Sci-fi films have been a great form of escapism for plenty of people for many years. Traveling to different realities and discovering new universes can make the world that surrounds them feel more bearable, and letting one’s imagination run rampant is the perfect way to cope with everyday life. While dealing with aliens, advanced virtual reality, or time travel can be complicated, there are certain movies which approach the futuristic subject with humor and heart.

Over the years, the sci-fi genre has evolved. With so many sub-categories that include horror, psychological thrillers, and even superhero franchises, there are so many great science fiction films to choose from. But, sometimes it can be the less complicated stories that provide the most comfort and emotional support. When the need to unpeel a complicated plot and layers of twists is removed, the audience can just enjoy the story. They might not always be masterpieces, but they resonate with viewers in ways that make watching them the perfect way to unwind.

9

Spaceballs (1987)

Directed By Mel Brooks

There was a time when spoof films were hugely profitable and popular, so in 1987, it made complete sense to apply this type of parody treatment to one of the biggest sci-fi franchises of the time. Prolific comedic director Mel Brooks created his own take on Star Wars, as well as a few other famous science fiction movies that came before. With some of the most well-known comedians of the decade, like Rick Moranis and John Candy, the film is packed with references and in-universe in-jokes.

As the тιтle suggests, Spaceballs does not take itself too seriously, and the gags range from silly to slapstick, but that is the charm of this fun film. The vision of Dark Helmet looking like a Funko Pop version of Darth Vader appearing on the screen is still as hilarious as ever, and Bill Pullman is a very believable spoof amalgamation of Han Solo and other heroes. There is even a character called “Major ᴀsshole”, which goes to show, sci-fi can indeed be very funny.

8

Total Recall (1990)

Directed By Paul Verhoeven

A classic Arnold Schwarzenegger film has a list of criteria that viewers find comforting every time. There needs to be a lot of explosive action, there need to be some excellent one-liners, and it should not involve the need for too many brain cells. While there might be an initial factor that might have viewers questioning what is real and what is not, if taken at face value, the plot unfolds in a fun and entertaining way, with a very campy antagonist and a lot of cheesy thrills.

The exciting trip to Mars takes a mere Earthling on an unexpected journey through his past, and allows him to channel the hero he was destined to be. The stakes may be high, but there is little chance of getting overly emotionally involved beyond the surface level of the plot. There are a few welcome twists that keep viewers on their toes, but overall, the feeling after the credits roll is universally positive and relaxed.

7

Galaxy Quest (1999)

Directed By Dean Parisot

Less of a spoof and more of a satire, Galaxy Quest focuses on a group of actors from a once-popular Star Trek-type TV show who are now mainstays on the convention circuit. While the reality of what it is like to no longer be on a top show is a mix of funny and sad, all the references to the original show itself are clever and hilarious. As the viewers are getting used to the film being a comedy about what it was like to be in a hit sci-fi show, a group of real aliens descends on Earth.

With three big names cast as the former stars of the show, Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, and Alan Rickman do a great job of going from spoiled actors to actual heroes who have to step up to save humanity. So many sci-fi references have been incorporated to resonate with fans, and the added bonus of Weaver being so seamlessly ᴀssociated with the genre adds an additional level of genius. There are plenty of laughs, as well as some out-of-this-world action that makes the movie enjoyable from start to finish.

6

Free Guy (2021)

Directed By Shawn Levy

With the constant development of AI looming over humanity, most films that use this phenomenon as the main subject tend to focus on the danger of evil machines taking over the world. Free Guy goes in a slightly different direction, making characters within a video game become self-aware and sentient. A fun concept, the movie manages to navigate this plot device in a way that makes viewers connect with and care about seemingly non-existent beings.

Ryan Reynolds does what he does best as the тιтular Guy, and Jodie Comer shows off just how much of an action star she really is. Taika Waiтιтi’s comedic timing is great as usual, and he proves that directing and writing are not his only talents. But, the highlight of the movie has got to be Channing Tatum’s performance and spot-on movements that anyone who is familiar with video games will recognize. With so many references to other sci-fi projects as well as popular games, it’s a super entertaining popcorn movie with loads of great moments.

