13 Best Sci-fi Space Movies
It’s comprehensive.
It’s right. Don’t argue. …dammit.
The science fiction genre has broadened over the twentieth century. This list of the best sci-fi space films includes both film and broadcast television including Netflix, Amazon Prime, and other emerging channels. It does not include limited series or series. You won’t find Star Trek or The Expanse on this list. Our list covers science fiction that takes place off of Earth, in an Alternate Universe or another dimension. Be sure to check out our best sci-fi list covering time-travel and Earthbound stories.
GRADING METRICS
Our selections are indeed subjective but not arbitrary. We established FOUR metrics as standards in scoring. Each metric score ranges from 1-10. The best aggregate score is 40. One movie on our list achieved a 40.
STORY
The first is Story quality.
SPECIAL EFFECTS
The second is of Special Effects quality.
STAMINA
The third is Stamina, which we define as how well does this piece of cinema hold up over time?
POP CULTURE EFFECT
Last is number four, the Pop Culture Effect (PCE). How much impact on pop culture has the film had? Has it spawned a broadway show or produced kids' toys, memes or parody?
THE WRATH OF KHAN
SYNOPSIS: THE WRATH OF KHAN
Putting aside Shatner’s need to hold onto the past and remain James T. Kirk on the big screen, the revenge plot works best here by association with the original characters.
OUR TAKE
There was a time Star Wars and Star Trek were competing favorites among sci-fi nerds. The Wrath of Khan holds up in both camps. The emotional element is how and why this strikes a stronger note. You’ll find out.
NOTES
Nicholas Meyer
Gene Roddenberry, Harve Bennett, Jack B. Sowards, Nicholas Myer, Samuel A. Peeples
1984
Numerous awards. No Oscars.
William Shatner, Ricardo Montalban, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest kelley, George Takei, Nichelle Nichols, Walter Koenig, Kirsty Alley, Merrit Butrick,
GRADING
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STORY 8
A great revenge story with consequences. Love for characters makes it play.
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SPECIAL EFFECTS 4
Some of the earliest CGI in cinema and it shows.
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STAMINA 6
Star Trek II looks it's age out of the gate. A younger crowd may find this too dated to endure.
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POP CULTURE EFFECT 7
The outcome of film had numerous mentions in culture including TV shows, such as Seinfeld, "It was a hell of thing when .... died." TV's DC show Flash, "I've watched Wrath of Khan..." Big Bang Theory, Family Guy, Gilmore Girls, etc...
THE WRATH OF KHAN
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Epic
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Rated PG-13
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1984
Genre
Motion Picture Association rating.
Year of release
DUNE
SYNOPSIS: DUNE
In the Dune universe created by Frank Herbert, spice is the commodity in 10191. It can extend life and ‘fold’ space. Family dynasties across a galaxy fight politically and physically to control it and ensure their survival.
OUR TAKE
Bone up on your Dune lore, listen to the audiobook, do something to prime you for this ride. When Dune was released in theaters in 1984, audience members were given a cheat sheet of crib notes.
NOTES
GRADING
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STORY 10
A modern sci-fi masterpiece on paper ensures a good story, but without enough runtime, Dune's editing made this a strangely paced film. Still, it works.
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SPECIAL EFFECTS 5
It was a good effort, but not good enough to bring to life the sand worm scale payoff.
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STAMINA 5
Dune doesn't hold up well over time due to the limitations of special effects in 1984. As a result the scope of Dune as described by the author isn't fulfilled. If that had manifested, this version of Dune the film would be required sci-fi material.
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POP CULTURE EFFECT 5
Sand worms. If you have not seen the film, then let's repeat it. Sand worms.
DUNE
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Epic
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Rated PG-13
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1984
Genre
Motion Picture Association rating.
Year of release
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY
SYNOPSIS: GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY
Orphaned Earth boy Peter Quill turned space pirate comes to lead a band of rogues, saving the Galaxy. Meanwhile, Guardians of the Galaxy establishes itself as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Be sure to check out our Guardians of the Galaxy review to find out what first the movie accomplished here at DangerMan Media.
OUR TAKE
Guardians of the Galaxy is not a superhero story. It’s a feel-good sci-fi romp in space. Director James Gunn gets Marvel canon. His own nerd geek adolescence helps tell a true Marvel space team-up accurately. Filled with great acting, action, humor, and music, it’s beyond notable, it’s perhaps the most fun in space yet.
