Dune

Dune was originally a book published by Frank Herbert in 1965. It is a true unsung origin of modern sci-fi and world building in general. This book was the inspiration for many famous space and sci-fi stories, including Star Wars. However, this story wouldn’t get a proper film adaptation or recognition by the general public until 2021. Dune is about Paul Atreides and his family becoming the new governors of the planet of Arrakis. When they arrive, however, the locals believe that Paul is the chosen one who would help them reclaim their planet from those who want to exploit it for a fuel source called spice. He is thrown into this prophecy when the planet is attacked, and the only way to fight back is with Paul at the front lines. It’s a gorgeous story with themes of leadership and religion, a wonderful place to start for classic sci-fi.

Star Wars

Star Wars is a sci-fi genre staple. One of the biggest names in sci-fi next to Star Trek. This world has been expanding since 1977 and continues to this day. Star Wars is, in its most basic form, about a family of magic knights, called Jedi, who are both the galaxy’s saviors and destroyers. The original movies, episodes 4-6, focus on Luke Skywalker, the prequels, episodes 1-3, focus on his father, and the sequels, episodes 7-9, are about the Skywalker legacy in general. The other properties of Star Wars, the spin-off movies, the shows, and the video games, are about the consequences and ripple effect the Skywalkers had on the galaxy.

If starting Star Wars, it is important to know the order to watch everything. Different people will give you different recommendations, and while there is no wrong way to watch Star Wars, here is my recommended order. Episodes four through five, episodes one through three, Solo, Rogue One, Episode seven through nine, Clone Wars, Mandalorian, Book of Boba, Andor, and then the other shows and video games if you’re up for them. Star Wars can be complicated and has lots of time jumps, so don’t feel disheartened if you’re confused at first. Watch with a friend who knows the world and story. They will be able to explain, and watching with someone is always fun. If you are looking for a sci-fi staple that you can get lost in, Star Wars is a perfect place to start.

2001 a Space Odyssey

2001 a Space Odyssey is a one-off movie, but still a staple of sci-fi. Released in 1968 and created by Stanley Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke, this movie is a deep look at the past, present, and future. The movie is less about a central story and more about the positives and negatives that could be in the future. The moon landing wasn’t until 1969, so a majority of the film focuses on the fear of the unknown and the introspection of the vastness of space. The movie is severely trippy, but it’s meant to be less of a story and more of a conversation starter. If you are looking for something with incredible visuals and an ending that leaves you reeling, I couldn’t recommend this movie more.

I have no Mouth, and I must Scream

I have no mouth, and I must scream is a short story by Harlan Ellison published in 1967. The story may be 10-15 pages long, but do not let that fool you. This story is one of the most haunting stories of the genre as a whole. The story is about an AI that named itself AM, wiping out humanity and putting five humans on trial for their crimes. AM talks about the complexities of humanity and its perspective on the topic as an AI. The story ends with all of those on trial dead except for one. It is definitely the scariest sci-fi staple. It does not hold back with its debates over man vs machine. If you are someone who loves horror and wants to shift into sci-fi, then this story is perfect. However, if you are squeamish, I would stick to the other recommendations on this list.

Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is a much lighter and funnier option than the others. Written by Douglas Adams in 1979, this book is a comedic take on the sci-fi genre as a whole. There are still themes and moments that are incredibly sci-fi. But most of the book is more about the silliness of sci-fi’s debates on philosophy and the future. The book is about a man named Arthur Dent who finds out that his friend, Ford, isn’t from earth and is a researcher for the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. They then get forced into this grand adventure, succeeding through knowing zero to nothing about Aliens and other planets. The book is a hilarious and trippy ride through the genre as a whole. While it is not something for someone new to sci-fi, it is required reading for anyone who enjoys the genre.

There are so many to recommend and experience, including my current watch, Trigun: Stampede. However, the world of sci-fi is as vast as space itself. There are many more stories in sci-fi, but you can’t explore a whole galaxy without a good starting point. So take some of these recommendations and dive into the world of sci-fi; a galaxy awaits you.

