1950s sci-fi is noted for its remarkable lack of, shall we say, sophistication. For the most part, the genre was derided as mere B-grade theater-filler schlock. But during that decade, there were serious efforts. The science in most of the films on this list is probably not plausible (or is no longer considered plausible), but these films attempted to present serious dramas, or at least thoughtful stories, amid a genre flooded with the absurd. The three alien invasion films on the list represent the best ever made, because they treat their subject matter intelligently instead of relying on cheap thrills. (Note: Don’t see The Time Machine on this list? That’s because it came out in 1960.)
Set apart from the plethora of alien invasion/monster attack films, this little-known film centers on the first manned spaceships. Three attempts are made to “capture” meteorites for study, with tragic results. Made before the first man (the Soviet Union’s Yuri Gagarin) went into space.
Another film dealing with the first manned spaceships, this British film accepts spaceflight as a given. The main focus is on the characters, not the science.
Walt Disney’s version remains the best film adaptation of the Jules Verne novel. It’s not so much because of the giant squid, but because of Disney’s version of Captain Nemo and the Nautilus.
This original version of the aliens-replace-people story is considered one of the top 10 all-time great sci-fi films by the American Film Institute. (I actually prefer the later version with Donald Sutherland, Jeff Goldblum and Leonard Nimoy.)
Another movie made from a Jules Verne novel, this playful James Mason vehicle treated sci-fi as a wonder to be discovered, instead of something to be feared, a la aliens and monsters.
This George Pal film gives a serious look at space travel and its challenges, such as fuel consumption. (Similar to the competing 1950 film Rocketship X-M.)
Will Keanu’s CGI environmentalist version be better than the original? We’ll see, but the original features a powerful alien arrogantly telling humanity to end all war — or else.
Made from the intriguing novel of the same name, George Pal’s When Worlds Collide has long been one of my favorites. Forget the spotty science; it’s the plot that makes this film. Slightly different than the novel (the movie features a rich tycoon who tries to buy his way onto the only rocket leaving earth) When Worlds Collide is a terrific and moving (he says tongue in cheek) thrill ride.
This B-picture still reigns as the best film adaptation of H.G. Wells’ novel, easily beating the schlock-fest that was the annoying and illogical Tom Cruise-Steven Spielberg movie from a few years ago. The 1953 version is one of the best science fiction movies ever made, period.
A smart retelling of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” Forbidden Planet features Leslie Nielson — in a dramatic role — battling wits with a mentally unstable scientist. It’s arguably the best of all the serious sci-fi movies made between 1936’s Things to Come and 1977’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind. This movie assumes audience intelligence, and plays up the science. Also notable for predicting that greater computer power = bigger computers, which is quite the opposite of what actually happened, of course. Nevertheless, it’s quite thrilling to watch the scene where the commander and the scientist walk through the immense super-computer.
The Blob is an independently made American horror/science-fiction film from 1958 depicting a giant amoeba-like alien that terrorizes the small community of Downingtown, Pennsylvania. It was not until star Steve McQueen became famous with the TV series Wanted: Dead or Alive that the film became a hit at the drive-in theatres. Today, the film is recognized as one of the quintessential 1950s American sci-fi/horror films. This film is added as a bonus because I loved it as a kid in the ’80s and had to included even though it more satire than “serious”.
This article is licensed under the GFDL because it contains quotations from Wikipedia.
Contributor: STL Mo
merry christmas!
Good List
Great list! I would also add Godzilla 1953.
cool list
Great list. As a kid in the 50′s, I saw most several of these movies, and still enjoy them. At the time they were made, their special effects were a lot of fun.
I havent seen any of these movies but definitely want to now!
makes me want to see a few of them:D
Good list.
Keanu’s movie was terrible.
Braised guns on the list, g, and merry X-mas, yo.
Bring back the beat!
War of the worlds is an okay film, but is a loooong way removed from the original story and the message within the HG Wells book upon which it is based.
The book has so many fentastic elements, I just can’t understand why someone doesnt release a film that stays true to the storyline instead of “updating” it. I guess Horsell Common (UK, original location in the book) is not as *****y as the US of A!
