Top 10 Sci Fi Movies of All Time

Here is the list of the ten greatest Sci Fi Movies of all Time, brought to you by a former Film and Media Studies minor at The Johns Hopkins University. So if you are a film buff and haven't seen these movies put them on your NetFlix list today!

#10) When World Collide (1951)

I saw this film for the first time as a child and was absolutely fascinated by it ever since. Life on Earth is coming to an end because another star is on collision course with the Earth. The only escape from certain death is to get a seat on a space ship to the planet that is orbiting the oncoming star. Human emotions come in to play as people scramble to get aboard the limited seats on the only flight out of town! It is a must see.
#9) Total Recall (1990)

Arnold Schwarzenegger at his best, kicking ass on Mars! Based on a Philip K Dick short story this action packed juggernaut of movie explores the classic Dick theme of reality vs delusion. Was the film only a memory implant or is what we are watching really happening? You decide.
#8) Logan's Run (1976)

Carousel begins. This Sci-Fi flick takes place in the mid-23rd century in a domed underground city without any old people. Without giving away too much of the plot the film is the story of a "Sandman" (essentially a police officer) who in the process of trying to catch "Runners" who try to escape the fate of all those who turn 30 years of age discovers the horrible truth about the society he lives in. If you've only seen the TV show or plan to see the re-make that comes out in 2010 be sure to watch the original first.

#7) Gattaca (1997)

The human spirit conquers all. In a near-future society run by genetically engineered "valids" an "invalid" naturally born man refuses to accept his station in life. In my opinion it is a brilliant under-rated piece of cinema that actually brought tears to my eyes when I first saw it.

#6) The Omega Man (1971)

Charlton Heston is the last man alive but he is not alone! He's got vampires out to get him. This dark film based on the apocalyptic Richard Matheson novel "I Am Legend" is far superior to both the earlier Vincent Price version "The Last Man on Earth" and the later Will Smith re-make. It also is filled with that classic 1970s nihilistic pessimism and an amazing ending.

#5) Metropolis (1926)

Fritz Lang's silent classic from 1926 stands the test of time. As one of the earliest sci-fi films ever made it sets the stage for the entire genre.

#4) A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

Is this a Stanley Kubrick film or a Steven Spielberg movie or a little of both? This much maligned and misunderstood film is in my opinions one of the greatest and most beautifully done Sci-Fi films of all time. A futuristic Pinocchio tale, it deals with the themes of eternal re-occurrence and what it means to be "human". If you "get it" you will get it and really love this film

#3) Planet of the Apes (1968)

Take your stinking paws off me, you damned dirty ape! Yes, two Charlton Heston films make my list. This is the original version and not the horrid re-make starring Marky Mark. I loved it as a kid (I had a Planet of the Apes lunch box) and love it as an adult. I never get tired of watching this film. "A planet where apes evolved from men? There's got to be an answer." Well there certainly is and finding it out is a shock for all.

#2) Star Wars Trilogy

What list of the greatest Sci-Fi movies of all time can be complete without Star Wars? I couldn't decided which of the 3 original films (Star Wars, Empire Strikes Back or Return of the Jedi) to include so I lump them all together as a giant tie for second place. Please note I do not include Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones or Revenge of the Sith on this list.

#1) 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Stanley Kubrick's masterpiece 2001: A Space Odyssey is without a doubt one of the greatest science fiction films ever made. Based on the Arthur C Clarke novel, the film spans human history from the Dawn of Man to the journey to space. It is film of few words and amazing imagery that deals with themes of human nature and evolution. It is also one of the few science fiction films that embraces scientific realism. Gravity and the silence of space are an integral part of this film. This is no Star Wars. There are no fuzzy puppet creatures in this film. Just the cold silence loneliness of Space.