Best Science Fiction Movie Ever?

Time for some more questions. I came across this one at LJ’s Writer’s Block again.

What is the best science fiction movie of all time, and why?

I don’t think it is possible to answer this question properly. Everyone has there own opinions about what makes a great film and where science fiction is concerned the arguments tend to become quite heated. There are many science fiction movies which are excellent, all for different reasons, but could I really name one of them the best of all time? No. That’s silly. Time isn’t done yet… so lets just leave that to future movie buffs.
Right, so I’m going to list some of my favourite science fiction movies instead.

• Forbidden Planet. No matter how many times I see this I’m still amazed by it. So many films and television series made afterwards took their cues from this movie. The plot is, of course, The Tempest but wonderfully reworked (only slightly though). The special effects, although they look dated now, were state of the art and yet are never the focal point of the movie as tends to happen so much today.
• Star Wars IV: A New Hope. The original Star Wars before it was faffed with by George Lucas trying to squeeze more money out of it. The plot is beautifully simple, one of the best and most classic stories you will find, and the special effects were (and still are – again without faffing) mind blowing. It works as part of the original trilogy but also as a stand alone film and I wish I could get a copy of the proper original now. 😦
• Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. I love it. The plot is cool, the drama and tension are just right and the effects never overwhelm the story. They are there to compliment and further the plot not as set pieces. Yes, some of the acting is hammy but lets be honest isn’t that why people love Star Trek? It’s a proper meal instead of a snack. 🙂
• District 9. Brutal, real and intelligent. This film blew me away when I saw it for my birthday in 2009. It’s heartbreaking, brilliantly put together and again the effects never overtake the drama. They are tools not cast members.

Yes, that is a short list but those are the ones which immediately sprung to mind.
Are any of these films perfect? No. Not at all. However are they brilliant? Yes, in my opinion they are.
I know there are loads of movies out there which I’ll think of later and kick myself for not remembering right now. However I think this list is a decent one. 🙂