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Action and adventure dominated sci-fi films in the 1980s, thanks in large part to the Star Wars craze. The decade is splattered with many bad films (Masters of the Universe), terrible movies (Superman IV) and unwatchable garbage (Flash Gordon). Even so, finding standouts was easy; narrowing the list to a manageable length was hard. So, to avoid a really long list, I again forced myself to a limit of 20. (Consequently, only one Star Wars and one Star Trek movie are represented here.) And also to keep the list manageable, the films had to be high in quality of writing, story, acting, direction, music, and etc.
Great action flick, great premise, great ending! What starts out as a typical shoot-‘em-up turns into a terrifying game of cat and mouse between Arnie and a high-tech hunter alien. Hey, with the terrific line “I ain’t got time to bleed!” how can you go wrong? 
This Danish film is probably pretty obscure for most people, but if you noticed a pattern from my previous sci-fi lists, I have an affinity for movies that explore situations in a future dystopian society. In this intriguing film (a Sundance favorite when it came out) a detective uses controversial methods from his disgraced mentor to track down a serial killer. The world they live in is quite bleak, the detritus of civilization lies all around, and the seasons of the year have disappeared, replaced with ever-changing weather patterns.
A U.S. nuclear aircraft carrier gets caught in a storm that sends the ship and crew back in time—to the day before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Starring Kirk Douglas, Martin Sheen and the great Charles Durning, The Final Countdown is one of the few truly good films to explore “What if…??”
Largely unknown in the U.S. until the fledgling Cartoon Network aired it frequently in the 1990s, Venus Wars came out on the heels of the awesome Akira. This tale of a war on Venus between the planet’s two nation-states is based on a manga (Japanese comic), as are many anime. Most of the story follows a group of athletes-turned-rebels fighting the invaders of their land, and a reporter from Earth trying to follow the action.
I almost had Jeff Goldblum’s The Fly here, but decided to list The Quiet Earth instead. Both are examples of science gone wrong, but I like New Zealand’s The Quiet Earth better. The movie (based on the novel of the same name) explores how a person can go mad when he realizes he’s the only one left on Earth following a terrible catastrophe that he helped cause. The portrayals of Hobson’s madness and how he pulls back from the brink are both satisfying—especially because the latter happens before Hobson realizes that he’s really not alone. The Quiet Earth ends on an uncertain note (a real WTF?!? moment) that makes you think long after the movie ends.
While nowhere near as grand as its predecessor, 2010 was quite a decent serious sci-fi flick. Nine years after the Discovery mission, a joint US-Soviet mission travels to Jupiter to unravel the mystery of what happened. 2010 diverts significantly from the novel— for example, the script was marred by the unnecessary back story of nuclear tensions between the superpowers—but on the whole, the film was pretty good. The best part is the space walk from the Leonov to the Discovery. John Lithgow as Dr. Curnow all but panics while looking “down” on Jupiter, and the sound—Lithgow’s rapid breathing inside his spacesuit—against this backdrop is just a great piece of filmmaking.
Aliens use a pool as an incubator, which inadvertently rejuvenates several senior citizens out for a swim. It’s actually quite good, and not your typical sci-fi fare. Give it a try. Don’t let Steve Gutenberg scare you away.
I know many people will cry foul that I didn’t place ET higher on the list. I actually didn’t want to list it at all, but I would be remiss in leaving it out because of my personal tastes. Sure, ET has some good moments, like when ET is watching soap operas and drinking beer, and Eliot, who’s away at school, acts out everything ET sees and does. And yes, it’s one of the most praised films of all time. But on the whole, I just don’t like this film. I can’t quite put my finger on it. Maybe it’s because I’m supposed to like it. Perhaps it’s just latent anger over that ridiculous Atari video game. Seriously, though, perhaps it’s the notion that “government scientists” were the bad guys who would swoop in and take poor ET away to an uncertain fate when all the little guy wanted to do was get home. OK, fine, but wouldn’t you think that ANY scientist who learns of an alien would be jumping out of his skin to at least TALK to it? It seems as if Spielberg just had to have bad guys to create some tension; so, he made dopes out of the scientists. (I also don’t like Starman for pretty much the same reasons.)
Navy SEALs join a crew in an experimental underwater oil rig to disarm a sunken nuclear sub. However, the crew keeps running up against NTIs—non-terrestrial intelligences—which live underwater. And a hurricane threatens the vessel their rig is attached to. The Abyss, starring Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio and Ed Harris, became a better film with the release of the director’s cut: it’s more rounded and has a killer final scene that didn’t make it into the theaters.
Aliens returns Sigourney Weaver’s Ellen Ripley to the planet where the alien was first found—only now, “the corporation” has a colony there. There are more aliens and more scares, more violence, plus several terrific lines. (If you ever wondered where the wailing line “Game over, man! Game over!” came from, this is it.) However, it’s not quite as good as the first movie—if for no other reason than the initial shock of the Alien is gone. But on a personal level, it has the only scene that ever made me jump 10 feet out of my chair in the theaters: The survivors are trapped in the medical center and their alien-detector scanners are going crazy. Aliens are closing in on them from all sides—but they don’t see anything. They panic. Then one marine looks up to the ceiling, pokes his head through the tiles to look around, and…Well, see for yourself.
A cop (Peter Weller) is violently assaulted, leaving his body wrecked and near death. He is rebuilt as a powerful cyborg and continues to fight crime. What makes this movie a truly great flick is not the action but the scene where Robopcop goes to what used to be his home and tries to find (recover?) his lost humanity. Warning: If you haven’t seen this film, be aware that it is graphically violent.
Nicholas Meyer made the best of all the Trek films. In Wrath of Khan, the title character (the incomparable late Ricardo Montablan) does his level best to get revenge upon Kirk for abandoning him some decades earlier. Even though in the ‘70s list I said that the first Trek movie was truer to the Trek spirit, Wrath of Khan is the best one made—especially because it pulls no punches with the ending and has a terrific James Horner soundtrack. The director’s cut, occasionally seen on TV, is actually a better film, because it gives even more depth to Kirk’s character—he’s shown to be entirely fallible—and character is ultimately the key to great Trek.
Internet Movie Database ranks Nausicaa in the top 50 sci-fi films of all time, and the placement is well-deserved. Nausicaa revolves around the title character defending her peaceful valley—and the creatures of the wild—from would-be conquerors. It takes place a millennium after a catastrophic event called “seven days of fire” (a nuclear war? an asteroid strike?) and has heavy environmental themes. Popular and celebrated when released in Japan in 1984, most American audiences never saw the full and unedited movie until 2005.
A primitive man frozen for 40,000 years is brought back to life in this eminently satisfying tale. Iceman is smart, well-played and uplifting. (Fun for anthropologists, too.) For me, it’s a much more satisfying film than the overrated ET, because Iceman **seriously** explores whether the title character is an individual or a lab specimen.
The Terminator is one of the most intriguing films ever made. Sure it’s bloody and over the top in places, but on the whole, Arnie’s first turn as the T-800 made cinema history. In this first movie, a human freedom fighter goes back in time to save the mother of the as-yet unborn resistance leader from the machines’ seemingly unstoppable terminator.
Who you gonna call? It had better be Netflix or some other movie rental business if you’ve never seen this terrific, fun and eminently quotable popcorn sci-fi flick. Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis are at the top of their game as hapless scientists in this ghost-hunting romp. Don’t you ever wish you had an unlicensed nuclear accelerator strapped to your back? Favorite line: well, it’s unquotable on a family site, (but it happens in the mayor’s office right before the climax); so, I’ll give my second favorite: A reporter asks Ray: “I guess you’re the man to ask: How is Elvis and have you seen him lately?”
Fun, fun, fun. What an absolute romp. A teenager accidentally goes back in time and — (gulp) — is hit on by his mom. There are so many “best parts” in this film that it’s hard to pick out even one. My favorite, though, comes when Marty, wearing the radiation suit, goes to see his dad in the middle of the night and scares the beezwax out of him. Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd are excellent. To quote Marty: “Trust me: Your kids are gonna love it.”
A bleak futuristic Los Angeles forms the background of this adaptation of the Philip K. Dick story, “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” Harrison Ford plays a detective who hunts rogue androids for a living. (I became a fan of Edward James Olmos after seeing this picture and was delighted when he returned to sci-fi in the new Battlestar Galactica.) I’m curious to see what fans think of the two versions. Is Blade Runner a better film with or without Rick Deckard’s narration? What about the “happy” ending?
