5 Films that Changed the Way People look at Sci-Fi movies
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- By Venkman
These days it seems like most people are really into the sci-fi films. Young and old people alike, there is just something about the stories and settings that gets the peoples attention. It wasn’t always like that though. There was a time when sci-fi movies were not taken seriously by people. People would write them off as being stupid looking, silly movies. We still hear these complaints today, because that’s what many people seem to be saying about James Cameron’s Avatar. Personally I think Avatar will be the first movie since the original Star Wars to bring science fiction films to a whole new level. Here are five films that I think have changed the way people look at sci-fi movies, and influenced filmmakers throughout the history of film.
The Day the Earth Stood Still
I’m talking about the 1951 original version here. This is one of the first sci-fi films that had a global message in it. An alien comes to earth to warn the planet that if they don’t change the direction they are going they will destroy themselves. It carried a very strong message of peace. You may not know this but the character Klaatu was intended to be compared to Christ. This is a film that took science fiction films to a new level of meaning.
2001 Space Odyssey
This is such a deep and artist science fiction film. I don’t think sci-fi was ever looked at as a true art form until this movie came along. It dealt with the human evolution, technology, artificial intelligence, and alien life. The film took science fiction to a more realistic level, at the same time it was surreal. The special effects were amazing for the time that they were done. The film had such a great look to it. It also used more imagery to tell the story, with a little bit of dialogue. This is a sci-fi film that made you really think.
Star Wars
This film obviously changed everything about sci-fi movies! Nothing was ever the same after. This movie sparked a sci-fi film revolution and took the technology of filmmaking to the next level. Star Wars was the first of its kind, nothing had ever been done like it before and every sci-fi film afterwards had to have been inspired by it one way or another. ‘Star Wars’ gave birth to the sci-fi geeks including fanboys and fangirls.
Metropolis
Probably the most influential sci-fi film ever made. Made in 1927 This film inspired movies, comic books, video games, anything sci-fi. The sets and designs of this film had a huge influence in pop art. ‘Metropolis’ invented the science fiction film genre. The film is about class struggle, anticipating decades of dangerous visions in the struggle to define humanity. You can still see the influence of this movie today, all around us.
Akira
I thought I would throw in one of the greatest sci-fi animated films of all time into the mix. This has a huge cult following. I didn’t even know animated films like this existed until after I was introduced to it! It blew me away the first time I saw it, and it still does! This changed the way I looked at animated films, and I have seen this film influence the art of animation throughout the years.
There are a ton of other Sci-fi films that have helped change the way films are made today.What are some other sci-fi films that you feel have changed the movie making landscape?
I would add
Blade Runner
Pretty much for the same reasons that you listed Spade Odyssey. Blade Runner mixes great action with great ideas.
Matrix
If ever there was a game changer, I think this was it. Not only did it make computer geeks cool, the technical aspects are masterpiece worthy, even if it lacks some acting skill and story quality. Matrix is a very visual experience, it amazes you and stays with you.
Alien
The alien-monster movie was tipically viewed as something cheesy, but Alien transcended that. I can't even say if it's a science fiction movie first or a horror movie first. It's simply in a league of it's own.
And even though they're not movies… Star Trek and Star Trek TNG I think had the most impact on how people view science fiction.
Akira HELL yeah…. one of my personal top 5 films EVER.. heck I have a shelf of toys dedicated to it.. and original animation cels signed by the voice actors.. AKIRA is a must watch film to all
For added flexibility, these settings can be used together or independently. Movie Genre
Star Wars is a higher percentage Fantasy Film and not Sci-Fi. We can have this. discussion if youd like. But go here: http://bigboydidit.tumblr.com/post/133361373 to see my opinion.
I agree with Diana on Blad Runner and Alien, but would add Forbidden Planet (if you haven't seen it, shame shame shame)…(I can lend it to ya
?)
awesome top 5, i'm gonna translate this for my blog in spanish!
