The sci-fi film genre has a long and exciting legacy that continues to expand to this day. While movies that fall into this category were first introduced in the early 1900s, it wasn't until the '60s that this genre began to pick up. After the release of the original Star Wars film in 1977, however, sci-fi movies got an even bigger boost. They continue to populate Hollywood today. Because of this, we thought it was time we looked back at the best sci-fi films of all time. Rather than picking our own favorites, however, we're turning to IMDb for answers.
The popular entertainment website has assigned every sci-fi film a star rating, based on the votes of registered users on a scale of 1 to 10. Those with the highest scores (and over 25,000 ratings) will be earning a spot on this list. With the logistics noted, it's time to adventure through some of the coolest films out there; Here are the best sci-fi movies of all time, according to IMDb.
Back To The Future (8.5)
Where we're going, we don't need roads. In 1985, Back to the Future had high school student Marty McFly and scientist Doc Brown traveling back in time to make sure Marty's parents fall for one another. If this doesn't happen, his future existence might also be wiped away.
The classic sci-fi story was filled with witty lines, spirit, and whimsy. It remains one of the most iconic films of the '80s.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (8.5)
Though the original Terminator received much attention, it's 1991 sequel garnered even more praise. Eleven years after the events of the original, John Connor is forced to evade the attacks of a future Terminator who is on a mission to murder him. Meanwhile, a different Terminator protects him as a child.
Critics loved how the film continued the life of the first movie while elevating the action sequences, visual effects, and character development. It won a handful of visual and sound Oscars at the Academy Awards.
The Prestige (8.5)
This 2006 period thriller sees two magicians engrossed in a dangerous competition in London. Their goal: to perform teleportation. Unfortunately, a rise to the top doesn't come without consequences.
The Prestige dazzled viewers with interesting illusions and engrossing events. The high-stakes rivalry was also praised for its believability, intensity, and ability to drive the narrative along.
Avengers: Infinity War (8.5)
Though many of the Avengers films are cinematic stand-outs, the last installments in the series managed to pack a bigger punch than the ones before it. In 2018's Infinity War, the superheroes attempt to take on Thanos. Though he hopes to end half of life on earth by collecting the six Infinity Stones, the Avengers hope to stop him by collecting these gems first.
The blockbuster was a huge box office and critical success, with many loving the huge entertainment value, quality special effects, and humorous, heartfelt plot. The cliff-hanger ending had fans eager for the finale follow-up.
Avengers: Endgame (8.5)
A year after Infinity War hit the big screen, Endgame brought the stories of Marvel's most popular heroes to an epic conclusion. Having failed to stop Thanos, the remaining Avengers decide to team together to go back in time and reverse fate after Ant-Man emerges from the quantum realm. Though their hopes are high, the danger is also huge.
Like its predecessor, Endgame smashed the box office, becoming the highest-grossing movie of all time. Fans were content with the way the movie tied up character arcs while upping the excitement and emotions.
Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (8.6)
In 1977, George Lucas introduced the world to one of the biggest space franchises of all time: Star Wars. The original space opera, retroactively titled A New Hope, sees the Imperial Forces holding Princess Leia hostage deep in space. It's up to an inexperienced Luke Skywalker and an arrogant Han Solo to team up in order to rescue her and bring freedom back to the galaxy.
The film became an instant hit at the time of its release for immersing viewers in a beautiful, fascinating new universe. As a result, it swept up multiple awards in editing, costume design, music, and visual categories.
Interstellar (8.6)
In Interstellar, the Earth is becoming unlivable as the planet becomes covered in dust storms and good food becomes scarce. Because of this, a NASA physicist plans to bring all humans to a new planet. His team must first, however, enter a wormhole to scout out a future location to call home.
The big-budget film was full of thoughtful themes and gorgeous visuals. Its immersive nature had it scoring many technical Academy Award nominations. It took home Best Visual Effects.
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (8.7)
While the original Star Wars is a classic, no installment in the film series is quite as regarded as A New Hope's 1980 direct sequel.
Taking place three years after the events of the original, The Empire Strikes Back has Luke, Leia, and Han attempting to avoid the pursuits of Darth Vader and the Galactic Empire. Though initial reactions to the film were divided, its riveting and thoughtful narrative has cemented it as a classic in the years since.
The Matrix (8.7)
Keanu Reeves took center stage in this iconic 1999 action film. The Matrix follows a group of humans who are stuck inside a simulated reality in a dystopian future. After a hacker discovers this truth, he engages in a fight against the machines that are using humans' real bodies.
The special effects, complex action sequences, and layered story had critics raving. This had it earning multiple Academy Awards including Best Sound, Best Film Editing, Best Sound Effects Editing, and Best Visual Effects.
Inception (8.8)
Topping off the list as the highest-rated sci-fi film of all time is Inception. This 2010 adventure tells of a thief who steals people's secrets by sneaking into their subconscious. After being presented with an opportunity to rid himself of his criminal history, he embarks on his biggest mission yet: planting an idea inside someone's head.
The film's high stakes, smart script, gorgeous visuals, genuine emotions, and high-energy sequences received much applause. This had the film scoring multiple technical awards.