Summary
In the realm of made-for-television films,where productions often face shorter timelines and budgetary constraints, there exists a surprising number ofsci-fifilms that rival their theatrical counterparts. Surprising many by producing some ofthe best sci-fi movies, some made-for-TV films offer imaginative storytelling, visuals, and thought-provoking themes, proving that quality sci-fi can flourish beyond the big screen.
From mind-bending, heart-warming adventures to gruesome alien invasions, some made-for-TV filmsunleash the creativity and innovation that can be achieved on a smaller scale.Some of the mostcreative sci-fi movies defiedtheir low expectations and earned their place among the best in the genre without needing to be released on the big screen.
10 Most Creative Sci-Fi Movies That Defied All The Tropes
While every sci-fi movie breaks new ground and introduces audiences to original concepts, some are so innovative that they leave viewers in shock.
Dark Metropolis
Cast
Dark Metropolis (2010) is a science fiction film directed by Stewart St. John. The movie follows the conflict between humans and a group of genetically enhanced beings known as the “Filthee,” who seek to dominate a dystopian city. The narrative centers on key figures from both factions as they navigate power struggles and ideological battles in their quest for control and survival.
Following the events ofThe Next Race,Dark Metropolis,improved on its earlier predecessor and was able to flourish into a better-crafted film.Its story comments on politics and spirituality, as it touches on the theme of real humans losing against a genetically enhanced race. While it was met with a negative reception when released,Dark Metropolismanaged to eventually engage its viewers with its far-fetched scenarios and entertaining visuals.
Even with its many ridiculous plot devices, the film showed how high the stakes were with its action.Dark Metropoliswent at a much slower pace compared to more traditional sci-fi movies, but exciting moments like the dune buggy chase scene made gained back traction. The scientific suppositions it proposed onthe topic of gene-splicing and genetic engineering are more reasonable than many theories seen in the genre. Overall,Dark Metropolisis a mind-free, amusing way to pass the time.
Independence Daysaster
Independence Daysaster is a science fiction film directed by W.D. Hogan. It follows the story of a small town firefighter and a group of citizens who must work together to save Earth from an alien invasion coinciding with the Fourth of July celebrations. Amid widespread destruction and chaos, they must devise a plan to counter the extraterrestrial threat using limited resources.
WhileIndependence Daysasterdoesn’t attempt to be the best in the genre, it mostly maintains an edge-of-your-seat quality.With its intriguing spin on the basic trope of TV alien invasions, it gave fans reasonably good acting, nice scenery, and great background music.
Independence Daysastercame to be one of the rare instances where, despite not being as successful as the movie it’s mockbusting, everyone involved seemed to have fun producing.
While some of the scenes can come off as cliché, like the inclusion of anIndependence Day-inspired scene,its sci-fi elements are where it truly stands out.The alien ship designs, with their metallic sphere-like appearances, were unique and the detail in the actual physics of the ships moving is fascinating.Independence Daysastercame to be one of the rare instances where, despite not being as successful as the movie it’s mockbusting, everyone involved seemed to have fun producing.
The Incredible Hulk Returns
The Incredible Hulk Returns, a 1988 television film, reunites Dr. David Banner with a former student who possesses a magical hammer summoning Thor, the Norse god. As they initially clash, the duo ultimately joins forces, combining their formidable powers against common adversaries.
Despite not being part of theMarvel Cinematic Universe timeline,The Incredible Hulk Returnsis still relevant as a strong sci-fi and superhero movie contender.With its dynamic character portrayal by Bill Bixby and the addition of an unconventional Thor into the story, the movie is beyond typical TV fare.
Despite its budget constraints, and Hulk’s appearance being different from what current fans are used to, it still managed to hook viewers with interesting inventions like the Gamma Transponder. The Hulk’s strength, alongside Thor’s mystical power in trying to retrieve the device, makesThe Incredible Hulk Returns’plot surprisingly rational.
Sharknado
Sharknado is a disaster movie produced by The Asylum. Starring Tara Reid, Ian Ziering, and John Heard, the 2013 film revolves around a tornado that picks up thousands of sharks and threatens Los Angeles with massive destruction. Its unexpected success spawned a various sequels and spinoffs.
Mostly known for its cringe-worthy dialogue,Sharknadois actually a highly enjoyable movie. While its events surround a tornado that lifts sharks from the ocean and sends them directly into Los Angeles,its real charm comes from its refusal to take itself seriously. With its hilarious use of CGI, it quickly became a guilty pleasure for many. In fact, since its release, it’s become one of the biggest cult made-for-TV favorites, and has spawned five sequels.
Its plot is so absurd that it irresistibly becomes captivating, and the over-the-top disaster scenario adds tons of entertainment value.Its self-aware humor and tongue-in-cheek approach make it memorable.Sharknadoaccomplished its goal of entertaining audiences in a way that few films can.
What’s the best sci-fi movie of 2024 so far?
With several sci-fi franchises returning this year,Dune: Part Twois still my favorite. Furiosa was incredible, but seeing one of my favorite books come to life on screen was such a fulfilling experience, and theDuneensemble is hard to top. I wasn’t too impressed byGodzilla x Kongor the newPlanet of the Apes, but I still have hopes forAlien: Romulusto be one of my top movies of the year.
Meteor Apocalypse
Meteor Apocalypse is a science fiction disaster film directed by Micho Rutare. The plot centers on a man who embarks on a perilous journey to find his family after a meteor shower devastates Earth. As destruction looms, he navigates through chaos to reunite with his loved ones, combating both natural and human threats. The film stars Joe Lando, Claudia Christian, and Cooper Harris.
