From technology to aliens, to superpowers to space, sci-fi reigns supreme in genre storytelling. Nowadays, pretty much anything can make its way onto the big screen; no matter how vast and unusual it may seem. Of course, this wasn’t always the case.
Movies hit a whole new stride in the 1950s, and while CGI and effects certainly weren’t what they are now, some of those flicks strived for excellence and made for some pretty spectacular, and not to mention progressive, cinematic experiences.
Destination Moon (1950)
Back in 1950, producer George Pal made a flick about the moon landing - and this was before the actual moon landing took place. There were rockets, gravity, and whole new ways to present stifled dialogue and pictures.
Considering this was before any Americans personally reached the moon, Destination Moon was pretty influential in both the real world and in the Hollywood world for astronauts and space.
Invaders From Mars (1953)
As far as alien stories go, it’s hard to appreciate the genre without taking a look at this 1953 gem. Directed by William Cameron Menzies, this classic was both culturally significant and scientifically out of this world.
With a truly iconic scene of a UFO entering the earth, Invaders From Mars truly paved the way for the fear of the unknown that comes with every sci-fi flick to date.
The War Of The Worlds (1953)
Anyone, no matter how old or young, will at least recognize the title of this alien flick. At the time The War of the Worlds was made, there was only so much they could do to bring this novel to life.
Still, they did a pretty incredible job, from the heat rays to the spaceships to the mass destruction. Plus, it’s one of the most popular sci-fi messages out there, and it’s no surprise Hollywood had a go at a remake.
Them! (1954)
One of the biggest subgenres of science fiction is definitely monstrous entities. Them! was not only one of the first, but it was also super popular, and was shockingly brilliant for a 1954 flick about giant ants.
This movie has been praised for using techniques and creating a cinematic experience that is way, way ahead of its time, and it helped launched the ‘monster’ genre.
Godzilla (1954)
Godzilla is a Japanese film that changed Hollywood and the sci-fi genre indefinitely. With nuclear weapons that led to the genesis of Godzilla, this movie was miles ahead of its time.
Beyond that, it’s one of the only ones that’s directly continued its legacy into the realm of the 2000s. There is no shortage of stories about the iconic Godzilla who is still seen in cinema today thanks to Legendary's update.
Forbidden Planet (1956)
The 1950s definitely took a stab at alien invasions, and this movie is no exception. Forbidden Planet takes place on a "new" planet where a crew discovers an invisible monster.
Even today, the animation for the monsters and the cinematography is widely praised, and that says a lot for this movies that premiered way back in 1956.
The Incredible Shrinking Man (1957)
Taking a step away from outer space, The Incredible Shrinking Man took on a brave endeavor. Jack Arnold directs this flick, based on a novel, that tells the story of a man who starts slowly shrinking after being exposed to a gas.
This psychological sci-fi journey is super impressive for its day, but even still holds up for its dialogue and heart-wrenching storyline. The special effects are worth a mention, as well.
The Curse Of Frankenstein (1957)
This classic tale hit the big screen in 1957, directed by Terence Fisher. Telling the story of Victor Frankenstein’s monster, this British movie was controversial due to the gruesome tale it told.
However, no one could argue that the production was phenomenal. From the acting to the colors to the monster himself, The Curse of Frankenstein had everyone talking about it; even directors Martin Scorsese and Tim Burton.
The Fly (1958)
The Fly is certainly on the verge of horror, and it’s a bit unsettling to watch. A scientist becomes a creature - a human/fly hybrid. There were even sequels to follow this classic, and many to come about bodies and science fiction horror.
It was one of the most popular films at the time, and stretched beyond what anyone could have thought possible for a sci-fi horror flick in 1958. It’s certainly still a classic much like the 1986 remake.
Journey To The Center Of The Earth (1959)
This sci-fi classic is probably cheesy by today's standards, but at the time it was released, it was a really big deal. The creators went above and beyond in designing their monsters and special effects.
It’s hilariously entertaining, and there’s so much sci-fi wonder to enjoy about Journey to the Center of the Earth. It’s hard to appreciate this genre without this flick. Plus, this is another classic that exploded into many remakes.