The greatest sci-fi films of all time – according to Radio Times readers

Science fiction, from epic space adventures to thought-provoking explorations of humanity, has given us some of the most impressive and groundbreaking films ever made. It’s a uniquely innovative genre, both in how it looks and the ideas it explores, and it consistently finds new ways to reimagine itself.

We recently asked our Facebook followers to share their picks for the greatest sci-fi movie ever made, and we received an overwhelming response! The post has over 1400 comments, with fans suggesting everything from classic Hollywood films to more recent releases.

We looked at all your comments and created a list of the most frequently mentioned sci-fi films. This list, counting down to the winner, represents TopMob readers’ choice for the greatest sci-fi film ever, and includes our reviews for each movie. You can find the full list below.

The top 14 films listed cover a wide range of years, from 1956 to 2014. It’s notable that no movies from the last ten years – even highly praised ones like Denis Villeneuve’s Dune – made the cut. They may simply need more time to be considered classics, but the list could certainly change in the future.

Several exciting science fiction movies are coming out this year. We can look forward to the next film in Denis Villeneuve’s series, a new UFO movie by Steven Spielberg, and ‘Project Hail Mary’ starring Ryan Gosling, which is already generating a lot of positive attention. Any of these could easily appear in future lists like this one.

But for now, read on to find the best 14 sci-fi films ever made according to our readers.

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14. The Fifth Element

Luc Besson’s quirky 1997 sci-fi film, The Fifth Element, was the 14th most discussed movie in our survey. Starring Bruce Willis, Milla Jovovich, Gary Oldman, Ian Holm, and Chris Tucker, the film received a mixed reaction from critics when it came out, but it was a commercial success and has since become a beloved cult classic.

Director Luc Besson delivers a stylish and thought-provoking sci-fi action film about an ancient threat returning to destroy the galaxy. Bruce Willis plays a retired government agent who unexpectedly finds himself the last hope for the universe when a vital object lands right in his taxi in a futuristic New York City.

As a movie fan, I was completely blown away by this film! It’s incredibly imaginative and takes you on a wild, inventive ride. It really delivers on every front – the satire is sharp, the visuals are unlike anything I’ve seen, and the thrills feel totally futuristic. If the special effects in New York don’t grab you, the sequence on the resort planet Fhloston Paradise absolutely will. And Gary Oldman? He’s fantastic as the villain Zorg – a truly stylish and corrupt character. It’s a stunning achievement, honestly. – Alan Jones

13. District 9

This 2009 South African film, presented as a documentary, gained critical acclaim and was even nominated for an Oscar. Since then, the director and lead actor have often discussed making a sequel, tentatively titled ‘District 10,’ but fans are still waiting to see it happen.

This sci-fi action film, produced by Peter Jackson (of The Lord of the Rings), presents a surprising blend of alien arrival and powerful social commentary. The story follows seemingly defenseless aliens who land on Earth and are treated poorly, mirroring the experiences of marginalized groups. Director Neill Blomkamp, through a documentary-style approach set in his hometown of Johannesburg, clearly alludes to the legacy of apartheid, but does so without being overly didactic or preachy.

Sharlto Copley shines in this film, leading a relatively unknown South African cast as a smooth-talking government official in charge of forcibly moving aliens. As the situation grows more intense, his character is forced to confront the mistakes he’s made. While the movie does become a fairly standard action film towards the end, it’s a great example of how fantasy movies can explore difficult ethical questions while still delivering impressive special effects. – Trevor Johnston

12. Silent Running

This 1972 film, directed by Douglas Trumbull, is a bit of a hidden gem. It stars Bruce Dern as an ecologist, and its focus on environmental issues still feels important and timely.

Douglas Trumbull, known for his special effects work on 2001: A Space Odyssey, directed this science fiction film with an environmental message. The story unfolds on the spaceship Valley Forge, which is transporting Earth’s remaining plants. Bruce Dern plays a space ranger tasked with protecting this precious cargo, aided by adorable robot companions.

I have to say, “Silent Running” really stuck with me. The story takes a fascinating turn when Freeman Lowell, played beautifully by Bruce Dern, decides he can’t follow orders to destroy the last of Earth’s plant life – he actually rebels to save it! Okay, the movie definitely has a bit of a ’70s, peace-and-love vibe – those Joan Baez songs are…distinctive – but director Douglas Trumbull delivers some truly stunning visuals. It’s a gentle, imaginative film, and it’s easy to see why it’s become a classic. Dern’s performance is particularly sensitive and moving.

11. Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Steven Spielberg is known for many great science fiction movies, including films like E.T. and A.I. Artificial Intelligence, with another, Disclosure Day, coming soon. However, only one made our list of top films: his 1977 classic, Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

This wonderfully crafted science fiction film, like the later E.T., flips the script on traditional alien invasion stories by suggesting that extraterrestrials could be welcoming. Richard Dreyfuss perfectly captures a sense of wonder and curiosity as the engineer selected to communicate with aliens, even while facing skepticism from his family and the authorities.

