There is an entire catalog of teen sci-fi films that have been produced over the decades, and some have become some of the most iconic material today. From The Maze Runner to The Hunger Games, these films will continue to be a hit in this genre among a wide range of audiences.
With any film and genre, there are going to be some films that top others on every mark. These films will rank higher than some of their peers, however, this doesn’t diminish each film's greatness. In regards to some teen sci-fi films, there have been some to shine brighter than others but they’re all still some of the best movies to take a look at.
Thunderbirds (4.3)
Thunderbirds follow a young boy named Alan and his two friends as they try to stop "The Hood," the nemesis of Alan's father, from gaining access to the technology on their island. Starring a young Vanessa Hudgens, fans wouldn’t consider this one of Vanessa’s best movies, however, she played her role perfectly and blended into her character without fail.
Although many fans of the original series by Gerry Anderson weren't satisfied with this 2004 remake, the film has been a great success among those of a younger generation. The film is fun and adventurous with its plot and the young actors do an amazing job of making this movie their own.
Disturbing Behavior (5.6)
There's something strange going on in the town of Cradle Bay. When newcomer Steve realizes that his classmates are too perfect, he and misfit Rachel must figure out what's going on? Starring James Marsden and Katie Holmes, the film explores mind control in a fun twist with the total goal of the perfect teenagers. Disturbing Behavior lives up to its name through the unsettling interactions and creepy scenes throughout the film.
With the villain’s main goal of turning the teens in town into perfect and sex-deprived individuals, viewers are presented with some funny yet dark scenes like one teen bashing her head into the mirror after trying to seduce Steve and chanting “wrong bad” because of her “imperfect” behavior. Although the film was not received very well, this doesn't take away from the film being a great watch. It has all the elements of creepy, funny, horrifying, and a little romance wrapped in one.
Sky High (6.2)
A superhero comedy that's fun and spirited for the entire family, Sky High follows Will Stronghold in his journey to superhero school, where the teens learn to use their powers and work together as a team to stop evil. Sky High can be considered as one of the best comedies on Disney+ at the moment, making it a film to check out.
The movie explores themes of true friendship and embracing the things that make a person unique. The cinematography in the film was amazingly done for the time that the movie was released and brings the film to life with its comic book feel and action-packed scenes.
The Faculty (6.5)
When their teachers and adults in their community have become infected with some kind of alien parasite, a group of students at Herrington High School must band together to figure out what's going on before they're next. The Faculty is an action-packed sci-fi horror film that puts a fun and frightening spin on the typical teen movie.
The film uniquely uses the high school hierarchy of jocks, cheerleaders, outcasts, and girl-next-door all while sticking to the film's main plot. Each character has a backstory that makes the film relatable yet still terrifying. Even though The Faculty has received low scores from critics, with a score of 6.5 on IMDb, it's still one of the best.
Weird Science (6.6)
Wacky in every way possible, Weird Science is one of those films that's just too unforgettable. Anthony Michael Hall and Ilan Mitchell-Smith star as two teens who build their ideal woman through a computer and she magically comes to life with powers.
This classic sci-fi fantasy film has some utterly hilarious scenes that make it fun to watch. Directed by the legendary John Hughes, Weird Science manages to make the main characters relatable with their outcast status and bully story plot, only adding to the science fiction of it all.
The Maze Runner (6.8)
With no memory of who he is, Thomas arrives in the Glade with other orphaned youths and a mysterious and always changing maze that seems to hold all the answers to their escape. Taking on a young adult dystopian trope, The Maze Runner is a science fiction film that brought the action and suspense that allowed it to take home over $348.3 million at the box office, with a budget of only $34 million going into the film.
The film stars the talented Dylan O’Brien in his first big action film aside from his role as the popular Stiles Stilinski in Teen Wolf, and he does an amazing job in taking the lead and making this film a smash hit for critics and viewers alike.
The Hunger Games (7.2)
A cinematic hit and masterpiece to many, The Hunger Games is another dystopian film that follows the lives of young adults and communities broken into 12 Districts. Each district must present a boy and a girl as “tributes” to compete in the yearly Hunger Games. For District 12, Katniss Everdeen volunteers as tribute in place of his little sister, and he begins a terrifying yet harrowing and hopeful journey of unification and rebuilding humanity.
With the lovely Jennifer Lawrence leading the cast, the film explores the gritty underbelly of privilege and economic hierarchy in an unpleasant but captivating world. For fans of this genre and the books, Hunger Games is sure to live up to any expectations.
Ready Player One (7.4)
Based on the bestselling novel by Ernest Cline, Ready Player One is a film that follows Wade Watts as he enters a virtual Easter Egg contest created in the fantasy virtual world of the OASIS, built by the late James Halliday. Throughout his journey in the game, Wade becomes a hero among the outside world as he journeys to discover the true meaning of life and love through this amazing fantasy world.
The film offers amazing graphics and action that keep the audience entertained throughout the film. the true life lessons presented to Wade in his search for answers.
Back To The Future (8.5)
One of the most iconic teen sci-fi films to date, Back To The Future follows Marty McFly as he travels back in time to 1955. In doing so, Marty ultimately jeopardizes his whole existence when his mother and father's meeting is mistakenly thwarted by Marty himself. He must now get his parents together before he ceases to exist forever, all while dealing with his father’s bully, Biff Tannen.
The film has received awards ranging from an Academy Awards, People's Choice Award, a Hugo Award, and many others. Back To The Future has garnered praise for the amazing acting of the cast (Crispen Glover, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, and Michael J. Fox) as well as the engaging plot with some unforgettable lines in the film.