When you think of Britishsci-fimovies, what comes to mind? For many, it will be directors like Ridley Scott and Alex Garland being exemplary of UK filmmakers who have put a stamp on the genre with films likeAlienandEx Machina. However, outside the heavy hitters and big titles, British sci-fi movies largely go underappreciated; relegated to cult status, or completely ignored in America.
These 10 movies don’t get nearly enough attention for their approach to sci-fi, whether it be innovative techniques, a clever approach to the genre, or being so over-the-top they had problems finding an audience. To celebrate the stand-out sci-fi movies, we will blast off and jump between these gems that present some of the best British sci-fi seldom seen but loved by a core audience.
10Xtro (1982)
After being abducted three years previous, a father returns to his family as if nothing has happened. However, his bizarre actions begin to point to a potential extra terrestrial impostor. More frightening, is the man’s return has awakened psychic powers in the only child, Tony, who begins wreaking havoc against unsuspected victims with violent attacks.The British movie contained such shocking imagery for the time that it was categorized as a ‘video nasty,‘and made illegal to distribute.
The Strangest Sci-Fi Horror Movie Ever Made
While there are certainly unsavory and shocking elements toXtro, thesci-fi horror movie is truly one of a kind. In a clever campaign,the movie was marketed as the horror version of E.T. The extraterrestrial, using taglines like “Some extraterrestrials aren’t friendly.” However, even this does a bit of a disservice to the chaos and horror that director Harry Bromley Davenport was able to weave.
Xtropushes the limits of reason for a horror movie, but works exceptionally well under the microscope of sci-fi. The ending scene needs to be seen to be believed, it is so ghastly and bizarre; the main reason it became banned. The movie has two sequels, which don’t come close to the first, though the third is a so-bad-its-good-gem that stars Tom Hanks brother, Jim Hanks, so there is that novelty draw.
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9Under the Skin (2014)
Under the Skin
An unnamed alien disguised as a woman hunts down men for the purpose of further studying humanity. At first, emotionless in her approach, the more time she spends with men, the more the alien begins to develop emotions and preconceptions, both positive and negative. This leads to moments of empathy for those she lures in, contrasted by hate for those who abuse and look down on her because of her identity.
A Deeply Insightful Sci-Fi Drama
Nuanced and deeply philosophical,Under the Skinis a slow and stylistic sci-fi drama that may not appeal to all. Yet,those looking for innovation in the genre, especially for tackling larger themes like toxicity, xenophobia, and the nature of identity, will findUnder the Skinan exceptionally well-executed production. The moviefeatures Scarlett Johansson in a role unlike any otherin her career, which alone should be a reason for many to check out the movie.
StreamUnder the Skinon Kanopy or rent on Apple TV or Amazon
8Unearthly Stranger (1963)
Scientist Dr. Mark Davidson believes he has found the love of his life in Julie. However, as the two settle in for marital bliss, Mark begins to notice odd behavior from his new wife and slowly becomes suspicious she is hiding something. Looking into her past, Mark begins to realize that Julie may be from another planet, sent to purposely slow down humankind’s ability to master space travel.
A Wonderfully Crafted Dive into Paranoia
An oftenforgotten gem of the ’60s,Unearthly Strangerhas stayed relevant thanks to a small cult following championing the sci-fi drama. While made on a shoe-string budget,Unearthly Strangerthrives on its strong performances by Gabriella Licudi and John Neville backed by an engrossing story packed with paranoia.
Director John Kirsh also broughta lot of visual flair that was quite unique for the genre at the time, capturing the paranoia and fears of its protagonist. It may be a bit slower for some, and it’s far from the flashiest entry on this list, but there is a lot to appreciate here in innovative storytelling and camera techniques.
7Phase IV (1974)
Anextremely abstract and deeply philosophical sci-fi movieunlike any other,Phase IVopens with a voice-over discussing the evolution of ants and weaves the behaviors throughout its plot. Notably, two scientists, Dr. Ernest D. Hubbs and James Lesko, become tasked with studying ants who have turned destructive; attacking livestock and humans.
The Master of The Title Sequence Unravels a Sci-Fi Movie Unlike Any Other
Saul Bass’s influence on cinema is often understated, and his name is not often given the deserved accolades for title sequence work on films likePsycho(1960),Anatomy of a Murder(1959), andGoodfellas(1990), to name but a few. To see him in the director’s seat, andapproach sci-fi in such a unique and deeply introspective way further speaks to Bass’s underappreciated genius in cinema.
The visual style, sound design, and score ofPhase IVare impeccable. This allows the viewer to fully immerse themselves in the complex philosophical themes the movie explores. This is not youraverage killer creature horror film. Ants are used to explore themes such as the roots of intellect, the struggle for survival, and how human actions have profound effects on the rest of nature. Everything is approached in a rather abstract manner, so it won’t be for everyone, but it is certainly worthy of a larger audience.