I was completely blown away by Steven Spielberg’s ability to make everyday family life feel so real, and then turn it upside down with something unbelievable. The story, especially the terrifying kidnapping and the way Dreyfuss’s character seemed to lose it, really got to me. And everything else – the amazing special effects, John Williams’s powerful music, even having the brilliant François Truffaut as a UFO expert – all added up to a film that just pulls you in, especially during that long, intense ending. It’s truly unforgettable.

10. Starship Troopers

Science fiction is great at using fantastical settings and situations to make a point about society, and Paul Verhoeven’s 1997 film does this exceptionally well. That’s why it earns a place at number ten on our list.

This movie is a thrilling, action-packed adaptation of Robert A. Heinlein’s classic sci-fi novel. It’s a wild ride as Earth fights off a massive alien bug invasion, filled with impressive special effects. From swarms of giant insects to epic space battles, the visuals are truly spectacular – perfect for a fun, exciting movie experience.

Paul Verhoeven’s over-the-top action movie falters when it focuses on the teenage romance between the main actors, Casper Van Dien and Denise Richards. However, these slower moments don’t last long enough to significantly detract from the overall fun of this wildly satirical and apocalyptic film. – Alan Jones

9. Forbidden Planet

Science fiction has always been a popular genre in movies, going all the way back to the earliest days of film – like with the 1927 classic, Metropolis. However, the oldest movie on our list is this 1956 film, which went on to have a huge impact on the sci-fi genre as a whole.

In this classic science-fiction film, a starship commander – Leslie Nielsen, in a serious role before becoming known for comedy – investigates the mysterious deaths on the planet Altair-4. Only a troubled scientist, Morbius (Walter Pidgeon), and his daughter, Altaira (Anne Francis), remain alive, and he must uncover what unknown danger threatens them all. It’s considered one of the greatest sci-fi movies ever made.

Inspired by Shakespeare’s The Tempest, this captivating 2001: A Space Odyssey, originally released in 1950, is a visual marvel. The film boasts incredible monster effects – crafted by Disney animators – and groundbreaking technology, including the iconic Robby the Robot, the elaborate underground Krell city, and a stunning collection of spacecraft. – Alan Jones

8. Terminator 2: Judgment Day

When people talk about sequels that surpass the original, James Cameron’s Terminator 2: Judgment Day is frequently mentioned. It’s therefore fitting that this film, rather than the first Terminator movie, appears on our list.

James Cameron’s sequel to his 1984 hit delivers more intense action and dark humor. Fans of thrilling movies will love it, especially with Arnold Schwarzenegger returning as the cyborg from the future. He’s tasked with stopping a new, incredibly advanced assassin – the T-1000 (played by Robert Patrick) – whose ability to change shape using liquid metal created groundbreaking visual effects.

Linda Hamilton delivers a fantastic performance as the determined and relatable hero, grounding the film’s intense action and spectacular effects with genuine emotion. – Alan Jones

7. The Thing

Widely considered one of the greatest remakes ever made, this film excels as both a science fiction masterpiece and a truly terrifying horror experience, fully justifying its high ranking.

John Carpenter’s remake of the classic 1951 sci-fi film The Thing is a visual masterpiece, boasting incredible special effects. The updated story, written by Bill Lancaster, actually follows the original short story by John W. Campbell Jr. more closely than the first movie did. It centers on a group of researchers in Antarctica – including Kurt Russell and Wilford Brimley – who are terrorized by a shape-shifting alien that can perfectly imitate anyone it encounters.

John Carpenter prioritizes the terrifying creature effects over developing characters or atmosphere, and really, almost everything else. However, it’s this intense focus on gruesome visuals that makes the film so gripping as science fiction. It’s genuinely more frightening than even ‘Alien,’ so viewers should be prepared. – Alan Jones

6. Interstellar

Christopher Nolan’s latest film was a massive success when it came out, and many believe it’s become even more highly regarded over time.

Christopher Nolan’s latest film is a stunning space adventure that takes the concept of a ticking clock to a whole new level. Matthew McConaughey plays a former pilot who eagerly accepts a vital mission: to find a new home for humanity. He must travel through a wormhole in search of a habitable planet, a journey that could span many years, guided by the wisdom of Michael Caine’s character.

Christopher Nolan’s latest film is his most expansive yet, a smart and visually stunning science fiction story reminiscent of ‘2001: A Space Odyssey.’ While Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain deliver strong performances, Matthew McConaughey is the emotional core of this grand and moving film.

