Top 20 Greatest Sci-Fi Horror Movies of All Time
#20: “The Blob” (1958)
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The Blob is one of those classic movie monsters that’s not mentioned often when it comes to vintage creatures from the silver screen. That’s kind of a shame because this gelatinous alien has made quite an impact over the course of its cinematic history. The 1958 original, in particular, was notable for serving as an early starring vehicle for Steve McQueen, despite the latter’s, ahem, “advanced” age for playing a teenager. Meanwhile, the 1988 remake serves as one of the most effective examples ever of how to reimagine a classic with amped-up violence and special effects. Heck, The Blob was even played up for laughs in 1972 with “Beware! The Blob,” also known as “Son of Blob.” Who knew interstellar slime could reproduce?
#19: “Cloverfield” (2008)
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The advanced marketing that went into the promotion of “Cloverfield” in 2008 did wonders for helping to create a mini-cinematic universe for director Matt Reeves and producer J. J. Abrams. The film dishes out equal doses of classic monster movie tropes and science fiction, all the while employing the found footage style of filmmaking popular at the time. Sure, the shaky come-and-first-person POV doesn’t always come across as believable during an alien invasion, but the chaotic tension and unpredictable violence that occurs more than makes up for these faults. And at the end, “Cloverfield” feels like the start of something special, with a fresh perspective on an old genre.
#18: “Cube” (1997)
Claustrophobia can do wonders for creating horror movie magic. “The Hole” from 2001 made great use out of its nuclear fallout shelter setting, while 1997’s “Cube” gets practically mathematical with its relentless puzzle solving. The film feels like it predates “Saw” in many ways, bringing together disparate individuals who need to avoid deadly booby traps while attempting to navigate their way through a dizzying, ever-moving hellscape. The CGI effects are admittedly dated, but there aren’t a lot of them, with “Cube” instead focusing on creating relentless tension, and even making some sly social commentary. It’s a white-knuckle ride that may have been made on a budget, but never fails to enthrall us every time we watch.
#17: “Under the Skin” (2013)
Top 20 Greatest Horror Movies of All Time
Who said sci-fi/horror can’t be artsy? 2013’s “Under the Skin” could have, under less talented hands, easily devolved into some sort of direct-to-video erotic thriller. Instead, what we have is an intelligent hybrid that takes its sexualized plot points and turns them on their collective head. The tale of a seductive alien luring men to their doom isn’t portrayed in a prurient manner, but instead possesses a tinge of melancholy to go along with the surreal violence. Scarlett Johansson is wonderful in the lead role, and presents her killer alien with a level of emotional pathos and even tragedy, making “Under the Skin” definitely feel like more than the sum of its parts.
#16: “Sunshine” (2007)
The cinema of Danny Boyle is nothing if not diverse, with the director being responsible for acclaimed films. 2007’s “Sunshine” was something a bit different from Boyle, however, a slice of heady, “hard” sci-fi that feels very much indebted to the more cerebral examples from the 1970s. It’s not difficult to compare “Sunshine’s” plot of reigniting a dying sun with the sort of high-minded ideals included in classics like “Silent Running” or “2001: A Space Odyssey.” Boyle injects his own unique approach to the material, however, ably aided by an ensemble cast that includes Michelle Yeoh, Chris Evans, and Cillian Murphy. Consider this one an underrated gem.
#15: “A Quiet Place” (2018)
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The world of horror cinema felt like it was reaching a renaissance during the late 2010s, with fresh names and new auteurs entering the genre to offer up a little prestige. “A Quiet Place” felt like one of those films, a hit directed by “Office” star John Krasinski that feels in line with the work of directors like Robert Eggers, Ari Aster, and Jordan Peele. At the same time, Krasinski’s film, in which he also stars, feels more indebted to classic monster movies than its contemporaries, and this succeeds in assisting “A Quiet Place” to deviate from the pack. The strong performances and real emotional heart also help the film in representing the sci-fi and horror genres for a new generation.
