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As visual effects technology advances, it’s natural that science fiction films have become more extravagant. However, this progress has had its drawbacks. The combination of intricate stories and breathtaking special effects has resulted in sci-fi movies getting longer and more epic. But don’t worry, if you’re looking for a journey into the realms of the unknown without dedicating three hours to a single film, there’s a wealth of shorter sci-fi movies, both old and new, waiting for you to explore.
Here’s a ranking of the top 10 science fiction films under 90 minutes in duration.
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10 Best Sci-Fi Movies Under 90 Minutes
The History of Future Folk
“The History of Future Folk,” a quirky independent science fiction comedy released in 2013, tells the tale of General Trius, an alien warrior from the planet Hondo, who comes to Earth with a mission to save his home planet. However, he ends up forming a folk band and immersing himself in the charm of human culture, all while dealing with the looming threat of an impending apocalypse. The film serves as an entertaining, possibly somewhat exaggerated, backstory for the real-life genre-blending indie band Future Folk.
What sets this movie apart is its ability to prove that not all science fiction films need a substantial budget to be successful. Its concise runtime and its delightful, light-hearted approach to the sci-fi genre demonstrate how creativity and a unique storyline can sometimes surpass the need for big-budget special effects. The film’s heartwarming blend of humor and genuine emotion struck a chord with both critics and audiences, as evidenced by its impressive 93% Rotten Tomatoes rating.
Cloverfield
Cloverfield, a science fiction movie, gained popularity due to its distinctive and immersive storytelling technique, which utilized the found footage style to depict a monstrous attack on New York City. This approach, often referred to as “cinéma verité,” allowed the audience to experience the disaster from the perspective of regular individuals armed with handheld cameras.
One of the key factors contributing to Cloverfield’s success was its relatively short duration, clocking in at just under 90 minutes. This concise runtime played a crucial role by keeping the focus on the characters and their immediate challenges, ensuring high tension and continued audience engagement. This concise storytelling approach was essential in delivering an exciting, frightening, and tightly woven science fiction experience.
Westworld
In 1973, well before the popular television series adaptation with the same name, Michael Crichton directed the original Westworld, featuring Yul Brynner. The film is set in a futuristic theme park filled with lifelike androids and follows two guests who become trapped in a horrifying situation as the androids malfunction and become violent, forcing them to fight for survival in the Wild West-themed park. The concept of Westworld taps into our shared fascination with immersive, escapist experiences where people can explore the Wild West or other fantasy worlds.
What Makes It Exceptional The film provides an enticing glimpse of a future where individuals can live out their most exciting adventures, at least until it devolves into chaos. However, when you dig deeper, you’ll realize that it raises important ethical and moral questions about the potential consequences of uncontrolled technological progress—an issue even more pertinent in today’s world than when the movie was first released.
Attack the Block
“Attack the Block” is a fantastic British film that skillfully combines elements of science fiction, humor, and horror. Directed by Joe Cornish and featuring John Boyega, the movie tells the story of a group of street-smart teenagers from a run-down housing complex in South London who unexpectedly find themselves as the last line of defense against menacing alien invaders in the midst of their daily struggles.
What Sets It Apart The film’s distinctive setting and characters offer a fresh take on the alien invasion genre, delivering a fast-paced, action-packed story that is both exhilarating and humorous. Those who enjoyed the original film will be happy to know that a sequel is reportedly in the works, and with John Boyega’s increased fame since the release, it is likely to garner more attention.
Ghost in the Shell (1995)
The 1995 animated movie “Ghost in the Shell,” based on Masamune Shirow’s manga of the same name, is a celebrated work in the realms of anime and science fiction. It’s set in a cyberpunk future and delves into themes like identity, consciousness, and the repercussions of integrating humans with advanced technology. The story follows Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg law enforcement officer, as she pursues the mysterious Puppet Master, a hacker with the ability to manipulate human minds.
