5 Sci-Fi Movies That Didn’t Get Great Reviews But Are Still Worth Watching

Science fiction often explores the boundaries of our imagination, presenting stories that can be awe-inspiring, thrilling, or unsettling. While these tales are rooted in scientifically plausible realities or clearly defined speculative concepts, their success hinges on how well they adhere to or stretch these boundaries. Without such grounding, sci-fi can easily veer into confusion or irrelevance, regardless of its special effects or creature designs. Dr. Ian Malcolm’s chaos theory, if applied to film, would suggest that over time, even movies that seemed flawed or out of touch can evolve, find new appreciation, and break through previous limitations.

Take, for example, John Carpenter’s “The Thing,” a film that, despite initial criticism and a mixed reception from its star Kurt Russell, has since gained recognition for its profound themes and groundbreaking effects. The same can be said for many sci-fi movies that were panned upon release but have since found a place in the hearts of genre enthusiasts. Here are 14 such films that were initially misunderstood but deserve a second look.

Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)

Following the success of the 1968 film “Planet of the Apes,” the 1970 sequel, “Beneath the Planet of the Apes,” continues the story with a new astronaut, Brent, who discovers a society of mutated humans beneath a devastated New York City. While the film’s first half revisits familiar ground, it eventually delves into unique and unsettling territory. The ending is notably bleak, embodying the franchise’s often grim tone, but it’s this uncompromising approach that gives it a distinctive place in sci-fi cinema.

The Black Hole (1979)

Disney’s “The Black Hole” attempted to capitalize on the sci-fi craze of the late ’70s, resulting in a film that was both visually striking and somewhat criticized for its pacing and reliance on the titular black hole as a backdrop. Despite its flaws, the film’s impressive special effects, including detailed matte paintings and models, earned it two Academy Awards. The film’s climactic visual sequence remains memorable, and its imaginative design makes it worth revisiting.

Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn (1983)

“Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn” is a low-budget post-apocalyptic adventure that, while not without its issues, showcases the era’s characteristic charm. The film’s visual style and inventive practical effects, combined with the dedicated performances of its cast, provide a nostalgic look at sci-fi cinema. Despite its uneven execution, “Metalstorm” offers enough unique elements to engage genre fans.

The Ice Pirates (1984)

With its satirical take on popular sci-fi and fantasy tropes, “The Ice Pirates” stands out for its irreverent humor and inventive set design. Although it was criticized for being overly goofy, the film’s creativity and attention to detail in its world-building and prop design make it a fun and visually interesting experience. Its blend of parody and originality offers a unique viewing experience for those who enjoy a mix of comedy and sci-fi.

Firestarter (1984)

Based on Stephen King’s novel, “Firestarter” merges sci-fi with government conspiracy thriller elements. The film follows a young girl with pyrokinetic abilities and her family’s struggle against a covert government agency. While it may not match the impact of other King adaptations or the recent remake, the original film’s strong performances by George C. Scott and Martin Sheen, along with Tangerine Dream’s score, provide a solid viewing experience.