Science fiction is a genre that has gained popularity among its fans since it was originally introduced. From then to the current generation, sci-fi franchises have succeeded in capturing the love and attention of millions of fans worldwide. These films and shows show a world that is far different from ours, and where unimaginable things can happen relating to science.
These films let us escape into a world and often find solace. Showing things of the future and possible outcomes in our own world someday also might be a reason why this genre has been so continuously popular for decades. So, here we list the best sci-fi franchises in entertainment history.
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1. Star Trek
The ‘Star Trek’ franchise has to be at the top when we talk about science fiction. It is one of the most famous and greatest sci-fi franchises. Before this came on TV, space adventures were associated with childish concepts and silly dramas. After ‘Star Trek‘ aired for the first time in 1996, it totally changed the way, the audience looked at space adventures. Along with scientific issues, it also dealt with social and political messages.
2. Star Wars
‘Star Wars’ is definitely one of the biggest hits of Hollywood when it comes to science fiction or movies in general. As mentioned in Looper, this movie franchise changed the landscape of the movie business, repercussions of which are still being felt today. The movie introduced to us characters, that are iconic even to this day. The wide range of comic books, video games, and other merchandise that is made based on this empire, proves its popularity.
3. Doctor Who
The ‘Doctor Who’ franchise was first introduced by BBC, back in 1963. In this British series, the main protagonist called “The Doctor” is sent to space in a vessel called “TARDIS.” Due to its scientific background, the series shows the doctor regenerating into a body that is completely new, thereby allowing a new actor to take over every few years. The most recent actor that has taken over as “Doctor Who” is Ncuti Gatwa, as of 2023.
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4. Alien
Known as the “best science fiction film of the decade,” this 1979 film is a perfect mixture of science and gruesome horror. This Ridley Scott film attempted to use the world of ‘Star Wars‘ and make a whole different aspect. The film involves an alien creature called the “Xenomorph” that terrorizes the space crew. The film was followed by many sequels, one even involving famous director James Cameron.
5. The Terminator
This James Cameron movie is a classic sci-fi involving robots and humans. Played by actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, the role of ‘The Terminator’ is an evil robot killer. He plays the role of a cyborg that has been sent to the past, barring the war that is between robots and humans. Its sequel ‘Terminator 2: Judgement Day’ is often regarded as the best sci-fi movie ever made.
6. The Twilight Zone
‘The Twilight Zone‘ is a 1959 series that is not fully sci-fi, but includes elements of everything along with sci-fi such as mystery, horror, romance and even comedy. The creator of this show Rod Serling, himself appeared on the show as a host. The original series went on for five seasons. However, it was adapted later as a feature film in 1983.
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7. Predator
The original ‘Predator‘ film involves the action actor Arnold Schwarzenegger as its main protagonist. This ’80s movie has been regarded as one of the best sci-fi and action movies to date. The movie involves a giant alien beast known as the “predator” who picks up the humans one by one. The military team of Arnold is shown to encounter and deal with this predator in the film. Being a hit, it led to a second follow-up, along with many endorsements.
8. Battlestar Galactica
‘Battlestar Galactica‘ is a TV series that was released in 1978, by producer Glen A. Larson. The show basically follows the adventures of the people of a different world or planet, who are in search of their “possibly mythical” home called Earth. The show only lasted one season due to its very high budget. However, its popularity among the fans not only led to crossovers of comic books and video games but also led to a sequel called ‘Battlestar Galactica: 1980.’
9. The Matrix
‘The Matrix‘ is probably one of the most genius movies of our time. Going far beyond the world of science fiction, these films play with the concept of simulated realities. In this movie, we see a cyber hacker called Neo who learns that the world is actually created by a race of artificially intelligent machines. It is one of the most famous sci-fi franchises of our time, with its very different storyline, visuals, and trippy action scenes.
10. Mad Max
‘Mad Max’ is a sci-fi franchise that relates to post-apocalyptic adventure scenes. The four sequels that have been made following it can be proof of its impeccability. The film shows us a glimpse of a future world where civilization has collapsed. And the warlords fight for control over the last survivors left. This franchise has been loved by its fans all over, leading to even remakes of its duplicate copycats.
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