5

WALL·E (2008)

Directed By Andrew Stanton

As with most Disney Pixar films, there is a high chance that WALL·E will make countless viewers cry, but that said, it is still an extremely heartwarming and comforting movie to watch. The story of a robot who inhabits the Earth after it has been buried by a mountain of trash, it explores his love for humanity and the culture it left behind. As WALL·E carries out his mission to clean up the planet, he spends years in solitude, with only a cockroach for company, taking the audience on a quiet and introspective journey.

When he meets EVE, his whole world changes, as does the potential future of humankind. It’s a lovely story of love, friendship, and the importance of treating the planet with care and respect. But, this green message is not delivered in a preachy way; instead, it feels inspirational and like something viewers will want to do out of their own volition. With 95% on Rotten Tomatoes and an Oscar, it’s not only a comforting watch, but a high-quality one as well.

4

Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989)

Directed By Stephen Herek

Inspiring generations to stay excellent for around four decades, the friendship between William “Bill” S. Preston, Esq., and Ted “Theodore” Logan is one for the ages. These two fun-loving teens end up being responsible for bringing about a glorious utopia for humanity, and when they are at the risk of heading off the right track, the generation of 2688 steps in to send a messenger back in time to ensure they don’t stray any further.

Though there are many elements of time travel and crossing timelines, it is never too hard to follow. In fact, the audience is taken on a journey via Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure that is informative, entertaining, and riotously funny. Keanu Reeves has proved time and time again that he is a comedic savant of sorts, and this is arguably his most famous comedy role. The film feels like a nostalgic hug with every watch, and when followed by the two sequels, makes for a great movie marathon.

3

The Fifth Element (1997)

Directed By Luc Besson

Sometimes what makes a sci-fi film so comforting and rewatchable is its quality, and The Fifth Element has it in abundance. Bruce Willis plays the gruff, reluctant hero so well, and Gary Oldman is a fabulous villain with a fantastic wardrobe and evil intentions. Milla Jovovich shines in her breakthrough role, and Chris Tucker is responsible for some of the biggest laughs. The story itself is very compelling, and the action is a thrill to watch.

The future depicted in this high-octane blockbuster feels strangely possible, as the people of the 23rd century also grapple with traffic and an abundance of sequels in theaters. There is also the threat of impending doom looming over them, but the key to saving humanity lies with a mysterious orange-haired heroine called Leeloo. More details come to the foreground with every watch, and seeing the spectacular finale feels comforting every time.

2

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

Directed By Steven Spielberg

The sci-fi elements in this moving movie are almost secondary to the heartwarming story of friendship and acceptance. As the shy and reserved Elliot befriends a lost alien, they both learn from each other and help each other along the way. There are so many moments in E.T. the Extra-terrestrial that defined a generation, and it’s no wonder so many people choose to revisit it time after time. One of Steven Spielberg’s most gently moving films, there is never a moment where the audience is not emotionally invested in the best way possible.

From rooting for E.T. to get home, to wishing he would stay, this adorable extraterrestrial is the friend most viewers wanted when growing up. Watching the film knowing that everything will work out eventually is much easier than that initial viewing when everyone’s fates were up in the air. The way that E.T.’s otherworldly status serves as an allegory for tolerance was a very clever use of the sci-fi genre, making it more than just a mindless movie about spaceships and lasers.

1

Men In Black (1997)

Directed By Barry Sonnenfeld

It would not be too surprising to find out that aliens have been living among the human population for years, and the reality of a super-secret organization designed to monitor them is even more believable. The first installment in the lucrative franchise introduced the world to the well-tailored galaxy defenders who protect the world from otherworldly threats in style. Will Smith is as charismatic as ever, and Tommy Lee Jones is the perfect partner who is more forlorn and battle-scarred.

The duo guides the audience through this fun story as they chase an intergalactic bug wearing a human suit in the form of Vincent D’Onofrio. They also encounter a sᴀssy alien informant disguised as a pug, and deliver a multi-tentacled baby to an expectant couple. The mix of humor and action blends so well, and the theme song will be stuck in viewers’ heads for days. The scene where they discuss which celebrities have in fact come from outer space is spot-on, and the final fight is as entertaining as it is slimy.