Part five of our series covers sci-fi and fantasy movies. Of all our sections, this was the most difficult to create: not because we argued over the selections (though we did), but because we argued over where to draw the line on what constitutes sci-fi and fantasy. For instance, does Richard Linklater’s cerebral Waking Life count as fantasy? Does Iron Man count as sci-fi? After intense debate, we defined sci-fi’s and fantasies as “movies that portray the supernatural, otherworldly, and things otherwise outside our current reality”, leading us to say no to the former and yes to the latter. Additionally, you’ll notice that the list is skewed toward sci-fi — quick, name five great fantasy movies that aren’t in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Our final list reflects the best of both genres: well acted, well directed epics that transport us to the edges of human imagination.
Now, without further ado, grab some popcorn, sit back, and dim the lights. The show’s about to start.
Methodology: like our books piece, the selections for our Definitive Men’s Movie Collection represent our favorites, “considered in the light of how much they changed our lives, and might change yours.” If it makes you feel any better that your favorite flick didn’t make the cut, consider that one of our auditors, in a moment of weakness, tried to get Nick Cage’s Ghostrider on the docket. Taste is subjective, so take this for what it’s worth.
Blade Runner
When Ridley Scott’s sci-fi noir debuted in 1982, it flopped at the box office. As it turns out, competing with E.T. was a bad idea. The film’s intensely detailed portrayal of 2019 Los Angles — retrofitted by designers Lawrence G. Paull, Douglas Trumbull and Syd Mead — as well as a thought-provoking story addressing what it means to be human quickly garnered a cult following whose fervency eventually transformed public opinion. During its 22 year journey from mistake to masterpiece, seven different versions of the film have been cut and shared with various audiences. If you haven’t already, make sure you watch The Final Cut 25th anniversary edition remastered by Scott himself.
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