Star Wars. Alien. 2001: A Space Odyssey. These titles are synonymous with the term “masterpiece.” These science fiction classics not only influenced the entire genre, but they also reminded audiences of the stories that could be told under the sci-fi umbrella. These films are often regarded as perfect, allowing them to live rent-free in our minds. But what about those titles that are just shy of perfect that then get lost in space? No pun intended.
The films we’re about to discuss are good but not perfect. They’re lacking that one element that pushes them to masterpiece status. The science fiction pictures on this list have a special place in our hearts, but the general population has let other films take that spot. It’s time to reclaim these films and get them back into the conversation with the greats.
1
‘The Fifth Element’ (1997)
It may not be totally fair to say that The Fifth Element is a completely forgotten film, as it still lives rent-free in many of our minds. That said, the cult classic science fiction action film doesn’t get nearly enough attention today. Directed by Luc Besson, the film, set in the 23rd century, follows taxi driver and former special-forces major Korben Dallas (Bruce Willis), who protects Leeloo (Milla Jovovich), a supreme being, to stop a “Great Evil” from destroying Earth. Together with four elemental stones, they must harness the power of love to save humanity from industrialist and alien threats. With some of the most fabulous space fashion in all of sci-fi cinema, The Fifth Element is vibrant, campy, and tremendously unique.
Within the realm of the genre, there simply has never been a film like The Fifth Element. Wonderfully wacky is one of the best ways to describe it. Through vivid and detailed world-building, The Fifth Element establishes a rich universe you immediately feel immersed in. Plus, who doesn’t dream of wearing Jean-Paul Gaultier? Between Chris Tucker as Ruby Rhod, Gary Oldman as Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg, and the iconic Diva Plavalaguna, have we seen another space opera look so extraordinary? By no means does The Fifth Element paint a pretty picture of the future. Instead, it finds the vibrancy through color and extravagance that resembles some semblance of hope. At the end of the day, it’s the love that we’re all seeking.
2
‘Lost in Space’ (1998)
There is certainly a part of the readership who will label the 1998 movie adaptation of Lost in Space as “Danger, Will Robinson.” But if you take the film for what it is, compared to many cinematic adaptations of classic IP in the ’90s, Lost in Space is one of the strongest. Based on the ’60s television series, the big-screen adaptation finds the Robinson family, while attempting to colonize a new planet to save a polluted Earth in 2058, gets sabotaged by Dr. Smith (Gary Oldman). Their ship, the Jupiter 2, is knocked off course, leaving them stranded in a hostile, uncharted region of space trying to find their way home. With a cast that included William Hurt, Mimi Rogers, Heather Graham, and Matt LeBlanc, Lost in Space matched the energy of the source material while inviting a new generation into the beloved IP.
Finding a distinct visual style that brings Lost in Space into a new decade, the retro vibes keep the film nostalgic while still building its own identity. There’s an innate sense of wonder that’s central to Lost in Space, serving the film well. Some maintain that the film is so bad it’s good, but that’s why it’s a perfect guilty pleasure obsession. Though Oldman has certainly evolved in the roles he’s played recently, if you want to see a juicy villain performance, Lost in Space sees him in an exceptional turn. However, you feel about the film, Lost in Space has been wrongly lost to time.
3
‘Europa Report’ (2013)
Many of our favorite found-footage-style thrillers take place on the ground, but for one set in space, look no further than 2013’s Europa Report. Directed by Sebastián Cordero and written by Philip Gelatt, the story recounts the first crewed mission to Europa, one of Jupiter’s four Galilean moons. Despite a disastrous technical failure that causes the loss of all communications with Earth and a series of further crises, the crew continues its mission to Europa and finds mounting evidence of life on the moon. An underrated sci-fi space adventure, Europa Report is a claustrophobic exploration of space suspense and heart-pumping horrors.
Told through a non-linear structure, Europa Report builds its suspense through the unknown in an unpredictable manner. Giving it a documentary feel makes the action more raw and realistic. By building upon the atmospheric tension, Europa Report balances the line between science fiction and horror. Europa Report, which features a stellar performance from Pluribus star Karolina Wydra, pushes the gripping emotional experience into the immersive setting to portray the dangers of space travel. A truly underrated film, Europa Report is highly impressive.
