My Top 25 Sci-Fi Movies of all Time
by Ken Parker
If anyone followed my top Sci-Fi TV
series of each decade article series, you may know that I put perhaps
too much thought into coming up with these lists and like television,
these rankings change constantly depending on how I am feeling at the
time.
I elected to go after Sci-Fi movies
only and not include Fantasy only because Fantasy opens so many
avenues including most super hero movies and so forth. Obviously
some of the movies listed here can be considered Fantasy but my goal
is to keep movies that at least have some basis in science. The Lord
of the Rings films, for example would dominate my Fantasy list and
are not included here.
In judging this list I factored in the
importance of the film in both film history as well as my own
experience and perceptions. Star Wars had a huge influence on me and
my interests and so I kept this in mind. There are probably a few
films that you won't see on too many people's lists but for the most
part these are very classic choices common on many lists.
Later I will also have some honorable
mentions and discuss why some films are not on this list. Feel free
to provide feedback and feel free to include more than “That movie
sucks.”
Now for #25...
25 – THIS ISLAND EARTH (1955) – One
of only a couple of the older films on my list, This Island Earth can
be considered a guilty pleasure of sorts. It is considered a Sci-Fi
classic but usually ranks well below many other films such as The Day
The Earth Stood Still and War of the Worlds (both of which,
incidentally are NOT on my list!!)
The story summary (From IMDB) - Dr.
Meacham is chosen along with others by the inhabitants of the planet
Metaluna to do research that will help save their dying planet.
However, an evil scheme is uncovered by the suspecting Dr. Meacham
when he discovers the Metalunan's plan to take over Earth. Dr.
Meacham then escapes an exploding Metalunan built Earth lab along
with Dr. Adams only to be kidnapped while flying away in a small
plane. A flying saucer wisks both the scientists off to Metaluna
where they are held accountable for blowing up the Metalunan Earth
lab during their escape.....
 |
| The alien plan. |
The
story includes an interesting mystery as Dr. Meacham is given
instructions for an unknown device which is actually a test to see if
the Metalunans can use him for their purposes. Later on we see that
the planet Metaluna is in ruin and under constant attack by an enemy.
 |
| Love, exciting and new! |
 |
| Bring on the nightmares!! |
You will soon find out by reading my
rankings that I love visuals and special effects and this film had
outstanding work on it. The vivid colors and incredible effects seem
to even stand up today. The Metaluna Mutant, a staple monster in
Sci-Fi was perfectly conceived. Alas, these moments in the film are
short lived as much of it takes place on Earth. One has to wait a
bit before the eye candy is available.
 |
| Beautiful special effects |
I have to admit that I have not seen
this film in many years but it has such an impact on me as an
impressionable teenager that it became one of my favorites and has
never left that rank.
First time I saw the movie – late
night on TV – was scared of the Mutant!!
How Many Times have I seen it –
Probably 4-5
Do I have a copy of DVD/Blu-Ray –
actually, no.
Resources:
Wikipedia -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/This_Island_Earth
Never saw the movie. After reading your article about it I am tempted to search it out and watch it.
ReplyDeleteI was a big fan of MST3K and have only seen this film in their film making fun of it. It was good source material but it also seemed like a decent movie considering the year it was made. I wouldn't be surprised if some of the MST3K people were actually fans of the movie and that is why they chose it.
ReplyDeleteI just realized the irony that I mentioned The Day the Earth Stood Still as not being on my list and yet I included Gort in the current banner artwork.
ReplyDeleteUm, I made a slight edit..... Now it is my top 25 list because of a few omissions I feel must be included.
ReplyDelete