NaN’s Top Five 80s Sci-Fi Movies

(Image by Colleen Bement)

Written by Colleen Bement, Editor

The 1980s were a special decade for science fiction. Special effects were evolving, storytelling was bold, and imagination knew no limits. From dystopian futures to time-traveling teens, the ’80s delivered some of the most iconic sci-fi films in cinema history. This decade brought us revolutionary special effects, visionary directors, and iconic characters. Two James Cameron movies made it to my list, and both were incredible sequels. These films tapped into some of our fears like the Cold War, rapid tech advances, and a growing fear of artificial intelligence. These themes are still eerily relevant today.  I’ve put together a list of my top five favorites, and I’m curious to know what you agree with and what you disagree with. 

5. Aliens (1986)

Stars: Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, and Carrie Henn. 

Starting out in fifth position is probably one of the scariest sci-fi films ever made. “Aliens.” And that is saying a lot, because the original film, “Alien,” seriously scared me. After having been scarred by the  “Space:1999” episode ‘Dragon’s Domain,’ I can’t believe I went to see “Alien.” I guess went back for more torture–I mean more excitement! Sigourney Weaver returned as Ripley and she took us on an action-packed terrifying ride that had basically ramped it up to a full-blown war. James Cameron masterfully took the reins from Ridley Scott and delivered a sci-fi thriller that was equal parts intense and empowering, giving us that famous line Get away from her, you bitch!

4. Back to the Future (1985)

Stars: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, and Lea Thompson

Time travel never looked so fun. “Back to the Future” blended sci-fi with comedy, heart, and one of the coolest time machines ever: the DeLorean. Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd brought incredible energy to a story that’s still just as enjoyable today as it was then. The film is nothing short of magical. It is the first adventure of Marty McFly and Doc Brown and their time-hopping DeLorean and it was a place where happy endings still existed. Huey Lewis and the News’ songs The Power of Love and Back in Time roam through my head any time I think of this movie. It was one of those movies that you can watch over and over again and still be thoroughly entertained. Although the sequels were nowhere near as good as the original, it was kind of a perfect movie. 

3. The Terminator (1984)

Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, and William Wisher

“The Terminator” was one of the most terrifying storylines ever. Between a relentless robot and a nuclear war, of course I had nightmares after seeing it. Written and directed by James Cameron, this tale of a cyborg assassin sent from the future was a low-budget powerhouse that changed everything. The apocalyptic story was told through the eyes of just three characters and it was brilliant. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s cold, mechanical performance turned him into a legend and his career was changed forever. It reminded me of a classic B-movie in many respects, and had all the sci-fi perfection I could have asked for.

2. The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Stars: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher

Often hailed as the best “Star Wars” film, “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” dove deep into that galaxy far, far away. In probably one of the best sequels ever made, “Empire” gave us unforgettable moments. AND, it introduced Yoda! After having our minds blown to new filmmaking in “A New Hope,” this second installment in the galaxy told us who Luke’s father was, gave us the Han and Leia kiss, confused the hell out of us with the Luke and Leia kiss, and informed us just how badly the inside of a Tauntaun smelled. What would the second best “Star Wars” film be? “A New Hope” or “Rogue One”? “Revenge of the Sith?” As big of a “Star Wars” fan that I am, ranking it as number two was as close as I could put to the top, considering what will be my number one choice. 

1. Blade Runner (1982)

Stars: Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, and Sean Young

“Blade Runner” was ahead of its time. Ridley Scott’s vision of a dystopian Los Angeles was unlike anything we had ever seen. The way that it fused East and West cultures with the stress of the constant rain and neon lights was so eerie. The entire film really opened my eyes to what it means to be human? What is a soul?  I admit that it took me two trips to the theater for “Blade Runner” to really sink in. Harrison Ford and Rutger Hauer gave gritty and sincere performances that stand out to this day. I think it’s time for another re-watch! 

 

It was almost impossible to narrow this list down to just five. Leaving out “E.T.” and “Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan” was a difficult choice to make. “E.T.” felt like a piece of my childhood and “Wrath of Khan” is, IMHO, the best Trek movie of them all. Both made me cry ugly tears that kind of changed me as a person. I really want to know what your top five 80s sci-fi movies are. Drop your list in the comments. I would love to compare notes! 

 

Lynn Makes

Hi, I’m Lynn, and I Make.
Props, Cosplay, Scale Models, Home Projects, and just about anything else that involves me Making.

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