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Dad's Top
20 Sci-fi War Films - Ranked!
Countdown from #20 to #1.
This
includes Dad's spoiler-free Mini-Preview!
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Honorable
Mention |
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The Final Countdown
(1980),
Director: Don Taylor, rated PG
Trapped
outside the boundaries of time and space... 102
aircraft... 6,000 men... all missing.
 Starring:
Kirk Douglas, Martin Sheen, Katharine Ross, James Farentino, Ron
O'Neal, Charles Durning, Victor Mohica, James Coleman, Soon-Tek
Oh, Joe Lowry, Alvin Ing
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★☆☆☆
- good
"This phenomena is the
storm in which the Nimitz went through less than 18 hours
ago, the storm has had some effect on time as we know it, it
created a portal, a door into another era. Today is December 7,
1941..." – Capt.
Yelland
Why watch this? A
U.S. Aircraft Carrier. A time-travel portal. I'm in for this
one!
Plot Summary: The
modern U.S. aircraft carrier USS Nimitz encounters a mysterious
storm and is transported back in time to December 6, 1941, the
day before the attack on Pearl Harbor. The crew faces a profound
moral and ethical dilemma about whether to intervene in history
and potentially prevent the attack using their superior
technology.
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Dad's Preview:
The premise is certainly a "What If" scenario. The fun is to
simply go with it and enjoy the ride. In 1980, the aircraft
carrier USS Nimitz is sucked through a time-portal vortex. The immediate question is whether or not to engage the
enemy with the advanced technology. Will it change history? This
well-done, thrilling, creative film takes us on a wonderful
time-jumping adventure, that packs a punch, and has a memorable
ending. |
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The Bryna
Company; United Artists |
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Top 20
Sci-fi War Films
#20 Top |
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Pacific Rim
(2013),
Director: Gillermo del Toro, rated PG-13
To fight monsters
we created monsters
 Starring:
Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day, Ron
Perlman, Diego Klattenhoff, Burn Gorman, Max Martini
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★☆☆☆
- good
"Today we face the
monsters that are at our door and bring the fight to them!
Today, we are canceling the apocalypse!" -
Stacker Pentecost
Why watch this? Any
fan of Godzilla or Transformers will love this robot-kaiju slug-fest!
Plot Summary:
Years ago, Earth faced destruction from a portal opening beneath
the Pacific Ocean, releasing monstrous creatures called Kaiju.
To fight back, humanity built colossal robots known as Jaegers,
piloted by two people who share a neural link to control them.
Now, as the Jaeger program struggles against increasingly
powerful Kaiju attacks, a retired pilot and an untested trainee
must team up for one last, desperate attempt to save the world.
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Dad's Preview:
Gigantic monsters are coming forth to wreak havoc on the world.
After years of taking a beating, mankind finally begins to fight
back. The plot is
fun to follow, the actors are young and attractive, and the special
effects are next-level. I am really impressed with Idris Elba.
He really carries a persona that lends legitimacy to the films
in which he stars. Keep it up, big guy. |
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Legendary
Pics, Double Dare You Prod.;
Warner Bros. Pictures |
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Top 20
Sci-fi War Films
#19 Top |
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The Mitchells vs. the Machines
(2021),
Director: Mike Rianda, rated
PG
Prepare to get
weird, cause the world depends on it...
 Starring:
(the voice talents of:) Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph, Michael
Rianda, Eric Andre, Olivia Colman, Fred Armisen, Beck Bennett, Chrissy Teigen,
John Legend, Lo Mutuc, Blake Griffin, Conan O'Brien
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★☆☆
- great "It's
almost like stealing people's data and giving it to a
hyper-intelligent AI as part of an unregulated tech monopoly was
a bad thing." –
Mark Bowman
Why watch this? This
sci-fi adventure is packed full of family jokes, pet tropes,
robots, and heart.
Plot Summary:
A creative, tech-averse father forces his disconnected family on
a cross-country road trip to drop his daughter off at film
school. Their attempt at bonding is interrupted when a young
tech entrepreneur's AI system goes rogue and initiates a global
robot apocalypse, capturing nearly all of humanity. The quirky
Mitchell family must work together to overcome their differences
and save the world.
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Dad's Preview:
This is what might occur if the creators of
Black Mirror decided to make a family adventure movie.
It's the terror of SkyNet, but the Flintstone's are coming to
the rescue. There's a very heartfelt sub-plot that will impact
all dads and daughters in the audience. That plot even carries
through when the Robots begin their world-conquering domination.