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I am going to preface this article by saying, I don’t actually like movies that much. If I could choose any form of entertainment or method of relaxing it would not be watching something on T.V. However, most of my friends and family members don’t share my disinterest in film media. So I have seen a lot of movies, and I’ve actually enjoyed a few. In this article I will discuss my favorite movies of all time, as someone who doesn’t like movies. 

#10 Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)

So surprisingly, this one was not a childhood classic for me. Rather, it was a movie my friend made me watch when she found out I had never seen it, and I loved it. The Disney animated film follows a disfigured man named Quasimodo, who is hidden away in a bell tower by his cruel guardian Claude Frollo. One day he escapes for one day of freedom, where he meets Esmeralda. She catches the attention of his guardian, and now Quasimodo must keep her out of Claude Frollo’s clutches. I thought the animation was beautiful, the themes were heavy and meaningful, and it had a clear purpose. Also, the music is incredible. Honestly, I wish it was a film I had grown up with because I think it’s such a beautiful story. 

Director: Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise

Rating: G

#9 Clue (1985)

Now this actually was a childhood classic. It’s a funny film for both adults and children, performed by a hilarious ensemble cast. Each cast member plays a larger-than-life character, and when these characters meet at a dinner party it is soon revealed that each of them has a dark secret. When their host—the only man who knew each of their secrets— winds up dead, all the guests are suspects, and they have to work together to find out who the killer is. With good slapstick elements, an intriguing mystery, and sarcastic tropes, it’s a great feel-good movie for when you need a laugh. Also Madeline Khan and Tim Curry are in it. Need I say more? 

Director: Jonathan Lynn

Rating: PG

#8 Steel Magnolias (1989)* 

The first time I watched this movie, I ugly cried. After being cast as Truvy in a mini-production of this show at a theatre camp, my mom made me watch the original version of this movie. I don’t think I lived up to Dolly Parton’s performance, but then again, could anyone live up to Dolly Parton’s performance?

Steel Magnolias follows six southern women through a period of their lives, showing joy, loss, tragedy, and recovery. Revealing how the ups and downs of life make people grow stronger and closer. 

Director: Herbert Ross

Rating: PG-13

#7 New Year’s Eve (2011)*

This movie is very reminiscent of Love Actually, except I like these storylines and characters better. The plot intertwines stories of people all over New York City on New Year’s Eve. There is a mother daughter duo trying to find love, an old woman trying to find something to live for, a dying man and the nurse trying to keep him alive so he can see the ball drop one more time, a rock star and his ex who clash at an elite party, and a singer late for a New Year’s gig and stuck in an elevator with a killjoy. This is another film my mom made me watch, and we sang along to Auld Lang Syne at the end even though it was not New Year’s Eve. 

Director: Gary Marshall

Rating: PG-13

#6 P.S. I Love You (2007)*

Not to be confused with the hit 2020 Netflix Original that follows the To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before trilogy. The 2007 film P.S. I Love You is a beautiful story about grief and love with comedic one-liners from Lisa Kudrow and Harry Connick Jr. When Holly Kennedy’s husband dies, he knows that Holly will struggle with his death. So he plans ahead, writing her letters that she will begin receiving on her 30th birthday that will ease her grief and help her get back on her feet. It’s a good film if you ever need a good cry session, so make sure to have tissues. 

Director: Richard LaGravenese 

Rating: PG-13

#5 Sleepless in Seattle (1993)

After his wife dies, Sam Baldwin moves to Seattle with his son, Jonah. Jonah, who is worried about his father, calls in to a radio show called Sleepless in Seattle to find his dad a new wife. With encouragement from the host, Sam begrudgingly gets on the line to talk about his feelings. Annie Reed, an engaged reporter from Baltimore, hears Sam speak and begins to fall in love with him. Unsure of her future, Annie writes Sam a letter and asks him to meet her at the top of the Empire State Building on Valentine’s Day. 