You can streamPhase IVon Kanopy, or rent it on Apple TV or Amazon
6Frequencies (2013)
In a world where status and compatibility with others is determined by a person’s emitted ‘frequency,’ Isaac-Newton “Zak” Midgeley looks to overcome his “Low Born” status to build a relationship with “High Born” Marie-Curie Fortune. Zak finds a way to artificially raise his frequency to close the gap and make their relationship socially acceptable, but this comes with its own adverse, mind-altering, effects.
An Innovative Sci-Fi Romance
To appreciateFrequenciesone has to look past budgetary restrictions and some middling performances. Still, the concept here is what makes the moviea gem for fans of sci-fi romance.Star-crossed loverswill always be an interesting hook for some, but its sci-fi twist with the larger social commentary reminiscent of aBlack Mirrorepisode makes for a deeply engaging story.
You can streamFrequencieson Plex
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5Morons From Outer Space (1985)
Four aliens from the planet Bob crash on Earth, and become instant celebrities for their idiotic actions. Yet, the smartest one among them, Bernard, is disliked by the public, separated from his friends, and struggles to survive alongside a hostile humanity. Bernard then begins a struggle to get back to his people, dealing with many roadblocks along the way.
Not Quite the Sophisticated British Comedy One Would Expect
To give credit where due,Morons from Outer Spacewas a film by two Welsh comedians, Griff Rhys Jones & Mel Smith, but was a British production. Still, the movieis largely devoid of the sophisticated British wit one might expect, leaning more heavily on silliness to push the humor. This may be why the movie was panned on release. However, looking back onMorons From Outer Space, one can see a production with a lot of heart, a clever satire on celebrities, and an interesting use of sci-fi elements to push the humor.
You can streamMorons From OuterSpace on Tubi or Plex
4Journey to the Other Side of the Sun (1969)
A planet is discovered in the same orbit as Earth, but on the exact opposite side of the sun (don’t think about the science of it), making it previously undetectable. The European Space Exploration Council and NASA sends two astronauts to explore this newly discovered planet. After a crash landing, the two at first believe they have made it back to Earth, but soon learn that the new planet is a mirror image of their home.
A Year and A Few Choices Off From Being 2001: A Space Odyssey
Journey to the Other Side of the Sunis an oddity in how overlooked it was on release. Boastinginventive practical effects and a unique sci-fi concept, many place aspects of the production on par with2001: A Space Odyssey.It is, objectively, nowhere close to beingas impressive as Stanley Kubrik’s masterpiece, but it does work as an interesting companion piece of ’60s sci-fi.
Visually sharp with narrative depth and a strong cast,Journey To The Other Side of the Sunis a well-executed British sci-fi drama that will catch many by surprise.
3Sunshine (2007)
Sunshinefollows the crew of the spaceship “Icarus II,” tasked with reigniting the dying sun using a massive nuclear bomb. Their quest gets derailed when they run across the previous ship sent several years previous to do the same mission before going missing. They respond to an emergency signal from the ship, but this leads to a series of catastrophic events, including the discovery of a malicious crew member from the once lost vessel.
A Front Seat to the Death of A Solar System
A box office flop on release, this entry from acclaimed director Danny Boyle certainly fell under the radar for many and was left as a side note of 2000s cinema. However,Sunshinehasgarnered a deserved cult followingthanks to its immersive visual direction, strong cast, and its heavy existential themes.A thought-provoking sci-fi entryon this list,Sunshineis vastly underratedand deserves a second look for those that missed it on release.
2The Boys from Brazil (1978)
A young Nazi hunter, Barry Kohler, uncovers a nazi plot led by the notorious Dr. Josef Mengele (Gregory Peck). Mengele is sending out agents to kill various people across the globe, all on the same date and same age. Kohler reaches out to infamous nazi hunter Ezra Lieberman, who takes up the case after Barry is caught, and finds himself caught up in a bizarre ploy to give rise to a new führer.
Evil Reborn
Besides anout-of-type yet captivating performance from Greorky Peckas Dr. Josef Mengele,The Boys from Braziloffers a thoughtful look at morality in a difficult scenario. The movieexplores some heavy themes, from the holocaust to the morality of human cloning,all delivered at a frantic pacethat makes the movie as engrossing as it is thought-provoking. The sci-fi elements here are less pronounced than others in the list, but its story is so engrossing that it should not be overlooked.
You can streamThe Boys From Brazilon Prime or Peacock
1Triangle (2009)
After single mom Jess decides to go on a sailing trip with some of her friends, the vacation soon becomes a nightmare when the ship capsizes, and they make their way onto an abandoned ocean liner. As the group explores the liner, they soon learn they arestuck in a time loop that is forcing them to relive past trauma and deal with a masked assailant who keeps on killing them.
An Infinite Loop of Sci-Fi Thrills and Chills
On its surface,Trianglemay seem like a convoluted slasher with sci-fi elements, but the more time spent with the film, the more its clever approach to both sci-fi and horror becomes apparent.This one is best to go in knowing as little as possible, but beyond the genre-blending nightmarish premise, there is plenty ofthoughtful reflection on themes of guilt and redemption. It may not bethe most accurate movie about time travel, but as an entry into sci-fi horror,Triangleis an underrated gem.
You can streamTriangleon Prime, Peacock or Fubo