There are too many witty one-liners to count, mostly referencing
the sad fact that the older generation just doesn't get
modern technology. It's all hilarious. This raucous,
visually-stunning family adventure is fun for everyone and it
drips with tech satire. |
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Columbia Pics,
Sony Pictures Animation,
Lord Miller Prod.,
One Cool Films; Netflix |
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Top 20
Sci-fi War Films
#18
Top |
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The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951),
Director: Robert Wise, rated
G
From Out Of Space... A Warning And An Ultimatum
 Starring:
Michael Rennie, Patricia Neal, Hugh Marlowe, Sam Jaffe, Billy
Gray, Frances Bavier, Lock Martin,
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★☆☆
- great
"I'm afraid there
is no alternative. In such a case, the planet Earth would have
to be...
eliminated." -
Klaatu, when Earth's scientists reject his proposals
Why watch this? This
chilling sci-fi classic holds a warning for humanity regarding how
we treat our planet... and each other.
Plot Summary: During
the Cold War, a humanoid alien named Klaatu lands on Earth with
a powerful robot and an urgent message for humanity. He seeks to
warn the world's leaders about the dangers of their aggressive
tendencies, particularly regarding nuclear weapons, and the
potential consequences for Earth's future in the universe.
Facing suspicion and hostility, Klaatu must find a way to convey
his message of peace and cooperation, highlighting the need for
humanity to be responsible and accountable for its actions.
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Dad's Preview:
This film asks "What
would aliens determine regarding humanity's use of atomic and nuclear weapons?".
Are we, as a species, a galactic threat? Should we be destroyed? This is the true essence of science fiction - to
ask these questions about our conduct. Human nature is often to push the limits too far. But someday, we may be
made to answer these actions. This well-done classic depicts a
scenario we all hope never comes true. |
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Julian
Blaustein; 20th
Century Fox |
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Top 20
Sci-fi War Films
#17 Top |
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War Games
(1983),
Director: John Badham, rated PG
Is it a game, or
is it real?
 Starring: Matthew
Broderick, Dabney Coleman, John Wood, Ally Sheedy, Barry Corbin,
Juanin Clay, Kent Williams, Dennis Lipscomb
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★☆☆
- great
"Mr. McKittrick,
after very careful consideration, sir, I've come to the
conclusion
that your new defense system sucks." –
Gen. Beringer
Why watch this?
If computers can ever do this, we ALL need to be concerned!
Plot Summary: A
young computer whiz kid accidentally hacks into a top-secret
military supercomputer while searching for new video games.
Unbeknownst to him, he begins playing a realistic game of Global
Thermonuclear War with the government's program. He must then
race against time to convince the authorities, and the computer,
that he was just playing a game.
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Dad's Preview:
As the cold war droned on in the 1980's, fear of nuclear war was
the subject of a lot media. This film took that possibility
to a potential (and quite scary) end. The USA's missiles are all controlled by a
massive central computer (called WOPR). The system suddenly goes to
Def-Con 4, people start scrambling to determine what the hell is going on.
The culprit is a bright teen who hacked to the system,
and thought he was playing a video game. WOPR considers it to be
real. If you are looking for a reason why modern AI is bad -
THIS IS IT!
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United Artists,
Sherwood Prod.;
MGM/UA Entertainment Co. |
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Top 20
Sci-fi War Films
#16 Top |
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Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
(2005),
Director: George Lucas, rated PG-13
The saga is
complete.
 Starring:
Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen, Samuel L.
Jackson, Ian McDiarmid, Jimmy Smits, Frank Oz, Anthony Daniels,
Christopher Lee
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★☆☆
- great
"If you're not with
me, then you're my enemy." – Anakin Skywalker
Why watch this?
We meh'ed the prequels: Episodes I and II. This dark,
disturbing film gave us what we needed.
Plot Summary:
Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker struggles with a difficult choice
after growing weary of the Jedi Council and being tempted by
Supreme Chancellor Palpatine's promises of power. The Clone Wars
wage on, but a dark plot threatens the Galactic Republic and the
Jedi Order itself. As Obi-Wan Kenobi hunts a dangerous foe,
Anakin's fate hangs in the balance, with the potential to
dramatically reshape the galaxy forever.
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Dad's Preview:
The impossible idea George Lucas had for the Star Wars
"prequels" was to make them for kids. Original fans,
now in their 30's, wanted the origin of the most incredible
villain in movie history! This trilogy IS the telling of Darth
Vader's story - it can't be light and funny. This film finally delivered,
and is by far the best of the three. The scene where Anakin
finally becomes Vader rips at your emotions. The decision to cast Ewan
McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi was genius, and his presence really
anchors each film. This third film in this trilogy finally made me feel
something! |
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Lucasfilm Ltd.;
20th Century Fox |
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Top 20
Sci-fi War Films
#15 Top |
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War of the Worlds
(2005),
Director: Steven Spielberg, rated PG-13 for sci-fi
violence
They're already here.
