The 10 Greatest '80s Sci-Fi Movies Ever Made

From star wars to extra-terrestrials.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 1:33am

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Science fiction has always been one of the most popular and prolific genres in all of cinema, and the '80s weren't an exception to the rule. Several of the best sci-fi movies of all time — the best of them perhaps even among the greatest films ever made, period — came out at some point during the '80s, a decade characterized by the rise of escapist high-concept blockbusters.

Why it matters

The 1980s saw a surge of innovative, influential sci-fi films that pushed the boundaries of the genre and left a lasting impact on cinema. These movies blended high-concept storytelling, groundbreaking visual effects, and thought-provoking themes, cementing the decade's status as a golden age for science fiction on the big screen.

The details

Whether it was an auteur-driven arthouse movie like Mauvais Sang or a crowd-pleasing blockbuster like Aliens, filmmakers during the '80s consistently delivered strong sci-fi work. Imaginative, original, and taking full advantage of the technological capabilities afforded by the times, the decade's best sci-fi masterpieces saw the genre at its peak.

  • The 1980s saw a surge of innovative, influential sci-fi films.
  • Several of the best sci-fi movies of all time were released during this decade.

The players

Leos Carax

A famous French cult auteur who directed the sci-fi film Mauvais Sang in 1986.

Terry Gilliam

The Monty Python alum who directed the dystopian dark comedy Brazil in 1985.

Steven Spielberg

The acclaimed director who helmed the timeless alien invasion classic E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in 1982.

Katsuhiro Otomo

The creator of the groundbreaking anime film Akira, released in 1988.

David Cronenberg

The Canadian auteur who directed the body horror masterpiece The Fly in 1986.

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What they’re saying

“Science fiction has always been one of the most popular and prolific genres in all of cinema, and the '80s weren't an exception to the rule.”

— Diego Pineda Pacheco, Author

“Several of the best sci-fi movies of all time — the best of them perhaps even among the greatest films ever made, period — came out at some point during the '80s, a decade characterized by the rise of escapist high-concept blockbusters.”

— Diego Pineda Pacheco, Author

The takeaway

The 1980s marked a golden age for science fiction cinema, with a diverse array of visionary filmmakers pushing the boundaries of the genre and delivering some of the most iconic, influential, and enduring sci-fi masterpieces in movie history.