Dad's Top 20 Sci-fi War Films - Ranked!

Countdown from #20 to #1.

This includes Dad's spoiler-free Mini-Preview!

Honorable Mention

The Final Countdown (1980), Director: Don Taylor, rated PG

Trapped outside the boundaries of time and space... 102 aircraft... 6,000 men... all missing.

Film ClipStarring: 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.

  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.   


The Bryna Company; United Artists

Top 20 Sci-fi War Films #20 Top

Pacific Rim (2013), Director: Gillermo del Toro, rated PG-13

To fight monsters we created monsters

Film ClipStarring: 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.

  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.  


Legendary Pics, Double Dare You Prod.;
Warner Bros. Pictures

Top 20 Sci-fi War Films #19 Top

The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021), Director: Mike Rianda, rated PG

Prepare to get weird, cause the world depends on it...

Film ClipStarring: (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.
 
  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.  


Columbia Pics, Sony Pictures Animation,
Lord Miller Prod., One Cool Films; Netflix

Top 20 Sci-fi War Films #18 Top

The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951), Director: Robert Wise, rated G

From Out Of Space... A Warning And An Ultimatum

Film ClipStarring: 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.

  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.  


Julian Blaustein; 20th Century Fox

Top 20 Sci-fi War Films #17 Top

War Games (1983), Director: John Badham, rated PG

Is it a game, or is it real?

Film ClipStarring: 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.
 
  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!    


United Artists, Sherwood Prod.;
MGM/UA Entertainment Co.

Top 20 Sci-fi War Films #16 Top

Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005), Director: George Lucas, rated PG-13

The saga is complete.

Film ClipStarring: 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.

  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!  


Lucasfilm Ltd.; 20th Century Fox

Top 20 Sci-fi War Films #15 Top

War of the Worlds (2005), Director: Steven Spielberg, rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence

They're already here.

Film ClipStarring: 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.

  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.  


DreamWorks Pictures, Amblin Ent.,
Cruise/Wagner Prod.; Paramount Pics

Top 20 Sci-fi War Films #14 Top

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

Film ClipStarring: 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.

  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.      


Touchstone Pictures; TriStar Pictures

Top 20 Sci-fi War Films #13 Top

Dune (1984), Director: Lewis Milestone, rated PG-13

A place beyond your dreams. A movie beyond your imagination.

Film ClipStarring: 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.

  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.  


Dino De Laurantiis Corp.; Universal Studios

Top 20 Sci-fi War Films #12 Top

Avatar (2009), Director: James Cameron, rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence, language

From the director of Terminator 2 and Titanic

Film ClipStarring: 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.

  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.  


Dune Ent., Ingenious Film Partners,
Lightstorm Ent., 20th Century Fox

Top 20 Sci-fi War Films #11 Top

Flash Gordon (1980), Director: Mike Hodges, rated PG

Pathetic Earthlings... Who Can Save You Now?

Film ClipStarring: 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.
 
  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!  


Starling Prod. Famous Films; Universal Pictures

Top 20 Sci-fi War Films #10 Top

Galaxy Quest (1999), Director: Dean Parisot, rated PG

The show has been cancelled... But the adventure has only begun.

Film ClipStarring: 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.

  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!  


Gran Via Productions; DreamWorks Pictures

Top 20 Sci-fi War Films #9 Top

The Iron Giant (1999), Director: Brad Bird, rated PG

It Came From Outer Space!

Film ClipStarring: (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.

  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.  


Warner Bros. Feature Animations;
Warner Bros.

Top 20 Sci-fi War Films #8 Top

Dune: Part Two (2024), Dennis Villeneuve, rated PG-13

Long Live The Fighters.

Film ClipStarring: 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.

  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.  


Legendary Pictures; Warner Bros. Pictures

Top 20 Sci-fi War Films #7 Top

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.

Film ClipStarring: 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.
 
  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?  


Centropolis Ent.; 20th Century Fox

Top 20 Sci-fi War Films #6 Top

Edge of Tomorrow (2014), Director: Doug Liman, rated PG-13 for language, sci-fi violence

LIVE DIE REPEAT

Film ClipStarring: 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.

  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.  


Village Roadshow Pics, RatPac Ent., 3 Arts Ent.,
Vis Productions; Warner Bros.

Top 20 Sci-fi War Films #5 Top

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.

Film ClipStarring: 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.

  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.  


Davis Entertainment; 20th Century Fox

Top 20 Sci-fi War Films #4a Top

Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Directors: Anthony and Joe Russo, rated PG-13 for super-hero violence

An entire universe. Once and for all.

Film ClipStarring: 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.

  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.  


Marvel Studios; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pics

Top 20 Sci-fi War Films #4b Top

Avengers: End Game (2019), Directors: Anthony and Joe Russo, rated PG-13 for super-hero violence

Avenge the fallen.

Film ClipStarring: 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.

  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.  


Marvel Studios; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pics

Top 20 Sci-fi War Films #3 Top

Aliens (1986), Director: James Cameron, rated R for sci-fi gore, violence, language

THIS TIME IT'S WAR

Film ClipStarring: 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.

 

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!

 


Brandywine Productions; 20th Century Fox

Top 20 Sci-fi War Films #2a Top

Star Wars (1977), Director: George Lucas, rated PG for sci-fi violence

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...

Film Clip

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.

  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.  


Lucasfilm Ltd.; 20th Century Fox

Top 20 Sci-fi War Films #2b Top

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Director: Irvin Kershner, rated G

The Star Wars Saga Continues

Film ClipStarring: 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.

  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  


Lucasfilm Ltd.; 20th Century Fox

Top 20 Sci-fi War Films #2c Top

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983), Director: Richard Marquand, rated PG for sci-fi violence

The Empire Falls...

Film ClipStarring: 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.
 
  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.    


Lucasfilm Ltd.; 20th Century Fox

Top 20 Sci-fi War Films #1 Top

War of the Worlds (1953), Director: Byron Haskin, rated G

They came to CONQUER the EARTH!

Film ClipStarring: 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.

  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.  


George Pal; Paramount Pictures