What are the perfect 50s sci-fi films? Throughout what’s extensively thought of because the atomic age of science and know-how, it is no shock that the Nineteen Fifties was additionally accountable for among the most interesting examples of the sci-fi film style. Apart from the impeccably eye-catching film posters that represented the titles, the genre-bending enthusiasm of the last decade actually introduced sci-fi to life on the large display screen.
It is easy to evaluate the particular results for not being that particular given what we have turn out to be accustomed to within the modern-day, nevertheless it’d be silly to disregard how groundbreaking they had been for his or her time. What these ten Nineteen Fifties sci-fi films achieved paved the way in which for a mess of films that adopted, and proceed to observe. For those who’re trying to construct up your information of the sci-fi film style and have but to go to the 50s on that voyage, the record beneath is the place you need to begin. And, whenever you’re persevering with your journey, you should definitely go to the greatest 80s sci-fi films, in addition to the greatest sci-fi films of all time.
If you wish to discover the perfect of what is on the market now, you’ll be able to all the time scroll by our complete guides to the perfect sci-fi films and TV exhibits to stream on Disney Plus, Netflix, Amazon Prime and Paramount Plus.
10. It Got here from Outer House
- Launch date: June 5, 1953
- Forged: Richard Carlson, Barbara Rush, Charles Drake, and extra
- Director: Jack Arnold
- RT rating: 85% critics, 55% viewers
The primary occasion of main 50s sci-fi director, Jack Arnold, on our record and the primary film ever in 3D from Common-Worldwide, It Got here from Outer House explores the suspicious goings-on of an unidentified object crashing all the way down to Earth, witnessed solely by newbie astronomer, John (Richard Carlson) and his fiancee, Ellen (Barbara Rush). The out-of-this-world incidence turns into hidden beneath a landslide and when John studies it, no person believes him, till unusual issues begin to occur to the residents.
In contrast to many tales of alien encounters within the sci-fi style, these ones do are available peace. However, the unraveling of their affect on the townsfolk rapidly turns hostile. It falls on John to behave as a mediator between humanity and otherworldly beings. This title was applauded for its 3D course of, particular results, and the bleary lens facet of the alien’s personal imaginative and prescient that was unconventional for its time.
9. When Worlds Collide
- Launch date: November 15, 1951
- Forged: Richard Derr, Barbara Rush, Peter Hansen, and extra
- Director: Rudolph Maté
- RT rating: 81% critics, 63% viewers
In true apocalyptic style, a star is doomed to crash into Earth and destroy all of humanity. The one saving grace is the planet Zyra and a small group set to flee by way of a rocket, or a ‘house ark’, to proceed life elsewhere. Whereas there are not any outright monsters, aliens, or every other sci-fi ‘villain’ menace, it is the suspense-building and battle for survival that brings rigidity and thrill all through this image.
There’s additionally a definite deal with human relationships and clashing personalities when deciding what to do when all the world’s destiny is in danger. And but, there’s nonetheless time for a blossoming love between the principle stars, Joyce (Barbara Rush) and pilot David Randall (Richard Derr). A cartoon-y ending shouldn’t be what you may count on, nevertheless it’s definitely price a watch.
8. Journey to the Heart of the Earth
- Launch date: December 16, 1959
- Forged: James Mason, Pat Boone, Arlene Dahl, and extra
- Director: Henry Levin
- RT rating: 84% critics, 69% viewers
Prolific French author, Jules Verne, is the inspiration behind many film diversifications, however notable for the sci-fi style, is his work of the identical title, Journey to the Heart of the Earth. Swapping Hamburg for Edinburgh, director Henry Levin boldly went the place nobody had gone earlier than, though many have since.
Following a professor and his colleagues, the group heads to the Earth’s heart by coming into an extinct Icelandic volcano. The splendidly weird particular results present the adventurers tackling numerous monsters, together with big lizards (a must-see), unforgiving terrain, and, sadly for them, a villain character within the pursuing scientist, Rely Saknussemm.
7. The Warfare of the Worlds
- Launch date: August 26, 1953
- Forged: Gene Barry, Ann Robinson, Les Tremayne, and extra
- Director: Byron Haskin
- RT rating: 89% critics, 71% viewers
Firstly a famed sci-fi novel by H.G. Wells, you might be inclined to suppose primarily of the 2005 Steven Spielberg adaptation starring Tom Cruise, and we would not blame you. However, earlier than that, The Warfare of the Worlds discovered its first lease of life on the large display screen in 1953. Shifting the plot from Victorian-era England to California was its first foray away from the e book, and plenty of extra adopted, however the premise remained the identical. An alien invasion of epic proportions threatens human existence and the world goes to battle, however brute pressure and weaponry are not any match for the aliens. So, it falls upon scientists Clayton Forrester (Gene Barry) and Sylvia Van Buren (Ann Robinson) to determine a approach to destroy them earlier than it is too late.
It is earned itself a spot in historical past with each an Academy Award for its visible results and a spot within the Nationwide Movie Registry after being deemed “culturally, traditionally, and aesthetically important.” For those who’re not intrigued now by this sci-fi film, we’re unsure what else we will do.
