This list was compiled with many different variables in mind. The age, budget, gross return, theatrical criticism, socio-political influences, cast, writers, directors and producers are but a few of the myriad of influences that have to be considered when forming a numerical order of the best science-fiction films ever made.

Despite the sophistication of criticism we aspire to there’s always a quality that’s interpreted personally—subjectivity. We’ve tried our best to be objective in listing our ten best sci-fi films but we embrace our choices with an indelible pride for the artistry and the genre.

Alien (1979)

Alien

An exceptional story with career-best performances and direction, not to mention one of the most suspenseful films of all time. To its credit, and longevity, much of the themes established by Alien have been referenced and copied for the past thirty years. Ridley Scott moves the plot away from the trap of gore and exaggeration that bad horror and sci-fi can revel in and instead employs a tense, quiet claustrophobia throughout.

The use of live action monsters adds a tangible horror to the proceedings and a visceral suspension of disbelief that’s unbearable at times. It also adds a believability to the plot and additional investment from the viewer in the predicament of an incomparably important protagonist/antagonist relationship.

The alien is equipped to destroy everything that stands in its way and Ripley, unrelenting in her desperation to outlive it, has only her wits. The result is a pulsating two hours that goes from disturbing to captivating in a few swift minutes and doesn’t relent for the duration.

Alien is the blueprint for all great sci-fi and no matter how many times you see it you remain disturbed and gripped even after its conclusion.

28 Days Later (2002)

28 Days Later

Some readers may question 28 Days’ inclusion in this list at all. It’s the second best sci-fi film of all time for many good reasons. The misunderstanding that 28 Days is a zombie film is very common and too easily corrected not to realise it’s a sci-fi masterpiece (28 Days’ supremacy is every bit as good as 28 Weeks Later is bad). The antagonist is an infection that spreads after a scientific experiment is unwittingly leaked into the general population.

The madness that ensues is generally misunderstood as the apocalypse, despite the accelerating spread of infection. The subject of the experiment soon becomes the general population with devastating ferocity. Symptomatic of the countries moral compasses disappearance is the Darwinian survivalism that turns sane men into tyrants.

Zombie film is a genre of its own now but much of the enthusiasm for it stems from Danny Boyle’s wonderful reboot of the genre (despite the ironic disqualification of 28 Days as a zombie film, strictly speaking).

Inception (2010)

Inception

An infectious conviction of its own world makes Inception so immersive. People who didn’t get it immediately still wanted to. They knew it was cool and different and unlike most mainstream blockbusters it didn’t slow down to explain itself nor sully its complexity by dragging the viewer along with handouts as to what was transpiring—you either got it or had to try again.

Christopher Nolan’s stranglehold over the writing and direction is palpable and elevates the film to the dizzying height of third on this list. Much of this is due to Nolan’s holistic approach to filmmaking. The narrative and direction remain pitch-perfect, each section harmoniously adding to the enigmatic crescendo, smartly introducing the first ambiguity of the story as its curtain call.

Gattaca  (1997)

Gattaca

Gattaca is a superbly designed and thoroughly well crafted story. As Pablo Picasso said, “Art is not truth. Art is a lie that makes us realize truth”. Sci-fi’s most powerful signature is the ability to project the human condition, to accelerate the confines of daily life into an unreality. This list studies that unreality and Gattaca is not bettered by anything on it. Andrew Niccol’s feature-length debut arrests the viewer from the outset by establishing the protagonist as the underdog and the unthinkable conclusion he must endeavour to fulfill.

Gattaca doesn’t miss a beat as it gracefully unfolds its plots, all whilst spinning them back together to form a singular connective thread that effortlessly reaches its conclusion of each character’s journey. Gattaca is as inspirational as it is poignant, as thrilling as it is suspenseful. It’s hard to know who you’re crying for as the credits roll.

Regardless of genre, Gattaca is one of the most poetic and important pieces of cinematic storytelling to date.