 Starring: Tom
Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Miranda Otto, Tim Robbins, Justin
Chatwin, Rick Gonzalez, Lenny Venito, Gene Barry, Yul Vazquez
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★☆☆
- great
"This isn't a war any more
than there is a war between men and maggots.
This is an extermination." – Harlan Ogilvy
Why watch this?
This remake is action-packed, terrifying... and visually
jarring.
Plot Summary: Ray
Ferrier, a divorced dockworker and estranged father, struggles
to connect with his two children during a weekend visit when
strange lightning storms strike their New Jersey town. These
storms mark the beginning of a devastating alien invasion, as
colossal tripod war machines emerge from the ground,
incinerating everything in their path. Ray must now protect his
children and navigate a world descending into chaos.
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Dad's Preview:
The War of the Worlds first saw the light of day in
H. G. Wells'
novel in 1898. In 1938, filmmaker Orsen Wells would read the
story live on radio, and cause a nationwide panic.
The original classic film had its impact. However, this version, by
master filmmaker Steven Spielberg, is
very realistic and truly disturbing, as a real alien invasion
would be! The invading aliens are brutal harvesters,
reaping
earth's vast resources and filling their massive hoppers with a plentiful supply of human meat. |
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DreamWorks
Pictures, Amblin Ent.,
Cruise/Wagner Prod.;
Paramount Pics |
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Top 20
Sci-fi War Films
#14 Top |
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Starship Troopers (1997),
Director: Paul Verhoeven, rated R for language,
violence, nudity
The
paratroopers of the future are here... and their enemies aren't
HUMAN
 Starring: Casper Van
Dien, Dina Meyer, Denise Richards, Jake Busey, Neil Patrick
Harris, Patrick Muldoon, Michael Ironside, Seth Gilliam
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★☆☆
- great
"This is for all you new
people. I have only one rule. Everybody fights, no one quits. If
you don't do your job,
I'll kill you myself! Welcome to the
Roughnecks!" -
Lt. Rasczak
Why watch this?
Space marines vs. giant alien bugs - Count... Me... In!
Plot Summary:
Set in Earth's distant future, Earth is attacked by an alien
race, hell bent on annihilating our species. Everything is in
flames. Earth's Federation sends our best space marines to
destroy the invaders on their home turf. The aliens, called
"bugs", prove to be more than a serious threat.
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Dad's Preview:
CGI technology was just ramping up, and I imagine that the
filmmakers met and said, "Let's turn it loose and make something
uniquely bad-ass!"
This film is right up my alley. There are some very gross moments, bloody dismemberments, heads
rolling, etc. So, yea, loved every second. For what it lacks in
acting expertise, it more than makes up for in thrilling action.
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Touchstone
Pictures; TriStar Pictures |
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Top 20
Sci-fi War Films
#13 Top |
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Dune (1984),
Director: Lewis Milestone, rated PG-13
A place
beyond your dreams. A movie beyond your imagination.
 Starring:
Kyle MacLachlan, Virginia Madsen, José Ferrer, Linda Hunt, Sting, Richard
Jordan, Francesca Annis, Leonardo Cimino, Brad Dourif, Freddie Jones, Jack Nance
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★☆☆
- great
"Don't try your powers on
me. Try looking into that place where you dare not look.
You'll
find me there, staring back at you." - Paul Atreides
Why watch this? It's
wonderful world-building along with a smart script. Try to keep
up!
Plot Summary: In the
distant future, warring noble families clash over control of
Arrakis, a harsh desert planet and the only source of the
universe's most valuable substance: the spice melange. When
control of Arrakis is transferred to House Atreides, young Paul
Atreides is thrust into a dangerous political landscape where he
must confront betrayal and fight for survival in a treacherous
environment. As Paul navigates the planet's deadly secrets and
its mysterious native inhabitants, the Fremen, he comes to terms
with his destiny.
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Dad's Preview:
This huge, epic science fiction film, with its all-star cast,
tried its damnedest to encapsulate the world that is Frank
Herbert's
Dune. Sure it crammed too much into too little time, but
there are so many great moments. The film does successfully
build the desert world and its inhabitants. It is weird,
intelligent, gothic, melodramatic and a spectacle to behold.
Honorable mention to singer Sting, who portrays the evil
Feyd-Tautha, and he excels at portraying pure evil. |
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Dino De
Laurantiis Corp.; Universal Studios |
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Top 20
Sci-fi War Films
#12 Top |
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Avatar (2009),
Director: James Cameron, rated PG-13 for sci-fi
violence, language
From
the director of Terminator 2 and Titanic
 Starring: Sam
Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang,
Michelle Rodriguez, Giovanni Ribisi, Joel David Moore, Dileep
Rao
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"Everything is backwards
now, like out there is the true world, and in here is the
dream." – Jake
Sully
Why watch this?