Good list. I would have to add my favorite, the Japanese-American movie “The Mysterians”. A bit hokey at times I guess, but how can you beat melting tanks, atomic cannons and the world uniting to defeat a common enemy?
About the description of Forbidden Planet… While it is true that the technology behind consumer computers became smaller as the years went by, super computers are still huge, huge monstrosities that actually get bigger. The top super computer these days (IBM Roadrunner) takes up 6000 square feet, according to it’s Wikipedia article. Bigger computer = more computing power.
Great list. Right off the top of my head, I can’t think of others I’d put on the list. I’ve see all but the #9 and #10. Guess I’ll have to look those up and watch them.
I think Keanu is perfect to play a blank emotionless alien. hehe- that’s just him I guess.
Excellent list STL Mo.
I sort-of agree with dracon. While Godzilla was not a great ‘serious sci-fi’ movie, it did spawn a whole industry that is alive today.
I’d thought “The Fly” would be on the list, at least for the concept of transportation.
I’ve seen about half of these. I loves me a good 50s Sci-Fi thriller, especially when done with the comedic stylings of MST3K.
Will the new Keanu Reeves movie be better? Hell no, that movie was crap. He didn’t even say “Klaatu Barata Nikto” once!
Oh, and also “The Thing from Another World”.
This Island Earth classic ’50′s scifi. Then watch the MST3K version. friggin hilarious!
I originally had The Fly and the first Godzilla on this list, but removed them in favor of others. COnsider The Fly #12 and Godzilla (1953) number 11.
I love SciFi. The newer War of the Worlds really scared me, but it was awesome! Merry Xmas.
I found Forbidden Planet really annoying haha
Good list though
Invasion Of The Body Snatchers is a good film
I’ve seen & love all of these except 9 & 10. I guess I’ve got a project now.
I can quote long passages from #s 1, 2, & 4; I also own copies of all 3 on DVD.
Though I love “When Worlds Collide,” it’s just not quite as good as the original “The Day the Earth Stood Still,” but your reasoning for the order is sound. I guess that we’ll just have to disagree.
Without “Them!” on it — and somewhere near the top — this list is something less than completely valid.
I’ve convinced sci-fi haters to watch “Forbidden Planet,” & all of them now own a copy. It’s just that good.
Aside from it’s astounding story, I think (IMHO) that #1′s special effects were not equaled until “2001,” & not truly topped until “Star Wars.”
Watch the scene in “Forbidden Planet” where the Commander is trying to shoot through the door; the laser bolts tap out the tune to Jingle Bells. (I wonder if this was the sound guy having a joke.)
I don’t understand how that version of war of the worlds can be considered one of the best. I love the book, it’s easily one of my top ten of all times, but in that the robots are tripods, who carry laser beams and use poisinous gas to kill humans. In that movie version they fly and whatnot, and it’s during WW2 era, not the early 1900′s which would have made the movie awesome. Also, in the book, the aliens did not have impenetrable shields. I remember them being taken down with cannons and whatnot.
Okay, this list is right up my alley as A) I am a huge classic film buff B) I am a huge cheesy old sci fi/horror film buff C) I took a *****load of film classes in college, which served to fill my mind with all sorts of crap about semiotics, symbolism, mis en scene, cahiers du cinema, chiascuro, expressionism, and Brigitte Bardot.
Also, I’ve seen each of these films, some numerous times, going back to my childhood when they were shown on Saturday Afternoon TV or on “Monster Movie Matinee.”
Having said all this, I have to confess I think this is a bit of an odd list. Why not just “Ten Great Sci Fi Films of the 50s”? At any rate, I think a few of the choices miss the mark here.
“Riders to the Stars” is an okay film, with Richard Carlson, who I think was something of an underrated actor. (He also directed this thing, as I recall). However, it’s a bit of a bore, and I’m not sure I would have placed it here and left off the original Japanese “Gojira,” which we know as “Godzilla.”
I can find fewer nice things to say about “Spaceways,” which while I admit to only having seen once, I still recall that it left me nodding off. Not all Hammer films were gems, and I wouldn’t include this one in a top 10 list of any kind.