The incredible film that made anime a household word, Akira is the granddaddy of all Japanese anime. It’s intense. It’s thrilling. It’s mindboggling. It’s … kind of gross in a couple of places. Akira’s influence cannot be underestimated, and it deserves its reputation. Ten years after a nuclear devastation, the head of a biker gang in Neo Tokyo (Kaneda) watches as his friend Tetsuo slowly unravels while his mind powers increase fantastically. Not a movie for the faint of heart, but Akira is absolutely unforgettable.
Would you expect a Star Wars nerd to place any other 1980s’ sci-fi film at the top of this list? I’m sure many will disagree with my choice, and that’s fine. Have at it! (In fact, I almost placed Empire behind Akira and Blade Runner.) George Lucas outdid himself in this sequel, and also did something very gutsy: He made the ending a cliffhanger. John Williams’ score is, IMHO, the greatest movie soundtrack ever and a masterpiece on par with Beethoven’s Fifth. I still thrill to the sight of those lumbering AT-ATs attacking Echo Base. The F/X of the much-maligned prequel trilogy is of course much better, but Empire is the heart of the entire saga.
For all of you who complained that I left Spaceballs off my list of great Star Wars spoofs (I beg your forgiveness!), here you go. Regardless, Mel Brooks’ satire of the whole Star Wars phenomenon is superior in just about every way to the “Epic Movie” and “Date Movie” spoof-schlock of the present day. May the schwartz be with you!
Notable omissions: Tron; Superman II (I really don’t like this film, and the director’s cut, while interesting, is still an unfinished film); Buckaroo Banzai (it’s OK, but not that great); 1983’s Wargames (which was included on my nuclear war films list); The Road Warrior and Mad Max 3; The Last Starfighter; Weird Science; The Fly; and The Thing.
Contributor: STL Mo
February 21st, 2009 at 2:22 am
how about indiana jones?
February 21st, 2009 at 2:41 am
e.t. only 13th? why so? and what about the return of the jedi?
February 21st, 2009 at 2:43 am
Wow, Cocoon. Remember that? I was quite young when I watched that and I remember it scared the crap outa me. But granted I was only about 5 at the time and I have an over-active imagination. Wouldn’t mind watching it again though.
Ghost Busters is a classic!!! I could watch it a hundred times, ditto Back to the future.
February 21st, 2009 at 2:47 am
Isn’t Indiana Jones more adventure that sci-fi?
February 21st, 2009 at 2:48 am
excuse the typo, more adventure THAN sci-fi?
February 21st, 2009 at 2:48 am
ha ha ha I watch Back to the future when I have a sickie off school
February 21st, 2009 at 3:18 am
I would also pose this question to anyone who has seen both versions of Blade Runner – which version would you suggest to a first time viewer? It is one of those films that I’ve beeen meaning to see for a while, but I never know which is beter to start with. I mean, is it better to just watch the second cut or do you really need to see the theatrical version to appreciate the other?
February 21st, 2009 at 3:23 am
good list
February 21st, 2009 at 3:25 am
What about Altered States 1980
February 21st, 2009 at 3:53 am
Nothing big, but, Why is the picture for Predator a screen shot from AVP?
TMX: They both have the same feel to me. “Ooh, Weird dreams!”, was the impression I got from the directors cut. Not entirely impressed. I personally don’t feel that there really is any “Need to watch first” version of Blade Runner.
February 21st, 2009 at 3:58 am
Nice list.
A lot of thought and great commentary.
And let’s not forget the classic ‘V’ …
February 21st, 2009 at 3:59 am
Iceman is a movie about a pre historic guy encased in ice with Timothy Hutton as the main scientist. The pic you’ve got here looks like Ice-Man of the X-Men.
February 21st, 2009 at 4:01 am
@13 I noticed that too.
Aside from the picture for predator this list was pretty damn good. I absolutely love old sci movies/books.
Also, TMX, I enjoyed the directors cut a bit more than the edited edition. Some parts are a bit slower and drawn out, but I feel that it complimented the movie more than it hindered it.
@ List write (STL MO) that reminds me, I have a new episode of Battlestar Galactica on DVR to watch right now!
February 21st, 2009 at 4:06 am
Aliens gave me nightmares for months. O_O
February 21st, 2009 at 4:25 am
Men in Black? Made me laugh…
February 21st, 2009 at 4:55 am
Great list. Glad to see someone else appreciates The Abyss. I’m adding The Quiet Earth and the Element of Crime to my watch list.
February 21st, 2009 at 4:59 am
the Quiet Earth is a brilliant film – we have featured it on the site before. Not enough people are familiar with it – it has an eerie dark feel to it and it is fantastic. If you only watch one film from this list that you haven’t seen before, make it the Quiet Earth.
February 21st, 2009 at 5:23 am
What about “Master of time”?
One of the better anime movies.
Based on Moebius
February 21st, 2009 at 5:29 am
Great List. Can’t really fault it (except for ET’s inclusion- can’t stand that film). But Soofie- Men in Black is a late 90’s film. Probably why it wasn’t included in an 80’s list. Duh.
February 21st, 2009 at 5:32 am
Oh, yeah, and Final Countdown was the bomb yo. I couldn’t believe it when they put it out on DVD a couple years back. Almost didn’t get one ’cause Circuit City only got one in stock for the whole store.
February 21st, 2009 at 5:40 am
would like to have seen the fly on there and definitely the thing(one of the most underrated films ever!)
February 21st, 2009 at 5:43 am
Oh, and Jfrater, don’t read Amazon’s review of Quiet Earth. Or DO read it and argue it so I can decide if I want to buy it!
February 21st, 2009 at 5:44 am
Hi, all. I didn’t movies such as the Indiana Jones trilogy because they’re fantasy, not sci-fi. When I get to the 2000s, the LOTR movies won’t appear for the same reason.
Burgerbuddy – Yep, “V” was a great TV miniseries.
Dark – Read my explanation about ET as to why it’s not #1. And I didn’t include RTOJ because 1) I limited myself to only one Trek and one Star Wars film and 2) I’m one of those people who has a problem with the whole “cute-and-cuddly-Ewoks-defeat-the-Empire” plot.
jFrater – thanks for putting this up! A lot of super lists lately.
February 21st, 2009 at 5:51 am
I would have placed ALIENS much higher, but cool list.
I didn’t see some of these movies, I’ll add them to my “movies to watch” list.
February 21st, 2009 at 5:56 am
I’ve not seen all of ET, but I feel the same as the list author. I kind of resent it because I’m supposed to like it.
February 21st, 2009 at 5:57 am
I watched Aliens a few months ago. I don’t see the fuss tbh, and the vent-chase sequence was a lot tenser when i was a kid.
February 21st, 2009 at 6:12 am
Great List! I think I’ll have to go look for “The Quiet Earth” now, and see what all of the fuss is about.
February 21st, 2009 at 6:22 am
A pretty good list. It should be only ten movies because then we can get to the cream of the crop. Agree with Blade Runner and Terminator – great movies.
I thought we would see Enemy Mine, Flight Of The Navigator, Dune, Tron or Brother From Another Planet on here somewhere – all very influential movies.
As for classifying Star Wars as SF, that’s debatable, I have always thought of it as a space opera – but all good I love the movies.
And Frater – we wanna see Dutch and the Predator toe to toe for number 20, not the lame photo that is there now!
February 21st, 2009 at 6:47 am
Hm….i guess i have a ton of movies to add to my list of movies i haven’t watched. I haven’t seen Predator, Element of Crime, Final Countdown, Venus Wars, Quiet Earth, 2010, Cocoon, Aliens, Robocop, Nausicca, Iceman, Terminator, Bladerunner, or Akira. I saw the others though! Geez, my list just gets longer, and longer and longer. *sigh*
*runs and hides from the LVers who are gonna blast me for not seeing certain movies on this list*
February 21st, 2009 at 7:22 am
Sandra – na. That’s one of the fun things about this site: you learn about things you didn’t know before.
February 21st, 2009 at 7:41 am
Back to the future is such a funny film. The funniest parts for me is the scenes involving Biff and George Mcfly.
February 21st, 2009 at 7:43 am
Excellent list! I think your top 10 choices are pretty solid, cream of the crop without a doubt… except for that Iceman movie (Icewho?
