1. Close Encounters of the Third Kind

To think, if I wasn’t inexplicably but perpetually in love with Richard Dreyfuss, I might have missed seeing one of the best sci-fi films ever made! Close Encounters of the Third Kind is a classic, although the man on which the story is based is looking to have the film remade so that it better fits in with his perspective. I can understand that but I hope it doesn’t happen. This alien abduction film is pretty close to perfection the way it is, and not just because it was Spielberg’s first foray into aliens.

2. Invasion of the Body Snatchers

This is a fantastic, classic sci-fi film, and it proves that a movie doesn’t have to be in color to give you the creeps. Everything you ever wanted to know about pod people, you can find in this film about a regular joe who discovers that the inhabitants of his small, close-knit town aren’t quite themselves any longer.

3. The Day the Earth Stood Still

I’m not talking about the remake starring Keanu Reeves. I hated that movie so hard. No, the original always wins for me. They knew how to pull off the story in the 1950s; they had no need to rely solely on CGI and special effects. If you’ve ever said “Klaatu barada nikto” yourself, you’re probably a fan too. If you’ve heard the phrase and don’t know what it means need to go see this right now. The message is still incredibly relevant, not to mention apt for today.

4. Star Wars

The Star Wars franchise includes some of the best sci-fi movies ever made. It’s impossible to pick just one, because I even enjoyed 1-3 – although I admittedly have a thing for Hayden Christensen in spite of popular opinion, and I think Ewan McGregor is the bee’s knees. Anyway, while most people seem to prefer either A New Hope or The Empire Strikes Back, the question of which Star Wars film is best can spark a debate that lasts for days. What do you think?

5. Alien

Actually, feel free to include Aliens with this as well. Both of them are incredible sci-fi films, but the original wins out as the best, but Aliens is just … wow. They’re gruesome creature features that represent what the more modern sci-fi genre was destined to become. And Ripley is one of the most iconic characters I’ve ever seen. I mean, this girl can make it through anything.

6. Men in Black

I’ll confess, this one’s for me. It might not be hugely popular, but I love this movie. All things considered, it may look like I have a Will Smith thing, but it’s purely a coincidence. I like the guy, he’s a pretty good actor and once upon a time, he rocked the hell out of the sci-fi drama, but for me the man in the black suit will always be Tommy Lee Jones.

7. Independence Day

Independence Day may not classify as one of the best sci-fi movies on everyone’s list, but I loved it. I still love it! All the intermingling stories, the actors, the effects – they all made the film fantastic. At the time, it took the world by storm because it really had something for everybody. Plus, I’ll watch Jeff Goldblum in anything. No joke.

The best sci-fi movies give you an eerie little thrill no matter what. Even if it’s a black and white movie, if it’s a good film, then you end up creeped out and wondering as you stare at the sky and think to yourself, “What if…?” That’s why I think these are the best sci-fi films to watch – especially in the dark! What are your favorites?

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