NOTES
GRADING
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STORY 7
Sure it's an origin story. It's a team up story. It's a good over evil story. It's all good.
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SPECIAL EFFECTS 10
Thanks to modern CGI coming into its own, Bradley Cooper as a cybernetic racoon is entirely plausible.
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STAMINA 5
Of course there is nothing like your first time, and comedy often wains in replay but the story holds up overall.
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POP CULTURE EFFECT 6
Guardians shook up the MCU, and sure there are plenty of toys. Superheroes sell well, but it's yet to be determined if the GotG go beyond comic book fandom.
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY
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Origin Team-Up
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Rated PG-13
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2015
Genre
Motion Picture Association rating.
Year of release
MOON
SYNOPSIS: MOON
Sam Bell is literally the man on the moon. He’s about to finish a three (3) year work contract. Sam’s solitude causes him to suffer a personal crisis as he prepares to return home to Earth.
OUR TAKE
Sam Rockwell as Sam Bell sells this quiet story, hands down. The moral question Moon raises may eat at you. It’s a film you can watch alone and most everyone can relate to. Then the twist. Enjoy.
NOTES
2013
One BAFTA, Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer (Duncan Jones – Director)
Sam Rockwell, Kevin Spacey, Dominique McElligott
GRADING
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STORY 7
The beauty of Moon is in it's nuance. Perhaps only one viewing is enough due to the twist. And yet it's so damn good.
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SPECIAL EFFECTS 9
Proof it doesn't take a lot of money to pull off a great film based in space.
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STAMINA 7
Everything about this film holds up. It's timeless.
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POP CULTURE EFFECT 5
Director Duncan Jones worked headlines of this story into a later unrelated film, Mute (2018).
MOON
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Drama
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Rated R
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2009
Genre
Motion Picture Association rating.
Year of release
PROMETHEUS
SYNOPSIS: PROMETHEUS
Prometheus is a prequel to Alien (1979). Set in the 21st century, a search in outer space results from various agendas looking for answers in human existence. Upon arriving at an Earth-like world, the diverse crew and a mysterious passenger learn humanity’s existence is at risk.
OUR TAKE
Never tell a story from the beginning, unless it’s a prequel to Alien …And it’s by the original director. Only Ridley Scott could take on Alien and not over-play the hand in producing it’s backstory. The cinematography is… stellar. (rim shot!)
NOTES
GRADING
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STORY 7
Various agendas overlap in a search for answers lying in space.
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SPECIAL EFFECTS 10
Visually, this is beautiful to look at. From color grading and lighting to excellent special effects in CGI.
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STAMINA 6
The characters are well developed. The pacing is great. It's good backstory but it's not entirely gripping and suspenseful.
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POP CULTURE EFFECT 6
It's a byproduct of the original, Alien. Of course it has big value, but more to the extent that it has big shoes to fill.
prometheus
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Origin Horror
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Rated R
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2012
Genre
Motion Picture Association rating.
Year of release
GRAVITY
SYNOPSIS: GRAVITY
Two astronauts are stranded in near Earth orbit after experiencing the Kessler Syndrome (bombarded with space debris) first hand.
OUR TAKE
Many liberties are taken for story. There is no sound in space without air …liberties had to be taken. Inaccurate of physical placement and speeds are sacrificed, but overall realism is intact. Just go with it.
NOTES
Alfonso Cuarón
2013
Seven Oscars. Best Original Score. Cinematography. Visual Effects. Director. Film Editing. Sound Mixing. Sound Editing. Picture. Actress. Production Design.
Sandra Bullock, George Clooney
GRADING
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STORY 9
The pacing is key. You get pulled in and it doesn't let go.
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SPECIAL EFFECTS 10
Impressive cinematography coupled an accurate space depiction.
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STAMINA 8
You can definitely return to this story after some time. If presenting this to a friend, you will enjoy it again without boredom.
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POP CULTURE EFFECT 2
It's not a memorable movie in terms of long term impact. That's okay.
GRAVITY
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Thriller
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Rated PG-13
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2013
Genre
Motion Picture Association rating.
Year of release
ROGUE ONE
SYNOPSIS: ROGUE ONE
Bookended by two trilogy’s, Rogue One answers the question of how galactic rebels stole secret plans for the biggest destructive weapon in the Galaxy.