“Journey to the Center of the Earth” is, I feel, a hell of a film. Great fun. Entertaining. Nice acting work. Great visual look, nice cinematography. Cool score by the great Bernard Herrmann. (Silly monsters though). But a SERIOUS film? Uh uh. Not by a long shot. STL Mo, how can you call a film “serious” that has a pet duck in it, and scene-chewing villain Thayer David? Come now. A better choice could have been found here.
All the other choices I buy, and in fact I’d stand with you solidly on them. “Forbidden Planet,” while hampered by some typical 50s crap dialogue and some over-earnestness on the part of the actors (also typical of the era) is, I feel, one of the best films ever made, period, and is certainly one of the greatest sci fi films ever.
But I gotta say a little something about “Day the Earth Stood Still.” We are about to be dumped on by yet another pointless Hollywood remake of a classic film. Now, the interesting this is, as many may know here, I am myself a writer. A few years ago, I had an idea for remaking this very film—which I felt unnecessary, but I thought, hey, since they’re remaking every old movie they can get their hands on, sooner or later they’ll get around to “The Day the Earth Stood Still,” and wouldn’t it be cool if I could pen a script for it? So I preceded to write my very own draft… and then chuckling it off, I put it away. A couple years later I had the horrific news given to me that someone actually WAS going to remake it, and with the hated Keanu Reeves as Klaatu.
And again came that cry that everyone lets out these days, at one time or another, when it comes to Hollywood: WHAT THE HELL WERE THEY THINKING?!
And I kick myself for not having at least TRIED to submit that story treatment to SOMEONE. Maybe a disaster could have been diverted… though probably not.
The sole consolation? I’m quite sure this crap Keanu version of DTESS will tank and be forgotten just as the hated Tom Cruise “War of the Worlds” will be forgotten and its 50s predecessor will continue to be remembered. The downside? There probably won’t be another shot at it. And it could have been such a great idea for a remade film. It could have had message and depth and some real character.
Oh well.
We are very near the end of civilization, I quite believe it.
Yeah, you’ve gotta love “The Blob”!
I also love the theme song, “(Beware of the) Blob”, by the 5 Blobs. Written by none other than Burt Bacharach!
Randall – all good points. What I was trying to do with the “serious” in the title is to weed out the pure schlock from things that at least made some attempt to tell a story with real science in mind. But point taken.
And totally agree about remakes. I loathe most remakes because they’re usually pointless exercises in ego. One exception to that annoying trend, though: After Ang Lee’s “Hulk” bombed badly, a new one was made this year, and was far superior.
And as a fellow writer (corporate, alas), there are sometimes when I’m watching a film or remake and think “I can write something better than this cr**!
I would love to see a version of War of the Worlds that stuck closely to the novel. The closest I’ve seen was a BBC version some years ago. (Can’t recall the who, what, when, etc.) But the 1953 version is terrific in its own right.
Kakashi266 – you’re quite correct, but consider that even a 6,000-square-foot super computer of today is still dwarfed by the gigantic, almost planetary-scale super computer of Forbidden Planet. That’s what I meant.
Micheal Rennie (the original Klaatu) was such a classically handsome man… sigh.
The day the earth stood still….
Both versions rock on their own….
Same story told with different visions..
regards :
Have you heard that J. Michael Staczynski is penning a “Forbidden Planet” prequel? It’s about when the Bellepheron leaves earth, arrives on Altair IV, & what happens then.
I’m both curious & afraid.
@ Cedestra
Klaatu says the words in the new version at the beginning when he is shot down.. and when GORT reaches out to him…You hear a deformed alien voice say ” Klaatu Barada Nikto ” after that GORT freezes…
Wow! I watched Forbidden Planet for the first time yesterday, and I loved it! And now I know I’m not alone in that sentiment!!
The story is awesome, and the effects are really good, especially for the time. I highly recommend it. Let’s hope Forbidden Planet’s remake comes out better than a certain other remake in theaters now… XD
PS. Merry Christmas (or the alien equivalent) to everyone!
I now have an even bigger list to see before I die. P.S. Everytime I go on this site, I click on every advertisement I see so that you will get the money. Hope that helps.
Great list featuring some of my favorite movies. I also loved This Island Earth,The Fly and Godzilla.
