeniably poignant plot) helped a low-budget film with an unknown cast become a blockbuster hit. Movie-goes, bloggers, and critics could not stop talking about Neill Blomkamp's first feature film, District 9, the newest alien movie that has raised the bar for science fiction thrillers in the new century. Weta Workshop's artists created the special make-up effects, physical characteristics, alien weaponry, props, armor, custom vehicles and spaceships that were all stylized in a foreign yet familiar graphic language that defined the film's distinctive alien aesthetic. This book illuminates the creative design process, detailing two years of interaction between Weta's artists and director Neill Blomkamp in the form of hundreds of images of concept art from both the designers and director, stunning photographs of the props and sculptures, and insightful remarks from the artists themselves. Many of the images included in this book have never been seen before, including work cut or barely glimpsed in the finished film. Written by designer Daniel Falconer with a foreword by Neill Blomkamp and introduction by Richard Taylor (multi Academy Award winning special effects and make-up artist and head of Weta), The Art of District 9 offers an unrivalled, front row glimpse into the creative minds and hands that shaped this amazing film.

25

Serenity

(Whedon, Zack)

"This volume collects the miniseries 'Serenity: Leaves on the Wind' #1-#6 and the short story 'It's Never Easy,' from Free Comic Book Day 2012: Serenity/Star Wars"--Colopho

26

Moon

(Gibbons, Gail)

Gibbons identifies the moon as Earth's only natural satellite, describes its movement and phases, and discusses how it has been observed and explored over the years.

27

Planet Of The Apes

(Boulle, Pierre)

Published also under title: Monkey planet.

28

Wall-e

(Vick-e, )

WHEN A LOVABLE, lonely robot named WALL•E falls in love with a sophisticated female robot named EVE, he follows his heart all the way into outer space! Young fans will enjoy this Little Golden Book retelling of Disney/Pixar’s WALL•E.

29

A Clockwork Orange

(Burgess, Anthony)

Great Music, it said, and Great Poetry would like quieten Modern Youth down and make Modern Youth more Civilized. Civilized my syphilised yarbles. A vicious fifteen-year-old droog is the central character of this 1963 classic. In Anthony Burgess's nightmare vision of the future, where the criminals take over after dark, the story is told by the central character, Alex, who talks in a brutal invented slang that brilliantly renders his and his friends' social pathology. A Clockwork Orange is a frightening fable about good and evil, and the meaning of human freedom. When the state undertakes to reform Alex to "redeem" him, the novel asks, "At what cost?" This edition includes the controversial last chapter not published in the first edition and Burgess's introduction "A Clockwork Orange Resucked."

30

The Avengers

(Cohen, Rich)

Every Year, When people are ""winter weary and longing for spring"" Purim comes and its time for play-time for the annual Purim play that is.

31

E.t The Extraterrestrial

(Kotzwinkle, William)

A boy discovers an extraterrestrial botanist in his mother's vegetable patch, and helps him return to his planet, 3 million light years away.

32

Looper

(Dunn, John)

Describes the author's improbable journey as an Aspen club caddie and his relationships with misfit fellow caddies, an experience that compelled his visits to some of the world's most exclusive and picturesque golf locations.

33

Minority Report

(Dick, Philip K.)

A collection of eighteen science fiction short stories features "The Minority Report," in which Commissioner John Anderton's clever use of "precogs," people who can identify criminals before they can do any harm, turns against him when they identify him as the next criminal.

34

Gravity

(Chin, Jason)

What stops everything from floating into space? Looks at the concept of gravity in a whole new way.

35

Existenz

(Cronenberg, David)

36

The Fountain

(Aronofsky, Darren)

A graphic novel based on filmmaker Darren Aronofsky's movie "The Fountain" in which one man embarks on a thousand-year struggle to save the woman he loves.

37

Contact

(Sagan, Carl)

In the year 1999 a multinational team of astronauts sets out to discover the secrets of the universe.

38

Starship Troopers

(Heinlein, Robert A.)

Book Flap Description  A recruit of the future goes through the toughest boot camp in the universe and into battle with the Terran Mobile Infantry against humankind's most frightening enemy.  For most, war is hell, but for Heinlein's character Juan Rico, war is heaven -- and for those reading the book too! This is one classic you should read. Bootcamp in space, high tech battle toys, bone-jarring battles, romance, and a critique on politics thrown in for good measure. Heinlein is on the top of his game in what is considered his finest novel. Read it! If you have seen the terrible movie adaption, forget it! The book is much, much better.

39

Solaris

(Lem, Stanislaw)

Kris Kelvin lands on the space station Solaris only to face a cruel miracle.

40

Primer

(Barton, David)

An early American textbook for beginning readers, that includes a rhyming alphabet, Bible questions, and Shorter Catechism, with original woodcut illustrations.

41

Sunshine

(Mckinley, Robin)

From award-winning and national bestselling author, Robin McKinley, comes this dark, sensual vampire fairy tale. "A gripping, funny, page-turning, pretty much perfect work of magical literature."--Neil Gaiman “Sunshine” is what everyone calls her. She works long hours in her family’s coffeehouse, making her famous “Cinnamon Rolls as Big as Your Head,” Bitter Chocolate Death, Caramel Cataclysm, and other sugar-shock specials that keep the customers coming. She’s happy in her bakery—which her stepfather built specially for her—but sometimes she feels that she should have life outside the coffeehouse. One evening she drives out to the lake to get away from her family, to be alone. There hasn’t been any trouble at the lake for years. But there is trouble that night for Sunshine. She is abducted by a gang of vampires who shackle her to the wall of an abandoned mansion, within easy reach of a figure stirring in the moonlight. Sunshine knows that he is a vampire and that she is to be his dinner. Yet when dawn breaks he has not attempted to harm her. And now he needs her help to survive the day...

42

Total Recall

(Schwarzenegger, Arnold)

This is the unbelievably true story of Arnold Schwarzenegger's life. Born in the small city of Thal, Austria, in 1947, he moved to Los Angeles at the age of 21. Within ten years, he was a millionaire business man. After twenty years, he was the world's biggest movie star. In 2003, he was Governor of California and a name around the world.

43

Dark City

(Muller, Eddie)

There were a million stories in the naked cities of film noir and this ultimate noir compendium tells 'em all--from classics like DOUBLE INDEMNITY and NIGHT AND THE CITY to lost gems such as PITFALL and TRY AND GET ME! Eddie Muller weaves stunning images with a savvy, sharp text that propels you down every side street of those haunting cityscapes. color photos.

44

Akira

(Otomo, Katsuhiro)

Welcome to Neo-Tokyo, built on the ashes of a Tokyo annihilated by a blast of unknown origin that triggered World War III. The lives of two streetwise teenage friends, Tetsuo and Kaneda, change forever when paranormal abilities begin to waken in Tetsuo, making him a target for a shadowy agency that will stop at nothing to prevent another catastrophe like the one that leveled Tokyo. At the core of the agency’s motivation is a raw, all-consuming fear of an unthinkable, monstrous power known only as Akira. Katsuhiro Otomo’s stunning science fiction masterpiece is considered by many to be the finest work of graphic fiction ever produced, and Otomo’s brilliant animated film version is regarded worldwide as a classic. This edition includes a new foreword from the author and a postscript from Dark Horse publisher Mike Richardson!

45

Close Encounters Of The Third Kind

(Spielberg, Steven)

Humans make contact with aliens after witnessing the arrival of flying saucers from another world.