5 weird Sci-Fi movies you need to see/analyze before you die

Just so you know, there are going to be some really weird choices on this list. Some you'd expect, and some you may not have even heard of... All are placed here in alphabetical order since I do not want to make it look like I prefer one of these over the others. This one is also going to be brief and direct. I don't feel the need to go on and on about a bunch of sci-fi movies, even if I am a bit of a nerd.

2001: A Space Odyssey

After discovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, mankind sets off on a quest to find its origins with help from intelligent supercomputer H.A.L. 9000. Slow-paced. Has some truly amazing special effects. Has been repeatedly analyzed ad nauseam by film students and scholars since its initial release in 1968. Will mess with your mind a LOT, even if you aren't stoned.

Donnie Darko

After narrowly escaping a bizarre accident, a troubled teenager is plagued by visions of a man in a large rabbit suit who manipulates him to commit a series of crimes. Involves Time Travel paradoxes and LOTS of mind-fuckery. This movie deserves to be more than just a cult favorite. You might also need to brush up on your philosophy for this one. It can get really deep into morality & determinism. You can see the whole movie for free on YouTube here.

Forbidden Planet

A starship crew goes to investigate the silence of a planet's colony only to find two survivors, one of them harboring a deadly secret. THE CLASSIC Sci-Fi film of the 1950s. Influenced Star Trek, Star Wars & Babylon 5 in numerous ways. (Probably many others as well.) First appearance of Robby the Robot. First all electronic soundtrack in film history. 10/10, would recommend to anyone.

Logan's Run



A police officer in the future uncovers the deadly secret behind a society that worships youth. Has scenes of a post-apocalyptic underground society that is completely ignorant of the outside world. Lots of weird shit. Last great epic sci-fi movie before Star Wars changed everything in 1977.

Star Trek: The Motion Picture

When an alien spacecraft of enormous power is determined to be on a course for Earth, Admiral James T. Kirk resumes command of the overhauled USS Enterprise in order to intercept the intruder. 

This film tends to cause division among the fan base. Some say it's brilliant, others think it's too slow-paced and dull. I think it's slow-paced AND brilliant.

It has some of the best visuals of any Star Trek adventure ever made and easily the best soundtrack. The Enterprise never looked more beautiful than she does in this film. This film is also as close to hard sci-fi as Star Trek ever got. Go into this one with an open and curious mind, and you will be rewarded with a truly thought-provoking tale.

Also, I got to see this one in theaters in 2019, as part of the 40th anniversary celebration of its release. It was the original theatrical cut. The pacing actually felt right and the visuals still looked absolutely amazing on that silver screen. I love this movie, haters be damned!

- Lord Publius