Neil deGrasse Tyson’s Top 10 Sci-Fi Movies

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Neil deGrasse Tyson is undoubtedly one of the most renowned living astrophysicists, known for making science accessible to the general public through his books, television shows, podcasts, and speeches. With a collection of advanced degrees, he excels at breaking down complex physics concepts into terms that non-experts can grasp. In addition, few individuals in the world are better equipped than Tyson to critique contemporary science fiction. He is frequently consulted for his expertise by the television and film industry, and he isn’t shy about sharing his views on the accuracy of sci-fi portrayals in the media.

Neil deGrasse Tyson, in numerous articles and discussions, has openly expressed his preferences for top-notch science fiction: he values excellent visual effects, captivating narratives, and ideas that delve into potential future scenarios, ranging from utopian to terrifying. While he doesn’t hesitate to point out on-screen inaccuracies (and rejoices when filmmakers get it right), he also acknowledges the significance of entertainment value in Hollywood productions and appreciates a well-crafted story, even if the science behind it isn’t entirely feasible. So, which science fiction films does Neil Degrasse Tyson deem as the best?

10
The Island (2005)

Michael Bay’s 2005 film “The Island,” featuring Scarlett Johansson and Ewan McGregor, might be an unexpected choice for quality science fiction from Neil deGrasse Tyson, given his critique of Bay’s previous movie, “Armageddon,” as one of the worst sci-fi films ever made. However, Tyson still endorses the idea behind “The Island.

The movie titled “The Island” presents a grim, dystopian society where residents take part in a lottery to secure the sole habitable, unpolluted territory. As the protagonists uncover their true identities as human clones created for organ donation, they yearn for freedom. Although it received mixed reviews from critics, Tyson praises “The Island” for its exploration of identity, morality, and avarice, going so far as to compare it to a more lavish version of the underestimated “kin” of the 1997 film “Gattaca“, featuring Ethan Hawke and Jude Law.

9
The Blob (1958)

In Tyson’s list, the chilling sci-fi horror movie titled “The Blob” is included due to its innovative representation of an alien. Unlike many other sci-fi productions that portray aliens as humanoid beings, this film offers a unique perspective by introducing a blob-like creature from outer space. As Tyson highlights, it’s highly improbable that extraterrestrial life forms would resemble humans so closely, given the infinite possibilities of alien life. The terrifying blob becomes more massive and turns red as it consumes its human victims, which Tyson finds particularly impressive or “bad-ass.

Initially met with unfavorable reviews upon its debut, the film starring Steve McQueen, titled “The Blob,” stands out as a distinctive depiction of extraterrestrial life. Over time, it has earned a place in the prestigious Criterion Collection and garnered renewed critical acclaim. Some viewers interpret the movie as a shrewd allegory for communism and the “Red Scare.” A remake was created by Chuck Russell in 1988, and plans are underway for another adaptation of “The Blob.

8
Contact (1997)

In the 1985 novel “Contact,” as portrayed by Jodie Foster and Matthew McConaughey, the story delves into how humanity might respond upon encountering alien life forms superior in intelligence. Neil deGrasse Tyson finds intriguing that this film refrains from showing any representation of aliens, much like 2001: A Space Odyssey. This artistic decision suggests a subtle acknowledgment that our species may not be advanced enough to accurately envision extraterrestrial beings.

As a devoted movie enthusiast and admirer of Carl Sagan’s work, I found the film “Contact” to be an incredibly thoughtful and sensitive portrayal of humanity when confronted with the knowledge of extraterrestrial contact. Given my deep respect for Sagan, who graced our screens with the timeless series “Cosmos,” it’s no wonder that this 90’s sci-fi masterpiece continues to hold a special place in the hearts of science fiction fans.

7
Deep Impact (1998)

In the same year as the blockbuster movie Armageddon, Deep Impact, directed by Mimi Leder, was also released. Although Armageddon outperformed Deep Impact at the box office, it was significantly less scientifically accurate. Deep Impact is one of the top sci-fi films helmed by a woman and features Robert Duvall, Téa Leoni, Elijah Wood, and Morgan Freeman in its star-studded cast. The plot revolves around the shocking revelation that a comet is hurtling towards Earth, with catastrophic consequences for all life on our planet. In an desperate attempt to save humanity, America and Russia collaborate to launch nuclear weapons into space in an effort to alter the comet’s course.

Neil deGrasse Tyson admired how deeply committed the movie ‘Deep Impact’ was to accurately portraying physics, an aspect that wasn’t unexpected given the involvement of several NASA advisors. Yet, it also managed to weave a tale and develop characters that were emotionally engaging enough to stir viewers’ feelings.