); but if you say it’s that good, then I’ll consider it for a future viewing.
As for the rest, there are a few I hadn’t heard of, but they sound pretty interesting. Very nice job!!
February 21st, 2009 at 7:54 am
edit to what i haven’t seen: i did see Predator. When i was doing my comment, i was thinking of Aliens. Whoops. My bad!I just woke up, forgive me.
STL Mo: That is the great thing about LV isn’t it? Nice job on the list by the way!
February 21st, 2009 at 7:56 am
OK going to be nitpicky.
The pic for Predator is from one of its crappy sequals, not the original featuring the govornator.
Star wars not SF? Before Star Wars, Sci Fi was guys in monkey suits. =/
February 21st, 2009 at 7:59 am
What about Scanners? That movie made my head explode!
February 21st, 2009 at 8:03 am
Putting Akira at number 2 took some courage, but it certainly deserves it.
February 21st, 2009 at 8:10 am
Nice list
# 16 The Quiet Earth stands out a wee bit I thought it was very good.
# 20 The Predator – I agree with you 100% on the line ” I aint got time to bleed.
It reminds me of some great movie sayings ” Go ahead and make my day ” – Clint Eastwood. Just thinking this could make a good top 10 list for L.S.
Thanks STL Mo
February 21st, 2009 at 8:20 am
I can’t tell whether it’s awesome or really sad that I’ve seen most of these…and um…what about The Matrix? Or does that only count as an action film?
February 21st, 2009 at 8:26 am
Oh Becca bless you. You must take the time to read the title again.
Every time a stupid comment is made on ListVerse, a retarded angel gets his wings…
February 21st, 2009 at 8:30 am
blegh. less lists about movies.
February 21st, 2009 at 8:34 am
i was not born that time!
February 21st, 2009 at 8:40 am
@#38 It’s greatest science fiction of the 80’s =D
February 21st, 2009 at 8:40 am
The Thing shouldn’t even be a “notable omission”. You’re out of your mind not even putting it on the list.
It should have replaced Ghostbusters (great movie, but it’s much more supernatural than sci-fi).
February 21st, 2009 at 8:42 am
WOAHH! This list had made me both extremely exited to see the movies I have yet to see as well as making me throw up a little bit in my mouth. ET as one of the top greatest 80s science fiction movies? The only good thing in that movie is the line “Penis breath.”
February 21st, 2009 at 8:44 am
KKKKHHHHAAAAAAAANNNNNNN!!!!
February 21st, 2009 at 8:45 am
i would classify indiana jones as historical fiction/action….the newest counts as science fiction, but that’s clearly not the 80s
February 21st, 2009 at 8:47 am
O ya JF make a top great death metal bands list. It would probably make piss acid out of excitement. (which would be totally metal!)
February 21st, 2009 at 8:53 am
I think the movie Predator is the only one containing two future governors. Three if Carl Weathers gets off his ass.
February 21st, 2009 at 8:59 am
“Every time a stupid comment is made on ListVerse, a retarded angel gets his wings…”
LMAO!
Mentioning a sci fi film not released in the 80s is forgivable if its only one or two years out, but come on, The Matrix? That came out in ‘99 for God’s sake! Jesus!
February 21st, 2009 at 9:09 am
How dare you even acknowledge or humor the idea that the Scary/Not Another/Epic Movies even come close to a Mel Brooks movie. It should be so axiomatic that its not worth bringing up.
February 21st, 2009 at 9:21 am
TMX: I have seen both versions of Blade Runner and the director’s cut is better IMHO. Both are entertaining in their way (and you don’t have to see one to appreciate the other), but Director’s Cut makes it more sci-fi than sci-fi noir. And the ‘weird dreams’ someone mentioned cause you to think about who’s who and what defines reality–what is actually around you, what someone tells you is around you, or what your perception of what’s around you is. Go with DC and you shouldnt’ be disappointed.
February 21st, 2009 at 9:25 am
I would put Aliens higher, much higher. Love that movie, but that is my personal opinion. Otherwise I like this list a lot. I always forget what a good decade the 80’s were for action, scifi, and horror. Thanks for reminding me and giving me some movies to hunt down for the rest of the weekend. I’m thinking Predator and Halloween…
February 21st, 2009 at 9:48 am
ok, Jfrater, I like how most of the list was put together, but TESB at one? I can’t agree with that! I watched it, thinking it would be a great follow up to ANH, but was slightly disappointed. I found Lucas’ focus on Han and Leia rather dry and drawn out… Then I hated the cliff hanger. Not to say it is a bad movie, but I think Blade Runner, Akira, or one of your omissions, such as Tron would have a more deserved place there, especially since Star Wars is so often put at the top of these kinds of lists…
February 21st, 2009 at 9:50 am
I’m going to have to argue with the placement of aliens also. it is a much better movie than any of the 10 – 4 movies, with the possible exception of Ghostbusters. but that’s comparing apples to oranges. Aliens is hands down one of the best scifi movies ever made and should have been 4 or higher. Just my opinion though.
February 21st, 2009 at 9:53 am
i thought these where proper lists not ones that someone likes them selves
listverse is goin down da shitter
February 21st, 2009 at 9:53 am
Nice, all of my favorites included. Little quibble, the pictures do not do the list justice at all.
One more notable omission: Battle Beyond the Stars with Robert Vaughn and John Boy Walton. Lots of cheesy fun
February 21st, 2009 at 9:53 am
How come: 1) some people don’t read introductions and 2) some people automatically assume every list is JFrater’s work?
February 21st, 2009 at 9:56 am
STL Mo, sory if I made you mad or something. I don’t really check to see who the make of the list is, so I guess my bad. But JFrater does select the lists that get published, so…
February 21st, 2009 at 10:01 am
Its too bad to see 2010 in this list…
I was talking with some friends a while ago about it. After 2001 (a movie wich stands tall enough in the philosophical pulpit to replace the bible) the producers destroy the sequel by having a stupid stereotypical cowboy as protagonist and totally centering the pseudo epic narrative on him. Reagan times…
The script is laughable (or cryable) at times, specially when compared to the deepness of it’s predecessor, and it’s political pretention sounds really pathetic.
God acting from younger Helen Mirren as a russian astronaut, though.
February 21st, 2009 at 10:10 am
Alright, frankly, I’m quite tired of all these science fiction lists. We get it, whoever’s writing these is obsessed with sci-fi but it’s too much man. Every darn decade, contemporize man.. Focus on another genre or something, innovate man…
February 21st, 2009 at 10:22 am
well done STL Mo excellent list even if I agree with vitually none of it (Predator 20th and The Thing not even included? How could you?) I especially liked your comments and resume of each film. I must try The Quiet Earth
February 21st, 2009 at 10:27 am
the iceman pic is not the iceman described.
and, i could be wrong but the predator pic may not be from the first film
to- 48. paradoxo: The Curse of Pedator!
February 21st, 2009 at 10:29 am
STL Mo, haha Akira is the greatest! I bet you half of the people in this site have no idea what Akira is, sadly they are missing out.
February 21st, 2009 at 10:33 am
diogenes The Curse of Pedator! that would be a killer Foot?
February 21st, 2009 at 10:57 am
Forgot The Last Starfighter! One of the best (and funniest) sci-fi films.
…just as funny as Spaceballs (“How many assholes do we have on this ship?” – “Keep firing, assholes!”)
ET, Aliens and the Abyss should be higher on the list though.
February 21st, 2009 at 11:12 am
You should insert ‘Close encounter of the third kind’ by Steven Speilberg. It was awesome!
February 21st, 2009 at 11:14 am
The Abyss and Empire Strikes Back are two of the best movies ever made!!! Great List!
February 21st, 2009 at 11:46 am
this one disappoints me. but thanks for Ghostbusters.
February 21st, 2009 at 11:53 am
Excellent list. I’m a great fan of this kind of material, and have seen almost all these flicks. Must check out the ones I missed. Like the author said; you learn something everyday.
Comments: There are now three bladerunner films – the third being the ‘final cut’ I think? I haven’t watched this final(?) edit yet but I’m sure it moves closer to the directors vision. Rococop 2 is better IMHO. Preditor 2 is also a surprisingly good movie. I also agree with the omissions, although I wish b-movies such as Flight of the Navigator and Last Starfighter were being made today – instead of insane CGI blockbusters. The Wrath of Kahn is indeed my all time fav space epic outside Empire.