#14: “Mimic” (1997)
We’ve mentioned monster movies a lot thus far in our list, and that would make the director of this next film very happy. That’s because Guillermo del Toro is an unabashed student of the game when it comes to horror history, a fact that felt vital even in the filmmaker’s early work, such as 1997’s “Mimic.” Sure, there are killer bugs abound, but the film also tosses in disaster and sci-fi tropes to create something that feels much more than your average creature feature. The levels of action and excitement are palpable here with “Mimic,” and proved that del Toro was more than capable of hanging with his idols when it came to filmmaking.
#13: “The Cabin in the Woods” (2011)
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One of the great things about horror fans is our ability to laugh at ourselves, and the movies we love. “The Cabin in the Woods” knew this, and walked a perfect line between parody and loving homage that still speaks to fans today. Director Drew Goddard and co-screenwriter Joss Whedon know all of the tropes, and play them up big time within “The Cabin in the Woods.” Satanic demons, killer bugs, mer-men… they’re all here, and they all have a role to play in the larger story about awakening the Old Gods to destroy the world. It’s great fun, working both as comedy, as well as a legit sci-fi/horror banger.
#12: “Event Horizon” (1997)
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Is there any purer example of horrific sci-fi than 1997’s “Event Horizon?” Maybe, but there are fewer still that GO FOR IT with as much zeal, gusto, and indulgence. Director Paul W. S. Anderson seemed to care little about subtlety or restraint when it came to “Event Horizon.” So much so, that it’s even rumored that the already-ultra-violent film possesses an even more extreme cut out there in the ether. This is impressive, because “Event Horizon,” even in its home video form, is seriously intent on combining the space horror of “Alien” with the sort of demonic imagery one would see in a “Hellraiser” film. It’s truly the stuff of nightmares.
#11: “Altered States” (1980)
Freaky, spaced-out psychedelia? Thy name is “Altered States.” This ridiculously imaginative and forward-thinking film from 1980 came from the maverick mind of director Ken Russell, and it shows. “Altered States” is hard sci-fi, sure, but it’s also absolutely nightmarish with some of its imagery, specifically during the sequences where our characters are exploring sensory deprivation. Mind-expanding chemicals certainly aren’t required to enjoy Russell’s film, but “Altered States” almost feels like an intoxicant in and of itself, so surreal, creepy, and unsettling are the final results. This one truly sits in a class all its own.
#10: “The Invisible Man” (2020)
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Just as horror movies are more than willing to take a step back and laugh at themselves, so too do filmmakers in the modern day often feel keen to try and reinvent classic properties with a fresh, new spin. The 2020 iteration of “The Invisible Man” certainly felt like that, expanding upon the original’s themes of freedom and violence with a subplot involving domestic abuse. This Invisible Man doesn’t only fall victim to the aggressive temptations offered by his new condition; he’s actually pretty terrible before his physical change. Although this decreases the tragedy a bit, our new “Invisible Man” film also saw star Elisabeth Moss absolutely deliver the goods with a standout performance.
#9: “Tetsuo: The Iron Man” (1989)
“Tetsuo: The Iron Man” is one of those films that every genre fan should see once if only for the levels of extremity put up there on the screen. This is because, plot-wise, there really isn’t a lot to chew on with “Tetsuo,” but that’s not really the point. The point is to awe and marvel at the film’s transgressive nature, and to squirm as every button is pushed, and all boundaries are washed away like the tide. “Tetsuo: The Iron Man” is grim, grisly, and apologetically ugly, featuring a harsh industrial soundtrack that mirrors the fleshy, metal madness on screen. We warn you: this one’s not for the squeamish.
#8: “Scanners” (1981)
Director David Cronenberg is an absolute icon of the body horror genre, but it’s important to note that the Canadian filmmaker has actually had his hands in films from numerous genres… even car racing flicks! However, it’s the sci-fi and horror genres that will always be Cronenberg’s bread-and-butter, and it’s easy to see why, thanks to hits like “Scanners.” Cronenberg manages to create a real-world here with his setting of evolved humans with incredible psychic and telekinetic powers. These “scanners” are able to do incredible things with these powers, including a head explosion that’s gone down in the annals of cinema history. Beyond this, however, “Scanners” just has perfect pacing, performances, and special effects, top to bottom. It’s a true classic.
