Classic sci-fi films, typically from the mid-20th century, laid the groundwork for modern science fiction cinema.
1. Metropolis (1927)
Fritz Lang‘s silent masterpiece depicts a futuristic city divided between workers and planners.
Why it’s great:
- Groundbreaking special effects and set design
- Influential on all subsequent sci-fi cinema
- Powerful themes of class struggle and industrialization
2. The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
An alien arrives on Earth with a message of peace in this Cold War-era classic.
Why it’s great:
- Thoughtful exploration of Cold War tensions
- Iconic robot design of Gort
- Influential on subsequent alien visitation films
3. Forbidden Planet (1956)
Loosely based on Shakespeare’s The Tempest, this film follows a starship crew investigating a mysterious planet.
Why it’s great:
- Groundbreaking electronic musical score
- Influential robot design of Robby the Robot
- Early exploration of the “ancient advanced civilization” trope
4. The War of the Worlds (1953)
This adaptation of H.G. Wells‘ novel depicts a Martian invasion of Earth.
Why it’s great:
- Oscar-winning special effects
- Influential on subsequent alien invasion films
- Effective blend of sci-fi and Cold War paranoia
5. Planet of the Apes (1968)
An astronaut crash-lands on a planet where intelligent apes dominate and humans are primitive.
Why it’s great:
- Groundbreaking makeup effects
- Thought-provoking social commentary
- Iconic twist ending.
