Admittedly, the science-fiction genre can be pretty hit or miss. For every ambitious swing that breaks into the storytelling zeitgeist, there is another dud that is practically incoherent to anyone who sees it. This is even more true for science-fiction films that are geared towards children.
Surprisingly, movies like E.T., quintessential kids' sci-fi fare, rate pretty low on Rotten Tomatoes' audience scores. Instead, this list is mostly dominated by the biggest kids' movie franchise of all-time (regardless of genre): Star Wars. It was also important to delineate which MCU films are sci-fi and which are just fantasy/superhero films. Either way, it resulted in a pretty unique list.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens: 86%
The long-awaited introduction to George Lucas' often teased sequel trilogy for Star Wars, The Force Awakens, was a massive crowd-pleaser when it dropped in 2015. Bringing back beloved characters from the original trilogy made a big splash with audiences, as well as new favorites like Rey.
Some would argue that The Last Jedi was an even bigger improvement on this acclaimed film. However, the audience score was curiously torpedoed by ravenous moviegoers.
Guardians Of The Galaxy, Vol. 2: 87%
Speaking of sequels, the follow-up to 2014's breakout MCU hit, Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2 remains one of the most audacious and fully-realized Marvel entries yet.
With themes of fatherhood and connection placed at the forefront of James Gunn's sequel, Guardians 2 made a big connection with fans when it came to theaters in May 2017. Between colorful set pieces and a killer soundtrack, it is a deserving part of this list.
Ghostbusters: 88%
Moving away from franchise fare for a moment, Ghostbusters clocks in at number eight on the list. Granted, Ghostbusters would eventually become one of the most bizarrely venerated sci-fi series, but at the time, the 1984 comedy stood alone.
It has an adult sense of humor and some scary moments, but for the most part, Ghostbusters was a cross-generation hit that harbored a great deal of appeal for the kids in theaters. Blending the best of sci-fi, fantasy, and comedy, Ghostbusters remains an iconic gem of cinema.
The Iron Giant: 90%
"Superman," says Vin Diesel's Iron Giant. However, the sci-fi in question has nothing to do with the man from Krypton. Instead, it's all about the 1999 classic from Brad Bird.
Now, Brad Bird has made a number of astonishing films in the genres of animation, sci-fi, and action. But something about The Iron Giant still resonates as his directorial debut all these years later. Speaking of non-Disney films, The Iron Giant is one of the best ever made for kids.
Wall-E: 90%
But Disney still dabbles in sci-fi from time to time, after all. Their 2008 joint effort with Pixar, Wall-E, from director Andrew Stanton, is one of the pinnacle examples of that. One part robot romance and one part warning against climate change and consumption, Wall-E is an incredible film.
It's entirely bold for a kids' movie to be so devoted to such lofty themes and clever symbolism. In that sense, Wall-E works on every level. But according to the Rotten Tomatoes audience reviewers, it's also an expert sci-fi film for kids.
Guardians Of The Galaxy: 92%
Returning now to the collection of characters including Star-Lord, Gamora, Rocket Raccoon, and Groot, the first Guardians of the Galaxy film is the one that proved Marvel was here to stay. Turning a D-level comic book team into one of the most beloved properties in the world is no easy feat.
Yet, that's exactly what became of Guardians in the wake of its massive 2014 success. Now, the team even has their own attraction at Disneyland. If that doesn't scream sci-fi for kids, what will?
Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse: 93%
Keeping in the realm of superhero films for now, 2018's Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse ranks the highest in terms of sci-fi movies for kids. Delineating between the genres of Spider-Man was tricky, but this is the only one that's pure sci-fi.
It's also entirely animated, which always helps to lock in the interest of a child viewer. Because of the incredible effort put into the storytelling and design of the film, Spider-Verse was also a massive success for adults and critics.
Back To The Future: 94%
Back to the Future has been steeped into the lore of pop culture for so long that it can be hard to forget it was initially designed with children in mind, especially since those who champion it in the modern era are now adults.
But yes, Back to the Future was a big deal for kids at the time of its release. Marty McFly was practically a folk hero among kids just figuring out their own identities! Not to mention, it laid down the popular perception template of time travel forever.
Star Wars: 96%
Time to go back to a galaxy far, far away. While The Force Awakens was absolutely well-received, it's hard to compare to the original reception fans and kids had to the first Star Wars film back in 1977.
If Rotten Tomatoes existed back then, the score might be even higher. No film has encouraged ravenous repeat viewing like the first Star Wars did. And kids were the top-performing demographic for the space epic.
The Empire Strikes Back: 97%
Right at the top of the list is the second Star Wars movie ever made, Empire, and it's running far, far away with the title of Rotten Tomatoes' audience's best sci-fi movie for kids ever made.
Many might try to claim that this darker sequel is actually for adults, but let's be real. It's a fun adventure with heroic characters and easily-merchandised droids and creatures. It might appeal to all audiences, but it's designed with kids in mind. That results in great sci-fi, too.