OUR TAKE
Underrated of course and you may even question its place on this list with other great Star Wars films. This one has heart and the tension is great. Sure it has a feminist android and female lead. And? Including Darth Vader is a huge required plus. Check out DangerMan’s full Rogue One review.
NOTES
GRADING
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STORY 9
Rogue One is the missing link in the Star Wars story, finally explaining the 'stolen Death Star plans'. The woke feminist android is a hoot.
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SPECIAL EFFECTS 10
The de-aging is not quite there yet, but it's acceptable. Had that special effect been spot on, this would have scored a 10.
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STAMINA 6
The combat fight scenes are great. The action culminates in gripping pay-off for good replay value.
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POP CULTURE EFFECT 5
If you think about it, Star Wars demanded this missing piece be fleshed out. But for now, these characters are footnotes in Star Wars history.
ROGUE ONE
A STAR WARS STORY
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Grand caper
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Rated PG-13
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2016
Genre
Motion Picture Association rating.
Year of release
INTERSTELLAR
SYNOPSIS: INTERSTELLAR
Cooper travels into space to travel through a black hole to travel through time to travel through something else to travel back in time.
OUR TAKE
Complex scientific themes dominate this ambitious masterpiece. As with many science fiction stories, the philosophical and moral elements in Interstellar will bend your mind. Interstellar asks that nagging age-old question, “Can a black hole or Galactic halo transport you through dimensions and time?”
NOTES
Jonathan Nolan & Christopher Nolan
2014
1 Oscar for Best Visual Effects.
Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Bill Irwin, Michael Caine, Ellen Burstyn
GRADING
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STORY 10
Typical of Christopher Nolan, the source material to support the story can take you down a rabbit hole.
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SPECIAL EFFECTS 10
Christopher Nolan's technical expertise is spot on once again.
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STAMINA 10
An epic tale that demands re-watching. Be sure to bone up on your horizontal fields and galactic disks. Of course, if you're a real scientist you'll fight hard to overlook its plot-holes. (rimshot)
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POP CULTURE EFFECT 3
This movie is huge ...if you're a scientist.
INTERSTELLER
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Metaphysical Journey
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Rated PG-13
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2015
Genre
Motion Picture Association rating.
Year of release
THE MARTIAN
SYNOPSIS: THE MARTIAN
A NASA exploration of Mars goes wrong during departure leaving one of their own behind. Left for dead, Mark Watney uses his botanist wisdom and willpower to survive. Can he last long enough to be rescued when Earth realizes he’s still alive? This Sci-Fi drama is a WHAT IF story shooting for realism.
OUR TAKE
Ridley Scott takes a faithful approach to the source material written by Andy Weir. The authentic science behind all the obstacles on Mars is the unique twist that makes this special. The best cinematic eye in filmmaking reinforces the look.
NOTES
GRADING
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STORY 10
Despite solitude, it's a pseudo-Robinson Crusoe tale with a positive approach.
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SPECIAL EFFECTS 10
Until we reach Mars for real, Ridley Scott's portrayal of the Martian landscape using practical effects and modern color grading are spot on.
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STAMINA 10
Even at two and a half hours, and a plot device based on isolation the learning material alone offers high replay value.
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POP CULTURE EFFECT 4
Only the scientist of the world enjoy looking for continuity errors.
THE MARTIAN
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Solo Survival
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Rated PG-13
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2015
Genre
Motion Picture Association rating.
Year of release
2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY
SYNOPSIS: 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY
Upon discovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, mankind sets off on a quest to find its origins with help from an intelligent supercomputer H.A.L. 9000.
OUR TAKE
Rated G, but it’s not for kids. This mature story is intense. It set the standard in how space is portrayed in film.
NOTES
GRADING
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STORY 10
The story didn't insult the audience, it challenged the audience. Many walked out during its premier. It took years for many to unlock its mysteries.
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SPECIAL EFFECTS 7
Achieving space realism in 1968 is outstanding.
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STAMINA 10
The story remains undated while the special effects are truly solid.
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POP CULTURE IMPACT 7
It didn't create a toyline, but the impact on society and film for years to come is evident in the standards it set for sci-fi.
2001:
A SPACE ODYSSEY
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Unknown Enemy
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Rated G
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1968
Genre
Motion Picture Association rating.