The 2010 TV filmMeteor Apocalypse, stands out as a perfect mix of disaster movie and science fiction film due to how realistic the devastation caused by a meteor shower is. Combined with the cast’s great acting,the movie creates a tense and immersive viewing experience. The characters having such a low chance of survival adds a level of intensity to the film.Meteor Apocalypseis remarkable because it shows that in the face of overwhelming adversity, there is always a chance.
Beyond the surface-level action,Meteor Apocalypsegoes into important themes such as humanity’s resilience, the fragility of life, and the importance of cooperation in times of trouble. The film’s visual effects, while not as cutting-edge compared to today’s standards, are still impressive and contribute to the overall sense of scale and danger.
Borealis
Borealis (2016) follows a disenchanted gambler Jonah, portrayed by Jonas Chernick, who takes his visually impaired daughter, Aurora, on an impromptu road trip to Northern Manitoba to see the aurora borealis. As they evade debt collectors and confront familial struggles, the journey becomes a poignant exploration of their strained relationship and mutual rediscovery. Written and directed by Sean Garrity, the film delves into themes of resilience and connection.
While maybe not one ofJoey King’s best movies or shows,Borealisis a strong sci-if film overall. Her acting as Aurora,a girl who is soon to be blind, managed to captivate viewers in an unparalleled way.The film’s method of showing family problems like gambling debt and the passing of a family member was also amazingly executed.
The road trip sets up the film to have plenty of lighthearted scenes, and the characters' dreams keep fueling their actions at every moment.Borealismay not be strictly a sci-fi film in the traditional sense, but it does go into subjects like fate and the supernatural, which are often associated with the genre. They use The Northern Lights as a fantastical phenomenon, exploring it in a more sci-fi-themed context.
Lavalantula
An ancient volcano in the Santa Monica Mountains erupts, spewing giant tarantulas that spit lava, destroying Los Angeles.
At its core,Lavalantulaisa sci-fi televisionmovie that hits the mark with the right mix of fun and horror.Its plot is very straightforward: a volcano erupts and spews a swarm of giant lava-breathing spiders. While remaining silly, the movie created such a strong following that a sequel was released.Lavalantula, is a self-aware romp, but that did not stop it from congruently paying homage to various classic sci-fi features. The special effects are cheesy at times, but the outrageous scenarios make up for an enjoyable watch.
Alien Opponent
The owner of a junkyard in a small town offers a cash reward to anyone who can exterminate her alien guest. All the crazies within a 100-mile radius show up and, before long, the junkyard becomes a war zone.
InAlien Opponent,the attention to detail and the imagination of its producers offered aunique take on the classic sci-fi alien invasion trope. Set in a junkyard where humans try to hunt down an alien, the movie provides a silly, but not unintelligent, critique of the human tendency to fear the unknown.
The junk bot featured in the movie was constructed primarily from cardboard.
While some fans argue that the movie has some lost potential, the care they took into its script and its nicely done effects make it still a good experience. The direction they took with the alien’s design was pretty meticulous.The look and feel of it, with its machine-like body, were on-point.However, despiteAlien Opponentbeing wacky, the movie does also provide horror fans with some gory moments.
10 Alien Invasion Movies Where The Invaders Are Actually Peaceful
Alien invasion movies like E.T., Arrival, and Close Encounters of the Third Kind show extraterrestrials as peaceful beings rather than cruel invaders.
The Day After
The Day After is a 1983 television film that depicts the aftermath of a nuclear attack on the United States. Directed by Nicholas Meyer, the film follows the experiences of the residents of Lawrence, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri, as they struggle to survive in the wake of the catastrophic event. The Day After generated significant public and political attention due to its portrayal of the potential consequences of nuclear war.
Presenting itself as a disaster story,The Day Afterhas a solid premise that hooks viewers from the start. With its good special effects and convincing acting from its main cast, itis able to deliver a believable scenario with a more serious tone.The way the movie progresses is very intriguing. Its first half is more focused on disaster scenes, while the second half shifts into a rescue mission that adds thriller elements.
While some viewers disliked the bland acting of the background characters and its uneven pacing,Nicolas Meyer’s direction manages to steer the wheel into a more positive experience.The Day Afteris one of the last great examples of the genre before it became more formulaic.
Threads
Threads is a British television film directed by Mick Jackson, depicting the impact of a nuclear war on the city of Sheffield and its residents. Released in 1984, the film follows the lives of two families as they grapple with the immediate and long-term effects of the catastrophic event. The narrative offers a stark and realistic portrayal of the societal breakdown and human suffering caused by nuclear conflict.
If in search of a brutally honest movie, with intense realism and unfiltered social commentary,Threadsis a good option. The movie tackles a nuclear war’s aftermath, giving viewers the vision of a damaged, post-apocalyptic world. Its way of showing people’s helplessness and the grim look it projects of the future causes a sinking feeling, absorbing the audience from the very first scenes.
Threadssimply proves that a made-for-TV sci-fi film can be as exceptional and thought-provoking as any theatrical release.
The movie offers a glimmer of hope amid the devastation. Itportrays a better, more raw view of the immediate destruction, lack of resources, and long-term effects of radiation that war can bring.Threadssimply proves that a made-for-TV sci-fi film can be as exceptional and thought-provoking as any theatrical release.
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15 Best Cheesy ’80s Sci-Fi Movies, Ranked
Science fiction doesn’t have to be serious. From Spaceballs to Back to the Future, some of the very best cheesy sci-fi movies are 1980s releases.
