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The ten most definitive sci-fi films of all time are revealed in this fifth and final part to the series.

10. The Invisible Man (1933)

Starring a first-time screen actor (Claude Raines) in the title role, this adaptation of H.G. Wells’ story is among the most influential films ever created—it mixes the horror and sci-fi genres with unremitting tension and clever, subtle humor. Its strong display of will and pace mount suspense throughout the film’s extent, showing Dr. Griffin (the Invisible Man) only in bandages and sunglasses, and concealing the disembodiment of his distinctive voice. The most impressive aspect of this masterwork is the special effects, which were achieved by using two techniques for the film’s varying circumstances: wires for shots in which the main character was unclothed; and the use of a black body suit against a black set for shots in which the main character was partially clothed.

9. Bride of Frankenstein (1935)

Misleading in its title for two reasons—“Bride” refers to the scientist’s wife, Elizabeth, yet insinuates the creation of the monster’s mate; and the monster’s “bride” is only seen in the final minutes of the film—James Whales’ sequel to his masterful (yet loose) adaptation of Mary Shelley’s beloved monster novel is technically and principally sound, continuing in the elaboration of set designs previously introduced by Fritz Lang’s Metropolis, and showcasing culturally fashionable costumes that would later spawn various interpretations. Though often considered a “period piece,” Bride of Frankenstein integrates many eras (which range from the late 1800s to its release in 1935) and can most comprehensibly be described as a film free of any actual time period in history—one only of the boundaries of imaginative horror.

8. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1980)

E.T., Spielberg’s most benevolent turn as director, is a warm-hearted tale about a stranger from outer space called E.T., who is left behind after his ship departs to its home world. Meanwhile, a young boy named Elliott discovers the odd little creature and decides to hide him in his house. Over the course of the film, E.T., Elliott, Elliott’s 16-year-old brother, Michael, and their 7-year-old sister, Gertie (Drew Barrymore, in her still-crowning performance as an actress), learn how to cope with the feeling of abandonment (Elliott’s parents are going through a divorce), and embark on an endearing journey to get E.T. home. E.T. continues to be the apex of all family movies, and fruitfully combines the sci-fi genre with real-life issues and charming characters.

7. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)

Iconic for its depiction of aliens as peaceful creatures, Spielberg’s follow-up to Jaws, and his first film about extra-terrestrials—he’d later go on to direct E.T. (#8), which again adopted the idea that aliens were friendly, and War of the Worlds (2005), which portrayed them as the intended destroyers of all human civilization—became an expensive, artsy, and very glamorous special-effects extravaganza (the opposite of what Spielberg originally had hoped for), and was received very well by moviegoers and critical masses. It brought heavy attention to UFOs, which enamored a vast portion of the U.S.’s population, and incorporated American themes of obsession and family.

6. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)

Adapted by former San Francisco Chronicle journalist Daniel Mainwaring, Don Siegel’s exploitation of our nation’s most paranoid thoughts immediately stirred controversy, though it did so to the sound of acclaim and praise. It became the model for others of its kind and has spawned countless spin-offs and parodies, though none of them have surpassed its quality. Often compared to Robert Wise’s The Day the Earth Stood Still (#11) and the pioneering, special effects-laden Forbidden Planet (#15), Invasion of the Body Snatchers remains the pinnacle of paranoid sci-fi pics and won’t soon be conquered.

5. Alien (1979)

One of Hollywood’s greatest achievements, Alien was a critical and commercial marvel, garnering huge profits, towering acclaim, and jump-starting the career of its female star, Sigourney Weaver. The alien, designed and architected by Swiss painter H.R. Giger, is a nightmarish combination of biological and mechanical concepts and is perhaps cinema’s most coveted monster (Kong and Frankenstein’s monster beg to differ).

Still, after more than a quarter-century, Ridley Scott’s terrifying blockbuster hasn’t lost one bit of its intensity, believability, or cinematic influence. It is the best, most pure example of a sci-fi horror—a subgenre of the science-fiction and horror genres that is among the toughest to effectively pull off—and was one of the first (certainly the most recognized) films to feature a woman as the story’s main protagonist.

4. The Terminator (1984)

In the future, intellectual machines rule the world over all that is left of humanity. But it wasn’t supposed to be this way—there wasn’t supposed to be anything left of humanity at all. Sent back in time (from the year 2029) to prevent any human survivors, an unstoppable death machine called a “Terminator” is programmed to kill a woman named Sarah Connor and her unborn son—the destined leader of the human resistance against machines. James Cameron’s fast-paced direction and monumental action sequences sung high tunes for fans of both the sci-fi and action genres, which have since reaped the benefits of The Terminator’s influential style.

3. The Original Star Wars Trilogy (1977-83)

“I…am your father!”
Seriously, do I have to say anything else? After four hours and nearly two films, this one line—perhaps the most impactful line of all time—changed viewers’ perception of cinema’s most enduring villain and set up the franchise impeccably for its concluding installment, the shamefully underrated Return of the Jedi. Lucas’ original trilogy (which I just couldn’t split up for this list) stands as the most popular film series ever—let alone in the sci-fi genre—and is deserving of each and every fan.

2. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Commencing this controversial masterpiece is a segment regarding evolution and the science of mankind, which sets the tone for the film’s provocative, most prominent query—one regarding the feebleness of human existence. From then on, Kubrick’s odyssey glides into a dreamlike vision of space and the future, featuring some of the most brilliant sets and imagery ever seen on screen. Yet the most poignant, memorable aspect of this cinematic landmark is its devastating soundtrack, perhaps the best of all time.

1. Blade Runner (1982)

The most definitive sci-fi film ever, Ridley Scott’s revolutionary Blade Runner depicted a future world with incredible intuition, foreseeing a postindustrial society where pollution and overpopulation darken both the city of Los Angeles in 2019 and, more importantly, the outlook of the human race. Blade Runner speaks volumes about the absent weariness of our world’s current state (remarkable, considering that in its release year nobody could’ve predicted that global warming talk would rock American culture more than 25 years later) and acknowledges human questions of mortality and purpose as well. The Director’s Cut is a supreme practice in science fiction, as well, and the film’s fan base seems to be divided as to which one is better.

If there were any films you felt deserved a spot on the list, or is you simply would like to share your sci-fi favorites, please do so. And if you missed any part of this five-piece series, now’s a perfect time to hunt it down.

Stay on the lookout for The List’s next compilation, 25 Best Movie Sequels of All Time, a two-part feature that will begin next Wednesday.

Check out rest of the count down.  Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5