Visually, it's breath-taking, and so organically beautiful. It's a solid
story, too.
Plot Summary: Set in
the future on the moon Pandora, a paraplegic former Marine named
Jake Sully joins a program where humans can inhabit
genetically-engineered Na'vi bodies. These human/hybrid bodies,
called Avatars, are used to explore the hazardous moon's
environment. While living among the indigenous Na'vi people,
Jake becomes deeply connected to their culture and, in
particular, princess Neytiri. This connection leads him to
question his mission and eventually side with the Na'vi in their
struggle against military exploitation.
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Dad's Preview:
So, what film project does James Cameron take on as a follow-up
to
Titanic
(1997)?
It's this futuristic CGI-fest set on a gorgeous moon-planet inhabited by
native blue beings.
Was he nuts? Nope. This film, many years in the
making, is incredible. The story stings of European expansionism
only on a grander and more devastating scale. The visual effects
are ground-breaking. |
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Dune Ent.,
Ingenious Film Partners,
Lightstorm Ent.,
20th Century
Fox |
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Top 20
Sci-fi War Films
#11 Top |
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Flash Gordon
(1980),
Director: Mike Hodges, rated PG
Pathetic Earthlings...
Who Can Save You Now?
 Starring: Sam J.
Jones, Melody Anderson, Ornelia Muti, Max Von Sydow, Topol,
Timothy Dalton, Brian Blessed, Peter Wyngarde
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect "Pathetic
earthlings. Hurling your bodies out into the void, without the
slightest inkling
of who or what is out here." –
Emperor Ming
Why watch this? ...
to enjoy some swashbuckling action, and jam with
Queen!
Plot Summary: To
escape Earth, which is being tormented by alien attacks, Flash
Gordon, Dale Arden, and Dr. Hans Zarkov unwillingly embark on a
space journey and land on the planet Mongo. There, they are
immediately confronted by the tyrannical Emperor Ming the
Merciless, whose desire is to destroy Earth. Ming's actions
force the trio to join forces with the various inhabitants of
Mongo to thwart the emperor's plan and save Earth from
annihilation.
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Dad's Preview:
This is a colorful, campy fantasy film, offering a fitting homage to the old
Flash Gordon serials of the 1930's. It's a welcome return
to innocence. Von Sydow is perfectly cast as the ultra-evil Ming
The Merciless. It may seem hokey at times, but never stops
being fun. The movie's soundtrack was performed by Queen, and
they do a stellar job of blending eerie, other-worldly sounds
with good old hard rock! |
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Starling
Prod. Famous Films; Universal Pictures |
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Top 20
Sci-fi War Films
#10 Top |
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Galaxy Quest
(1999),
Director: Dean Parisot,
rated PG
The show has
been cancelled... But the adventure has only begun.
 Starring: Tim Allen,
Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, Tony Shalhoub, Sam Rockwell,
Daryl Mitchell, Enrico Colantoni, Missi Pyle, Jed Rees, Justin
Long
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"Never give up. Never
surrender!" - Commander Taggart
Why watch this?
... it's a parody of Star Trek's campiness, and it has a heart
of its own.
Plot Summary:
The alumni cast of a canceled space opera television series,
known for their roles on the spaceship NSEA Protector, find
themselves stuck attending conventions and making other trivial
appearances. However, their mundane lives are disrupted when
they are approached by an alien race, the Thermians, who, having
watched the old show, believe it to be real historical
documents. The Thermians enlist the cast's help in battling a
formidable reptilian warlord, forcing the actors to navigate a
genuine interstellar conflict while pretending to be the heroes
they once played.
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Dad's Preview:
An all-star cast makes this Trek parody a
laugh-a-minute. I was
pleasantly surprised by the comedic chops displayed by Allen
and Weaver. Alan Rickman also slays it as the Spock-like
alien character (who just happens to have a British
accent). However, the big surprise for me wa Sam Rockwell, as
red-shirted Crew Member #6, who is convinced he's going
to die, because all red-shirts get killed in the
TV episodes.
He steals every scene! |
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Gran Via
Productions; DreamWorks Pictures |
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Top 20
Sci-fi War Films
#9 Top |
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The Iron Giant
(1999),
Director: Brad Bird, rated PG
It Came From
Outer Space!
 Starring:
(the voices of) Jennifer
Aniston, Eli Marienthal, Harry Connick Jr., Vin Diesel, Cloris
Leachman, James Gammon, Christopher McDonald, John Mahoney
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"I know you feel bad about
the deer, but it's not your fault. Things die.