Omissions: It may be fantesy to place movies such as Batman (the original) as Sci-FI, but if you can, then how about Highlander. One you definitely CAN place as Sci-Fi is the very little praised but highly philosophical ‘They Live’ – would recommend highly – in the fight sequence they really do kick the bejesus out of each other – for real.
Final thoughts: JFrater – love top 20 lists; they give more scope and variety, with less “oh, you forget…” comments. There is also potential to put the first 10 on the site first so folks can guess the top 10. Well done STL MO.
February 21st, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Not bad but missing two of the best – John Carpenter’s The Thing is far better than many on this list. I would scrap Ghostbusters (loved the movie, but more comedy than anything else), or 2010 (pales in comparison to the original).
Also where is Snake Pliskin? Sorry I have a lingering fondness for Escape from New York. Maybe it’s just me.
Personally I prefer Bladerunner without the narration. It skews the point of the movie imo.
February 21st, 2009 at 12:16 pm
no, no, no, no, no…
“The Creature from the Black Lagoon” is the greatest Sci-Fi movie…
unless you listed it in “Greatest Love Stories”!
February 21st, 2009 at 12:29 pm
@ Mom424: You are right…forgot about The Thing. Recently got that movie from Netflix. I forgot how scary that movie really was! My daughter and I watched it and screamed out loud about a dozen times. First time I have ever done that!
February 21st, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Isnt the picture for Predator, from one of the scenes in alien vs predator wen the old guy get killed? Anyways love the alien n predator film. shame costumes for them arent cheaper.
February 21st, 2009 at 12:32 pm
excellent list! I was tickled pink to see “The Abyss” on here… it is one of my all-time favorite movies… i can watch it again & again & again.
I must join NetFlix and get Akira & Quiet Earth.
watching Blood: The Last Vampire scared the bejesus out of me… i literally did not want to walk the dogs under trees that evening…
February 21st, 2009 at 12:46 pm
Nice list. Blade Runner (w/o voiceover) is a favorite of mine, Sci-Fi or otherwise. Thought Outland (1981) w/ Sean Connery might show up, but no.
February 21st, 2009 at 1:16 pm
i was pulling for “empire” all the way, it may not be as deep and artistic, but is without a doubt the best sci fi movie of the 80¨s.
And im still saying WTF!!! with “The Quiet Earth” was he on another planet?? another dimension??, were those nuclear explosion clouds?? seriously WTF!!!.
And kuddos for spaceballs!! i love that movie, one of my favorites funny quotes is:
Dark Helmet: Before you die there is something you should know about us, Lone Star.
Lone Starr: What?
Dark Helmet: I am your father’s brother’s nephew’s cousin’s former roommate.
Lone Starr: What’s that make us?
Dark Helmet: Absolutely nothing! Which is what you are about to become.
So damn funny!.
February 21st, 2009 at 1:37 pm
KHAAAAAAAAN!
February 21st, 2009 at 2:14 pm
“The Quiet Earth” can be seen on youtube. It sucks. You s/have replaced it with “Night of the Comet.” That was a cross between TQE and “Valley Girl.” Quite a combination, but very entertaining.
February 21st, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Lifeschool: I completely forgot about Highlander! It might not be what one would call a high quality film… but it is definitely entertaining. I recently found out that Chris Lambert actually barely spoke english when he made Highlander. He was born in the US but moved abroad at a very young age and spoke primarily French.
February 21st, 2009 at 3:12 pm
69. Lifeschool: Holy crap, the fight scene from They Live. It was awesome, then it was too long, then it was so long it was awesome again. Plus: “I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass… and I’m all out of bubblegum.” You just can’t argue with that.
I’m on the bandwagon with the “where’s The Thing?” people. Glaring omission, unless someone is building a best horror of the eighties list and couldn’t part with it.
I saw Cocoon at the drive in as a kid. Just sayin… that is something that happened once. I wasn’t really paying attention to it at the time, because I was about four years old, but I still count it as seeing it.
February 21st, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Would you consider Highlander?
February 21st, 2009 at 4:00 pm
to 64. PT: RRRrrrrrr! I hate it when that happens.
get it “r”/ aarrgh!?
funny stuff
luv that reply of yours.
yeh, just because whiner’s whined Spacebullocks! Spacebullocks! Where’s spacebullocks in the other list? Doesn’t mean you should cave.
Now I think you will get the otherside of the whiner’s pole- complaints for having it where it is.
oh well, such is the nature of these things.
February 21st, 2009 at 4:19 pm
It doesn’t deserve to be on this list, but people should watch it all the same… it’s friggin’ hilarious! um, maybe not on purpose though.
Earth Girls Are Easy… trashy valley girl meets hairy, horny aliens flick, staring Geena Davis, Jeff Goldblum and Jim Carrey.
February 21st, 2009 at 4:25 pm
Glad to see Robocop!
February 21st, 2009 at 5:10 pm
39. Wally
Every time a stupid comment is made on ListVerse, a retarded angel gets his wings…
Shouldn’t that be “a retarted angel…”? After all, this IS ListVerse!
February 21st, 2009 at 5:57 pm
Superb List: I definitely agree Aliens should have been higher up the list – and the AVP still for Predator is horribly wrong – agree w/- Wally (#28) – “Dutch toe-to-toe with the Predator” would have ben better.
Also, for sheer cleverness: The final Countdown should have been more highly ranked.
MorbidAngel7 – (and others) – absolutely spot on, “The Thing” definitely needs a place here; one of the best – certainly in place of (possibly 2010) Ghostbusters: Brilliantly funny flick, but a comedy-horror andd not a Sci-Fi.
Comments on other inclusions:
BLADE RUNNER – despised the book (lost me when he woke up and spent five minutes trying to decide which “Mood Pill” he wanted to take for that day – . The movies were better (but corny) and yes, the Director’s Cut (as is generally the rule) was the better of the two.
THE QUIET EARTH- brilliant and eminently watchable – if not a little more than confronting and disturbing.
AKIRA – now on my “Must See” list
Finally: Becca (#38) The Matrix was released in 1999 – and so, doesn’t count
Mom424 – Does Escape From NY count here? I know it’s post-apocalyptic, but I would have thought it was more of an
“adventure/action” as opposed to Sci-Fi
February 21st, 2009 at 6:06 pm
Good list overall, thanks for that.
What about Night of the Comet? Anyone? Anyone?
**crickets chirp**
February 21st, 2009 at 6:44 pm
I firmly believe that The Fly deserved a real spot on this list, not just honorable mention.
February 21st, 2009 at 7:38 pm
HOLY SHIT, lettin retardes make the list now, Aliens at 11?????? come on
February 21st, 2009 at 8:04 pm
Is that like retards with an accent?
February 21st, 2009 at 8:04 pm
Directed at Navik
February 21st, 2009 at 9:20 pm
WOW what a decade for SF movies. Not as much for the films that did make the list as the quality that didn’t. This may have been the best decade ever for SF in cinema.
While I could quibble about a few of the films on here and placings of others (TESB #1 ???) I say Well Done STL Mo. And glad to see a SF list that is not full of fantasy or straight out Horror.
Another one that could well have been on the list is Brazil, the Terry Gilliam Masterpiece.
Cheers
Lee
February 21st, 2009 at 10:39 pm
Love the list (and all the others).
Hate the popups however…
thanks.
February 21st, 2009 at 10:46 pm
Awesome! Most people tend to ignore anime when talking about movie genres, and the fact that the OP didn’t makes me happy.
I do have to say though, the exception of “The Road Warrior” is a very poor exception. C’mon, it inspired one of the best sci-fi/post-apocalyptic game series ever!
February 21st, 2009 at 10:53 pm
@43, oh yeah, how could I forget The Thing? I agree, put it somewhere on the list, replace maybe predator or something.
February 21st, 2009 at 11:40 pm
How dare thee, mailedbypostman? Predator is my all time favorite movie, ever since i was a kid! The pacing is awesome, the acting is quite good for a bunch of testosterone fueled meatheads, the special effects were incredible for their time (cloaking for fuck’s sake!) and had great one liners (like when Ahnold kicks in the hut door at the guirrilla camp and says “Ka-nock-ka-nock!” Priceless. I weep that the Predator has fallen so far…even number 2 sucked.
