Top 10 Sci-Fi Movies of the 1990s
Let's return to an era of cyberpunks, genetic experiments gone wrong, and the most state-of-the-art explosions cinema had ever seen (at the time). In this video, http://www.WatchMojo.com counts down our picks for the top 10 sci-fi movies of the 1990s. For this list, we're taking a look at the films that embodied all the fun and excitement '90s science fiction movies were known for.
Special thanks to our users jkellis, Andrew A. Dennison and mojoo for submitting the idea on our Suggestions Page at WatchMojo.comsuggest.
Top 10 Sci-Fi Movies of the 1990s
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Let’s return to an era of cyberpunks, genetic experiments gone wrong, and the most state-of-the-art explosions cinema had ever seen before. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 science fiction movies of the 1990s. For this list, we’re taking a look at the films that embodied all the fun and excitement ‘90s science fiction movies were known for. This is part of a series of videos spanning the decades of sci-fi flicks from the 1950s to the 2000s.
#10: “Independence Day” (1996)
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Directed by Roland Emmerich, “Independence Day” is essentially a 1950s flying saucer movie with a bigger budget and the best effects the time had to offer. The film delivers all the light-heartedness of a B-movie while also incorporating everything a ‘90s moviegoer could want: historic buildings blowing up, Will Smith being cool, Jeff Goldblum being Jeff Goldblum, and corny, yet equally inspirational, speeches. No matter how many times you’ve seen it, “Independence Day” is always entertaining to revisit.
#9: “Dark City” (1998)
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Despite a few positive critical reviews, “Dark City” was mostly underappreciated when it hit theaters. While it hasn’t entirely fallen through the cracks, it’s never become a household name. That’s a royal shame as this might be the best movie of its kind since “Blade Runner.” Set in a positively stunning world condemned to eternal night, “Dark City” is like watching a rat navigate through the most complex maze ever constructed. The film is a joy to observe both for its visual wizardry and multi-layered story.
#8: “Gattaca” (1997)
At a time when most sci-fi movies mistook action for story, “Gattaca” was a breath of fresh air. The film takes place in a future where children are genetically modified to fit predetermined roles. The only naturally conceived person is Vincent, who manipulates the system to choose his own identity. The movie looks superb, but it’s also thrilling, intelligent, and, as far as sci-fi movies go, kind of plausible. Even the title is clever and intriguing, as it was inspired by the four nucleobases of DNA, cementing it very firmly in the world of science.
#7: “The Fifth Element” (1997)
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Between earth, water, fire, and air, there’s a being that contains a fifth element. And no, it’s not Captain Planet or the Avatar. Actually, it’s Milla Jovovich as the lovable Leeloo, who’s aided by a colorful cast of other bizarre characters in this sci-fi action flick. The aliens, cities, and spaceships are some of the ‘90s’ most inventive, perfectly balancing digital effects and practical effects. Director Luc Besson also adds an energizing sense of humor to the equation, leaving the impression that everyone involved had a wonderful time working on “The Fifth Element.”
#6: “Men in Black” (1997)
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The original “Men in Black” remains one of the best examples of how to make a special effects-heavy comedy. Talk about a perfectly assembled blockbuster comprised of Will Smith as the cocky wiseass, Tommy Lee Jones as the straight-faced senior agent, and Barry Sonnenfeld as the whimsical visionary behind the camera. With self-aware humor and aliens that were gross, creepy, and funny all at once, “Men in Black” is arguably the “Ghostbusters” of the ‘90s.
#5: “12 Monkeys” (1995)
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Terry Gilliam directed this dystopian satire, so you know it’s going to be visually mesmerizing, delightfully complicated, and gushing with imagination. Bruce Willis plays James Cole, a man sent back in time to warn people of a deadly virus. From there, things play out like a trip down the rabbit hole with Brad Pitt as a mad hatter and the mysterious 12 Monkeys as the army of cards. Loonier than a cartoon and smarter that the average sci-fi thriller, this is a mind-bending experience you need to watch multiple times.
#4: “Total Recall” (1990)
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If something like “Logan’s Run” defined how the ‘70s thought the future would look, “Total Recall” definitely defined how early ‘90s movies interpreted the future. The film reeks of dated high-tech technology like laptops the size of briefcases and Johnny Cab. Even so, “Total Recall” remains a stunningly retro testament to ‘90s sci-fi. It’s also stood the test of time quite nicely thanks to some of Arnold’s best one-liners ever, hilarious facial expressions, and a clever story that keeps you guessing even after the movie is over.
#3: “The Matrix” (1999)
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Mixing together elements of everything from “The Twilight Zone” to “The Terminator,” “The Matrix” took audiences by storm with its ingenious ideas, philosophies, and style. Iconic for bringing bullet-time special effects to the mainstream, it’s hard to think of another film from this decade that’s had a greater impact on how action movies are shot and choreographed. Seriously, way too many copycats have ripped off and satirized this flick since its release. Ah well, you can’t fault a movie for being so awesome that it inspires countless wannabes.
#2: “Jurassic Park” (1993)
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Has there ever been a creature feature that kicked more ass than “Jurassic Park?” Being one of the first, if not the first, major motion picture to utilize photorealistic CG creatures, you’d expect it to look cheesy by today’s standards. Surprisingly, though, the CGI and animatronic dinosaurs hold up remarkably, even blowing most modern effects away. Convincing visuals, along with unforgettable scares and likable characters, made this a blockbuster for the ages. It’s no surprise “Jurassic Park” trampled its way to the top of the box office charts and is still Steven Spielberg’s biggest film to date. Before we blow up our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: - “Starship Troopers” (1997) - “eXistenZ” (1999) - “The Iron Giant” (1999) - “Contact” (1997) - “Star Trek: First Contact” (1996)
#1: “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” (1991)
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Now here’s a contender not only for the best science fiction film of all time, but also the single greatest action film and sequel that most improved upon the original. And that’s saying a lot considering how strong the original “Terminator” was, but everything’s taken to unthinkable new levels here. The revolutionary visuals, heartfelt performances, heart pounding pacing, faultless character interactions, they all amount to the perfect summer entertainment. Most impressive of all, “Terminator II” is one of the few movies that will have you cheering one second, then have you getting choked up the next. Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite sci-fi movie from the 1990s? For more entertaining Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.