That's part of
life. It's bad to kill, but it's not bad to die." -
Hogarth Hughes
Why watch this? ...
a boy finds an unlikely friend when a mysterious metal giant becomes sentient.
Plot Summary:
Set in 1957, during the Cold War, a young boy named Hogarth
Hughes discovers and befriends a giant robot that has
crash-landed near his town in Maine. Hogarth attempts to protect
the robot from a paranoid government agent and the U.S.
military, who are determined to find and destroy the giant. With
the help of beatnik artist Dean McCoppin, Hogarth tries to teach
the Giant about life and prevent him from becoming the weapon
his creators intended.
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Dad's Preview:
This is one of the best non-Disney animated efforts from the 90's. When
a massive iron robot crash lands on earth, the bump on the
head somehow causes it to become "alive".
A fatherless boy, Hogarth, stumbles upon the friendly giant. Their
interactions are fun and wonderful, as the iron man becomes more
and more
human. As par for the course, the Army wants to reclaim their "project"
(designed for warfare),
even if it means destroying him. The all-star voice cast hits every
mark. This heart-warming flick will also leave a mark on your
heartstrings.
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Warner Bros.
Feature Animations;
Warner Bros. |
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Top 20
Sci-fi War Films
#8 Top |
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Dune: Part Two
(2024), Dennis Villeneuve, rated PG-13
Long
Live The Fighters.
 Starring:
Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler,
Florence Pugh, Stellan Skarsgård,
Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux, Souheila Yocoub, Charlotte Rampling, Javier Bardem,
Alison Halsted
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"Look how your Bene
Gesserit propaganda has taken root. Some of them already think
I'm their messiah. Others... false prophet. I must sway the
non-believers. If we get enough of them to support us, we can
halt spice production. It's the only way I can get to the
Emperor." –
Paul Atreides, to his mother
Why watch this?
Part 2 ends in explosive fashion, and harkens a third film.
Plot Summary:
Paul Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen to seek revenge
against the conspirators who destroyed his family, rising as a
powerful leader on the desert planet Arrakis. As he embraces the
ways of the desert warriors and navigates a manufactured
prophecy, he struggles to prevent a terrible future holy war
that he foresees. Ultimately, Paul faces a difficult choice
between the love of his life and the fate of the universe.
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Dad's Preview:
This sci-fi epic really is presented in two parts. The first,
and slower, half focuses on Paul Atreides' training alongside
the desert-dwelling Fremen tribes and his ascension to their
leader. Paul becomes Maud'Dib Usul, and develops a
relationship with the fiery warrior Chani. He also becomes a
sand worm-rider. The second half is more narrowly focused on two
awesome events: Paul's consumption of the Water of Life,
elevating him to Lisan al Gaib, a messianic leader; and
war with the marauding Harkonnens, who are determined to wipe
out the Atreides family. Yes, there is a lot going on with
numerous plots and hard-to-remember names. My wife said with a
furrowed brow, "I hate/appreciate Dune." Yet, like the
Dune franchise, it can become a rewarding hobby if you are
willing to invest the time. |
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Legendary
Pictures; Warner Bros. Pictures |
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Top 20
Sci-fi War Films
#7 Top |
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Independence
Day
(1996),
Director: Roland Emmerich, rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence
The question
of whether or not we are alone in the universe has been
answered.
 Starring: Will
Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Mary McDonnell,
Randy Quaid, Robert Loggia, Margaret Colin, James Rebhorn,
Harvey Fierstein
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"Perhaps it's fate that
today is the Fourth of July, and you will once again be fighting
for our freedom.
Not from tyranny, oppression, or persecution,
but from annihilation." - President Whitmore
Why watch this?
The best alien invasion/action thriller ever!
Plot Summary:
Large, mysterious alien spacecraft arrive on Earth and position
themselves over major cities, initially causing wonder which
swiftly turns to terror as they unleash destructive attacks.
Humanity's attempts to counter the invaders' superior technology
initially fail, forcing a desperate fight for survival and unity
among a diverse group of individuals, including the President, a
scientist, and a fighter pilot. This unlikely group must devise
a plan to overcome the seemingly unstoppable alien threat.
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Dad's Preview:
All reservations I had about Will Smith quickly evaporated
watching this exciting action flick. He's the perfect fighter pilot
with lots of sass and determination. One by one we are
introduced to the characters as the invasion tension ramps up.