Anyway great list and The Thing definately should’ve been on here.
Akira is amazing, boggles my mind that so many people have never seen it.
February 21st, 2009 at 11:50 pm
This is one of the best lists I have seen here by far, I am really glad to see some anime on here, especially Akira. I’ve been meaning to watch Blade Runner and I think it will now go on the top of my priority list, along with some of these others.
February 22nd, 2009 at 12:09 am
where is THE LAST STARFIGHTER? it sported 3d computer graphics never seen before
February 22nd, 2009 at 12:42 am
What about “The close encounters” this movie was all about the eighties.
February 22nd, 2009 at 2:19 am
Great list. I thought Robocop was rubbish though! I would replace it with close encounters. Awesome movie, and suprisingly not-dated as with most SF.
I am a bit of a philistine, and prefer Jedi to Empire (everyone disagrees with me though). If only they had modern fight choreography in the 80’s, however the prequels paled compared to original 3. Maybe its because I used to love them sooo much as a kid, and seeing the new films as an adult, it was inevitable I would be disappointed.
I haven’t seen Akira, but I will definitely check it out
February 22nd, 2009 at 3:52 am
umm…close encounters was made in 1977.
not a huge fan of the list, but that’s purely subjective.
February 22nd, 2009 at 5:33 am
oops ‘77! forget that then. It would have to Masters Of The Universe….. kidding… Starman
February 22nd, 2009 at 6:20 am
another disappointing list. way to go, listverse.
February 22nd, 2009 at 8:11 am
I prefer Blade Runner without the narration. I think narration is a cheesy way to explain what is going on in a movie.
The movie posters for The Quiet Earth, had me expecting something entirely different. I did enjoy it though.
February 22nd, 2009 at 8:12 am
Which list have you written for this site bobblegum? It best be good…
February 22nd, 2009 at 8:20 am
BTW…I watched The Quite Earth last night. Great movie.
February 22nd, 2009 at 1:32 pm
I would have enjoyed to see ‘Brazil’ by Terry Gilliam on this list. It is regarded as not only one of the greatest sci-fi films, but one of the greatest films.
February 22nd, 2009 at 1:35 pm
’soofie’, ‘Men In Black’ was made in the 1990’s.
February 22nd, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Terminator should be number one. The implications of time travel lead to many deep thoughts.
February 22nd, 2009 at 2:07 pm
I was inspired by this list to watch The Abyss last night. I figured, I love 80’s scifi, what could go wrong? And I was not disappointed
Not at Aliens level, but pretty darn enjoyable. And imagine my happiness at running into an 80’s action scifi icon, Michael Biehn! His career never really blew up, but The Terminator, Aliens, and The Abyss is a respectable resume all on its own.
February 22nd, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Akira is Phenomenal and i am hoping they touch it up and release it on blu ray, my video is starting to very stretched.
February 22nd, 2009 at 3:22 pm
Brazil, The Fly and The Thing apart from missing them good list. I would put Blade Runner first though.
February 22nd, 2009 at 4:10 pm
What about Mac and Me? Now there is a kick ass movie!
February 22nd, 2009 at 4:55 pm
I felt the same about ET until I was told that Spielbergs brief to the production designers was to take inspiration from ‘Bambi’ and ‘Night of the Hunter’. There after I was able to make a connection to the film independant of the hype, and guess what? its a very good movie.
February 22nd, 2009 at 5:35 pm
aliens is one of the best scifi movies ever. should be higher than 11th. ghostbusters was hilarious and i still have to see back to the future
February 22nd, 2009 at 6:06 pm
I will probably raise a fuss and a holler – (excuse the Summertime Blues lyrics) -
I’m sorry, but in no way, shape or form should Anime and Science Fiction ever be mentioned in the same sentence let alone on a list of any kind.
Except for the Anime mentions, Kudos for a decent list. I agree with the commentors who mentioned “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” – “Enemy Mine” – “The Last Starfighter” – and “Starman.”
February 22nd, 2009 at 7:27 pm
I’ve not seen many from this list, but I can say that they’re good, if I can trust you. Enemy Mine and The Fly should at least be mentioned.
February 22nd, 2009 at 7:54 pm
Watched Robocop 1 and 2 back to back tonight – still great and not as dated as you may imagine! Hope Robo2 gets on the 1990’s list – along with Terminator 2 and eXistenZ.
February 22nd, 2009 at 10:36 pm
empire is the best sci-fi ever. terminator should be no 2. KAAAAAAAAHHHHHHNNNNNNNN!!!!
February 22nd, 2009 at 11:23 pm
Where’s “Bridges of Madison County”?
Haha. Just kidding.
Brilliant list STL Mo. You’ve given me some good additions to my “to-watch” list.
I also enjoyed your commentary on each movie. Very informative list and keep up the great work.
February 23rd, 2009 at 4:51 am
great list! now i’m off to tpb
February 23rd, 2009 at 5:44 am
Hale McKay – why can’t/shouldn’t anime and sci-fi be mixed? The anime I chose are certainly within the realm of sci-fi. The medium is different than live action, but they fit the bill as sci-fi just the same. Just curious why you think that way.
February 23rd, 2009 at 7:04 am
What about Critters? Gremlins? Batteries not included*? Flight of the navigator (with young Sarah Jessica Parker when she was still sexy)?
I think that these films are more influential than E.T. to be even mentioned. Especially Mad max: the road warrior, which I think should be in the list.
February 23rd, 2009 at 8:02 am
There’s some problems here.
A) “Final Countdown” is a godawful movie. It does NOT belong here.
B) Especially considering the fact that several movies were left off the list that would have made better choices than “Final Countdown.” Such as: Tron; Wargames; Electric Dreams; The Last Starfighter; Escape from New York; The Running Man; Dark Crystal; 1984 (!); Brazil (!!!); Enemy Mine; Time Bandits; Somewhere in Time; and the aforementioned The Fly. Leaving off some of these, in favor of “Final Countdown” and some lousy anime films is RIDICULOUS. C’mon STL Mo… get with the freakin’ program.
C) Are you HONESTLY saying that “The Empire Strikes Back” was better than BLADE RUNNER? And why was “The Quiet Earth” placed so low in the rankings?
No, look… this list smacks of LACK OF RESEARCH, an all too typical flaw that a lot of lists submitted by readers have had lately. This has to stop, kids.
If you’re going to write a list authoritatively about a subject, then DELVE into that subject and get the facts straight. Sure, not everybody has time to see every movie there ever was (I happen to have seen all of these except for a couple of the anime selections, but then I’m exceptionally bright and an exceptional cinephile) but then one should check out the critical consensus on certain films to determine if they belong. Leaving off “Brazil” and “1984″ was unforgivable; leaving off a few others I mentioned is nearly so.
February 23rd, 2009 at 8:11 am
jfrater:
I remember when “The Quiet Earth” came out. I was in college, and so lived, at the time, in a hip college town witha few art-theaters scattered here and there. And I still remember, one day, walking past a marquee, and seeing the poster for “The Quiet Earth,” with the image of Saturn (if in fact Saturn it’s supposed to be) hanging in the sky, above a beach…
Sadly, the film only played for about a week. And I missed it.
I was intrigued from there on, though. But this was 1985, and while VHS was big then (I bought my first VCR that year in fact) it was decidedly NOT easy to find obscure films on VHS. And so, naturally, finding “The Quiet Earth” proved difficult. When I finally got to see it (several years later) it was a disappointment to me. I thought it was kinda pedestrian, really—it reminded me of several post-apocalyptic films like “Five” and “The World, The Flesh, and the Devil” (it is, in fact, a lot like these)–not a bad thing, but I was hoping for something more mind-blowing. The concept was different, of course–it wasn’t about nuclear annihilation–and the ending was intriguing enough–but I felt the film didn’t really explore the bizarro concepts underlying it enough.
I still think that… but years later I took a look at it again and liked it more. I still find it lacking in some ways–but it was a good, small film that I don’t mind going back to every few years. Certainly it deserved a higher spot on this list than “Cocoon” and “Robocop.”
February 23rd, 2009 at 8:29 am
Wow! I own all of those movies Randall named! I agree with you 100%. My favorite is still The Last Starfighter but a close second is Enemy Mine. I actually have the books for each and I got to say the book for Enemy Mine is a fantastic read and better than the movie.
