top 5 science fiction movies

Usually the conversation at Guys’ Night Out is serious. Philosophy, politics and business are common subjects. Tonight we decided to change things up a bit, and after some spirited debate, lobbying and several rounds of voting we determined the top 5 science fiction movies of all time.

Because of our age, several important films are absent. They include (the original) War of the Worlds and the Day the Day the Earth Stood Still. Because we limited the list to 5, some more obscure but still deserving titles did not make the cut. It is in this category I would place the 12 Monkeys, Gattaca and Strange Days. But now, onto the list:

#5 Terminator 2
The original was a contender, but the stunning visual effects and non-stop action of the sequel earn it Top 5 honors.

#4 Alien
In this case the first nudged out its offspring. Alien proved that seriously scary and sci-fi are a winning combination.

#3 Star Wars IV
We all waited in line to see this over and over again. Sure the dialog is campy, but the special effects were revolutionary.

#2 The Matrix
Only a script that good could overcome Keanu Reeve’s weakness as an actor. Twists, turns and kick-ass choreography rocket this blockbuster to the top.

#1 Blade Runner
A perfect film! Watch for a 2007 re-release.

To balance the top 5, the guys also ranked the bottom 5. We excluded films no one had seen (like the sequels for our first and second choices) and focused on the big budget ones we wished we had never seen. Without commentary, other than our warning that these should be avoided at all cost, we present:

#5 Independence Day
#4 The Matrix Revolutions
#3 Star Wars Episode I
#2 Stargate
#1 Battlefield Earth