Certain years have been exceptionally strong for science fiction films. For example, 1968 gave us 2001: A Space Odyssey and Planet of the Apes; 1977 brought Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Star Wars; and 1985 saw Back to the Future and Brazil. 1999 was also remarkable with The Matrix, The Iron Giant, and Galaxy Quest. However, one year truly stands out, delivering not just one or two, but five films that became classics and significantly impacted the genre. As often happens with groundbreaking sci-fi, many of these films didn’t find a large audience immediately, but they’ve become beloved over time.
We’re referring to 1982. It is the gold standard for sci-fi cinema. Let’s unpack why.
The Ambition of Blade Runner & Tron
When Blade Runner and Tron were first released in cinemas, they weren’t big hits. However, over time, both films developed large and dedicated fan bases. Blade Runner, in particular, has since received a lot of praise and awards from critics who have re-evaluated it.
Even without considering the thought-provoking themes of what it means to be human and the unreliability of memory, Blade Runner is a visually impressive film. It brilliantly combines a futuristic setting with the style of classic film noir – a combination that shouldn’t work, but does so incredibly well. The film’s version of Los Angeles feels like a hundred-year-old Gotham City, updated with electronic billboards but largely emptied of its ordinary citizens.
While it doesn’t look as groundbreaking today, Tron was a visual marvel when it came out and a huge leap forward for computer-generated imagery. It’s still easy to get lost in its unique world, and if you’re looking for a dose of 1980s tech nostalgia, Tron is the perfect film to experience.
The Heartbreaking Nature of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Steven Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a classic film that still strongly reflects the 1980s, and it’s one of those movies that simply couldn’t be updated for today’s audiences. Similar to Poltergeist, the movie’s picture-perfect California suburbs feel like a lost world, a vibe that’s hard to find now.
The word ‘vibe’ gets thrown around a lot, but E.T. truly has one, and it’s what makes the movie so special. The story is told through the eyes of a child who finds an alien and responds with curiosity, not fear. At its heart, it’s a story about a growing friendship between two very different beings, and that’s exactly the kind of story we need today.
The Horror of The Thing
John Carpenter’s The Thing is a sci-fi horror classic, from its chilling beginning with a dog and a helicopter to its satisfyingly ambiguous ending. It’s a film that truly demands repeat viewings – the story is so intricately plotted that you’ll likely need to watch it multiple times to even begin to figure out who has been replaced by the creature.
Carpenter’s film rivals, and perhaps even surpasses, his breakthrough hit, Halloween, in several ways. The special effects created by Rob Bottin are remarkably impressive, especially for an 80s movie, and still shock audiences today. The story takes place in a remote Alaskan research station, creating a tense and confined atmosphere, made even more unsettling by the alien creature’s ability to change shape. Adding to this, the film’s underlying theme of Cold War-era suspicion intensifies the overall feeling of dread.
The Franchise Apex That Is Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
Star Trek tends to strongly appeal to some people while leaving others cold. Despite this, it definitely has the potential to reach a wide audience.
When people want a classic big-screen experience, three films usually come to mind. However, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is just as enjoyable. While the action is more exciting than in other older films, the movie really shines because of its memorable villain, Khan. He’s a brilliant and ruthless character driven by a desire for revenge. Plus, Spock’s (temporary) death is a genuinely moving moment, even if you aren’t very familiar with the character.
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2025-12-02 03:44