Digital Producer/Evening Host, Ben, is a fan of sci-fi, and with National Science Fiction Day approaching he’s been talking about them around the office, sharing tidbits of his favorites. We asked him to write them so we could share them with you. Below are some of Ben’s favorite sci-fi films (not in any order).
The Thing
Sci-fi horror movies are so much fun. The Thing is one of John Carpenter’s best works. Even though it was made in the ’80s, the effects still hold up, and Kurt Russell is super cool as always. The monster is one of the best you will ever see, truly terrifying. A classic “who-done-it” horror film. John Carpenter just might be the GOAT of directors.
Alien
Maybe the poster child for sci-fi horror! A movie that changed how we analyze science fiction. Sigourney Weaver will forever be the sci-fi queen, and Ellen Ripley is arguably the best sci-fi protagonist ever.
Back to the Future
How could I not include this all time classic. Any sci-fi fan has to watch this one because it all comes together so well. A brilliant mix of storytelling, humor, historical references, and a wicked guitar solo!
Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
Star Wars is the defining sci-fi franchise! The Empire Strikes Back contains some of the best twists in the series (“No, I am your father”) and the villains won (until the next film).
Mad Max: Fury Road
A classic series was able to make the reboot even better! Furiosa is such a cool protagonist and Immortan Joe feels like a real villain. Like if there actually was a post apocalyptic world, there would be a warlord like him.
Terminator 2: Judgement Day
One of the handful of instances where the sequel is better than the first movie, and that is saying a lot because the first Terminator film is a classic. It’s simply hard to top a movie with a villain like T-1000. Robert Patrick put on an unbelievable performance and helped create one of the most iconic sci-fi villains.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers
How can you even talk about sci-fi and not mention this movie! The ending alone is worth the watch. It’s so chilling and you’ll find yourself paranoid the entire time. That noise Donald Sutherland makes will stay with you forever. So good!
District 9
A great movie to show how far propaganda can manipulate people. Xenophobia, apartheid, the ability to dehumanize who we feel are lesser than us. A brilliant film!
28 Days Later
There are zombie films, and then there’s 28 Days Later. The Rage Virus is so terrifying. These aren’t “undead” zombies, but people infected with a virus that makes them want to literally beat you to death in a fit of rage. A must watch zombie film!
PS: One of the best movie soundtracks ever!
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
I love this movie so much! Memories can be painful, so painful we want to forget them, but they make us who we are. Jim Carrey shows he is more than a comedian, and Kate Winslet shows she’s one of the best actors of this generation.
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