When it finally occurs, it's a cinema spectacle right up there
with
War
of the Worlds (1953). Earth scrambles a desperate team to find
a way to defeat the alien attacking force. Can they find a way
to stop ships and weapons that out-match humanities best? |
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Centropolis
Ent.; 20th Century Fox |
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Top 20
Sci-fi War Films
#6 Top |
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Edge of Tomorrow (2014),
Director: Doug Liman, rated PG-13 for language, sci-fi
violence
LIVE DIE
REPEAT
 Starring: Tom
Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton, Brendan Gleeson, Noah Taylor,
Jonas Armstrong, Tony Way, Noah Taylor
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"Find
me when you wake up." - Rita Vrataski
Why watch this?
The film's premise will blow you away. That and Emily Blunt.
Plot Summary: In a
future where Earth faces an alien invasion, a reluctant military
public relations officer, Major William Cage, is thrust into a
combat scenario. After dying in the ensuing battle, he finds
himself in a time loop, repeatedly reliving the same day and
being killed over and over. He seeks out a formidable Special
Forces warrior, Sgt. Rita Vrataski. Together they must utilize
the time loop to learn, adapt, and ultimately find a way to
defeat the overwhelming extraterrestrial threat.
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Dad's Preview:
The hard-working Tom Cruise has done his share of sci-fi
thrillers. Thanks to a creative story,
excellent CGI effects and a stellar cast, this intense,
time-jumping alien-infested fare is really a blast. You will have to
re-watch it a few times to see what you missed. Cruise impresses, but Emily
Blount caught me off guard - she oils up the muscles and makes a
pretty good action hero herself! Bill Paxton, who portrays
Master Sgt. Farell - and is one of my favorite actors and he's
superb. Sadly, he would
pass away three years later in 2017. |
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Village
Roadshow Pics, RatPac Ent., 3 Arts Ent.,
Vis
Productions;
Warner Bros. |
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Top 20
Sci-fi War Films
#5 Top |
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Predator
(1987),
Director: John McTiernan, rated R for language, gory
violence
It came for the thrill of the hunt. It picked the wrong
man to hunt.
 Starring: Arnold
Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, Bill Duke, Jessie Ventura,
Elpidia Carrillo, Sonny Landham, Shane Black, Richard Chaves,
Kevin Peter Hall
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"There's something out
there waiting for us, and it ain't no man.... we're all gonna die."
- Billy
Why watch this?
... Schwartzie and his biceps are at the top of their game in this action-sci-fi
thriller.
Plot Summary:
An elite paramilitary rescue team led by Dutch goes on a mission
in a Central American rainforest. During their operation, they
discover they are being hunted by a technologically advanced,
extraterrestrial warrior. The film follows the team's fight for
survival against this formidable foe, which hunts them for
sport.
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Dad's Preview:
The ascension of Arnold Schwarzenegger from Austrian youth to
body builder to action hero is amazing - talk about the American
Dream. Part of his movie career success was his superb choices
of material... namely the Terminator films. This sci-fi action
film was so creative that it would go on to spawn a slew of
sequels (none with Arnold). Predator begins as an action movie, but quickly turns into
something else entirely - an alien collector hunting human heads. The energy from this film is incredible. Hold onto your
head. |
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Davis
Entertainment; 20th Century Fox |
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Top 20
Sci-fi War Films
#4a Top |
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Avengers: Infinity War (2018),
Directors: Anthony and Joe Russo, rated PG-13 for
super-hero violence
An
entire universe. Once and for all.
 Starring: Robert
Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson,
Chris Evans, Benedict Cumberbatch, Don Cheadle, Tom Holland,
Chadwick Boseman, Josh Brolin, Paul Bettany, Chris Pratt,
Elizabeth Olsen, Zoe Saldana
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"I offered a solution... With
all six stones, I could simply snap my fingers;
they would all
cease to exist.
I call that... mercy." – Thanos
Why watch this?
Its span and scope are huge, yet it still has a lot of intimate
moments.
Plot Summary: A
powerful being known as Thanos seeks to collect six ancient and
incredibly powerful artifacts called the Infinity Stones. He
believes that by using the stones to eliminate half of all life
in the universe, he can save it from inevitable destruction. The
Avengers and their allies across the galaxy must band together
to stop him, leading to the ultimate confrontation for the fate
of existence.
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Dad's Preview:
Marvel teased Thanos, a very powerful intergalactic entity, for awhile.
This film is the awesome pay off. Josh Brolin is excellent as the
massive, purple
tyrant, who is certainly evil, yet actor Josh Brolin gives him enough
intelligence so that we can almost sympathize with
his cause. I must point out Captain America, in black, sporting
a full beard - made fans scream in the theaters. As the film builds, all the Marvel heroes and teams
are assembled on Earth for a huge final battle to save the planet. The ending,
which is perfectly setup, is
a brutal gut-punch that leaves you wanting the sequel all the
more. |
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Marvel
Studios; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pics |
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Top 20
Sci-fi War Films
#4b Top |
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Avengers: End Game (2019),
Directors: Anthony and Joe Russo, rated PG-13 for
super-hero violence
Avenge
the fallen.
