Just in time for Science Fiction Day on January 2, a revisiting of a longstanding and often contentious debate: what are the top 10 science-fiction movies based on books?
Both “Best of Lists” and adaptations are controversial undertakings, so a few words on the methodology behind this list. The process began with an initial collection of 25 transmedial titles compiled from such ranking sources as The Best Sci-Fi Books and The Ranker. This list was then cross-referenced against critic’s ratings from Rotten Tomatoes “150 Essential sci-fi movies to watch now” and “All-time world box-office for science fiction movies” provided by The Numbers. The result was a catalog of 10 titles appreciated equally by sci-fi fans, movie critics, and audiences worldwide.
Interestingly (and thankfully), the top 10 movies remained relatively constant throughout this over-engineered process. Only two tough decisions had to be made. The film adaptation of Anthony Burgess’ A Clockwork Orange was dropped off the top 10 list due merely to its limited application in all but the most specialized teaching environments. (It was replaced on the list by the thematically similar but more accessible The Hunger Games.)
The only other borderline call was to cast a tie-breaking vote in favor of H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds at the expense of any of the three adaptations of John. W. Campbell Jr’s Who Goes There? (1938), better known to movie fans as The Thing (1952, 1982, and 2011).
So, without further methodological ado, and in no particular order, the top 10 science-fiction lit-to-film adaptations of all times. (Click the film title to read Video Librarian's review of the film!)
Jurassic Park (1993)
Based on Michael Crichton’s 1990 novel of the same name, this blockbuster is perfect for teachers looking for a cautionary tale about genetic engineering and how a seemingly innocuous visit to a theme park can go wrong. It also weighs in on the longstanding theropod hypothesis of bird origins, also known as the “Birds Are Not Dinosaurs” (BAND) movement. For teachers looking for a great reading/writing/discussing prompt, try this Best Whiteboard Quote (BWQ): “But if The Pirates of the Caribbean breaks down, the pirates don’t eat the tourists.”
Get your copy of the Jurassic Park (1993) 4K Blu-ray by clicking here.
The Martian (2015)
Taking its title and plot from Andy Weir’s 2011 debut novel, Ridley Scott’s adaptation provides a masterclass in applied ingenuity while highlighting the importance of STEM education. Without this training, Mark Watney had no chance of survival after being left for dead on Mars following a ferocious storm. BWQ: “Luckily, in the history of humanity, nothing bad has ever happened from lighting hydrogen on fire.”
Get your copy of The Martian 4K Blu-ray by clicking here.
Minority Report (2002)
Published originally in 1956, Philip K. Dick’s novella explores a future world in which crime has been all but eliminated thanks to three gifted humans with special powers to predict crimes before they happen. A perfect movie for ethics class and discussions about the dangers of placing too much trust in a technology that appears flawless, as if the real-life history of the Titanic is not enough. It is worth noting, too, that Dick is the only writer to make two appearances on this list. BWQ: “The fact that you prevented it from happening doesn’t change the fact that it was going to happen.”
Get your copy of the Minority Report Blu-ray DVD by clicking here.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
No list would be complete without Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Arthur C. Clarke’s 1968 novel. Both movie and book capture almost perfectly the zeitgeist of the Space Race, making it perfect for history class. The questions raised about the human obsession with colonizing space, the ethical implications of powerful computers and artificial intelligence, and the social function of education are all as relevant today as when this film was released. BWQ: “It can only be attributable to human error.”
Get your copy of the 2001: A Space Odyssey 4K Blu-ray by clicking here.
Children of Men (2006)
P.D. James’ 1992 dystopian novel focuses on the social and political implications of mass infertility but is really a carefully crafted essay on gender politics and power. The adaptation stays true to these themes but is also perfect for sparking discussions around ultra-nationalism and the tradition of road movies. BWQ: “Everything is a mythical, cosmic battle between faith and chance.”
Get your copy of the Children of Men Blu-ray DVD by clicking here.
Blade Runner (1982)
Loosely based on Philip K. Dick’s Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (1968), this choice polarized audiences upon its release before gaining cult status among sci-fi fans. It offers a plethora of educational riches, from explorations of genetic engineering and artificial intelligence; discussions about identity, power, memory, and ethics; to an introduction of film noir and intertextuality. BWQ: “I'm not in the business. I am the business.”
Get your copy of the Blade Runner (1982) Blu-ray DVD by clicking here.
The Iron Giant (1999)
This only animated movie on the list, this adaptation of Ted Hughes’ novel boasts a 9-year-old protagonist wise beyond his years. Perfect for discussions of Cold War politics, xenophobia, and counter-culture ideals, it is, at its core, a film celebrating friendship and personal choice. BWQ: “Welcome to downtown Coolsville! Population: us.”
Get your copy of The Iron Giant Blu-ray DVD by clicking here.
Metropolis (1927)
This German expressionist science-fiction drama is the oldest and only silent movie to make the list. Another novel-movie pairing about paranoia fueled by technology, Fritz Lang’s adaptation is notable for its art direction and controversial for its communist subtext and use of religious imagery. Not appropriate for all audiences, to be sure, but this classic does still have its place in contemporary classrooms.
The Hunger Games (2012)
Based on Suzanne Collins’ dystopian novel, this movie launched the popular franchise by speaking powerfully to such themes as the abuse of political power, media manipulation, social inequity, and feminist ideals of female empowerment and leadership. BWQ: “Hope. It is the only thing stronger than fear.”
Get your copy of The Hunger Games (2012) 4K Blu-ray by clicking here.
The War of the Worlds (1953 and 2005)
Both the original and updated adaptations of the H.G. Wells’ serialized novel make the list. One of the earliest examples of invasion literature, the novel and movies have been discussed variously as a commentary on evolutionary theory, imperialism, and social Darwinism. BWQ: “If everything's fine, why do we have to sleep in the basement?”
Get your cops of The War of the Worlds (1953) and The War of the Worlds (2005) by clicking here.
Finally, some sentimental favorites that just missed the cut:
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956 and 1978) from Jack Finney’s The Body Snatchers (1955)
Solaris (1972 and 2002) from Stanislaw Lem’s novel of the same name (1961)
Paprika (2006) from Yasutaka Tsutsui’s novel of the same name (1993)
Arrival (2016) from Ted Chiang’s Story of Your Life (1998).