Agree, agree, and Agree! Love all of those movies and it this were a top 10 they would most definitely be on the list! Thank you for sharing!
I have seen Forbidden Planet and it is definitely a classic!
You make a very valid point in your discussion. If anyone else reads his discussion in the link above
An influential, if underrated, sci-fi movie I'd add to the list is Silent Running.
Excellent list, for me I would add Close Encounter of the Third Kind for the reason that it is a rare thing to see in a movie an alien depicted as being good.
I agree with everyone's lists.
Adding Planet of the Apes (original) and E.T.
I know Star Wars and seeing it as a child in the theater openned my eyes to the world of sci-fi. I am sure it did the same for many kids who grew up in the late 70s and early 80s.
I was terrified you were going to leave Metropolis off the list but you have done well!
i actually really hate akira. just saying.
wow, Venkman, great post.
Very nice points.
Yeah, Definitely Bladerunner, its one of my favorite films ever, everything in it is just excellent, and really brings the world to life, from the vangelis music, to the mixed language cityspeak, to classic noir detective story. IT has influenced many other films and videogames, as soon as I truned on Mass Effect for the first time and the music for the title screen came on and I thought, Vangelis gonna sue somebody's ass.
IF we are making a list I also think we should include John Carpenter's The Thing. First off, alot the effects invented for this film are still used to this day, and the thrill of not knowing who is human or the thing, has never been outdone in my opinion.
And I know this is a remake off the one in b&W with james arness, but the carpenter version is so awesome, the music is killer as always with Carpenter films.
Planet of the Apes?
kubrick was way ahead of his time and a film genius—2001–is miles ahead of any competitor. it still intrigues thinking movie goers many years later–cant say that about many films
Agreed.
Blade runner is a classic, and I love The Thing! Those effects still stand up to todays standards, even still out does some of the modern stuff that is all done in CGI now. I'm not a big fan of the CGI blood these days.
How are Plan 9 from Outer Space, Earth Girls are Easy, Killer Clowns From Outer Space, Chariots of Fire and Boogie Nights NOT on this list? I’m at a loss! I take a week off and the whole works goes to hell in an “Escape Pod”. Wow. Star Wars, maybe. Yeah, Okay, I can see that. . . . That’s two for flinchin’! Cool List.
Yeah to many directors rely on CGI (Episode I), There has to be a balance, a good example of this is the Underworld Series, Give me huge badass animatronic werewolf any day over a computer gened one.
Also, if we are talking Genre defining Scifi Films we can't leave out A Boy and His Dog, If you dig Mad Max and Hangin out with dogmeat in the wastelands of Fallout 3 and all other things Post-Apocalyptic, then you should write Don Johnson a thank you note!
Wow. You'd think that there were no sci fi black & white films guys.
Look harder. There were films that inspired Star Wars, Aliens and all that jazz.
Helloooo Invasion of the Body Snatchers anyone???
Definitely, The Fifth Element.
Kidding! I do love it though.
Boogie Nights? Chariots of Fire? not really SciFi my friend
Metropolis was in black & white.Its on the list
I'm surprised no one has thought to mention Star Trek anywhere in there. While the older movies were not considered the "coolest" sci-fi movies (The Motion Picture being a snooze fest even to a Trekkie like me) they still boasted some of the most unique sci-fi stories imaginable.
And if you do want to pull the "coolness" factor, why don't you consider "Wrath of Khan" or "Voyage Home". They're fun movies regardless of your feelings toward Trek, and still they shaped Sci-Fi.
I love the Day the Earth Stood Still. It is one of my favorite films of all time. Metropolis was great as well, in a weird kind of way.
Serenity. I'll add that. Best idea, portrayed silent space like no one else.
I would definitely agree, just for the whole "What does God need with a starship?" moment. Defining sci-fi moment right there.
Great list!! I would add "The Man From Earth" also.
http://www.dainsmoviereviews.com/2009/07/man-from...