 Starring: Robert
Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson,
Chris Evans, Benedict Cumberbatch, Don Cheadle, Tom Holland,
Chadwick Boseman, Josh Brolin, Chris Pratt
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"I think you look great,
Cap. As far as I'm concerned, that's America's ass." - Scott
Lang
Why watch this?
The perfect ending for the MCU's Phase Three.
Plot Summary: After
the devastating events of
Avengers: Infinity War (2018), the remaining Avengers
must find a way to reverse Thanos' actions and restore balance
to the universe. With the help of allies and a potential new
method, they embark on a crucial mission to undo the chaos
caused by the Mad Titan. This final stand will determine the
fate of the universe and conclude a long-running story arc.
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Dad's Preview:
I can't say enough about this film, and those that preceded it.
This amazing conclusion may be remembered as the last great Marvel Studio film.
Our defeated heroes discover a way to reverse the damage done by Thanos.
However, it only requires a little time travel. No problem! Back
in time they venture to find the Infinity stones and restart our
universe. But can humanity and their allies stop the legions of Thanos a second time? The ending will blow you away! Frankly, I
am not sure where how another super-hero film top this one - it will
appear as wasted effort compared to this. |
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Marvel
Studios; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pics |
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Top 20
Sci-fi War Films
#3 Top |
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Aliens (1986),
Director: James Cameron, rated
R for sci-fi gore, violence, language
THIS
TIME IT'S WAR
 Starring:
Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, Paul Reiser, Carrie Henn, Lance Henricksen, Bill Baxton, Jenette
Goldstein
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
DML Top 50
#24b -
Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review
and Deep Dive of Aliens
"We better get back 'cause
it will be night soon and they mostly come at night... mostly."
- Newt
Why watch this?
The
Alien sequel brings the action and a lot more aliens
to deal with.
Plot Summary:
After surviving the alien attack, Ellen Ripley is rescued from
deep space after 57 years in stasis. She reluctantly agrees to
return to the planet where the creatures were first encountered
when contact is lost with a terra-forming colony established
there. Ripley and a group of Colonial Marines face an
overwhelming threat as they attempt to rescue the colonists and
battle, not one, but many aliens.
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Dad's Preview:
James Cameron took over as director and blew the lid off the
franchise with this thrill-packed sci-fi mega-hit. Again, at its
center is the very capable Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), but this time she's an
observer on a mission accompanied by a unit of bad-ass space
Marines. Their objective - find some missing colonists on the planet
where Ripley and her crew first encountered the original xenomorph -
Ripley and the marines
have no idea what they are walking into. Fortunately, it's
wonderful chaos for film audiences! |
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Brandywine
Productions; 20th Century Fox |
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Top 20
Sci-fi War Films
#2a Top |
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Star Wars (1977),
Director: George Lucas, rated PG for sci-fi
violence
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...
 
Starring:
Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford,
Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness, Peter Cushing, Anthony Daniels, Kenny
Baker, Peter Mayhew, David Prowse, James Earl Jones
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
DML Top 50
#10a -
Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review
and Deep Dive of Star Wars
"Hokey religions and
ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side,
kid." – Han Solo
Why watch this? This
is the film that started everything: Jedis. Wookies. Skywalkers.
Lucas. Ford. Industrial Light & Magic.
Plot Summary:
A young farm boy, Luke Skywalker, gets swept up in a galactic
rebellion after discovering a message from a captured princess.
With the help of a wise mentor, a roguish pilot, his furry
co-pilot, and two droids, Luke embarks on a mission to rescue
the princess and join the fight against the oppressive Galactic
Empire. This unlikely band of heroes must confront the Empire's
powerful new weapon, the Death Star.
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Dad's Preview:
The premise seemed childish to me, and at age 15, I was focused
on raunchy teen films, not kid movies. That all melted away when I
begrudgingly sat through
Star Wars with my much younger niece and nephew. The film's heart is young Luke Skywalker, a boy
from a farm who longs to escape his "boring" existence. He wants
to get out there and join the fight against the galaxy's evil
Empire. That young farm boy, literally, was me. Sure the aliens and space
battles are great sci-fi, but it's the characters, and how
relatable they are to everyday folks, that makes it such a great
film. It would blow up the box office, sell zillions of toys and
such, and bring in the needed cash for Lucas to make an even
better
Part 2. |
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Lucasfilm Ltd.;
20th Century Fox |
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Top 20
Sci-fi War Films
#2b Top |
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Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980),
Director: Irvin Kershner, rated G
The Star Wars
Saga Continues
 Starring:
Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford,
Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Frank Oz, Anthony Daniels, Kenny
Baker, Peter Mayhew, David Prowse, James Earl Jones
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
DML Top 50
#10b -
Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review
and Deep Dive of The Empire
Strikes Back
"Size matters not. Look at
me. Judge me by my size, do you? Hmm?" - Master Yoda
Why watch this?