6
The Quiet Earth (1985)

In a post-apocalyptic movie hailing from New Zealand, titled “The Quiet Earth“, Bruno Lawrence plays the role of a scientist who wakes up following a disastrous global energy experiment. He finds himself as the sole survivor on Earth. Tyson praises this film for its skillful blend of human emotions through the protagonist’s journey and a captivating scientific enigma that keeps viewers engaged. For further insights into Tyson’s views, listen to the producer’s commentary on the movie, as he was invited to contribute. Don’t miss out on this often-overlooked sci-fi gem, “The Quiet Earth“, which is certainly worth watching.

5
The Martian (2015)

Ridley Scott’s movie “The Martian,” inspired by Andy Weir’s bestselling novel, is one of the most successful science fiction films in the 21st century. In this film, Matt Damon portrays the central character, a botanist who unexpectedly finds himself stranded on Mars following a dust storm that forces his crew to leave him behind. To survive until he can make contact with Earth, he relies on his resourcefulness.

A project heavily focused on science, “The Martian” presents a compelling narrative about an individual’s resilience, maintaining a high level of scientific authenticity which brings joy to Tyson. Reflecting the physicist’s influence and impact on mass media, author Andy Weir admitted that he envisioned Tyson as his silent critic during the writing process. Currently, “The Martian” is available for streaming on Max.

4
The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)

Tyson looks to the past for his preferred sci-fi film selection, choosing “The Day the Earth Stood Still” from 1951. Like “Contact,” this movie delves into the societal repercussions of an alien visitation, including a formidable robot sent by extraterrestrial life. The story unfolds during the Cold War era, and the narrative is influenced by this context as the humanoid character warns that a coalition of life from other planets are worried about Earth’s escalating aggression, particularly in regards to nuclear weapons. The underlying message is stark: if humanity persists on its current trajectory, catastrophic annihilation is imminent.

The standout feature of “The Day the Earth Stood Still” lies in its powerful impact, achieved without relying on flashy effects or monster scenes. As Tyson put it in his LA Times article, “The story was so potent and gripping that the film managed to be both uplifting and chilling without needing excessive special effects or violence.” Regrettably, Keanu Reeves’ 2008 remake of “The Day the Earth Stood Still” fell short of capturing the original’s brilliance.

3
Back to the Future (1985)

Neil Degrasse Tyson has given a significant praise to Back to the Future, calling it the best movie ever made on time travel. This is a view he shares with his idol Carl Sagan. Despite being disillusioned by the second and third films in the series, he still acknowledges the brilliance of the original plotline.

The film primarily revolves around Marty McFly, a teenager played by Michael J. Fox, who journeys through time with the guidance of the quirky scientist Doc (Christopher Lloyd). The narrative explores the dangers inherent in time travel as Marty’s actions start influencing the course of future events. Known as Back to the Future, this blockbuster movie earned numerous award nominations, skyrocketed to fame during the ’80s, and has since become a timeless classic that every sci-fi enthusiast should watch.

2
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but sing the praises of Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece, “2001: A Space Odyssey.” This cinematic gem is highly esteemed by none other than Neil deGrasse Tyson, who underscores its profound influence on our society. In fact, he recently pointed out a fascinating tribute – the opening scene of the “Barbie” movie borrowed elements from 2001 an incredible 56 years after its initial release!

The storyline centers around a group of scientists embarking on a space voyage, accompanied by a sentient supercomputer. Their mission: to explore and unravel the mysteries surrounding alien monoliths, each possessing unique powers.

2001: A Space Odyssey, with its stunning visual effects for its era and a commitment to scientific precision, has solidified itself as a classic in the science fiction genre, even though it received mixed reviews from critics upon its debut. Now universally recognized as one of the greatest films ever made, 2001: A Space Odyssey is an epic exploration of evolution and the transformative potential of technology, pushing the limits of existence.

1
The Matrix (1999)

1999’s groundbreaking movie, The Matrix, isn’t just renowned as one of the best science fiction films ever made, but it’s also Tyson’s favorite film across all genres. This movie revolves around a bleak future where humans are unknowingly living within a simulated reality, with Keanu Reeves portraying Neo, a hacker destined to bring down the machines controlling their world. Tyson has often expressed his admiration for the film’s depth, praising it in the LA Times as having “a level of detail and execution that is so intricately crafted from the opening credits to the final scenes, that despite the fantastical nature of the portrayed world, the viewer feels immersed alongside the characters themselves.

The film’s impressive special effects and skillfully designed action sequences have solidified its reputation as a highly regarded and groundbreaking work within the realm of science fiction (indeed, it seems to foreshadow certain future events). Consequently, it is unquestionably deserving of its lofty position on Tyson’s list.

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2025-04-28 03:06