Science fiction (SF) is a truly unique cinematographic genre that allows you to break free from physical and temporal limits. In this, he sometimes anticipates the future in a utopian or dystopian way. It’s also a great way to question the present and explore the major social issues of our time. Here are the 10 must-see works of SF.
2001: A Space Odyssey
This jewel of Stanley Kubrick, released in the cinema in 1968, allows us to follow the evolution of humanity from the depths of the desert where a tribe faces a rival band for the control of water and invents on this occasion a weapon in the form of of bones, until the year 2001, when the space conquest is in full swing. When a computer with remarkable intelligence has been discovered, trouble begins. This film sometimes deserves several viewings to grasp its philosophical significance and poetry.
Star Wars
In 1977, few people in Hollywood bet on Star Wars first of the name. However, a certain George Lucas fully believes in this project. We follow the young Luke Skywalker who, in the company of Obi-Wan Kenobi, Han Solo and Chewbacca, tries to free Princess Leia, a prisoner of the Galactic Empire. We know the rest: 11 feature films released in cinemas, and many series derived from this universe.
Alien
In 1979, Ridley Scott signs a masterpiece of horrifying science fiction. We are on board a spaceship which is attacked by an extraterrestrial creature: an alien. Survival is key, and the least we can say is that the creepy and scary atmosphere of this feature film hits the mark. It is the beginning of a successful franchise that will give rise to six films.
Blade Runner
Philip K. Dick’s novel has become a cinematic saga. However, everything was not won when Blade Runner was released in 1982. However, Ridley Scott and his teams were able to adapt this story which takes place in a dystopian Los Angeles. We therefore follow the tracking of replicants (artificial humans) by special agents. The topics covered have not aged a bit. In addition to the cyberpunk atmosphere, we appreciate the reflection on the relationship that human beings have with machines.
ET the extra-terrestrial
This film marked several generations of spectators. Released in 1982, ET the extra-terrestrial is distinguished by the formidable story of friendship born of the meeting of the young Elliott and his friend from space. Who hasn’t taken a slap watching the flying bike scene? In an America plagued by persistent racial prejudice, this feature film celebrates universal tolerance and it spoke to the hearts of the greatest number.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
In 1991, James Cameron signed one of his great classics. Terminator 2 follows the first part released in 1984. We follow the time travel of a cyborg who tries to protect a teenager. The latter is not just anyone, since he is supposed to later save humanity from its possible extinction. Cult, this feature film continues the saga which currently includes six films.
Jurassic Park
It is a real slap in the face for the spectators. In 1993, Steven Spielberg adapted Michael Crichton’s novel and brought this story to life where dinosaurs are recreated using their DNA. An amusement park is about to open its doors, but as you know, not everything will go as planned.
What is striking with this feature film is that it has hardly aged and that the appearances of dinosaurs, like the T-rex, remain very impressive. Jurassic Park is launching a very bankable franchise which to date has six films.
Matrix
In 1999, the Wachowski sisters released The Matrix, a one-of-a-kind film that quickly became legendary. We follow the adventures of Neo, a hacker who discovers a staggering truth: reality is in fact only a computer simulation created by machines that hold humans captive.
With its crazy action scenes and its famous “bullet time”, this production impresses and sets the tone for action feature films. It is also the start of a successful franchise that has 4 cinematic installments to date.
Minority Report
This is a new adaptation of a short story by Philip K. Dick that Steven Spielberg offers us in this film released in 2002. In the future, the police have found a way to predict crimes in advance. John Anderton (Tom Cruise), a very professional agent, applies his mission to the letter until one day, his own image appears on the screen. This is the beginning of a breathless thriller which also raises contemporary questions, in particular that of the use of predictive algorithms.
Avatar
When he makes a film, James Cameron is not there to joke. In 2009, he once again put everyone in agreement with Avatar. We follow the adventures of Jake Sully, a paraplegic soldier who lands on the planet Pandora. The latter can take control of a hybrid avatar and explore the area. He then discovers to what extent humans brutalize nature and the natives present on the spot.
Avatar broke all world box office records and launched an ultra-grossing saga that should be entitled to four sequels.
Inception (As a bonus)
In 2010, Christopher Nolan signs a psychological thriller of which he has the secret. In this imaginary world, a technology makes it possible to enter the dreams of an individual to implant or steal ideas from them. Very complex and demanding, this feature film is remarkably written and directed. Which earned this production to win 4 Oscars, including Best Cinematography.