6. The Factor from One other World
- Launch date: April 6, 1951
- Forged: Kenneth Tobey, Margaret Sheridan, James Arness, and extra
- Director: Christian Nyby and Howard Hawks
- RT rating: 87% critics, 73% viewers
Sometimes called simply ‘The Factor’, however to not in the end be confused with the 1982 remake, which options in our greatest 80s sci-fi films, The Factor from One other World is the unique film adaptation of the novella, “Who Goes There?” Lately it’s going to be praised for the blueprint it laid out for the ever-more-famous remake from director John Carpenter, nevertheless it famously marks the start of alien invasion films as we’ve got come to know and love them.
Within the icy terrain of the Arctic, a gaggle of U.S. Air Power crew members and scientists discover a crashed UFO and a physique encased in ice. Taking the physique again to the close by outpost, the horror actually unfolds as what they thought was within the ice seems to be a residing nightmare. It is epic in its scope and excels with the simplicity but sheer terror that it pulls off.
5. The Unimaginable Shrinking Man
- Launch date: February 22, 1957
- Forged: Grant Williams, Randy Stuart, April Kent, and extra
- Director: Jack Arnold
- RT rating: 83% critics, 82% viewers
One other entry from director, Jack Arnold, this time with the story of Scott, a person who, after being encompassed in a wierd fog on vacation, finds himself to be… you guessed it, shrinking. As Scott turns into ever smaller, his existential dread solely grows.
Trick images was key to pulling this film off and whereas it isn’t completely convincing, it is nonetheless extremely spectacular, paired alongside Arnold’s directorial prowess and dedication to the miniature work and particular results. Whereas film remakes have been dreamt up in fashionable instances for extra shrinking insanity, it isn’t been achieved. And though take a look at audiences within the 50s voted for a distinct ending, Arnold caught by it.
4. Them!
- Launch date: June 18, 1954
- Forged: James Whitmore, Edmund Gwenn, Joan Weldon, and extra
- Director: Gordon Douglas
- RT rating: 93% critics, 77% viewers
In a singular sci-fi story of its time, Them! is a monster film at its most interesting. The menace? Gigantic irradiated ants uncovered within the desert dunes of New Mexico. After their nest is discovered, they rapidly turn out to be a nationwide menace that instills concern in humanity with their clicking sound and sheer crawl-and-crush dimension.
As a film filled with dread and large ol’ ants unravels, all of it finally culminates in an enormous, thrilling finale battle scene within the spillways and storm drains of Los Angeles that is worthy of watching this film alone. It is the tension-building of all the film that crescendos into this level that really makes it what it’s.
3. Forbidden Planet
- Launch date: March 3, 1956
- Forged: Walter Pidgeon, Anne Francis, Leslie Nielsen, and extra
- Director: Fred M. Wilcox
- RT rating: 92% critics, 85% viewers
We talked about earlier {that a} standout characteristic of the Nineteen Fifties sci-fi style was its famed film posters. Forbidden Planet is arguably one of the crucial iconic, that includes Robby the Robotic, who can also be arguably among the best issues concerning the film.
In contrast closely to Shakespeare’s The Tempest, the film focuses on a father and daughter, Dr. Morbius (Walter Pidgeon) and Altaira (Anne Francis), who’ve been remoted on a distant planet (not an island, like Shakespeare). On Altair IV, the crew, led by Commander John J. Adams (Leslie Nielsen) begins to unravel the reality behind what actually occurred there that left solely two to outlive.
2. The Fly
- Launch date: July 16, 1958
- Forged: Al Hedison, Patricia Owens, Vincent Value, and extra
- Director: Kurt Neumann
- RT rating: 95% critics, 71% viewers
Earlier than Jeff Goldblum horrified the lots together with his portrayal of a scientist turned human-fly hybrid, it began in 1958 and, if critic scores on Rotten Tomatoes are the place we’re trying then it is arguably the higher of the 2. Scientist Andre Delambre (Al Heidson) makes use of his matter transporter on himself, however a standard housefly finds its approach into the transportation chamber, and that is the place all of it goes mistaken.
On the fore, it is acquired creepy particular results and a twisty sci-fi plot, however at its core, it is an emotional story round a household and its male lead’s obsession together with his work. You may end up laughing at factors, however cringing behind your palms at others. A easy tagline behind a grotesquely murderous plot: “The fly with the pinnacle of a person… and the person with the pinnacle of a fly.”
1. The Day the Earth Stood Nonetheless
- Launch date: September 20, 1951
- Forged: Michael Rennie, Patricia Neal, Hugh Marlowe, and extra
- Director: Robert Clever
- RT rating: 95% critics, 87% viewers
“From out of house… a warning and an ultimatum,” the tagline for the film topping our record as The Day the Earth Stood Nonetheless is an epic illustration of the sci-fi style, in addition to the Nineteen Fifties basically. Set within the Chilly Warfare, a humanoid alien, Klaatus and a robotic, Gort, come to Earth to ship a message to humanity – a menace of elimination if they do not reside peacefully.
It is slower than the remainder of our entries, nevertheless it’s in that rhythm {that a} true story of sci-fi might be instructed. Whereas there are not any epic battles or gorey alien savagery to depict, the simplicity of it’s iconic. And you will always remember ‘Klaatu barada nikto’.