With Summer right around the corner, most everyone is going to have a little time on their hands. So, to help people combat the boredom that eventually arises at some point in our much deserved break, I’ve compiled a list of Sci-fi movies to hopefully provide a little entertainment. 

With a parent who grew up in the 80’s and 90’s, who’s favorite movie genres are horror and Sci-fi, I have been exposed to a plethora of films from these genres – some may say a bit too young. These thrilling tales of heroism and action outlined my childhood and have impacted my taste in films to this day. So, without further ado, in no particular order, here are five of my favorite fun filled Sci-fi films to cure some of that summer boredom. 

The Terminator (R)

The Terminator is one of the most popular and successful movie franchises in the Sci-fi genre, and it’s for good reasons. Born from a fever dream of James Cameron, this film introduces an intriguing plot as well as introduces

one of America’s most beloved actor, Arnold Schwarzenegger. The 1984 film, taking place in the same time period, starts when two different men -or seemingly men- land in L.A.; One there to kill Sarah Connor, while the other is there to protect her. With amazing action sequences, a great score, as well as a fast pace and interesting plot, this film is bound to pique many viewers’ interest and entertain. Though, some advice, don’t watch past the second movie, you’ll be disappointed.

Mad Max (R)

Complete with blood, gore, and sick rides, Mad Max is for the viewer who loves feeling for the main characters while also watching amazing action sequences filled with inventful ways

 to… well hurt people. Set in a post apocalyptic Australia, the 1979 film

 features Mel Gibson as Max Rockatansky, a police officer trying to survive on the ever devolving continent. With the baggage of his past, he travels around the waste land, finding pockets of civilization and eventually, comradery in the people who live there. This film is a part of a five part franchise -soon to be six- and though I cannot speak on the unreleased film, I can say that all the movies in this franchise are entertaining, continue the story line well, and are just awesome -visually and cinematically- to watch.

Enemy Mine (PG-13)

The initial box office flop turned cult classic, Enemy Mine, is a movie appropriate and entertaining for the entire family. The 1985 film set in the near future, takes place on a volcanic wasteland planet where a human and alien called a Drac have crash landed after a dogfight. The two

species have been at war, and initially hunt each other down, but things change after the Drac saves the humans life and they learn that the best way to survive is with the help of each other. This is a genuinely heart felt film with an innovative plot that plays with themes such as found family, racism, and acceptance. Though rated PG-13, this film does get very emotional and has some intense and hard to watch scenes -but that’s only because you love the characters so much. It was one of my favorites as a kid, so I hope others can find it just as fun and interesting to watch.

Akira (R)

This ingenious, fast paced, action packed anime has not only influenced the genre of Sci-fi greatly, but opened the doors to adult animated films and deserves to be called a masterpiece as well as

one of the most influential and iconic anime films ever made. Akira is a visual masterpiece accompanied by a captivating, complex story that will keep you engaged for the entirety of the two hour and four minute film. Set in a dystopian 2019, Neo-Tokyo, the story follows two childhood friends, Shōtarō Kaneda and Tetsuo Shima, who are a part of a vigilante biker gang. A brawl with a rival gang results in Tetsuo acquiring telekinetic abilities after a motorcycle accident and blow to the head. These powers eventually become dangerous to the entirety of Neo-Tokyo, causing the futuristic metropolis to devolve into chaos. This film is about brotherhood, friendship, two-faced medical organizations, and jam packed with gore and action. If you’re looking for excitement, thrills, and phenomenal art then this is the film for you.

Dune -2021 (PG-13)

Let me start off by saying that this is a complete and utter upgrade from the 1984 Dune directed by David Lynch. It is visually stunning and a cinematic feat, featuring a star-studded ensemble who fill every single role perfectly. Set in the

distant future, the film follows Paul Atreides and his family as they are thrust into a war for the dangerous and inhospitable desert planet Arrakis, which is the home and only source of “spice”, the key to safe and instantaneous interstellar travel. Essentially, whoever controls Arrakis controls the “spice” and therefore controls the universe. The film is sensational and the acting is top notch, causing viewers to be enraptured by the performances as well as the plot and the scenery that, to my delight, does not over CGI which is always a critique of mine in newer films. With the second part of this movie coming out on November third of this year, this is a must watch as it will definitely earn itself a title as one of the most amazing Sci-fi films of the 21st century. You will be missing out if you don’t prepare to watch the conclusion of this mind bending tale. 

Though there are other films I love and want to recommend, I am sticking to these five for now, so as not to overwhelm anyone’s watch list; and some of these are franchises which will keep you busy for a week or two. I hope you take the time to watch at least one of the recommended movies on this list because they are all gems and truly entertaining and hey, you may even find yourself a new favorite movie.