February 23rd, 2009 at 8:33 am
You know, when Randall swoops in and slams something… I know it’s a good list.
February 23rd, 2009 at 8:50 am
Great list – brougfht back lots of memories.
I love that Nausicaa is on this list. I have watched it over 100 times and still love it. It was one of those movies that then got me into the other stuff from Studio Ghibli.
Subsequently, I have collected and watched everything there is from them. Notable among them is “Laputa” or “Castle in the Sky”.
Great list – keep up the good work!
February 23rd, 2009 at 8:53 am
STL Mo:
Uh, no, STL, not really. If I were you, I’d take my criticisms in consideration. You ignored a LOT of decent and even great films for a few choices that were… pretty lousy.
February 23rd, 2009 at 8:58 am
Randall,
I always like reading your comments. They are as informative as the list they slam/comment on.
Now, I need to really search for “The Quiet Earth”. Too much hype already.
February 23rd, 2009 at 9:01 am
Something else, Randall:
I’ll have you know that I spend a lot of time on this list, rewatched some movies, read many reviews, added some films, deleted others, added some back in, and changed around the order several times.
Because you don’t like something on this (or any other) list or something is left off that you think should be there, you declare it’s because of a “LACK OF RESEARCH.”
A more reasonable, more humble person would say “hey, nice job, But I have a much different opinion though. What about…?” And we could have a nice, vigorous debate/discussion about my choices.
But no, if something doesn’t fit with Randall’s Way (TM), then you HAVE to offend that person, HAVE to put that person down, declare his stuff has a “LACK OF RESEARCH” and that he has to “get with the program.”
That, sir, makes you the south end of a north-bound horse.
Cheers!
February 23rd, 2009 at 9:39 am
STL Mo:
Hey, sorry to offend, but it drives me up a wall when someone offers up their idea of the “TOP 20 or TOP 10″ of something and it turns out they’ve left off some very obvious selections.
You’ve in a sense made my point for me. Because you said that you “rewatched some movies, read reviews,” etc., in order to defend the list you ended up producing–and yet still, you left off at least two or three films (and in fact more) that are generally regarded to have a higher value, by most critics, than several of the choices you ended up offering us. Okay, some of this is subjective, I grant you. But subjectivity can’t excuse everything. The point is that if you’re going to write a list of “the Top 20″ of something, it shouldn’t be limited to YOUR own opinion–your own likes and dislikes shouldn’t determine solely what’s on there. But I get the sense that in the end that was your criteria here.
“My Favorite Eighties Sci-Fi Films” is a different list entirely from “Top 20 Greatest Sci Fi Films of the Eighties.” The former, you say whatever the hell you want, pick what you want, back up your choices, and you’re done. The latter–well, I personally would expect more of an approach that was heavily research oriented, and more based on the merits of a film critically than one’s own personal preferences.
And again, sorry, but I have to judge that you leaned far more in the direction of slapping together the films you liked, rather than in the direction of critical merit, because of the choices you made.
You write pretty well, STL Mo, I’ll give you that. Hopefully this’ll assuage your feelings, because I honestly didn’t mean to hurt them. But neither is this about MY ego, either. I never said you had to go by MY list–but when there’s a pool of options to choose from, and someone picks, say, all the popular stuff and ignores the less-known, but critically-lauded stuff—-well, it makes for a far less eclectic and a far less credible list.
February 23rd, 2009 at 9:42 am
STL Mo:
Also, I was speaking of OTHER lists, lately, that were poorly-researched. Perhaps you didn’t write those–I didn’t look back to check. But I was speaking generally, I wasn’t zeroing in on you, solely. Sorry if I made it seem that way.
February 23rd, 2009 at 11:39 am
This is an awesome list!
Being a born in the early 1980’s majority of these movies hold a special place with me. Ghostbusters and Back to the Future are probably the two most enjoyable movies I have ever seen. I could watch those again and again and never get sick of them. True all-time classics.
The Empire Strikes Back is deserving of the #1 spot. Out of all the Star Wars movies that is only one that has an above average script and truly compelling story. Luke and Darth Vaders first confrontation are epic.
I totally remember that scene in Aliens that you are talking about. It freaked me out too. My heart was pounding and I was starting to twitch. Big props for including Predator. I was not sure if it would make the list. Out of all the over the top cheesy action movies of the 1980’s, Predator truly stands out as something original, interesting, and action-packed. Arnold’s finest work (next to Terminator ofcourse)
Robocop is noteworthy too. And yeah its full of violence, but anyone who knows anything about Paul Verhoven movies should know that violence, over the top plots, cheesy lines, and pointless nudity are simply the name of the game. Total Recall deserves a mention too.
February 23rd, 2009 at 11:55 am
STL Mo, I assume that you live in St. Louis MO. As a Kansas City Royals fan I can’t hold this against you, however, The fact the Robocop is ahead of Aliens and E.T. is crazy to me. I realize E.T. is clearly not everyones favorite, but, I than wonder how old the commentors are who say this. That movie was such a large part of kids of my generations childhoods, I admit I must sound biased but it is a classic that surely regards more love than Robocop.
February 23rd, 2009 at 11:55 am
STL Mo, I assume that you live in St. Louis MO. As a Kansas City Royals fan I can’t hold this against you, however, The fact the Robocop is ahead of Aliens and E.T. is crazy to me. I realize E.T. is clearly not everyones favorite, but, I than wonder how old the commentors are who say this. That movie was such a large part of kids of my generations childhoods, I admit I must sound biased but it is a classic that surely regards more love than Robocop.
February 23rd, 2009 at 11:55 am
STL Mo, I assume that you live in St. Louis MO. As a Kansas City Royals fan I can’t hold this against you, however, The fact the Robocop is ahead of Aliens and E.T. is crazy to me. I realize E.T. is clearly not everyones favorite, but, I than wonder how old the commentors are who say this. That movie was such a large part of kids of my generations childhoods, I admit I must sound biased but it is a classic that surely regards more love than Robocop.
February 23rd, 2009 at 12:00 pm
some great films on here.
I’ve seen most of them.
good choice for number 1
February 23rd, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Randall – Apology accepted. Just be careful to target your wrath more specifically.
For what it’s worth, my title as submitted to Jamie was “20 Great”, not “20 Greatest.” (If I’m mistaken, Jfrater, my apologies.) It was supopsed to be “Great” because I know — expected — other people to have different opinions. For example, if you look at 20 movie reviewers’ “best of” lists from a certain year or genre, you’ll have 20 different lists.
Also, if you read more closely, you’ll notice that I didn’t automatically go with popular movies. Some were duds when released but picked up a cult following later. I almost left Wrath of Kahn, Predator and Robocop off the list in favor of some of the other ones, almost didn’t include Abyss, either. Probably in about a years’ worth of time I’d create an entirely different list of 80s flicks, because taste is sometimes fickle. My list for the 90s, under construction now, is more eclectic.
I stick by my placement of Empire, because of the imagination, timeless themes, music, quality, direction, acting (well, much of it — Carrie Fisher didn’t shout too many lines in this one) and story. Though, as I wrote, Akira, Blade Runner or Empire could be #1 IMHO.
And BTW, I appreciate your passion for careful research and avoidment of sloppy work. It’s an increasingly rare trait these days when getting by to get by seems to be the norm. Kudos.
February 23rd, 2009 at 12:20 pm
Hey, jayhawk! Yep, I’m from the Gateway City and LOVED seeing the Big Red in the Super Bowl (finally!).
I’m more than old enough to have seen ET in the theaters way back when, and feel more strongly about it.
What justifies (in my strange mind) Robocop being higher than Aliens was the exploration of what it means to be human. You have this gee-whiz film with bullets flying and perps dying, but right in the middle is a largely unexpected scene where Murphy goes to his house and struggles to recall what he is/was. There’s nothing quite like that in Aliens, as good as that movie is. Aliens is a pure adrenalin rush.
February 23rd, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Just to put in my 2 cents on the Blade Runner debate – the original should be ignored.
The longer scenes in the Directors Cut definitely added to the tone of the film, not to mention the final question of Deckard’s humanity. It is, in my opinion, the better version.
If the DC can’t stand on its own merits (without the comparison of the initial release) then it doesn’t deserve to be on this list.
February 23rd, 2009 at 12:48 pm
Good list although I’m wondering why The Thing is not on here. You just don’t like that movie or something?