Year of release
RETURN OF THE JEDI
SYNOPSIS: RETURN OF THE JEDI
A trilogy ends. Luke Skywalker must face his enemy and his father. Meanwhile his longtime friends and a band of rebels must overcome odds to finally overturn an evil empire.
OUR TAKE
Who didn’t want to see what Darth Vader looks like under the helmet? Does Han survive the carbonite? Would Luke or Han end up with Leia? Would the Empire finally fall? Most of all …just take us back to the world of Star Wars for more futuristic experiences.
NOTES
GRADING
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STORY 7
Topping the destruction a Death Star proves impossible. Retreading that effort hurts and leaves this a slightly imperfect albeit anti-climactic ending. It's still a beautiful ending to which some Star Wars fans consider the best of the original trilogy.
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SPECIAL EFFECTS 8
At the time, these special effects such as the speeder bikes on Endor were stunning. Modern clean up hasn't improved them and the lack of HD clarity show.
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STAMINA 10
It's a world, a galaxy with endless exploration. This escape is one to return to over-and-over.
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POP CULTURE EFFECT 10
The biggest movie franchise in history. Need more be said?
RETURN OF THE JEDI
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Space Opera
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Rated PG
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1983
Genre
Motion Picture Association rating.
Year of release
ALIEN
SYNOPSIS: ALIEN
No good deed goes unpunished when a space merchant vessel receives an unknown transmission as a distress call. Yep, you guessed it. One of the crew is attacked by a mysterious life form and they soon realize they’re all dinner.
OUR TAKE
Relatively unknown in the late 1970s, director Ridley Scott created a new genre of horror. Horror in space. He combined various elements from corporate greed to the implications of sentient technology. This film took the typical hunted female who fights back with some effect to a capable protagonist. Ridley took this approach decades before the issue of female leads in cinema became a political football.
But what perhaps makes Alien such a standout is the unique antagonist he and Swiss artist H.R. Giger created — the Xenomorph alien.
NOTES
GRADING
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STORY 10
Alien flips the horror formula in many ways empowering the final female.
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SPECIAL EFFECTS 9
In a time (1970s) when practical effects reached their apex and CGI was unheard of, the creature design coupled with director Ridley Scott's cinema flair work wonders and hold up over time.
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STAMINA 10
The story remains undated while the special effects are truly solid.
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POP CULTURE EFFECT 10
Alien spawn a franchise. It is responsible for a character, toy, memes... everything but a musical.
ALIEN
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Horror
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Rated R
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1979
Genre
Motion Picture Association rating.
Year of release
STAR WARS
SYNOPSIS: STAR WARS
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away a young farm boy journeys across space joining forces with robots and rogues to rescue a princess and save the galaxy from an evil threat.
OUR TAKE
The coming of age story meets hero’s journey meets aim for the stars crossed with every other plot device used in storytelling. And it all works.
NOTES
George Lucas
George Lucas
1977
6 Oscars for special effects, editing, musical score, sound, art direction, costume design.
Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Sir Alec Guinness, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew, David Prowse, Peter Cushing, James Earl Jones
GRADING
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STORY 10
Lucas makes no excuses his formula is from the kids soap opera Flash Gordon cinema era. Star Wars is a coming of age story wrapped up in a Homer's Odyssey tale is nothing new until you take into space.
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SPECIAL EFFECTS 10
Six Oscar awards with five for effects and art design are proof positive this was a game changer in blockbuster filmmaking. Not all the special effects hold up over time, but thanks to re-releases, Star Wars has been kept up to match the time quality of newer special effects for space.
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STAMINA 10
Replay value over many years make Star Wars a story handed down generations. The simplicity and chemistry among actors makes it a masterpiece.
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POP CULTURE EFFECT 10
Toys, franchise, parody's, spin-offs, this is the Zenith few reach.
STAR WARS
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Hero's Journey
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Rated PG
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1977
Genre
Motion Picture Association rating.
Year of release
Editor Note
This list is not arbitrary. It is based on standards to grade these films from personal experience. You may disagree. Consider this sci-fi movie list does not include, time-travel science fiction, earthbound science fiction, aliens on earth sci-fi or zombies on earth. This list only includes science fiction movies set away from earth and in space. To which end, they may then include time-travel sci-fi, future or past science fiction settings etc.