This movie has one of the most perfect endings I’ve ever seen, and has a very natural flow when it comes to the romances in the film. Nothing is rushed, which helps make this one of the best Rom-Coms I have ever seen. 

Director: Nora Ephron 

Rating: PG

#4 Blair Witch Project (1999)*

I’m fairly new to horror movies. I don’t consider myself to be a horror movie enthusiast, and I’d probably take a murder mystery over a supernatural thriller any day. However, this movie is so well-executed it deserves to be in my top-five. Aside from having an intriguing story, it perfectly utilizes anticipation as a horror element and uses creepy sounds over creepy visual effects that make this horror movie scarier than any modern one. It has layer after layer you can analyze, which leads me to my favorite thing about the movie: the scariest thing about the movie isn’t the Blair Witch. 

This movie follows three college students who are making a documentary about the Blair Witch. When they hike into the woods to investigate, they’re never seen again. The students’ “found footage” is what presents the entire movie. This movie not only revolutionized film by creating a whole new style of filmmaking, but left thousands thinking that what they watched was real. 

Director: Edaurdo Sánchez, Daniel Myrick 

Rating: R

#3 Blinded by the Light (2019)*

I genuinely could talk about how incredible this movie is for hours. Finding Individual Freedom + The Immigrant Experience + Throwback Fashion + Academic Vibe + Bruce Springsteen = A Perfect Film. 

Javed lives in the intolerant community of Luton, England. He comes from a family of Pakistani immigrants experiencing economic and racial turmoil. He writes poetry and essays to escape the pains of his everyday life, and dreads the future that his parents have planned out for him. That is until his classmate introduces him to the music of Bruce Springsteen, allowing him to find freedom in his own dreams and pride in where he came from. 

This movie is so beautiful because while it has so much heartbreak and sadness, it holds such a hopeful tone and still has scenes that are so fun and just bring a smile to your face. Since the movie is based on Bruce Springsteen’s music, the soundtrack is awesome. This movie is not only visually stunning, but has one of the best climaxes I’ve ever seen and is based on a true story. 

Director: Gurinder Chadha 

Rating: PG-13

#2 Good Will Hunting (1997)*

This is one of my dad’s favorite movies. He introduced it to me, and it then became one of my favorite movies. I love movies that criticize things in a non-satirical way, and Good Will Hunting does this excellently. It calls out the pretentiousness of America’s education system and the unattainability of higher education. It demonstrates how our government leaves even the smartest students behind in favor of the affluent and lucky. Also it just has some great themes: intelligence cannot be assumed and there are more important things than success. 

It follows the story of Will Hunting, a genius who chooses to work as an MIT janitor. Professor Gerald Lambeau discovers Will’s talents when he solves a graduate level math-problem. Lambeau wants to help Will reach his potential, despite Will’s disdain for academia. When Will gets arrested, Lambeau promises to get Will out of trouble if he will allow Lambeau to mentor him and get help from therapist Sean Maguire. 

Director: Gus Van Sant 

Rating: R

#1 Dead Poets Society (1989 )*

If you read my Top 10 Fall Movies List, then you would know that Dead Poets Society is my favorite movie of all time. Dead Poets Society takes place at a prestigious, and highly traditional all-boys preparatory school. When a new English teacher, John Keating, joins the school’s staff, his unorthodox teaching methods challenge students who are faced with tremendous pressure from their parents. He teaches them to pursue their dreams, and “seize the day.” It has a beautiful story, gorgeous cinematography, and an ending that always makes me cry no matter how many times I’ve seen it. It’s known as one of the best movies of all time for a reason. I could not recommend this movie enough. 

Director: Peter Weir 

Age Rating: PG-13

Films with * by the title, are flagged for parental guidance by their R or PG-13 ratings. Younger viewers should ask their parents before they watch any of these movies. 

Check out more movie reviews by GirlSpring contributors!

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How well do you know the Disney Princesses?

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