Science-fiction stories are one of the most defining literary genres. Naturally, it blended with the inception of cinema as the likes of Lumière Brothers and Georges Méliès pioneering some of the first sci-fi films. Ever since then, it became a pivotal genre for films. And there have been many sci-fi movies that were lauded throughout history, especially by critics.
However, there are some sci-fi movies that critics took negative thoughts upon, yet fans received positively. This list will look upon the sci-fi stories that critics absolutely love and those that they did not, regardless of the overall consensus (but fans did).
Critics Absolutely Love: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind takes on the scientific plausibility of erasing fragments from people’s memories and weaves it to a romantic drama of two former lovers, Joel (Jim Carrey) and Clementine (Kate Winslet), going through the procedure but keeping feelings for each other.
Both critics and audiences adore the film for its ingenious script and committed performances. And since this is a story from Charlie Kaufman, expect subtle themes of human emotions, scientific ethics, and love. And all can agree that this is one of Carrey’s best performances.
Audiences Love: About Time (2013)
From director Richard Curtis of Love Actually comes this time-traveling romantic drama about a guy named Tim (Domhnall Gleeson) who learns from his father (Bill Nighy) that he has a skill to time-travel to moments before. He takes advantage of this by winning over a girl named Mary (Rachel McAdams) and repeating every cycle.
Despite having a positive Rotten Tomatoes score of 68%, critics were mixed on the film, raising the Gronudhog Day comparisons and seeing plot holes in its time-loop scenario. Yet, it was a modest $88.5 million hit.
Critics Absolutely Love: Inception (2010)
After the gigantic success of The Dark Knight, Christopher Nolan was given the opportunity to craft his own blockbuster films. And in 2010 comes the summer blockbuster Inception about a group of professional thieves who plot to implant an idea inside a corporate heir’s dream. Leading them is Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) who has his own dilemmas.
Inception garnered widespread success. But throughout the years, it became one of the defining films of the genre and was ingrained in pop culture. It is a dream Nolan might have dreamed of.
Audiences Love: Interstellar (2014)
Still in Nolan territory, he acquired ideas for a space travel blockbuster in Interstellar. Set in a dystopian future where scarcity is normalcy, this sci-fi tells the voyage of several astronauts, with Coop (Matthew McConaughey) leading the mission, who travel to a wormhole behind Saturn in search of a habitable planet.
This film was perceived as a low tier in Nolan’s filmography. Despite the 72% Rotten Tomatoes rating, critics are mixed with the style-over-substance spectacle. Yet, it was one of the top-rated films in IMDb with an 8.6 rating.
Critics Absolutely Love: Back to the Future (1985)
Back to the Future is undoubtedly one of the most untouchable films of the genre. This Robert Zemeckis blockbuster sparked the imaginations of average moviegoers with its unabashed charm, trailblazing visuals, and solid moments. But it would not be possible without the King Arthur-Merlin rapport between Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) and Doc Emmett Brown (Christopher Lloyd).
The legacy of Back to the Future is congealed until this day, with the AFI touting this as the 10th-best science fiction film and many media lampooning or paying homage to the film.
Audiences Love: Back to the Future Part II (1989)
On the other hand, there are the sequels. Back to the Future Part II is considered the black sheep of the trilogy. This second entry sees Marty and Doc Brown traveling to the year 2015 to prevent Marty’s predecessor from interfering with the future. But a series of mishaps sends them to stop Biff Tannan (Thomas Wilson) from altering history.
At its release, Part II was criticized for the complicated plot and failing to capture the last movie’s charm. However, throughout time, audiences lauded the 2015 portion, especially the visuals.
Critics Absolutely Love: Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
After the juggernaut that is Star Wars, expectations were high for the sequel. And those expectations were paid off with The Empire Strikes Back. It continues the saga of Luke Skywalker on stopping Darth Vader and the Galactic Empire by being trained by the Jedi Master Yoda. But the stakes are high as the Empire plots a vaster retaliation.
Without a doubt, audiences and critics claim Empire as the best Star Wars film to date, not only for having iconic moments but for its groundbreaking story (especially with the twist).
Audiences Love: Watchmen (2009)
Based on the groundbreaking graphic novel by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, Watchmen is set on an alternate history 1985 where the Cold War persists, and a group of superheroes known as the “Watchmen” investigate the death of one of their own and uncover a conspiracy that tests their moral capacity.
While the film excels on its visuals, as expected from Zack Snyder, this subversive superhero film was called out for failing to capture the comics’ nuances. Yet, viewers were more receptive to the film, given the 7.6 IMDb rating.
Critics Absolutely Love: 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
2001: A Space Odyssey is a sci-fi film directed by Stanley Kubrick about a voyage to Jupiter, guided by the supercomputer H.A.L. 9000, to find traces of life. However, with H.A.L.’s capabilities, the quest turns into an eye-opening exploration of the possibilities across the universe and the limitations of mankind.
This space exploration film was not as much universally lauded that time as it was today. But throughout history, critics, sci-fi fans, and audiences regarded this as the definite science-fiction film for its outstanding visuals, the authentic space travel, and the universal themes. Even scientists are inspired by this film.
Audiences Love: The Fifth Element (1997)
But back on the polarizing fare is where Luc Besson’s The Fifth Element lies. Taking place in the 23rd century, this sci-fi film focuses on taxi driver Korben Dallas (Bruce Willis), who stumbles upon a young woman named Leeloo (Milla Jovovich) and unwittingly joins her in a quest to recover four mystical stones to keep it away from the hands of Mr. Zorg (Gary Oldman).
Critical reception for the sci-fi fare has been spottily divided at best, with the crossover appeal, the campy elements, and Chris Tucker as Ruby Rhod as among the criticisms. Yet, it became a cult classic eventually.