What Sets It Apart: This film is acclaimed for its exceptional animation, profound philosophical inquiries, and its impact on subsequent cyberpunk movies, including “The Matrix” (as noted by Slash Film). Despite its 84-minute runtime, it manages to provide a more succinct yet intellectually gratifying experience compared to the 2017 live-action adaptation.
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Videodrome
In 1983, David Cronenberg directed Videodrome, a film starring James Woods as Max Renn, a cable TV executive who stumbles upon an illicit broadcast called Videodrome. As Max delves deeper into the unsettling content of the show, he becomes increasingly fixated and begins to experience surreal and hallucinatory events.
What Makes It Great: Cronenberg’s signature body horror elements are a significant part of the film, featuring grotesque and surreal bodily transformations and mutations. It effectively portrays the consequences of Max Renn’s obsession, blurring the boundaries between reality and hallucination.
Videodrome remains a disturbing and thought-provoking exploration of the dehumanizing impact of mass media, and its brevity only intensifies its impact, solidifying its status as a true cult classic.
The Invisible Man (1933)
“The Invisible Man,” released in 1933, tells the story of Dr. Jack Griffin, a scientist who discovers a way to become invisible but succumbs to madness. As he becomes unseen, he uses his newfound power for malevolent purposes, resulting in a gripping and suspenseful tale of scientific experimentation gone horribly wrong.
What Sets It Apart “The Invisible Man” is an unquestionable classic in the early horror and science fiction genre, still retaining its appeal today despite its shorter runtime compared to modern films. With groundbreaking special effects for its era and an exceptional performance by Claude Rains, the movie engages audiences with a mix of suspense, science fiction, and horror. The film’s narrative efficiency and memorable moments, such as the iconic bandaged face of the invisible scientist, contribute to its enduring legacy.
Robot & Frank
“Robot & Frank,” directed by Jake Schreier in 2012, is a heartwarming science fiction comedy-drama that tells the story of Frank, an aging jewel thief portrayed by Frank Langella. Frank forms an unconventional bond with a domestic robot that assists him in his heists, leading to a poignant exploration of the intersection of technology and human connection.
What Sets It Apart “Robot & Frank” achieved both critical acclaim and unexpected box office success, largely due to its distinctive fusion of science fiction and emotional storytelling. The film’s endearing portrayal of the relationship between Frank and his robotic companion resonated with audiences. The narrative’s blend of humor and warmth made it a truly exceptional addition to the science fiction genre.
The Iron Giant
“The Iron Giant,” an animated science fiction film from 1999, is based on Ted Hughes’ novel and directed by Brad Bird, featuring Vin Diesel as the voice of the titular character. Set in the 1950s, the movie centers around a young boy named Hogarth Hughes, who forms a deep bond with a massive, gentle extraterrestrial robot and endeavors to shield it from government authorities.
What Sets It Apart Although “The Iron Giant” didn’t achieve the same level of commercial success as Disney’s animated films, it has cultivated a devoted and passionate fan base throughout the years. The movie’s heartfelt narrative, lovable characters, and its overarching message of peace and empathy have struck a chord with audiences of all generations. Its nostalgic appeal and enduring themes of friendship and self-sacrifice have firmly established its status as a cherished favorite in the realm of animated cinema, with many considering it a hidden gem in the genre.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
The 1956 sci-fi classic “Invasion of the Body Snatchers,” directed by Don Siegel, offers a gripping story where a small town is taken over by alien pods that replace humans with unfeeling duplicates. As the townspeople discover this horrifying reality, they must battle to avoid becoming soulless replicas themselves.
One of its standout qualities is its brevity, which can be attributed to the standards of its time. However, this concise runtime serves to intensify its impact by swiftly immersing viewers in a suspenseful and paranoia-driven allegorical narrative. The film’s exploration of the theme of losing one’s individuality and identity to conformity, along with the eerie transformation of familiar faces into emotionless impostors, presents a genuinely terrifying concept that has haunted generations since its release.
“Invasion of the Body Snatchers” is not just a highly entertaining film; its influence on the genre remains substantial and has left a mark on numerous subsequent sci-fi and horror works, such as “The Stepford Wives” and “Get Out.”
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