My 11 favourite Sci-Fi movies
Jun 27, 2018 19:51:35 GMT
charzhino, pippinmaniac, and 2 more like this
Post by THawk on Jun 27, 2018 19:51:35 GMT
Some of these have interesting sci-fi concepts, others explore philosophy and ethical questions, but all affected me emotionally and have stayed with me throughout the years. Many others could have replaced them, but still when I was thinking of my top favorite sci-fi movies, these 11 strongly stood out:
In release order:
1) Godzilla (1954)
The original Japanese Godzilla film, and from what I've seen the one by far with the most actual story in it. All the sequels and remakes might be just monster mash, but this is a poignant take on the environmental damage humans are doing to the planet, and the unimaginable consequences we one day might suffer for it. If Godzilla ever does rise up from the seas, we can't say we didn't deserve it.
2. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
The most far-reaching, epic space movie ever made. But it's more than a film, it is a meditative experience on the very beginning of how man was made, what it says about us, and how we are evolving into the stars. It's not for everyone as plenty will find it "slow" if they are not aware of what it is trying to achieve, but when you are in the proper frame of mind, it is mind-blowing.
3. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
The most badass and action-packed of the entries, but at the same time very interesting exploration of robotics and artificial intelligence, with one of the most surprisingly strong emotional punches. "I know now why you cry"...
4. Jurassic Park (1993)
Definitely the most easy-going and fun of the entries, but why I love this so much more than all of its bland follow-ups is how rooted it was in the adventure and discovery of a whole new world - an ancient world with ancient creatures made possible by futuristic technology.
5. Gattaca (1997)
Truly fascinating and prophetic vision into gene manipulation, and what it will mean for how we limit, improve, and define human beings. A story about that transcendent quality humans have that can't be quantified and qualified, the "human spirit" fighting against what science will tell us are impossible odds. The most quotable and perhaps emotionally impactful Sci-Fi film I've seen. “You wanna know how I did it?...I never saved anything for the swim back.”
6.The Truman Show (1998)
Similar themes as Gatacca about searching for what is really human amongst the staged and manufactured, with an almost equally powerful emotion impact. No surprise, as they were both written by the same writer, Andrew Niccol. Sci-fi comedies are often hard to pull off, but this is the best in its category.
7. V for Vendetta (2005)
Admittedly the least "sci-fi" of the bunch, and more of a political action-thriller. It's anarchistic spirit can be and has been adapted by different political ideologies, but centrally it is about the power of the people, the rise of the proletariat against authority and dictatorships. The biggest lie this world has fabricated is that governments are more powerful than the people, when in truth the government belongs and is supposed to BE the people.
8. The Fountain (2006)
Probably the most "out there" of the list, as it has a very non-linear plot and isn't for everyone. The story, however, told through some of the most amazing images you'll see, is the deepest exploration of the human fear of death, the resistance against death, and the acceptance of the mystery and the unknown that it brings that I have watched.
9. Inception (2010)
Mind-bending jump into alternate realities and dreams, obviously heavily theoretical stuff, but a thrilling plot with one of the best soundtracks I've ever heard.
10. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)
Of all the franchises, disappointing sequels and so on, this movie was the one truly successful presentation of the brilliant concept. This film also delves deep into what it means to be human - and why 'humanity' may not be as species-contained as we may think. Like Godzilla, it warns that the natural world will not forever consent to slavery. "No!" - for my money, the most powerful one-worded ever uttered on film.
11. Interstellar (2014)
There are many things humans can reach out and try and grasp as concepts, but are ultimately above us - time, the true vastness of space being two. The movie is a paradox in more ways than some, at times seem to fully escape our understanding, but then so are time and space. The one constant that humans can hold on to through the mysteries of the universe is your connection with one another. For its scope, its themes, its expanse, it's one of the most ambitious films ever made.
*superhero sci-fi not included