Good Science Movies

While most movies aren’t going to walk you through the ins and outs of the theory of relativity, these good science movies are guaranteed to transport you to worlds filled with space travel, advanced medicine, and gadgets that are more science fiction than science fact. To watch them at home, either become a member of Netflix (by clicking on the company logo to the right) or purchase them from Amazon. Either way, you’ll feel yourself growing smarter in no time.

• The Atomic Cafe (1982) – This unsettling documentary about nuclear war strings together training films, newsreel footage, and much more from the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s. Unintentionally humorous at times, it’s still a sobering reminder of a world on the brink.

• Weird Science (1985) – In this ‘80s classic from writer-director John Hughes, two 15-year-old dorks (including Anthony Michael Hall) create the woman of their dreams by using a few computers. They name her Lisa (Kelly LeBrock), and she’s soon helping the boys gain their confidence and transform into young men. Look for Bill Paxton and Robert Downey Jr. in early roles.
• Gattaca (1997) – In a future where your social standing is determined by your DNA, Ethan Hawke plays Vincent Freeman, a young man who dreams of being an astronaut. Unfortunately, his genetics indicate a high probability of a heart disorder, so he must assume the identity of Jerome Eugene Morrow (Jude Law), a genetically perfect swimmer who lost a race and ended up paralyzed after attempting suicide. Can Vincent keep his ruse, or will a budding relationship with a co-worker (Uma Thurman) and the appearance of a nosy homicide detective (Loren Dean) expose him?
• Contact (1997) – Jodie Foster stars in this film based on the book by Carl Sagan. She plays Ellie Ann Arroway, a SETI scientist whose dreams come true when she discovers a coded message from outer space. As efforts begin to construct a craft in order to visit the aliens, Ellie must deal with her treacherous former boss (Tom Skerritt), a handsome Christian philosopher (Matthew McConaughey) and a violent religious fanatic (Jake Busey). Also starring James Woods, William Fichtner, John Hurt, David Morse, Rob Lowe, and Angela Bassett.
• The Andromeda Strain (1971) – Based on the novel by Michael Crichton, this suspenseful film documents the efforts of a team of scientists to study an alien organism that kills humans via rapid blood clotting. As the team races to find a cure, the microbe begins to mutate into something else.

• Real Genius (1985) – Mitch Taylor (Gabriel Jarret) is a 15-year-old scientific genius who’s just arrived at the fictional campus of Pacific Tech and assigned to work on an important chemical laser project. Ultra serious, he learns to loosen up through his friendship with Chris Knight (Val Kilmer), a senior student who doesn’t take things too seriously. If you’ve ever wanted to see a can of popcorn destroy an entire house, you don’t want to miss this movie.
• The 11th Hour (2007) – Narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, this documentary discusses the various environmental problems facing our planet (the extinction of species, deforestation, etc.). Includes appearances from such notable figures as Stephen Hawking and Mikhail Gorbachev.
• On the Beach (1959) – In the aftermath of World War III, the northern hemisphere has been wiped out, and the only known human remains is in Australia. As the massive fallout cloud makes it way south, the survivors (including Gregory Peck, Ava Gardner, Fred Astaire and Anthony Perkins) look for hope, love, and faith.

• Moon (2009) – Sam Rockwell gives a memorable performance as a contractor who mines for a vital isotope on the lunar surface. With his three-year mission coming to an end, he looks forward to returning to his wife and daughter until an accident reveals the presence of his exact double elsewhere on the moon base. As the two doubles struggle to coexist, they must also figure out what’s really going on.
• The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984) – Peter Weller portrays Dr. Buckaroo Banzai, a noted rock musician, neurosurgeon, and physicist who must save the world from the devious Red Lectoids from Planet 10. Now considered a cult favorite, the quirky film combines elements of comedy, romance, satire, and science fiction. Co-starring Jeff Goldblum, John Lithgow and Ellen Barkin.

If you think these good science movies look promising, then check out some other posts from Only Good Movies:

• 100 Sci Fi Movies to See Before You Die
• Good Astronaut Movies
• 20 Reasons Not to See Avatar
• The 100 Best Movie Blogs

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