Science fiction films have a history of being poorly conducted (sorry sci-fi fans), with issues ranging from budgeting to a lack of technical effects. Sometimes the story is just ahead of the technology available. Mostly, the imagination required in a science fiction book is just not as easy to bring to the screen. In this genre, it is easier to describe out-of-this-world elements, than visualize them.
With advancements in CGI and effects, science fiction film adaptations are being produced in a new light. That doesn’t mean that all good science fiction adaptations are modern films, there are some cult classics as well that depend on plot instead of tech.
Whether you love science fiction or not, these 10 sci-fi film adaptations are really good as stand-alone films, and they happen to do justice to the books as well. Check out these films, and even if you aren’t a fan of science fiction, the books might make you convert because they are classics that define the genre.
10. Dune by Frank Herbert
The 2021 remake of Dune has given the book series a new pop-culture moment. But did you know before Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya stepped into their iconic roles, there was an original film in 1984 starring Kyle MacLauchlan and Sean Young? (yes, the Sean Young from Blade Runner).
Surely the film remake will have a much larger fan base due to the all-star cast and modern take on the series, but if you are gearing up for the new film installment, the 1984 version is a classic that adds a lot of value to the franchise. Funny enough with the new Dune adaptations, they are attracting younger readers back to the book series too – count yourself in!
9. Never Let Me Go By Kazuo Ishiguro
Kazuo Ishiguro has a way of writing science fiction that adds a light layer of fantasy to a story that could otherwise be plausible. In his classic novel Never Let Me Go, he achieves just that by creating a reimagined past where society has found a solution to organ donations – cloning.
The film adaptation is lesser known than the book, but it is a remarkable film with some of your favorite actors when they were quite young including Carrie Mulligan, Keira Knightly, and Andrew Garfield. This book and film adaptation combo is perfect for anyone interested in getting into science fiction as the light touch of sci-fi makes it really easy to enjoy the storyline which is purely about exploring what it means to be human.
8. Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep by Philip K. Dick
AKA Blade Runner, which has become a cult classic across generations. The novel was published in 1968 and later yielded the 1982 film that really claimed the name to fame. It is hard to explain the phenomenon of this franchise, because the novel and film standalone for being great, but actually do not match up in a lot of ways.
This is one of the few cult-following franchises that don’t criticize the differences but instead celebrate their thought-provoking creativity. If you want to take a mind trip, read the novel then watch the multiple versions of the original film which makes you think something completely different.
7. The Children of Men by Dorothy Philis James
The 1992 novel by Dorothy Philis James was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film in 2007. The plot follows a society that can no longer reproduce, the reason being male infertility and the despair that is an effect of this.
Until one day, the protagonist Clive Owne discovers a miracle, and a flicker of hope is ignited as he embarks on a quest to save humanity. This is a great book and film adaptation combo that you won’t regret whether you are new to science fiction or an experienced genre reader.
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6. The Martian by Andy Weir
The 2011 novel adapted to the screen and starring Matt Damon follows a stranded astronaut on Mars and his journey for survival. While this book quite literally takes place in outer space, it mostly focuses on the element of survival – how far will one man go to save his own life after being stranded far from his planet?
The adaptation not only represents the book well but is a perfect Friday night watch to add to your sci-fi movie night.
5. Foe by Iain Reid
This is a newly released film based on Ian Reid’s 2018 novel of the same name. The story follows a farmer and his wife, who receive a strange visitor one day telling the farmer he has been chosen to take a journey to outer space. The plot really begins when they are told that if she should choose to go, his wife will be accompanied by a robot version of him.
This book has many elements of sci-fi at play, including spacey plots, the ethics of robots, and testing the bounds of what makes us human which makes for a difficult film adaptation – but it was successful. Check out this new film on Amazon, it features some of your favorite actors like Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal.
4. Frankenstein By Mary Shelley
You might be thinking that Frankenstein dabbles in gothic fiction with its use of a monster, but little known fact Mary Shelley is the queen of science fiction – she literally invented the genre.
So yes, Frankenstein is essential for best book adaptations – especially considering the film came out in 1931 (James Whale’s film version). Although Frankenstein has been adapted time and time again, the 1931 version remains the most well-known and iconic. Although, if you haven’t read the book it is a must for feminist literature.
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3. The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy by Douglas Adams
The 2005 film adaptation is a stand-alone fun and silly science fiction film, full of British humor. As it goes in the science fiction genre more often than others, the book series contains 6 editions but only one film was made. At the end of the film, it is alluded to that there could be a sequel, but in the end, fans will have to settle for the single film.
The film spans the first book, where the protagonist Arthur meets a hitchhiker from another planet by chance on the day the earth is to be destroyed and finds himself on an inter-galactic journey – mostly showing just how much life there is in the universe and also leading up to the question of life. As this is a very creative book, bringing it to life was a cinematic challenge. Take it for what it is, the film adaptation is an enjoyable science fiction film.
2. War Of The Worlds by H.G. Wells
War of The Worlds was actually written in 1898 and has since been adapted three times into a major motion picture, but without a doubt, the most famous is the 2005 rendition directed by Stephen Spielberg and starring Tom Cruise in one of his most iconic roles.
The plot depicts an alien invasion of Earth and the chaos sparked by such an event. The original book has a much different focus than each of the film adaptations, in character development but the plot remains the same: a book about saving the world from another kind.
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1. Annihilation Jeff VanderMeer
If heavy hitters are your thing, Annihilation will be up your alley whether you prefer to read or watch it. The 2018 adaptation of Jeff Vandermeer’s novel may require several watches to appreciate all of its nuances, but the combination of science fiction and psychological thriller makes for an entertaining watch.
Featuring excellent performances and striking visuals, Annihilation provides its viewers with a look at a dystopian landscape that appears idyllic from the outside but causes mass suffering to whichever explorers enter the quarantined Area X. It’s tense, visceral, and definitely worth checking out.
