Top 5 SCFI Classic Films

The world is a better place for its futuristic cinematic look into the future and in some instance a look into the past. This list is comprised of cult classics and modern day favorites. Enjoy!

5. The Terminator (1984) spawned the classic memorial phrase "I'll Be Back." Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, an A cyborg, was the most exciting film of its time. The delivery of such a brut and unfeeling character sent to earth to destroy one person was horrifying. A mission for which the alien A cyborg pursued relentlessly. The target was a lone woman called Sarah Connor. Sarah is protected by the man named Kyle Reese who would father the future saver child for whom she is being sought for early demise in order to prevent her from every bringing the child into the world. Failure to destroy Sarah Connor meant that her future offspring would lead the human race in a future war with a race of machines. Therefore, the child had to be prevented from existence before that could ever happen. Directed by James Cameron this larger than life film is tremendous in every way. The portrayal of a woman as more than a damsel in distress was almost before its time. Sarah was innocent but became stronger by the minute and the Terminator ... well he did come back in Terminator 2 Judgment Day.

4. The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976) starring David Bowie is a vivid look at the life of Thomas Jerome Newton, a humanoid alien, who comes to Earth to get water for his dying planet. He appears harmless somehow and yet is forever of a menacing presence to all whom he encounters. He makes a grand attempt to fit into the society at large to achieve his mission. But, life gets a little complicated when he meets a woman who falls head over heels for him. David Bowie produces a surreal yet poignant performance which makes this role and film unforgettable. Director Nicolas Roeg delivers great direction of this cult masterpiece to make is one of many all time favorites.

3. Minority Report (2002) starring Tom Cruise and Colin Farrell was a brilliant look at the ramifications to creating a world without crime. The premise of the film is that of a society which police’s its self to the extent of preventing crimes before it has actually occurred. Set in the year of 2054 A.D. crime is eradicated completely from Washington D.C. An elite law enforcing squad "Precrime" aided by three genetically altered humans called "Pre-Cogs" track crimes and criminal intent of the mind in order to keep the streets safe. However, the once believed foolproof system proves to be penetrable when a crime is committed and an innocent man is framed for the crime. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this film is action and more action from beginning to end. Tom gives one of his best performances ever. The film went onto receive praise and a nomination for Oscar.

2. Escape From New York (1981) a true cult classic starring Kurt Russell and Lee Van Cleef is a dark look at the world ala World War III between the United States and Russia. As the war has taken its toll both sides looking for a peaceful resolution to put an end to the upheaval and an unlikely hero emerges from out of the ashes of war when he is offered to rescue the Commander and Chief. The offer would grant this hero a full pardon from his criminal past making it an offer he does eventually find hard not to refuse. The hero is the once special forces soldier turned armed robber and prisoner named "Snake" Plissken played by Kurt Russell. Plissken is given 24 hours to complete this task and so the ride of a lifetime in cinematic terms begins. Directed by John Carpenter this film is a raw and dark look at America ravished by war in every way. Both Kurt Russell and John Carpenter at their utmost best.

1. Blade Runner (1982) tops this list for so many reasons. This film is described as a cyberpunk vision of the future world and beyond. There is a gloriously real haunting feeling about this film shot in futuristic terms. It was more than before its time to say the least when it was released in 1982. The brilliance of director Ridley Scott brought forth what can only be described as a masterpiece. Starring Harrison Ford and Rutger Hauer, Blade Runner took cinematic feature length films into a new realm of its own. Harrison Ford gave a stunning performance as Deckard, a blade runner, sent to track down and terminate 4 replicants aka the bad guys. The film that took move goers by storm went onto received 2 nominations for Oscars.