The 10 Best Sci-Fi Movies of All Time, According to the AFI

Science fiction movies have been a staple of cinema for over a century, and they have entertained millions of fans with their imaginative and mind-bending stories. That’s why the American Film Institute (AFI) compiled a list of the top 10 sci-fi movies of all time, and we’re going to give you a brief summary of their picks.

At number 10, we have “Blade Runner,” the sci-fi classic directed by Ridley Scott, starring Harrison Ford as a cop who hunts replicants, genetically engineered beings who have gone rogue. At number 9 is “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” the visionary film directed by Steven Spielberg about humanity’s first contact with aliens.

Coming in at number 8 is “E.T.,” another Spielberg masterpiece about a boy who befriends an extraterrestrial stranded on Earth. At number 7, we have “The Day the Earth Stood Still,” a 1951 film that explores humanity’s reaction to the arrival of an alien who warns of the danger of nuclear war.

At number 6, we have “Metropolis,” the pioneering silent film that laid the groundwork for the sci-fi genre and introduced us to the iconic robot called Maria. At number 5 is “A Clockwork Orange,” Stanley Kubrick’s dystopian masterpiece about a violent young man who undergoes a controversial rehabilitation program.

The top 4 sci-fi movies according to the AFI are all relatively recent films, starting with “2001: A Space Odyssey” at number 4. This groundbreaking film directed by Kubrick explores the relationship between humanity and artificial intelligence.

At number 3, we have “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope,” the space opera that revolutionized the sci-fi genre and became a cultural phenomenon. At number 2 is “The Empire Strikes Back,” the darker and more complex sequel that expanded the Star Wars universe and left audiences stunned with its plot twist.

And finally, at number 1, we have “Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens,” the 2015 film that brought the beloved franchise back to the big screen with a heartfelt story and impressive visual effects.

In conclusion, the AFI’s list of the best sci-fi movies of all time is a great starting point for anyone looking to explore the genre. These films have not only entertained us but also challenged our beliefs and expanded our horizons, proving that science fiction is not just about laser guns and spaceships but also about our hopes, fears, and aspirations as a species.