10 underrated British sci-fi gems for genre fans
10 underrated British sci-fi gems for genre fans
These innovative movies don't get nearly enough attention for their approach to sci-fi
cross-posted from: https://feddit.uk/post/17198612
When you think of British sci-fi movies, 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 like Alien and Ex 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.
- Triangle (2009)
- The Boys from Brazil (1978)
- Sunshine (2007)
- Journey to the Other Side of the Sun (1969)
- Morons From Outer Space (1985)
- Frequencies (2013)
- Phase IV (1974)
- Unearthly Stranger (1963)
- Under the Skin (2014)
- Xtro (1982)
Not sure if it's underrated, but Sunshine (2007) is really great!
5It's a great film with a wonderful cast. The soundtrack is pretty fake good as well.
3
Definitely gonna try to check these out!
3Definitely give some a spin
I wouldn't really class The Boys From Brazil or Sunshine as underrated but if it gives them an extra smidge of attention then I won't begrudge their inclusion.
Xtro and Under the Skin definitely need more people to see them - they'd be high on my version of this list. I would warn people that they go off into a very weird horror direction, which might not suit some people.
Triangle is a worthy top pick as it's great. I.might quibble about how British it is but it is a UK co-production and the director is British so I'll let it slide. Phase IV, however, is only a British co-production and is a weird inclusion on the list - it's slow and experimental and not for everyone.
1
Phase 4, the ant movie? It was boring and awful when it tried to be serious.
Xtro is a gem that needs more attention.
2Xtro is a gem that needs more attention.
It does indeed.
1I remember enjoying Phase IV. But it's pacing was slow. At the time I thought that the ending had more compelling sci-fi chops than the rest. So it would have been better to trim the movie down to half it's length; put that ending in the middle of the movie; then progress the story from that point.
1