34. atlantis
Next time give a spoiler alert when describing scenes from a movie some of us haven’t seen yet.
Also in the original movie version of WOTW, the alien ships didn’t fly. They were described as “walking on invisible legs”.
It’s ok not follow the book when making the movie version. That’s why it’s sometimes called “re-imagining” not remaking.
GODZILLA!
Well, it is iconic.
Anyway, could have been more detailed, but whatever.
Also, the new The Day the Earth Stood Still is terrible, I hear.
oh no! tell me it ain’t so. they’re gonna muck about w/ Forbidden Planet? *wah*
one of my all time favs. oh please i hope they don’t ruin things.
not quite interesting for the new generation…. never heard of these movies. i really want a new list on interesting cool stuff for all ages.
OMG why are all the movies american lol
Hey Randall, why do you hate Tom Cruise? He’s a scientology nerd, is that reason enough to hate him? He’s an excellent actor. Sure, he’s a little hard to relate to. I couldn’t see having a beer with him but check out his more serious films, “Born on the 4th of July” or “Collateral” or “Magnolia.” Who are you speaking for when you call him “the hated Tom Cruise?” The same people you’re speaking for when you call Keanu, “the hated Keanu Reaves?” I’m impressed by your resume, Randall, but you don’t get to speak for me. If these two actors were actually “hated” they wouldn’t be in movie after movie. Keanu underacts, Tom often overacts, but they put asses in the seats. I know there’s a certain snob appeal to hate what others like. Sometimes one of the “others” needs to speak up.
Joe13:
Popularity doesn’t equate to “good,” Joe. A common fallacy, but one that I am continually amazed that people like you make.
Cruise and Reeves are both lousy actors–Reeves is well-known for being constantly and consistently wooden, and Cruise swings from wooden to hammy and full of himself. Just in the teaser ads for “Valkyrie” you can see it–it’s like every scene he plays is some kind of lovefest to himself.
The reason Cruise became popular in the first place, back in the 80s, was that he was a pretty boy. That gave him a leg up right off the bat. Then because he could deliver some box office, he managed to land a few sweet roles that further cemented his stand. Never mind that since then he’s tanked several times and has never grown as an actor (except in suckage). If anything he’s gotten worse; his grit-mouthed earnestness reminds me of many a bad actor from the 50s who thought that intensity meant emotion.
Calling him an “excellent actor” is just plain ridiculous. You’d have to dig hard to find a decent, professional film critic that would side with that assessment. Rather, that’s the kind of asinine thing Oprah would say, or some other asshat/celebrity ass-kisser like Larry King. He’s at best a mediocre actor who fools people because he’s happened to show up in a few decent films that he managed not to ruin.
Again, I remind you–popularity doesn’t automatically mean someone is talented and good, and being popular is not the same as being worthwhile. And usually when someone cites popularity as a reason for respecting an actor or a musician or some artist or other, it’s a sure sign that the person in question hasn’t got a clue as to what IS truly worthwhile and valuable, but simply goes along with the rest of the lowest common denominator.
If you’re making a list of people who slant towards disliking Tom Cruise and Keanu Reaves, count me in the ‘hate’ column.
I’m sure some movie executives out there were thinking, “Who can we get to play a dull, emotionless, awkward, wooden, and stiff alien?” Well they settled on the perfect choice by typecasting a dull, emotionless, awkward, wooden and stiff ‘actor.’ The only problem is he isn’t acting. Those are his only behavior traits. Acting for Keanu would be like Spock having a laughter fit when he couldn’t get back to his home planet for his every seven year *****.
As far as Cruise goes, he was pretty good in Risky Business and everything else since then has been a mugging, grinning, overacting, steaming pile of crap. I almost thought he could act in Interview with the Vampire, but then my friend nudged me, I woke up and headed for the theater exit. Now he’s a punch line for every ego-centric hollywood type who wants to force their opinion on adoring public. I heard Valkyrie was pretty good, but I’ll never go see it, simply because ‘the hated’ Tom Cruise is in it.
