The Funniest Science Fiction Films & Television Shows

Science Fiction isn't only about spaceships, alien worlds, nasty novas or big black holes. In between space battles and star hopping adventure, there are loads of laughs.

From Star Wars parodies or proud geeks whipping up the perfect babe, sci-fi isn't only awe inspiring and thrilling, it's downright funny.

Movies

Galaxy Quest (1999)

Here's thinly disguised Star Trek satire which still comes off as an entertaining, even heart warming story.

Aside from the classic SNL sketch with John Belushi and the follow-up howler with William Shatner (Get a life!), there was little in the way of long form Star Trek parody. In this Dreamworks production, cast members of a classic science fiction TV series are recruited by a real alien race to fight the good fight against an enemy trying to exterminate them. The film starred Tim Allen, Alan Rickman and Sigourney Weaver amongst a cast of great supporting actors. Although played for laughs, the make-up, costumes and special effects were all top notch.

Spaceballs (1987)

Mel Books did a light saber stab to gently mock beloved classic Star Wars.

George Lucas never intended his villain Jabba The Hut to be a gross cheese filled, tomato sauce oozing slob known as Pizza The Hut, but that's the kind of humor Brooks uses for his sci-fi comedy. Lovable John Candy plays a truly canine version of Chewbacca, Bill Pullman pulls off a near Han Solo clone and Daphne Zuniga runs around as a spoiled "Druish" princess evoking Carrie Fisher's Princess Leia. Rick Moranis as horizontally challenged Dark Helmet may be the shortest and funniest evil space villain in history. May The Schwarz Be With You!

Star Trek: The Voyage Home (1986)

Aside from unintentional comedy on other Star Trek films, this showcases the popular original series crew led by Shatner's Captain Kirk as real cut-ups.

Recently hailed as one of the most environmentally conscious films ever for it's then pioneering and now timely ecological message of preserving Earth's species, the film is no serious snore fest. Boosted by a newly reborn Spock struggling to fit in with his crew mates and being forced to use a clunky Klingon Bird of Prey instead of the smooth flying Enterprise, the movie is a light hearted romp and near constant comedy. When Kirk and crew are nearly hit by a car at an intersection and he shouts "Double dumb ass on you!" to retort, you know you'll have a good time.

Weird Science (1985)

Directed by prolific eighties writer/director John Hughes, two geeks engage in a cyber experiment, bolstered by some good old fashioned hormones fueling their lust to create the perfect woman.

Lisa, the woman they whip up is played by stunning Kelly LeBrock, but her beauty is just the beginning of the surprise. Instead of being some obedient, sexy babe thrilled to do their bidding, she turns out to be fiery, even deceptive. She's not just a looker too, but possesses some nifty magical powers. This funny sci-fi ride managed to also spawn a television series that ran on USA Network in 1994.

Television

Small Wonder (1985)

A sci-fi sitcom focused around a robot named Vicki, which ran four seasons in syndication.

Vicki's creator, Ted Lawson, brought home his creation to his family and she never left. Vicki possessed super strength, speed and other advanced abilities and used them liberally on the show. Despite having a respectable syndicated run, and having somewhat of a cult following, the series met with harsh critical disdain. Robert Blanco, USA Today's TV critic named it as candidate for one of the worst shows of all time and the BBC offered this, "widely considered one of the worst low-budget sitcoms of all time."

Homeboys In Outer Space (1996)

This African American sci-fi sitcom may have offended some viewers, but it attracted some big name science fiction actors.

Broadcast on UPN (United Paramount Network) Homeboys In Outer Space chronicled the not so fantastic adventures of two guys as they sped around the galaxy in their "hoopty." This ship came complete with a sassy computer named Loquatia. James Doohan, the legendary Scotty from Star Trek played Pippen and guest stars like George Takei (Sulu) and Natasha Henstridge (Species) gave sci-fi cachet to the series, but it wasn't enough to keep it warping in TV space for more than a season.

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993)

Deep Space Nine is described as the "dark" incarnation of Star Trek, but loyal fans will tell you it's also the funniest of all Trek shows.

Perhaps a serious war backdrop on Deep Space Nine lent itself well to comic relief. Between always frugal and scheming Ferengi bar owner Quark, his arch nemesis law upholding Constable Odo and Quark hating Major Kira, viewers delighted in several chuckles per episode or real belly laughs. Some of the funniest episodes: House of Quark has Quark marry into the Klingon empire courtesy of a surly Klingon bride, Profit And Lace sees Quark get a temporary sex change for a business deal and Prophet Motive where Quark must deal with a charitable Grand Nagus. In the nature of full disclosure, the last episode is close to my heart, since my own script was used as basis for the story.

The Greatest American Hero (1981)

This blend of sci-fi superhero fun broke new ground in both categories.

William Katt played Ralph Hinkley, a bookish high school teacher who gets a "supersuit" from an alien race which gives him Superman like powers. The problem? He loses the instruction manual and never gets the suit to work quite right. TV veteran Robert Culp was Maxwell, a seasoned FBI agent who becomes Katt's confidant as they utilize the suit as best they can to fight crime, while juggling personal lives and keeping it secret from the rest of the world. The theme song "Believe It Or Not" was a big hit during its run.