5 Underrated ’70s Sci-Fi Movies You’ve Never Seen (But Really Should)

by

For decades, science fiction has thrilled people worldwide, appearing in countless forms of entertainment. These stories are usually based on speculation and often involve fantastical elements, cleverly using futuristic settings to explore social issues or convey deeper meanings. While many fantastic sci-fi films go unnoticed, some periods have been particularly groundbreaking for the genre. The 1970s were a golden age, significantly boosting sci-fi’s popularity and driving major innovations, resulting in several hugely important and successful movies.

It’s a shame that so many fantastic science fiction movies throughout history have gone unnoticed, and the 1970s were no different. The decade gave us classics like Star Wars, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and Westworld, but also some truly great sci-fi films that never found a wide audience. While you might have heard of these hidden gems from the 70s, chances are you haven’t seen them.

5) THX 1138 (1971)

Look, George Lucas is a name synonymous with science fiction, and rightly so because of Star Wars. But I wish more people would go back and discover his earlier work. Back in 1971, he directed THX 1138, and it’s a fascinating, if somewhat bleak, film. It paints a picture of a future where feelings are squashed and people are controlled by robots – a really thought-provoking piece that deserves more attention than it usually gets.

When THX 1138 first came out, reviews were mixed, but over time, it gained a much better reputation. It was a forward-thinking science fiction film for the 1970s, and it took years for audiences to fully appreciate its vision. Sadly, the initial lack of interest meant it remained largely unknown beyond a dedicated group of fans.

4) Wizards (1977)

Ralph Bakshi is best known for his animated version of The Lord of the Rings, but he also explored science fiction in 1977 with the film Wizards. This largely overlooked 1970s movie combines sci-fi and fantasy, focusing on a conflict between two wizards: one who embodies magic and another who champions technology. Bakshi brings this battle to life with his signature vibrant animation style.

Wizards is a fantastic sci-fi film that deserves more recognition. The animation is stunning, and the story cleverly blends a warning about the dangers of war with classic fairytale elements, making it both beautiful and engaging. It’s a truly underrated gem that sci-fi and fantasy lovers shouldn’t miss.

3) Silent Running (1972)

While Silent Running (1972) isn’t unknown – it’s often praised for its impact on science fiction – it remains surprisingly underrated. What’s truly impressive is how well the film holds up today; its visuals and story still feel modern and relevant, making it one of the strongest sci-fi movies from the 1970s.

The movie Silent Running tells the story of a botanist traveling through space, responsible for preserving the last of Earth’s plants with the hope of one day restoring forests back home. Released before even Star Wars, the film’s forward-thinking environmental themes and imaginative science fiction ideas were remarkably ahead of their time. Despite not getting the recognition it deserves, it remains a must-see for any science fiction fan.

2) Rollerball (1975)

The 1975 film Rollerball has faced a lot of criticism lately, often unfairly linked to the poorly received 2002 remake. Starring James Caan as Jonathan E., the movie depicts a violent future sport—a mix of roller derby, basketball, and raw aggression—and tells the story of a society dominated by powerful, profit-driven corporations.

The film Rollerball accurately predicted many things about the future, but it doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. It’s a standout sci-fi movie from the 1970s, largely thanks to James Caan’s compelling performance which really makes the sport feel real. It’s easy to forget how good it is, and while the special effects now look a bit old-fashioned, that retro style actually adds to its charm when you watch it today.

1) Dark Star (1974)

John Carpenter’s first feature film as director was Dark Star, but it’s surprisingly overlooked by many science fiction fans. The movie centers on the crew of the spaceship Dark Star, whose job is to travel the galaxy and blow up planets considered dangerous to human settlements. While it didn’t do well when it first came out, critics were somewhat positive, and over time it’s gained a dedicated following as a cult classic.

Often overlooked, John Carpenter’s Dark Star is a sci-fi gem from the 1970s that deserves more attention. While it might not be his most famous film, it’s a compelling story and notable as the start of a brilliant career. If you haven’t seen it, it’s definitely worth checking out.

What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!

https://comicbook.com/movies/list/10-most-rewatchable-sci-fi-movies-you-can-never-get-tired-of/embed/#

Read More

2025-12-20 04:10