Also the Predator and Aliens should be higher than some of these. Definitely higher than Robocop which I think only became popular because of the idea behind the movie was kinda cool. I watched it recently on TV and it really shows it’s age with it’s special effects and bad dialog. (I mean seriously, if our future was supposed to have shitty looking cars like they had in that movie we’re going to need a much bigger bailout to save the auto industry.)
I like Empire as #1 because I’m a SW fan too. The cliffhanger ending is part of what made this movie great and if your gonna open the door for a sequel, that’s how it should be done. Plus it is by far the best out of the series, although it would have been nice to see at least an honorable mention to Jedi.
Anyways, good job.
February 23rd, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Great list STL, it would make me a very happy individual if LV refuses to publish any list with Star Wars, Star Trek, Spielberg or Stephen King´s references in it, but I know I´m too ambitious.
Anyway, I really liked your selection and thought Heavy Metal would be there.
Other not-so-popular movies that I enjoyed were Altered States, Brainstorm, Dune and (yep) Flash Gordon.
February 23rd, 2009 at 1:25 pm
…and Mad Max 2 and Brazil.
February 23rd, 2009 at 2:36 pm
Does The Quiet Earth ever show on any of the American cable/satellite channels?
IFC’s the only one I ever see showing films of any note that aren’t on the main channels.
February 23rd, 2009 at 5:05 pm
Brazil definitely needs to be on this list.
February 23rd, 2009 at 8:03 pm
while there arnt too many sci fi movies i wont watch(open mind, yo)this list should be expanded to 30, adding such classics as tron, the thing(which scared the bejeezus outta me back in high school), highlander, etc..otherwise great list
February 24th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
Both “ET” AND “Cocoon” are over-rated sacks of cinematic crap, but I agree with everything.
“Is this true?”
“Yes, it’s true. This man has no…”
Yeah, that’s my favorite line too.
February 24th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
HAHAHAHA LOOK AT THE GHOSTBUSTERS PICTURE VERY CAREFULLY
does anybody else see Lando Calrisian?
February 25th, 2009 at 9:06 am
2010 is not a great movie…I would’ve for sure put the Thing on here instead.
February 26th, 2009 at 3:14 am
Maelstrom (150)
Close but no cigar.
Ray Parker Jr singer of the theme song. Picture apparently taken from filming of video for said.
Cheers
Lee
February 26th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
What about Back to the Future ???? In the not-polemical group of sci-fi movies it is as high as Star Wars in my list!
It shows a lot of space-time paradoxes, it’s very funny and has great music…like Van Halen in the walkman when Marty visits his dad xP.
“Travell back in time ….”
February 26th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
Okay Randall: I know you are “exceptional” but the truth and reality of it is this. As in everything, there are great films and there are bad films…..and 99% fall somewhere in between. Within that 99% people have tastes, inclinations, soft spots for any variety of reasons.
Quite generous and condescending of you to acknowledge subjectivity is a factor here. It isn’t (a) factor, it is (the) factor. Cinema is an almost entirely subjective form with a short history. You pronouncing yourself an authority is like a caveman, 80 years after the first cave artists, pronouncing himself an authority on art. Lighten up. The lister has tastes which aren’t yours….big deal. Leonard Malten’s movie guide isn’t scripture. And Randall’s ego becomes the crux of the discussion…….again.
February 27th, 2009 at 7:43 am
Cogitate:
Then all things are equal, aren’t they? Then tell me, “Cog,” how DOES one then go about judging what is worthwhile in art or pop culture, and what is not?
Mealy-mouthed a-holes like you drive me up a wall. It’s, “Ewww, let’s not criticize, someone’s FEELINGS might get hurt!” and, “everybody has the right to their opinion!”
Well no, firstly, they don’t. I’m sick to death of this attitude that far too many people have in this society of ours, that just because it’s a democracy, that means every moron with the power of speech ought to have equal time with everyone else. It’s bad enough when it happens in politics, but when it gets into culture, the arts, it’s just unbearable. You wanna like what you wanna like, be my guest—I don’t care if you refuse to watch anything else ever made except for every John Hughes movie from the 80s. THAT is your perogative. If it makes you happy, then bless your little heart. But when you then proceed to shoot off your mouth about how these are the greatest movies ever made and by god “St. Elmo’s Fire” is a work of GENIUS, and represent your opinion with an air of authority–then you deserve every goddamn slam you get, from me and from whoever else comes along.
Subjectivity is NOT the only factor. There are generally agreed upon standards of artistry, craftmanship and cultural impact that effect the status of a film, a book, a painting, etc. I’ll grant you, Sci-Fi movies are low on the cultural totem pole, usually. But that’s no excuse for getting one’s facts OR opinions twisted to the point where they make about zero sense. (Not that STL Mo did that badly, I’m just speaking to extremes here).
As for my ego, butthead, YOU are the one who brought that up. For me this isn’t about “ego.” Last I checked, no one on this site even knows who I am, and I don’t know who THEY are. The benefit to my ego, then, is kind of moot.
What astonishes me is that little twits like you nevertheless feel some compulsion to poke their heads up and jab at me from time to time. If you dislike what I have to say so much, then ignore me and don’t let me bug you. Enjoy your life–go for a walk, play with puppies, write a poem, bask in the sunlight—but stop feeling like you have to stand up and “correct” me because I happen to have standards that you don’t. You can just peddle that wishy-washy philosophy elsewhere.
February 27th, 2009 at 8:50 am
Okay “Ran”: You clearly have some anger, and some time on your hands. No, not all things are equal. Some people have higher standards for themselves than others have.
Having perused this site only a few times, I don’t pretend to know everything about it….but it strikes me as a site designed for the expression of thoughts and ideas, which ideally would then lend itself to the expression of other thoughts and ideas. A debate, as it were. Accepting this as the premise, you fail miserably in your style. You lose the “debate” every time you insult people who hold a different opinion than you. It’s low brow and poor form.
A debate (argument) can be won and lost in style as much as much as substance.
I have only a passing interest in sci-fi, and haven’t seen many of the films the lister……or others have included. Not interested.
What I do find interesting is people, their thoughts, ideas and their reactions and interactions with others. You are intriguing in your manner of expression, not unintelligent or uninformed, merely unpleasant.
As it happens, I haven’t the slightest concern for who may or may not have their “FEELINGS” hurt. It isn’t about feelings….it’s about the manner in which one conducts themself.
And sorry, yes, people are entitled to their opinions. Are they entitled to have their opinions respected? No. Are they entitled to expect a reasonable amount of civility? Yes.
When discussing film as an art form, subjectivity IS in fact the predominant factor. It is NOT on an equal par with literature or painting, as you insinuate….and each has different measures by which they are, and should be, judged. Film is young, sci fi is a small genre within the form……and as such, subjectivity is inherently predominant.
You further make the point that cultural impact is one of three standards by which art is judged. Okay. Good point. The cultural impact of a more POPULAR film is going to be greater than that of a more OBSCURE film. By this reasoning, your list, by your standards, would include more popular films. And yet you argue against this.
Lastly, knowing your audience personally, does NOT preclude one, and in point of fact, often allows one, to say and do anything they like. Things they wouldn’t do with people whom they know, or who are present. This is nearly universally true…..and so to argue that correcting/insulting/comparing oneself etc….is anything less than a self serving tactic that does indeed boost the ego of one inclined to indulge in this, is disingenous at best.
February 27th, 2009 at 9:55 am
I totally agree with changing the Predator photo. A pic of Arnold and the Predator would have been more fitting. I also know of a classic screen shot where Arnold and the rest of his team are in the jungle shooting at absolutely nothing lol. Even as a kid I thought “what a waste of bullets!”
The Akira picture should have had Kaneda and his motorcyle. Still the greatests and coolest looking piece of transportation ever conceived. When I win the lottery I am so paying Honda, Toyota, Ducati, Yamaha or whoever I have to build me that bike!
February 27th, 2009 at 10:28 am
Cogitate:
You know, if anyone is taking this too seriously here, it’s you. I made my peace with STL Mo, the writer of the list–yet you’re still nudging me about it, criticizing ME for being critical. Or, well… excuse me. You’re criticizing me for how I went about it, now. You don’t like my “style.”
I also hear this from time to time from some little precious type who thinks I should always conduct myself by debate-team rules.
