Science fiction in cinema has improved by leaps and bounds over the past hundred years, going from influential German expressionism to record-breaking superhero blockbusters. Letterboxd users have made it easy for fans of the genre to see exactly how much it has changed in the last century.
By looking at the highest-rated sci-fi movies of each decade on the social media platform, it becomes clear to viewers how each one is a reflection and representation of the best of the genre during that period. These should be considered essential viewing for film buffs and casual fans alike.
The 1920s
Metropolis (1927) – 4.2
Available to rent on Apple TV+.
Often considered among the most influential sci-fi movies ever made, director Fritz Lang’s Metropolis remains the subject of discussions and studies about sci-fi and cinema as a whole today. The German expressionist dystopian film is set in a futuristic city where the wealthy Freder forms a connection with Maria, who wants to see the end of the class divide.
The silent movie is known for its cutting-edge visuals and elaborate set pieces, all designed to reflect how dehumanized workers have become in the sprawling urban setting. Although some of the film’s aspects will seem dated to modern audiences, its powerful message remains just as relevant as ever.
The 1930s
The Bride Of Frankenstein (1935) – 4.0
Available to rent on Apple TV+.
Director James Whale gives fans a satisfying sequel through the sci-fi horror film, The Bride of Frankenstein, which depicts what happens immediately after the events of 1931’s Frankenstein. The movie delves deeper into the Monster’s personality, giving it a humanlike quality. Meanwhile, Henry Frankenstein is tempted by an old mentor who bites off more than he can chew.
The black-and-white film may seem campier than scary today, but its surprising moving story and powerful conclusion more than make up for its dated aspects. It’s easy to see why it has become an irreplaceable part of pop culture.
The 1940s
Krakatit (1948) – 3.6
Based on the eponymous 1922 novel by Karel Čapek, Krakatit tells the story of Prokop, a chemist who finds himself confused following an explosion in his lab. Director Otakar Vávra quickly turns the whodunnit into a thrilling film once audiences realize the dangerous secret Prokop doesn’t know he’s keeping.
Fans won’t be able to help but feel bad for the scientist who just wants to correct his wrongs, but can barely remember what his own name is. It’s nerve-wracking to know how important the protagonist’s mission is and watch as he struggles to tell apart reality from his hallucinations. It’s a gripping movie that has that same effect so many years after its initial release.
The 1950s
Godzilla (1954) – 4.0
Available to stream on HBO Max.
Director Ishirō Honda’s legendary Godzilla is a film that birthed an entire franchise. Although it may have depicted the smallest version of Godzilla, standing at just 50 meters tall, the kaiju movie has cemented its spot in the history of cinema.
The monster film was considered among the pioneering works for suitmation, which eventually became common practice for Hollywood hits. Beyond its groundbreaking effects, the first entry in the now massively popular film series had something all of its sequels could not emulate – an important message and reflection of the state of the country at that time.
The 1960s
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) – 4.3
Available to stream on HBO Max.
2001: A Space Odyssey is an avant-garde film that needs no introduction. Director Stanley Kubrick’s genre-defining magnum opus breathed life into the genre and showed that sci-fi films are worth bringing to the big screen. It’s centered on a crew who sets off to find a mysterious object out in space, but encounters problems when the advanced computer HAL 9000s starts acting strange.
With its stunning visual effects and genuinely unique story that has perplexed and fascinated fans and critics for years, the critically-acclaimed film deserves its spot among the best that sci-fi has to offer.
The 1970s
Stalker (1979) – 4.4
Available to stream on HBO Max.
Director Andrei Tarkovsky makes viewers really consider their life and the choices they have made so far through Stalker, a philosophical sci-fi movie that follows the titular character who guides visitors to the heart of “the Zone.” Along the way, they talk about hard-hitting topics and confess things they have done (or plan to do) to their companions.
The questions the characters raise about human desire and nature are absorbing enough, but the film’s surreal setting and one-of-a-kind style make it even harder for audiences to take their eyes off the screen all the way to its gripping conclusion.
The 1980s
The Empire Strikes Back (1980) – 4.4
Available to stream on Disney+.
With new characters like Yoda and Emperor Palpatine, fans were immediately enthralled by the riveting continuation of the epic story set in space in The Empire Strikes Back. Directed by Irvin Kershner, the iconic sci-fi film chronicles the battle between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire.
Needless to say, the movie began a cultural phenomenon that’s still going strong today and is still considered by some as the best entry in the Star Wars franchise. More than just a sequel that was considered a technical marvel, it’s a film that has inspired and influenced countless fans.
The 1990s
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) – 4.2
Available to rent on Apple TV+.
Director James Cameron improved upon the original by leaps and bounds through Terminator 2: Judgment Day. The iconic sequel depicts T-800’s action-packed encounters with T-1000, who will do everything he can to get to Sarah Connor’s son, John.
With massive explosions, wild car chases, and even helicopter stunts, the film is just as fun to watch today as it was when it was first released. While some of its visual effects are definitely dated, fans will likely feel just as invested in its thrilling story and lovable characters.
The 2000s
Children Of Men (2006) – 4.2
Available to rent on Apple TV+.
It’s not an overstatement to say that Children of Men is one of the best sci-fi movies ever made. Director Alfonso Cuarón thrusts viewers into a dystopian future where infertility has become the norm, and that one fact has changed the world in the worst ways. With society on the brink of total destruction and masses of refugees with nowhere to go, it’s up to the protagonist, Theo Faron, to give the future a fighting chance.
The captivating film perfectly captures the prevailing feeling of hopelessness and desperation in that bleak version of the planet. Its unique premise makes fans think about how humanity would react to such a bizarre but significant problem.
The 2010s
Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (2018) – 4.4
Available to rent on Apple TV+.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is rightly credited with revitalizing the saturated superhero film genre. The critically-acclaimed animated film revolves around Miles Morales’ story, as he meets and works with other versions of Spidey from across the multiverse who collaborate to take down Kingpin.
With its comics-inspired vibrant art style that perfectly complements its wild narrative and lovable characters, the movie leaves a lasting impression on fans. It elevates the niche in the sci-fi genre that is too often criticized for being unimaginative and repetitive, not to mention introducing the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man to a whole new generation of fans.