10 Best Sci-Fi Movies of All Time, Ranked According to IMDb; 20 ‘Metropolis’ (1927) ; 19 ‘Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi’ (1983):
1. Inception (2010)
Among Nolan’s most staggering, iconic, and mind-boggling works is Inception. The sci-fi action film is centered on a group of professional thieves led by Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio), whose usual job is to infiltrate the victim’s subconscious to steal information. Someone soon hires him to do an impossible task, to implant an idea instead. The protagonist’s personal life soon becomes inextricably linked to the group’s mission, making things even more perilous.
The unique dreamscapes and the way they are depicted in the film are striking, not to mention the way the premise itself really makes viewers think. It’s a movie that deserves the high praise it receives from both fans and critics, as it’s a genuine standout that took the sci-fi genre to new heights.
2. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
Following the massive success and stellar reputation of Into the Spider-Verse, fans and critics were understandably either skeptical or hopeful about the sequel’s ability to live up to the original. Thankfully, Across the Spider-Verse didn’t just live up to these high expectations, it exceeded them, thrusting Miles’ story into the wider multiverse full of Spider-People like him.
In the film, Miles discovers his role in the multiverse, and it’s not an easy one. His well-written story is told through stunning landscapes with vibrant and ever-changing visuals, with most frames worthy of being hung up and framed as art. It’s a gorgeous superhero film unlike any other, and everyone is undoubtedly waiting to see how Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse will manage to blow it out of the water.
3. Interstellar (2014)
Director Nolan’s Interstellar initially takes place on a dying planet that is the dystopian version of Earth in the not-too-distant future. When ex-NASA pilot Joseph Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) is given the chance to leave his farm and lead a mission to space in search of another home, he doesn’t expect what he eventually finds.
Praised for its accurate depictions of celestial bodies and space travel, the film manages to combine science and an emotional father-and-daughter story. It contrasts the vastness of outer space with the intricate details that make the characters human. Of course, it’s worth noting that its mind-blowing plot is also an excellent foray into portraying theoretical physics in a visually stunning way.
4. The Matrix (1999)
Most fans would agree that the Wachowskis’ first entry in the Matrix franchise is still the best one. The Matrix introduced viewers to Thomas Anderson (Keanu Reeves) – who goes by his hacker name “Neo” – an unassuming computer programmer who learns the truth about his simulated reality. He soon joins forces with the resistance to free others from the manipulation and control of extraterrestrial beings.
5. Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
The continuation of the epic space opera (this time directed by Irvin Kershner), The Empire Strikes Back follows the battle between the rebels led by Princess Leia (Fisher) and the Empire under Emperor Palpatine. Meanwhile, Luke (Hamill) trains with the Jedi Master Yoda (Frank Oz) to learn how to use the Force in preparation for his climactic confrontation with the powerful Sith Lord, Darth Vader (David Prowse / James Earl Jones).
There are several iconic moments from the highest-rated Star Wars film that explain why it’s still a beloved entry in the franchise (and one of the top-rated sci-fi movies). It further fueled the cultural phenomenon that would stick around long after the 80s, as it continues to inspire fan clubs, spinoffs, parodies, merchandise, and more.