ARE THESE THE BEST AND WORST SCI-FI MOVIES?
- The Takes
- Feb 17
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 21
Sci-fi movies can be mind-blowing masterpieces or total disasters. Jacob M., our resident sci-fi expert, ranks his top three greatest and worst three of all time.
From Revenge of the Sith's emotional depth to Inception's mind-bending brilliance, Jacob highlights the best of the genre. But not all sci-fi films shine. Big-budget flops like Battlefield Earth and Jupiter Ascending prove that even stunning visuals can’t save a terrible script.
Ready to explore the best and worst sci-fi movies?... But what if you disagree?!
By Jacob M.
TOP 3 WINNERS
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005) - A legendary sci-fi saga. I think that Star Wars RoS is my favourite because the movie explores complex moral themes that elevate it beyond typical sci-fi action. It delves into the nuanced motivations of characters, particularly Anakin Skywalker's descent to the dark side. The film examines the philosophical tension between good and evil, showing how fear, love, and personal conviction can blur moral boundaries. I think that showing one of the most iconic movie villains' downfall to evil can interest a lot of people since he is a popular character in general.
Inception (2010) - Consistently ranked at the top of sci-fi movie lists. Inception stands out in the sci-fi genre for its completely original concept and execution. Unlike many sci-fi films that rely on sequels or adaptations, it presents a fresh, innovative narrative that had never been seen before. The film dares to explore a unique premise about dream infiltration without being derivative of any existing work, and that is why it's my second favourite.
Interstellar (2014) - A critically acclaimed space exploration film. Interstellar is an exceptional science fiction movie due to its remarkable scientific accuracy and groundbreaking approach to storytelling. This really gets through to the reader since everything makes you feel like you're in the movie for real. Magical music and touching scenes- like the one where he’s behind the wall of his office, watching his past self- make it. The film was so scientifically credible that experts suggested it should be shown in school science lessons. It successfully bridges entertainment and education, inspiring viewers to think about space exploration and advanced physics concepts.
BOTTOM 3 STINKERS
Battlefield Earth (2000) is widely considered the absolute nadir of science fiction. It was based on L. Ron Hubbard's (founder of Scientology) novel and is considered a catastrophic mess featuring: Cheesy visuals, bizarre camera angles, ludicrous storyline, wooden performances, harsh lighting, and John Travolta's cringe-worthy performance. The movie was so bad it won 8 Golden Raspberry Awards, including Worst Picture of the Decade in 2010.
Jupiter Ascending (2015) is another spectacular failure, combining: High-budget blockbuster production, basic soap opera-level writing, ridiculous plot involving a genetically engineered half-canine soldier, and a mind-numbing melodramatic storyline. Despite the stunning CGI it's considered a very big disappointment. The fact that the movies CGI is the best thing about it isn’t great, emphasising a loss of life from the aforementioned terrible storyline.
Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007) is criticized for bland characters that do not give the audience much to be excited about, poorly lit scenes that make the movie even more of a hassle to watch, and lack of narrative tension. They recycled old franchise ideas without innovation because the studio knew the name would bring in money, but it ruined the franchise's name in the process.
So, what do you think? Do you agree?
By Jacob M.