Thanks STL Mo for the list. I have to agree with #19. LordCalvert This Island Earth is just fantastic and how about the following
The Incredible Shrinking Man
It Came From Outer Space
and Invaders From Mars
Ok I know this last one is a bit cheesy but how can you not love a film starring a Martian in a goldfish bowl.
I must agree with Randall on this one – I don’t think Cruise is a good actor either. I find him irritating on screen. As for Reeves – I thought he did a good job as Klatu – but only because it suited his personality – or lack thereof!
having just read over some more comments – I also agree with bucslim (obviously)!
Oh – and Merry Christmas everyone! It is Christmas here now so I might be a bit quiet
Yeah, let’s re-do this list.
It Came From Outer Space
THEM
The Incredible Shrinking Man
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
Invasion of the Body Snatchers
Gojira
The Day the Earth Stood Still
The War of the Worlds
The Thing from Another World
Forbidden Planet
Keeping in mind that of these, some still have crap dialogue and overly earnest deliveries. But then others (particularly Invasion of the Bodysnatchers and The Thing from Another World) hold up VERY well today and have nary a bad line in them, and in fact still rank as some of the best films ever made of ANY genre.
Another pair of minor ones that might make the Honorable Mention category: “The Monolith Monsters” and “I Married a Monster from Outer Space”–which is nowhere near as bad as one would think from its title.
Randall: “I Married a Monster from Outer Space” – that title alone should be sufficient reason to leave it off the list
jfrater:
You’d think, but if you see it, it’s actually quite good. A minor bit of 50s creepiness.
Destination Moon = The original Teletubbies!!!
I too prefer the Donald Sutherland version of Invasion of the Body Snatchers. It’s one of my husband’s and my favorite films. We tried watching it with a friend of ours once, telling him how much we liked it. He ended up thinking there was something wrong with us… guess he didn’t like the ending.
Also, Tom Cruise? His more recent antics had made him so much harder to watch. It used to be he was just a bad actor, but now he’s so smug I feel like finding my way on to Oprah just to punch him in the face. He’s ruined every movie he’s been in for me, now. There were a few I used to like, now… all ruined.
Randall – Thing from Another World was another one originally on my list, but I cut it in favor of others. Maybe I should have followed my initial instincts, which were to have the original Godzilla, Thing and The Fly on the list.
Cheers, all!
What about Plan 9 From Outer Space. Just kidding, don’t kill me.
I saw the title of this list & thought “Oh, I guess Randall got a list submitted” then I saw it was STL Mo, and thought “Wonder what Randall will say about this list..”
Cool list I think. In regards to whoever made the comment about this list being “No good for the newer generations” or whatever-I think this is a GREAT list for younger generations, to expose them to stuff they normally wouldn’t necessarily have heard of or seen. I think in this case I count for the “newer generation” in that I’m a child of the 80s, but I have seen a few of these, back when we had Turner Classic Movies, and American Movie Classics both of which my parents watched a lot of. (One of these channels still exists, but not in the same format, it does still have some true classics, but it also shows movies like Terminator 3, and Constantine, which are hardly able to be termed “classic”) Add to that MST3K, and I’ve seen tons of these kinds of movies.
Does anyone else have “Science Fiction/Double Feature” going through their head now?
Good list.
I’m not trying to start another “TomCat” fight here but, why is what Randall says seem to be so important to everyone? Am I missing something? By the way StlMo, I like your list very much.
When Worlds Collide and After Worlds Collide are excellent books. I should see the film.
I have worked with Keanu Reeves. He is a wooden actor. He requires direction to walk. The only good thing thing I can say about the experience of working with Reeves is it got me an introduction to Brad Bitt.
I’ve seen all of the movies on the list, except for #10. My favorites are The Body Snatchers (original) and The Day the Earth Stood Still. I liked all of them. They were childhood, terror in the Saturday afternoon dark, movies. Marvelous memories.
@ Teague (57): Randall is simply a “regular” here, very well known, respected by some, hated by others, and feared by the rest:) Randall is very knowledgeable on a number of subjects, and lets it be known. He’s also pretty opinionated, and will argue his views passionately. The reason I commented the way I did in post 55, is simply because having frequented this site for almost a year now, I recognize this as a list that is right up Randall’s alley.