4
‘Strange Days’ (1995)
It’s quite shocking to realize that any team-up between Kathryn Bigelow and James Cameron could be forgotten, but look at their body of work. Strange Days predates epics like Titanic and The Hurt Locker. The dystopian science fiction thriller, set in Los Angeles in 1999 during the last two days of the year, follows Lenny Nero (Ralph Fiennes), an ex-cop turned dealer of Superconducting Quantum Interference Device, or SQUID recordings (black-market virtual reality clips of real-life memories and sensations) and Lornette “Mace” Mason (Angela Bassett), a bodyguard and limousine driver, as they are drawn into a criminal conspiracy involving Nero’s ex-girlfriend Faith Justin (Juliette Lewis) and friend Iris (Brigette Bako). Tackling dark themes of voyeurism, addiction to technology, racial tension, and police brutality, Strange Days took the woes of the ’90s and used an allegory to hold a mirror up to society.
Though watching this film today may not hit quite the same as it may have in 1995, seeing as we’ve already lived through the turning of the millennium, it’s unsurprising how Bigelow and Cameron dreamed up this scenario. In a way, it’s been a prophetic film regarding body-cam footage, police violence, and the dangerous addiction to virtual, voyeuristic experiences. Though it was a box-office disappointment, the film has found a following among cinephiles thanks to its stylish, gritty neo-noir approach. It’s a compelling film that contains social commentary that strikes a chord.
5
‘Bicentennial Man’ (1999)
The prime reason why Bicentennial Man is a mostly forgotten masterpiece is simply that nearly every other ’90s Robin Williams film is extraordinary. Williams appears as Andrew, an NDR-series android purchased as a household appliance that unexpectedly develops emotions, creativity, and self-awareness. Following his 200-year journey to be recognized as human, Andrew undergoes significant physical and emotional evolution. A precursor to many AI-themed robot films of the 21st century, Bicentennial Man is a sentimental science fiction drama with heart and passion.
Based on the 1992 novel The Positronic Man by Isaac Asimov and Robert Silverberg, it is an epic film about the quest for humanity. Director Chris Columbus strives to discover how a robot can navigate human emotions, including love, while learning about its own morality. As Andrew’s conscience begins to develop and he fights to find legal standing to become human, Bicentennial Man opens up a window to how individuals in our own society, not men of steel, battle the same war daily. Williams brings a truly beautiful performance to the screen that’s filled with heart.
6
‘Scanners’ (1981)
Once Alien reminded audiences how science fiction and horror can blend so beautifully together, other filmmakers sought the same mix in their films. One of the ’80s’ wildest sci-fi horror films was David Cronenberg’s Scanners. The film follows Darryl Revok (Michael Ironside), a rogue, powerful telepath or “scanner,” who leads an underground movement to dominate “normals” and create a new race of mutants. ConSec security sends Cameron Vale (Stephen Vale), a struggling scanner, to stop him, leading to a deadly psychic battle and revealing they are brothers created by the sedative Ephemerol. A mind-melting thriller, Scanners is visceral, cerebral, and brilliantly graphic.
Though some of the action is minimalistic in big-budget scope, Scanners is best known for its daring, pioneering body horror that’s nothing short of gruesome. Cronenberg’s brilliance makes the low-budget film look like a masterpiece. The film is shocking and haunting, reminding you how the genre has evolved through time. Just imagine how a Scanners remake might look today. Though we all know those attempts failed. Scanners will make your head explode.
7
‘Dreamscape’ (1984)
In 1984, Joseph Ruben brought the world the cult classic Dreamscape. Combining science fiction, horror, and action-adventure, Dreamscape is essentially the surrealistic ’80s version of Inception. The film tells the story of Alex Gardner (Dennis Quaid), a gifted psychic recruited by scientists to enter, explore, and manipulate patients’ subconscious dreams. On his journey, Alex helps people overcome nightmares but uncovers a government plot by a corrupt agent, Bob Blair (Christopher Plummer), to use this technology to assassinate the President (Eddie Albert) in his dreams. Tackling the power of the subconscious, Dreamscape is a daring political thriller that, in a sense, was well ahead of its time.
