Best Epic Sci-Fi Movies of All Time: Ranked and Reviewed

The Best Sci-Fi Epics

It is clear that science fiction is a powerful and entertaining genre that continuously expands and grows - its audiences eagerly await new releases, and the genre itself continues to become increasingly more creative and innovative in terms of storytelling, new ideas, and themes.

But science fiction does not stop there. Some films and movies – they do more than tell a simple story. They build an entire world. These are known as sci-fi epics.

A sci-fi epic - those movies can be a complex and often vast, they attempt to capture the imaginations of movie goers – and in many cases – these movies explore the universe and some of the most fascinating ideas.

What Makes a Great Sci-Fi Epic?

An image of Halle Berry and Tom Hanks hugging in Cloud Atlas Image

When deciding whether a movie qualifies as an epic it needs to be broad - those films often contain some elements, and it also includes the story itself, a movie that attempts to show a grand world that is vast and expansive and also gives viewers a sense that it's more than just an ordinary story. If it takes more than one movie, that’s a key element in making that movie – an epic it needs to go further - those films also often capture the audience’s attention in terms of their overall storytelling and visual effects, a show that is set in a time that’s far removed from the current era and the characters, those who are playing a role, they are also key to understanding, the film’s appeal and its overall success.

What Are Some Notable Sci-Fi Epics?

Split image of Jake Gyllenhaal in Enemy, Jared Leto in Mr. Nobody, and Brad Pitt in 12 Monkeys Image

Cloud Atlas a movie – an interesting film that was influenced by several different stories (and it takes viewers to different times in history as they journey through the past – it's also set in different locations) those audiences, those who are looking for those sci-fi films. They are familiar with the Wachowski sisters - a duo - and those movie goers can also find that it’s a key element that has also helped make that sci-fi epic stand out from those movies.
Blade Runner – one that’s been given an important place - among the top movies of this genre. Its also a movie that has also given those movie goers the opportunity to see the world in such a way that is both, realistic and at the same time a little fantastical, it's an effort that's been successful and will also appeal to those viewers. This particular movie has made it possible to find those films, which show the audience - just how creative and influential filmmaking can be. The original movie - that’s a very powerful movie. Its role in building, the foundation for what has become a large franchise (the story has grown, and those films continue to make an impact - fans can discover those stories - one that shows the audience - that there’s more to come from this movie – and it is also considered a key film that’s made an impact on those who love those sci-fi movies (with its genre, those who follow those stories, will also enjoy it - and it might help, to draw those audiences - those who love those more mature movies).

This particular movie has become a big success and that’s also how it's made its mark.

This film continues to be one of those classic films – a show that has stood the test of time, it also provides a unique, perspective on that genre.

Planet Of The Apes - one of those movies. It continues to appeal to those who love science fiction movies and those who have grown up, enjoying that series (and its sequels) - it’s an iconic and classic series (with its series of movies, it has helped to shape that genre).

Epic Sci-Fi Movies Are About More Than Just Space Ships

Deckard looking at a screen in Blade Runner Image

These films, they explore, the human experience and those themes that are considered relevant to our own society (in terms of, a broader perspective. These stories, they offer more than just space battles, but they explore the complexities and challenges of the human condition. They bring out the best of our ability to overcome challenges and also, explore some of the worst of human behavior, these epic sci-fi movies, a movie genre that will never fail to capture, the audience’s imagination with its scope and grandeur.

The Terminator a series that is widely viewed, and one that has also received critical acclaim - with those iconic action scenes. The movie itself is an effort that has been a key part of those films, one that’s also been a successful franchise - those audiences who are watching these films. They'll discover just how the stories might continue to expand.

2001: A Space Odyssey - that film is also very influential and, a show that has also been regarded by film critics for its innovation, it’s been widely praised - a movie that has taken viewers to a new place. Its a movie – one that’s able to be understood and also it’s full of those memorable, moments, those scenes. Those who enjoy that film - a movie that’s considered to have a darker undercurrent.

Everything Everywhere All At Once - a sci-fi epic those moviegoers who have seen that movie - it gives them a new look at science fiction and it's full of the greatest stories in that genre - a movie that’s been considered a classic movie (with its success and those great reviews), its a movie – those fans will love.

Avatar it’s been one of the biggest hits, and its series of movies continues to expand - its popularity keeps growing, that’s a sign that this movie is one of those classics.

Star Wars - one of the most famous movies - that continues to entertain. It's part of those sci-fi epics - an influential series (its impact has also been shown through the creation of several other movies, and video games. Those movie goers who follow that series - a collection of movies. They can find out just how much there is to discover in terms of the stories that are told). That’s part of what makes the franchise so interesting – it gives fans an opportunity to learn more about those characters.

It shows how a well-told story (those fans – they can get a better sense of just how interesting, the galaxy and its worlds can be. This will help audiences to expand their own, vision of that world) one that’s been set in space, it also goes beyond that - to explore some of those characters, and their personal journeys. It's clear that this series continues to capture the imagination of moviegoers - the stories that are contained in those films. It can be enjoyed by those who have never watched a Star Wars film. This particular movie, and those stories are all about those characters who will inspire those audiences to learn more about that world (one that will stay with them).

These Sci-Fi Epics, Their Impact On the Genre

Charlton Heston as George Taylor says goodbye in Planet of the Apes (1968) Image

Sci-Fi epics – they offer a variety of those stories and their unique ways of telling a story. They have become a major influence in terms of the scope of filmmaking, its storytelling and also visuals (this genre - a part of the evolution of that world).

In addition to these sci-fi epics - there are other, notable stories, that have inspired many filmmakers - in terms of their overall vision, it also helps those viewers understand those films in more depth and those stories will captivate audiences for many years to come.

It is an entertaining genre - one that has been popular for many years and will continue to grow. It will likely remain a favorite among sci-fi fans.