Well I have a few things to say to you about this. One, you clearly haven’t read the site much or checked out most of my postings, because I frequently DO offer criticism and/or opinions in the “civil” tones you’re exhorting me to use. I usually employ the “insulting” tone when people have said remarkably idiotic things, or have displayed some kind of absurd arrogance and need to be taken down a peg or two. Or a dozen. But yes, at other times I’m very critical. What of it? If people can’t take it then they shouldn’t be posting their opinions in a public place.
But furthermore, “Cogitate,” in case you hadn’t noticed, this is NOT a debate society nor is it someone’s home or any other kind of ACTUAL social gathering. This is the internet. And further still, this is an entertainment/information site of the light variety, NOT an accredited academic online journal or some other heavyweight clearing house for the writings and opinions of those who are strictly scholars and professionals.
I have been a longtime contributor to this site, and this is not the first such site, in my over ten years on the net, that I have served as an advisor/authority/educator. At certain occasions and in certain capacities, I have been far more flat and matter-of-fact in my “tone” and approach–because it was appropriate for the venue. HERE, at this site, I wear a persona—I put on a character—for the purpose in part of entertainment, and in part for simply amusing *myself.* This is for the most part, as I said, an entertainment site, and I come here to entertain, stick my opinion in every now and then (opinions which, by the way, I am confident are well-informed and well-formulated) and, if the opportunity presents itself, to educate and inform. As I say, I in a sense play a character here. The thing is, most people “get” this, and the vast majority of them find it amusing. (ask around on the site). But every once in a while some humorless schoolmarm like you pops their head up and protests that my method of discourse is “improper,” and, inevitably, I get the old saw that I “lose the debate every time I employ insults.”
That might be true if this WERE an actual debate, Cogitate, with rules and a moderator and someone to say, “time’s up, the winner is declard to be so-and-so.” But this is the INTERNET, and this particular site is a free-for-all. You find out quickly when you get into scuffs with people here that THEY do not play by the rules YOU would like them to play by. The options, then, are three: you go away; you continue, endlessly, to “debate” in civil tones with no hope of getting anywhere with it–except, perhaps, in making some esoteric “point” in your favor as a civilized soul standing up to the “barbarian”; or you use wit and insults both crude and creative to at least score a victory of some kind, which often is the best that can be hoped for.
In point of fact, this silliness about “debating” in civil tones is a myth anyway. Yes, in scholarly journals and in debate societies one is expected to comport themselves thusly. But the long history of discourse shows us that many intellectual wits have employed insult both low and high to help make their point from time to time. At any rate, as I say—I wouldn’t expect to see or hear that in certain venues—but in THIS one? Why the hell not?
In short, “Cogitate,” you’re dead wrong, and you need to lighten up and realize that this kind of environment is NOT the same as one-on-one communication or discourse in a guided, enclosed, limited formulation, such as one would expect to see in, oh, say, a television news program.
Lastly, don’t presume to lecture me on the nature of film vs. other media and art forms. I possess advanced degrees in this shit, so you can take my word for it, I don’t need you to point out to me the obvious. Yes, film is a young medium, but the fact is that there is low, high, and midbrow in every art form, from literature to sculpture, and including film. That film is the most ephemeral and the most dissimilar from the others is true, but hardly relevant to the question of standard; we were not comparing sci-fi films here to sci-fi novels or any other kind of art. This was a discussion of merit WITHIN a single category of art–Film. Period.
Your arguments are flimsy and in fact you have no place to go with them. The bottom line is, you don’t like what I said and don’t like how I said it. Stop hiding behind pollyanna-ish pronouncements about “civil debate” and either counter the SUBSTANCE of my opinions, or shut up and go away.
February 27th, 2009 at 11:27 pm
Thank you!
February 28th, 2009 at 12:27 am
where is “the thing” on this list. i know it was a remake, but it was awesome and definitely beats out khan.
February 28th, 2009 at 7:54 am
It’s okay Randall, I accept you as you are.
I haven’t the remotest interest in carrying on with you in this manner. Nor do I suspect I’ll just “go away” as you’d like. I simply will choose to end this argument.
You expect others to respect your opinion because you say you “have advanced degrees in this shit.” Whether this is true is irrelevant. You conduct yourself in a boorish, bullying manner.
I have no such expectations. I too have advanced degrees…..though they are in “other shit.” Though MY degrees do give me strengths in certain areas….among which are the ability to ascertain who is, and who is not a lying bullshitter.
I have no hard feelings, and wish you well, despite your several insults. As I said earlier, you are a fascinating case.
March 2nd, 2009 at 7:11 am
Cogitate:
I couldn’t care less if you go away or not–I merely suggested you either address my OPINIONS, or shut up and go away. Since you seem to have nothing to say regarding said opinions and simply don’t like my conduct on this site, then yes, as far as I’m concerned, we’re done talking.
But one last thing—ALL of us with “advanced degrees” should have the critical thinking skills necessary to ascertain who is a “lying bullshitter.” I find it cute that you are, in this backhanded, soft-pedaled way, trying to imply that I am one.
But your own conduct here is also right out there for all to see–you clearly have nothing of any substance to say, but you simply took it upon yourself to pop up here to try to correct my “behavior.” I don’t know about anyone else, but I find that to be rather pathetic.
March 5th, 2009 at 8:28 am
Tron?
March 7th, 2009 at 2:26 am
Wow, this randall guy is right about The Final Countdown. That’s basically a 70’s movie, released a year late.
April 17th, 2009 at 10:50 am
star wars really? I might add that empire strikes back is the only good one. Star Treck very nice. Yeah it was poorly created and kirk overacted (which made the show.) But it was intertaing and was made in 1965 what do expect from it. Venus Wars….ha I think not
April 21st, 2009 at 7:44 am
@ 48.paradoxa – Carl Weathers is too busy gettin’ a stew goin’!
April 26th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
I have a bone to pick with Final Countdown. They took the Nimitz out to sea for a good month or more away from their families just to make the film. It was around the hostage crisis in Iran. I was married to a sailor at the time…
May 3rd, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Aliens not in top 3. This list is worthless. Lame.
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:19 am
Pls, help.. I’m looking for a movie..
A girl, whose father disappears, becomes a Nasa scientist. Nasa recevies codes/symbols from outer space; she solves out the symbols and when all the symbols are put together, plan of a spaceship comes out. They decide to build a spare spaceships without telling her, and decide not to send her to outer space, but turns out that they built the second spaceship for her (a terrorist blows up the first ship) when they start up the spaceship, it doesn’t go anywhere but she travels, kind of, in time and finds her father, talks to him for a short period of time..
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:00 am
I found it; “Contact” by Jodie Foster..
August 27th, 2009 at 4:29 am
what about short circut ?? that was great no ??
there was a film out years ago 1980s for sure guys i watched it very young i really remember it being scary but i cant figure out what it was or what it was about
i alway remember this :
it was about these people/cyborgs who had a red glow in there eyes like the terminator but it wasnt terminator but the also went around on a killing spree i cannot remember the plot but i do remember at the end there was a woman in the end who at the end looks at the screen and the red eye shows ! there was no metal on show like the terminators but they did have the red glowing eyes
anyone ?
August 27th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
Great list, but I take issue with your comment that Aliens was not as good as the first Alien movie. Alien is only good to watch the first time. After that, it becomes an endless, dull series of slow pans across the ship’s control panels and corridors, interspersed with occasional violent interruptions and shots of the cat.
Aliens is far more rew-atchable, with far more interesting characters and situations, in my opinion.
I like ET but sympathise with your loathing: I hate Akira with a passion, myself…
August 27th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
@Yasin (168):
If nobody has answered you tyet: I think that was Contact.
October 13th, 2009 at 9:21 am
hiya,
really a newbie to sci-fi, so i’m zooming in from a wider perspective. that is to say i am looking for dramatic science-fictions on an epic level_ sort of like the film equivalent to the Mars trilogy(Robinson). you guys seem well into this, any advice? as you might imagine i’m having trouble something on that scale without it being an action-packed adventure or thriller… i’m not really interested on those.
October 13th, 2009 at 9:27 am
sorry** having trouble FINDING something…**IN those**.
i read some of the list and the comments and sort of reckoned my best bet would be anime… if anyone knows good ones do throw something this way.
cheers
October 28th, 2009 at 6:45 am
IMO, Blade Runner is the best movie of all time.