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

2001: A Space Odyssey

2001 is the kind of film that pushes storytelling dangerously close to an artform. More than any film on this list 2001 has more expression and is loaded with more subtext and meaning. Even it’s length is colossal at close to three hours. Everything about it oozes quality and sophistication. Had it not been for the expert craftsmanship of Kubrick it would have ended up a sluggish, over extravagant glut of ‘artistry’.

Fortunately Kubrick manages to fit the dawn of man to the realisation of space travel in a succinct, iconic passage that paved the way for many successive sci-fi endeavors.

2001 fell short mainly because of its excessive segways that didn’t add to its story nor climax but did manage to birth a character more powerful and memorable than most dare to imagine. HAL is a wonderful antagonist that fuels one of the more interesting debates of the discourse that does much for the films standing and longevity.

Jurassic Park (1993)

Jurassic Park

When it comes to the box office most sci-fi films are burdened by their genre. Jurassic Park, after nearly two decades is the highest grossing film on this list. Despite crossing all demographics and to its credit the plot, acting, production and direction are all worthy of their critical acclaim not only after its initial release but also to this day. Produced for a miniscule amount by todays standards for a film of its magnitude, Jurassic Park fueled the enthusiasm for science in kids and their seniors alike.

Technically the CGI stands up to todays high standards and thematically the plot is no more unlikely than upon its release. Jurassic Park inspired a generation with its fearless representation of murderous, beautiful creatures that the cast dared to reimagine and control. Like all good sci-fi it raised enough questions to be challenging but didn’t claim to have all the answers in its running time.

The Matrix (1999)

The Matrix

Upon its release The Matrix changed everything. It was a perfect technological storm which inspired a generation to think differently about the ever lessening between technology and people and indeed science fact and science fiction. The Matrix introduced the idea of a blockbuster film that directly challenged its audience on a conceptual, existential level.

It paved the way for a greater investment in production innovation with incredible CGI and innovations in standard filming practices. (Most notably the bullet time shot.)

Influences from other mediums were obvious; the monochromatic wash over the film is distinctly reminiscent of graphic and photographic influences and a huge debt is owed to the wonderful Ghost in the Shell. At the time The Matrix was pioneering. Despite the blundered sequels it will be remembered as a stylish, smart film that made it acceptable for mainstream audiences to be challenged on a conceptual level.

WALL-E (2008)

Wall-E

Any film with no dialogue for forty minutes involving only robots and insects which goes beyond passable is frankly a masterpiece. WALL-E evokes more emotion with these seemingly paltry characters than can be hoped for or expected. Pixar understand just as well as any production company that less can be more. WALL-E’s lonesome crusade on a desolate, evacuated planet is captivating enough and although many criticise the journey which ensues, the writing and production remains terrific.

In the same way Jurassic Park captivated kids and adults alike, WALL-E raises questions about humanity far beyond its expected remit. WALL-E is a multitude of things.

The love story of two robots with free will is more delicately and poignantly told than any romantic comedy, the moments of humour are funnier than those of comedy films and the relationships between WALL-E’s characters are as believable as any of the viewers watching.

The Terminator (1984)

The Terminator

Time-travel, artificial intelligence and war. Perhaps the best ingredients for a sci-fi film of any on this list. The Terminator might be the cheapest on this list to produce but its social and aesthetic impact can still be felt. The Terminator is an aggressive, brilliant film. The pace and tone are uncompromising and the rough, questionable edges are left in, to the credit of the production team. They knew they weren’t making a masterpiece, they were making a dirty, substantive and gristly film. The result is a thrilling ride that’s all the better for its modest production values and budget cast.

The Thing, 1982

The Thing

The Things’ score alone can be considered one of the best characters in the film. The story unfolds with exceptionally crafted tension and hits its beats perfectly throughout, finding itself with one of the best written endings in cinema. The fervent paranoia that infects the characters finds its way through the fourth wall as the viewers involvement and judgement is tested by the labyrinthine question of whose impending elimination rules them out as having been human after all.

In a list dominated by talented, controlling directors, John Carpenter finds himself in good company. His wonderful ability to tell a story through emotion and suspense lands The Thing a deserved spot in the top ten sci-fi films.