Today is the second to last day of Science Fiction here at the ALC. Next week brings the Science Fiction II, which I've never taught before.
In Sci Fi I, we explored two key theme of science fiction: What is Out There and The Dangers of Technology. In Sci Fi II, we will explore two more themes: The Mad Scientist and The Nature of Reality. I also haven't seen two classic sci fi films that would undoubtedly be on this list: Inception and Avatar. So I can't rank them either.
As I'm thinking about these themes, I began considering what exactly are the greatest sci fi films of all time. I'll attempt to rank them below.
A note - I'm leaving two classics off of my list: Blade Runner and 2001: A Space Odyssey. I agree that these films are excellent. I just don't personally like them. Thus, they don't make my list!
10. The Island. Michael Bay. I know. Product placement. Pretty people. Bright colors. Everything gets blown up. Major character development happens in three seconds. But this is a great sci fi film that focuses very much on the dangers of technology.
9. District 9. The best sci fi films (and stories) always use aliens and technology as metaphors for real human issues. This one brilliantly examines the human capacity for racism and evil. This actually is a nice comparison to "Young Goodman Brown." Great example of What is out There? It is also one of the most original films I've seen in the sci fi genre.
8. Starship Troopers. Now I know hardcore sci fi fans are laughing right now, but this film is a parody and wasn't meant to be serious. It comes across that way, but if you go in to it knowing it's a bit of a mockumentary, this is a brilliant film based on one of the greatest sci fi writers ever, Robert Heinlein.
7. Men in Black. Again, another mockumentary film. But if you don't take it seriously, this is amazing.
6. Gattaga. The anti-thesis of Terminator 2. This is all build up and characterization. But it's brilliant and very, very well done.
5. Cube. This too is a totally underrated horror/sci fi film. This one is unforgettable.
4. Alien. The film that started it all. Also one of the greatest horror films of all time. Who can forget the amazing tagline, "In Space No One Can Hear You Scream"? This maybe has the all-time greatest scene in Sci fi / horror cinema history. You know the one I'm talking about too!
3. The Thing. This is a great horror film as well. The sense of dread and isolation is amazing. Yet another film that uses aliens as a metaphor. Though it came out in the early '80's the effects still hold up to today's CGI creations.
2. Terminator 2: Judgement Day. In my opinion, next to The Empire Strikes Back, this is the greatest sequel ever. This is one non-stop action-packed film that just never lets up.
1. The Matrix.
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