It's bigger, better, and more emotionally impactful than its
predecessor.
Plot Summary:
Three years after the destruction of the Death Star, the Rebel
Alliance is forced to flee their base on the ice planet Hoth
when it's discovered and attacked by the Galactic Empire. As
Darth Vader relentlessly pursues the Rebellion across the
galaxy, Luke Skywalker trains with Jedi Master Yoda, while Han
Solo, Princess Leia, and Chewbacca seek refuge and repairs for
the Millennium Falcon.
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Dad's Preview:
After the surprising (and record-breaking) success of
Star
Wars (1977), George Lucas had a much bigger budget for the sequel,
and the result is a better film. It was wise to continue
to focus on the characters, even with more advanced special-effects. The stakes are
higher in this darker and more mature film. Luke is mentally called
to leave the
rebellion
to become a Jedi under Master Yoda. Han and Leia seek refuge in
Cloud City with Han's old pirate pal, Lando Calrissian. Our space-hopping heroes face
real dangers and betrayals. They suffer dearly, as the evil
Empire tightens its grip on the rebel's efforts. As the credits
rolled, we could hardly wait for this saga's
final chapter.
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Lucasfilm Ltd.;
20th Century Fox |
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Top 20
Sci-fi War Films
#2c Top |
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Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983),
Director: Richard Marquand, rated PG for sci-fi violence
The Empire
Falls...
 Starring:
Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford,
Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Frank Oz, Anthony Daniels, Kenny
Baker, Peter Mayhew, David Prowse, James Earl Jones, Ian McDiarmid
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
DML Top 50
#10c -
Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review
and Deep Dive of Return of the
Jedi "I've
accepted the truth that you were once Anakin Skywalker, my
father."
- Luke, after he surrenders to Darth Vader
Why watch this? It
successfully rounds out the Star Wars trilogy!
Plot Summary:
Following the rescue of Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt, the Rebel
Alliance learns of a new, more powerful Death Star under
construction. To strike a crucial blow against the Galactic
Empire, the Rebellion plans a daring attack on the incomplete
station and its shield generator on the Forest Moon of Endor.
While the Rebel fleet engages the Imperial forces in a fierce
space battle, Luke Skywalker confronts Darth Vader and the
Emperor, hoping to redeem his father.
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Dad's Preview:
This trilogy finale delivers a tour de force of science fiction
action. We finally get to meet Darth Vader's superior, the
powerful and demented Emperor. He's more than a match for Luke
and his novice Jedi powers. Can the rag-tag band of rebels
defeat the massive space army of the Empire? There are a lot of great moments in
the final film (the opening sequence with Jaba The Hutt; Luke's
final confrontation with the Emperor). However, the space
battles are too busy, and I really wanted less Ewoks and more
Wookies. This film is one thing though - a must see for all Star
Wars fans. |
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Lucasfilm Ltd.;
20th Century Fox |
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Top 20
Sci-fi War Films
#1 Top |
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War of the Worlds
(1953),
Director: Byron Haskin, rated G
They came to
CONQUER the EARTH!
 Starring: Gene
Barry, Ann Robinson, Les Tremayne, Bob Cornthwaite, Lewis
Martin, Paul Frees, Housley Stevenson Jr. William Phipps
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"The
jets went in, but not one of them came out. I watched high-level
bombers drop everything
they carried. They were knocked out of
the sky and their bombs did nothing.
Nothing was effective
against them." -
Dr. Clayton Forrester
Why watch this?
This is the best of the early sci-fi films about aliens.
Plot Summary: Earth
is suddenly invaded by Martians in powerful war machines,
initiating a global conflict as humanity struggles to defend
itself. Scientist Clayton Forrester and Sylvia Van Buren are
among those who experience firsthand the devastating attacks and
attempt to find a weakness in the invaders' seemingly
impenetrable defenses.
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Dad's Preview:
Though I prefer the more terrifying remake in 2005, the original movie
is a class above its 1950's sci-fi counterparts. I am sure back then, this film
shocked a more innocent audience. Released
during the Cold War, it was influenced by the paranoia
regarding the Russians and their atomic weaponry. The film won the Oscar for Special Effects.
The film was based on the novel by
H. G. Wells, a pioneer in sci-fi writings. |
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George Pal;
Paramount Pictures |
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