Though it may not effectively process dreams in a proper, logical manner, Dreamscape’s premise is what you come for. Even with some fun, cheesy dream sequences, the film makes up for it with the hero and villain’s performances. Of course, the film has been forgotten because of Christopher Nolan’s sensational dream thriller, but you simply cannot deny the influence Dreamscape had on Inception. Dreamscape is a film that deserves rediscovery.
8
‘The Faculty’ (1998)
Imagine a modern adaptation of Invasion of the Body Snatchers told through a ’90s teen horror lens. Got it? Say hello to the underappreciated, iconic campy horror thriller The Faculty. Directed by Robert Rodriguez and written by Kevin Williamson, The Faculty was lost in the shuffle during the rise of Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer. Dropping in a science fiction element, The Faculty stood out for its story and cast. The film follows a mismatched mix of teens at Harrison High as they discover that their teachers are being controlled by parasitic aliens. As the teens make their way through the halls, they must fight the invasion, realizing that a homemade, caffeine-based drug kills the parasites. With self-aware characters and the sudden knowledge of how to defeat their alien foes, the story may veer into ridiculousness, but it’s extremely enjoyable entertainment.
With an ensemble including Jordana Brewster, Clea DuVall, Laura Harris, Josh Hartnett, Shawn Hatosy, Famke Janssen, Piper Laurie, Bebe Neuwirth, Robert Patrick, Usher Raymond, Jon Stewart, and Elijah Wood, The Faculty is a cavalcade of who’s who that have a blast. Tonally, The Faculty creates a brilliantly mysterious, dark atmosphere that delivers jumpscares and surprises. Had The Faculty not had such severe competition, it might have been a more revered hit, but even Williamson couldn’t get it to be better than his others. In the age of remakes, The Faculty has joined the conversation. With Drew Hancock at the helm, should it come to fruition, we might get something as good, if not better.
9
‘Cloud Atlas’ (2012)
If you’re a science fiction fan who loves a complex narrative that spans multiple stories, look no further than Cloud Atlas. Based on David Mitchell‘s 2004 novel, the era-spanning story explores how individual actions and consequences impact one another across past, present, and future. With themes of reincarnation, the immortality of the soul, and interconnectedness, the stories range from the 19th-century Pacific to a post-apocalyptic future that questions whether souls travel through time and if human nature remains constant. Cloud Atlas‘ groundbreaking interrupting narrative reaches a climactic peak that defines humanity’s dangerous thirst for power.
Directed by Tom Tykwer and the Wachowskis, the cast is quite strong in talent, including Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugo Weaving, Hugh Grant, Susan Sarandon, and many more. With each actor taking on multiple roles across the various narratives, the film’s mission becomes clear. What makes Cloud Atlas a fascinating film is how timeless the themes are. They pair effortlessly into the epicness, which is quite visually extraordinary. Cloud Atlas is an elaborate film that has simply been lost to time.
10
‘Wing Commander’ (1999)
Before we brought video game franchises like Fallout and The Last of Us to the small screen, Hollywood took another video game franchise and slapped it onto the big screen: Wing Commander. Directed by Chris Roberts, the science fiction film follows 27th-century human pilots — First Lieutenant Christopher “Maverick” Blair (Freddie Prinze Jr.), Lieutenant Commander Jeannette “Angel” Deveraux (Saffron Burrows), and First Lieutenant Todd “Maniac” Marshall (Matthew Lillard) — as they defend Earth against the Kilrathi, a warlike alien race. Essentially Top Gun in space, Wing Commander became a cult classic that the larger population saw as the beacon for the first Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace trailer.
With intense dogfights and centralized space combat, Wing Commander‘s loose adherence to the game franchise allowed it to earn its own identity (though some may feel that’s why it initially bombed). Instead, it’s a gritty, action-packed, retro-futuristic aesthetic. With the likes of Prinze Jr. and Lillard, the film captured the rising young stars of the time, taking them out of the horror-sphere into the sci-fi realm. If there’s one thing that we should thank Wing Commander for, it’s its influence on future projects, namely Battlestar Galactica.
Wing Commander
- Release Date
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March 11, 1999
- Runtime
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100 minutes
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Freddie Prinze Jr.
1st Lt. Christopher Blair
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Saffron Burrows
Lt. Cmdr. ‘Angel’ Devereaux
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Matthew Lillard
Lt. Todd ‘Maniac’ Marshall
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Tchéky Karyo
Cmmdre. James ‘Paladin’ Taggart
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