5. The original Star Wars trilogy

Not surprisingly, the original Star Wars trilogy was a popular choice in our poll, and The Empire Strikes Back was mentioned most often. You can read our review of that beloved film below.

Director Irvin Kershner skillfully expands on George Lucas’s original vision in this second Star Wars film, giving it a grand, sweeping feel. It’s more than just dazzling special effects; the movie also explores deeper, more thoughtful themes.

As a huge film fan, I’m completely captivated by how this story unfolds across the galaxy! We see Darth Vader dispatching troops to hunt down the rebels on the frozen planet Hoth, and at the same time, Luke Skywalker is on this incredible journey to find Yoda, hoping to learn more about the Force. It’s really cool to see these characters we love grow and change throughout it all.

Alan Jones notes that Kershner took Lucas’s bright and imaginative space fairy tale and made it more complex and gritty with intriguing new plotlines. This gives the sequel a more cynical and mature feel, elevating it beyond the simple adventure style of the first film.

4. Blade Runner

Ridley Scott’s 1982 film, Blade Runner, is a brilliant combination of science fiction and film noir, and it remains incredibly influential. Its success led to a highly praised sequel, Blade Runner 2049, directed by Denis Villeneuve in 2017.

Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner is a visually stunning and intense adaptation of a Philip K. Dick story. Set in a futuristic, rain-soaked Los Angeles, it follows a detective hunting down rogue replicants (artificial humans). The film’s unique design heavily influenced the look of 1980s science fiction. As groundbreaking as films like 2001: A Space Odyssey and Star Wars, Blade Runner is a thought-provoking and compelling noir thriller that explores the relationship between humans and technology, ultimately calling for peace between them.

Harrison Ford plays a retired police officer tasked with hunting down the android Rutger Hauer and his team. Hauer delivers a remarkable performance as the blonde, human-like being, who, like the others, possesses artificial memories of a fabricated past. The Director’s Cut removes Ford’s narration, enhancing the depth of the original 1982 film and allowing the true brilliance of the movie to emerge. – Alan Jones

3. 2001: A Space Odyssey

For a lot of science fiction fans, this film is likely to be the first one they think of. Stanley Kubrick’s movie remains mysterious and captivating more than 50 years after it came out, and it features some of the most memorable images in film history.

Stanley Kubrick’s groundbreaking sci-fi film, 2001: A Space Odyssey, isn’t always seen as a perfect movie, but rather as a fascinating and inventive creation of its time – the 1960s. However, its iconic imagery remains powerful, like the unforgettable scene of the Starchild drifting in space and the apes’ dawning realization after encountering a strange black monolith.

What makes ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ so captivating is its unforgettable blend of visuals and music, particularly Strauss’s iconic pieces. The film is a thought-provoking exploration of humanity’s origins and destiny, continuing to fascinate and challenge viewers. Even though watching it on a small screen doesn’t fully capture its grandeur, it remains essential viewing. – Sue Heel

2. Aliens

This sequel gained a large following, though not quite as many fans as the original movie. While several other films have been added to the series since then, this one remains the strongest and most enjoyable of the sequels.

Ridley Scott’s first ‘Alien’ film was groundbreaking, but James Cameron’s sequel takes things to a whole new level with its stunning visuals. The story picks up 57 years later, with Sigourney Weaver’s character learning that the planet from the original movie is now inhabited by colonists.

After communication is lost with the people living there, she’s sent in with an elite team of marines to investigate a terrifying, technologically advanced location. The movie delivers constant shocks and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Director James Cameron expertly builds tension and moves the story forward quickly, tapping into and amplifying our deepest fears in this thrilling, Academy Award-winning horror film. – Alan Jones

1. Alien

Most people will likely agree with Ridley Scott’s film being ranked number one – it brilliantly combined science fiction and horror, resulting in a cinematic masterpiece that remains incredibly impressive even today.

Ridley Scott’s Alien is a true classic and a terrifying space adventure. It’s famous for its constant shocks, even after the frightening alien creature is fully revealed. Sigourney Weaver, in her breakout performance, stars as a crew member of a spaceship that encounters a deadly hitchhiker after responding to a distress call from a desolate planet.

The film boasts exceptional performances and strikingly original, biomechanical sets – notably the alien creature designed by artist HR Giger. These elements elevate a story that draws inspiration from classic sci-fi films like It! The Terror from beyond Space and Planet of the Vampires. Director Ridley Scott masterfully balances misleading suspense with truly frightening moments, seamlessly merging gothic horror and intense science fiction. – Alan Jones

Authors

Patrick CremonaSenior Film Writer

Patrick Cremona writes about movies for TopMob, covering new releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. He’s been with the site since October 2019, and during that time has interviewed many famous actors and reviewed films of all kinds.

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2026-01-23 10:48