#7: “28 Days Later” (2002)
Top 20 Greatest Sci-Fi Movies of All Time
Danny Boyle returns again, this time with perhaps his most famous film next to “Trainspotting,” the zombie horror hybrid, “28 Days Later.” This harrowing world of infected people and apocalyptic landscapes possesses a relentless power, while simultaneously avoiding the pitfalls of many other “zombie” movies. There’s a real sense of sadness at how the world comes crashing down, as well as a level of danger constantly surrounding those left alive. “28 Days Later” knows how to play its quiet cards just as much as it does its loud, ace of spades bursts of violence. And that’s just one of the reasons why Boyle’s sci-fi/horror mash-up works so damn well.
#6: “Re-Animator” (1985)
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Horror comedy can be a difficult genre in which to stand out. Go too broad, and you run the risk of devolving into parody. Stay too serious, and the laughs never come. This is why Stuart Gordon’s “Re-Animator” is rightfully considered to be such a classic. It never shies away from the horrific deeds perpetrated by its anti-hero, Dr. Herbert West, taking direct inspiration from the H. P. Lovecraft source material. Meanwhile, the actor who plays West, Jeffrey Combs, does so in a manner that’s deadpan comedic, yet menacing; it’s truly a wonderful balancing act. Oh, and did we mention that “Re-Animator” is also incredibly gory, as well? Win-win!
#5: “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” (1978)
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Remakes are always a gamble, as not every movie fan is willing to accept a new take on something they’ve come to love. Thankfully, the 1978’s version of “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” absolutely improves upon its 1950s forebear by a country mile. Philip Kaufman’s directorial vision speaks directly to the paranoia and downtrodden vibes of the 1970s, where everyone’s a suspect and no institution is to be trusted. This makes the subtext about alien pods that assimilate their victims not only feel vitally updated, but actually timeless with how they’re presented to the audience. Additionally, the decade’s more permissive values about on-screen violence ensured that this “Body Snatchers” would go for the proverbial jugular. And it does not miss.
#4: “The Thing” (1982)
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Speaking of remakes, is there any horror remake as celebrated as John Carpenter’s “The Thing?” Oh sure, the director’s vision may have fallen on deaf eyes and ears back in ’82, but today the film is rightfully considered to be one of the best of its kind. And why not? The tension is ramped up to a maddening degree, while the special effects of Rob Bottin, Stan Winston, and crew practically turn “The Thing’s” 1950s source material to shame. From dog amalgamations to a defibrillator scene gone horribly, horribly wrong, “The Thing” proved that man was indeed the warmest place to hide.
#3: “Frankenstein” (1931)
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The combination of science fiction and horror may not exactly be the first thing some fans think of when analyzing 1931’s “Frankenstein,” but it’s definitely there, at the crux of the story. The mad doctor’s obsession with creating life leads Frankenstein down some seriously dark paths, while the monstrous reveal is now part of horror movie lore and history. It’s difficult, sometimes, to put into perspective just how important the Universal movies like “Frankenstein” are to the established tropes we all celebrate today. To say that, “they don’t make ‘em like they used to” is an understatement: “Frankenstein” is all class, style, and substance rolled into one.
#2: “The Fly” (1986)
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Special effects are often a huge selling point to draw fans into a horror or sci-fi movie, and David Cronenberg’s remake of “The Fly” has plenty of shocking scenes to spare. The real impact of “The Fly” isn’t only the disgustingly amazing transformation of Jeff Goldblum’s Seth Brundle into Brundlefly, but also the various themes at play. There’s a tragic love story to tell, as well as Cronenberg’s own admitted analogies to disease and old age placed within Brundle’s horrific fate. Sure, we as fans can always just kick back and enjoy “The Fly” on a visceral level, but for those who desire to delve a bit deeper, Cronenberg’s vision is laid out, right there on the screen.
#1: “Alien” (1979)
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It’s something of a Sophie’s Choice for fans of the “Alien” franchise: Ridley Scott’s original, or James Cameron’s action-movie sequel, “Aliens?” Both are amazing slices of science fiction cinema, but only the OG from ’79 possesses the power of fear, and the strength to shock, so many years later. “Alien” is just relentless terror and dread from the jump, an uneasiness of the unknown as we wait and wait for that infamous Xenomorph reveal. The fact that there's only one alien on the ship makes no difference, this is nail-biting stuff, and the sort of movie-going experience that definitely gets audiences going then, now and forever.