The science fiction genre is not one that everyone loves. While some genres have a large range of audience members, such as fantasy films, the world of sci-fi can be a difficult place to navigate, especially for people trying out the genre for the first time.
With high concepts, aliens, spaceships, time travel and alternate dimensions, there's a lot to understand about science fiction. However, we believe we have found 10 films in the genre that anyone can enjoy, even if they don't normally like sci-fi films!
INCEPTION (2010)
We know, this is a complicated film to start off with, however there are a number of reasons why anyone can grow to like this film. Inception deals with a number of concepts that are completely unique to that movie universe.
While other science fiction films often assume you will understand the basic workings of time travel or inter-dimensional exploration, Inception holds your hand as it shows you this world of dreams; a concept that everyone is familiar with to start.
JURASSIC PARK (1993)
Many fans may not think that Jurassic Park and the rest of this franchise is actually part of the science fiction genre. However, with a mosquito allowing for all sorts of cloning, DNA growth and the creation of Dinosaurs, there's big sci-fi elements here.
However, they aren't too much of a focus of the film, with audiences instead being brought into this theme park/zoo type landscape where a a group of people are being chased by dinosaurs. It's imaginative, a lot of fun, and a huge hit across the world.
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY (2014)
Guardians of the Galaxy is hardly an underrated film, yet it's perhaps overlooked compared to the other Marvel movies because of the strong sci-fi elements. Those not familiar with the genre could be mistaken for thinking that this is closer to Rick and Morty than it is Iron Man.
However, not only does it combine elements of super hero movies, it also is just like a fantasy epic. While it is set in space and there are of course so many science fiction parts, the soundtrack, wacky characters and concepts are all accessible to a much wider audience.
E.T. (1982)
This Steven Spielberg film is already a family favorite amongst many across the world. The story of Elliott, a small boy that encounters an alien on Earth, has captured so many hearts. It's a rollicking adventure, although definitely within the sci-fi mould.
The film is however much bigger than just this genre. The character has come to represent something completely unique and different and although one of the main characters is an alien, it's so Earth centric that anyone could take part in this story.
THE IRON GIANT (1999)
One of Vin Diesel's most famous roles has him voicing an animated giant robot. But much like the previous entry to this list, The Iron Giant has not only become a pop culture sensation but the kind of film a whole family can enjoy.
While it is comprised of elements that you would expect to find in other films about artificial intelligence and robotics, it also has those story telling elements that make the subject matters far more understandable for someone that isn't familiar with other robot films.
INDEPENDENCE DAY (1996)
As the name suggests, this is a film that is so America focused, with huge special effects, the blowing up of the White House, massive action stars and huge comedic moments, that it can be put on during the actual Independence Day, as a through and through patriotic film.
The fight between the alien invaders and the United States is a story that has been recycled over and over again, but with the charm of Will Smith this has been taken to a much more universally understood place, where any patriot or fan of blockbusters can enjoy this flick.
THE MARTIAN (2015)
Matt Damon is the kind of actor that can bring new audience members to particular genres. With the fantastic direction of Ridley Scott and excellent performance from Damon, this film brought something completely different to the genre.
It's thrilling, heartbreaking, epic and comedic, combining a number of elements to create a narrative that anyone can enjoy. A man trapped on Mars may sound unrealistic, but all these elements combined make the film feel so accessible to so many.
STAR WARS (1977)
It's fair to say that the Star Wars franchise is one of the biggest in the world, so it also wouldn't be a massive stretch to suggest that it probably appeals to a much wider community than just science fiction fans.
This is a space epic that actually encompasses many different genres include sword and sorcery, westerns and samurais. With cool gadgets, blasters and lightsabers, huge moments of light and dark and a whole host of interesting characters, this is a widely loved series of films.
RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES (2011)
This series of films has actually produced some of the best new science fiction characters of the last decade. The series has taken the well known franchise and turned it into something completely different, yet still loved by many.
The story of the fall of humanity and the rise of apes was told well in each film in the trilogy, but the second one really stands out amongst the rest. Each can be watched individually without a universe of knowledge needed, which is why it's so available to any viewers.
WALL-E (2008)
PIXAR has turned out some absolute classics during their existence and Wall-E is of course no exception. Each of their films brings with it a familiar audience, as the PIXAR brand is so well known for quality now; they can enter any genre easily.
The sci-fi genre had not been explored in this way before and while it once again looks at robotics, post-apocalyptic futures and space exploration, it's all done from the point of view of a character that actually seems very human.