Top 10 Sci-Fi Films

Top 10 Sci-Fi Films

Continuing our series of ‘top 10’, it’s now the turn of the sci-fi genre – perhaps the category with the richest catalogue of films to choose from, and one which provides endless debate here at NNR.

10) Moon (2009)

Arguably the best sci-fi film made after 1991. An original and intriguing concept – precisely what the genre has been lacking since er, 1991.

9) Terminator 2: Judgment Day

Arguably better in some respects than the original Terminator, the stand-out elements are the amazing effects, the astonishing car/bike chase scene and the T-1000 as one of cinema’s greatest-ever villains. There’s no denying that the child is fucking annoying, though, and the fact that Arnie’s terminator doesn’t actually terminate anybody is a massive disappointment.

8) Highlander (1986)

The more I watch this film, the better it gets. Overlooking the dated special effects the concept is brilliant, and there’s some great sword fighting scenes aswell. Queen’s soundtrack is amongst the best ever.

7) The Running Man (1987)

One of Arnie’s many valuable contributions to the genre. Ben Richards is an innocent man sentenced, it seems, to a brutal and very public death as a contestant on a futuristic gameshow. Memorable characters and some amazing death scenes make this a classic.

6) Predator (1987)

What do you get if you mix: Arnie; one of cinema’s greatest monsters; a muscle-bound cast featuring such heavyweights as Apollo Creed and Jesse ‘The Body’ Ventura; and some improbably large weapons? You get Predator – one of the greatest sci-fi films of all time.

5) The Terminator (1984)

The Terminator as he was supposed to be – a relentless, and unfeeling killing machine. No kids to spoil the cast, either.

4) The Thing (1982)

Horror at its finest, a team of scientists fall prey to an unspeakable creature at a frozen polar outpost. From the iconic opening scene to the satisfying ending, there’s actually nothing wrong with this film. The proposed remake might well be the most pointless endeavour of all time.

3) Aliens (1986)

Its predecessor could easily be on this list, but is probably more deserving of its berth on our ‘horror’ top 10. This sequel moves more towards sci-fi action, and is comfortably one of the best ever in this genre.

2) Robocop (1987)

Part man, part machine… all cop! That really says it all. One of the most quotable films of all time, it’s the perfect sci-fi film, with probably the best death sequence ever, as Emil gets drenched in toxic waste and melts.

1) Total Recall (1991)

Arnie at his best – his most versatile performance ever. Total Recall literally has everything you’d ever want in a sci-fi film, including (but not limited to) an amazing story, unbeatable action, hideous mutants and a three-breasted lady.

MS

Top 10 SCHWARZENEGGER Films

Top 10 SCHWARZENEGGER Films

This list requires no introduction.

10) Raw Deal (1986)

Had it not been for Schwarzenegger, it’s unlikely that Raw Deal would have enjoyed a cinematic release. Despite the appalling plot, Schwarzenegger provides enough thrills to keep the audience entertained.

9) Red Heat (1988)

Red Heat is a buddy-cop action thriller which sees Schwarzenegger playing an emotionally-detached killing machine. What more needs to be said?

8) Commando (1985)

Commando – Schwarzenegger’s answer to Rambo – is non-stop action from start to finish. Schwarzenegger plays the role of Col. John Matrix, an ex-special forces operative who’s built like a tank. When his daughter (a young Alyssa Milano) is kidnapped, he becomes hell bent on rescuing her, flattening everything that gets in his way.

7) Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991)

Terminator 2 sees Schwarzenegger reprising his role as the T-800, a once ruthless killing machine. As a result of John Connor’s meddling, the T-800 in this film is no longer a terminator. When he’s not being bossed around by some whiny 10-year old, he’s being out-muscled by the little boy’s mother, Sarah Connor. The only person he actually kills in the film is himself. What a waste of space.

6) The Running Man (1987)

Set in a dystopian future, The Running Man is a game show which gives convicted criminals a chance of freedom. Against impossible odds, Ben Richards (Schwarzenegger) – a wrongly convicted criminal – must beat the game show in order to save his own life.

5) True Lies (1994)

On the surface, this appears to be an over-the-top action film with a clichéd terrorist plot. In actual fact, True Lies is a sophisticated parody which features an excellent cast of characters. Jamie Lee Curtis getting her kit off is arguably the best scene of the film.

4) Conan the Barbarian (1982)

Before Schwarzenegger started work on this film, he already looked and sounded like a barbarian. Once he’d visited the costume department, Schwarzenegger was ready to play the role of Conan. It’s a superb film which features an amazing score by Basil Poledouris.

3) Predator (1987)

Schwarzenegger and a team of um, body-builders, are sent to Central America to wipe out a guerrilla army, only to be harassed by an extra terrestrial being. It’s a great script that’s performed admirably by the ridiculously-macho cast.

2) The Terminator (1984)

The original Terminator is better than Judgement Day for the following reasons: 1) The Terminator actually terminates people. 2) Linda Hamilton doesn’t look like a man. 3) There’s no shit 10-year-old.

1) Total Recall (1990)

Total Recall is Schwarzenegger at his most entertaining. As Douglas Quaid, he plays both a ruthless killing machine and a witty action hero. With the help of an excellent script, soundtrack and cast, Total Recall is Schwarzenegger’s finest film to date.

RH