Somel sci-fi movies haven’t aged well, but others are still great to watch today despite turning 30 years old in 2025. Despite now being decades old, these films remain not only as great stories, but powerful inspirations for the science fiction that would later come. They stand alongside the many different science fiction films that will turn 20 in 2025, each with its own original narrative and incredible staying power in the genre.
30 years between these movies’ release and the modern day has done nothing to stop these films, as many remain popular with audiences and are favorites for classic sci-fi movie nights. Furthermore, these films end up as examples of unique science fiction films in a genre oversaturated with many very similar premises that all derive from each other. Being unique goes a long way in causing sci-fi movies to become classics, helping these films to be remembered on their thirtieth anniversary.
10
Waterworld
This Sci-Fi Film Was Once The Most Expensive Movie Ever Made
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Waterworld
pg-13
Action Sci-Fi
Waterworld follows a lone drifter known as “The Mariner”, played by Kevin Costner, who finds himself in a conflict between a group of survivors seeking a mythical place called “Dryland” and a gang of pirates who want to capture and enslave them. Directed by Kevin Reynolds, the 1995 post-apocalyptic action movie is set in a future where sea levels have risen, covering most of the Earth’s landmass.
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Release Date
July 28, 1995
Runtime
135minutes
Cast
Kevin Costner
, Jeanne Tripplehorn
, Jack Black
, Kim Coates
, Dennis Hopper
Director
Kevin Reynolds
Writers
Kevin Reynolds
Taking place in a post-apocalyptic future version of Earth in which the polar ice caps have melted and flooded the world, Waterworld follows an unnamed character only known as The Mariner, played by Kevin Costner. The film itself takes place almost wholly on the water, with the main character attempting to locate what little land is left. Because of this, the film ended up being the most expensive film made at that time.
The film itself was a box office success, becoming so popular that it even spawned comic and video game spinoffs. In the years that have followed, despite initial reviews being mixed, Waterworld has become a science fiction cult classic. It was also nominated for an Academy Award for its sound design, but it didn’t end up winning. Additionally, when Costner’s career has become all about Westerns today, this movie offers a fascinating comparison in demonstrating some elements of a Western.
9
Species
Species Is A Film Brings Sci-Fi & Horror Together
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Species
R
HorrorActionSci-FiThriller
Species is a science fiction horror film directed by Roger Donaldson. The story follows a genetically engineered female alien hybrid named Sil, who escapes from a secure facility. As she attempts to blend in with human society to reproduce, a team of scientists and government agents race against time to track her down before she can fulfill her deadly mission. The film stars Natasha Henstridge, Ben Kingsley, and Michael Madsen.
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Release Date
July 7, 1995
Runtime
108 Minutes
Cast
Natasha Henstridge
, Michael Madsen
, Ben Kingsley
, Alfred Molina
, Forest Whitaker
, Marg Helgenberger
, Michelle Williams
, Jordan Lund
Director
Roger Donaldson
Writers
Dennis Feldman
As much of a horror movie as it is a science fiction film, Species details one squad’s desperate attempt to locate an alien-human hybrid. They aim to track it down before it has the opportunity to mate with a human, with the fear that any offspring produced will somehow eradicate the human race. With some familiar tropes of the genre and lower scores, but incredible star-power backing the premise, Species is an underrated movie that many will still vouch for despite its surface-level weaknesses.
Sil, the alien-human hybrid at the center of the film, was designed by H. R. Giger, the same artist who designed the Xenomorph aliens of the Alien franchise.
Being filled with plenty of scares to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, Species is also another entry in the genre popularized by the Alien franchise. Yet it even takes the time to make viewers laugh, breaking up some of the tension that can sometimes make horror movies difficult to sit through. These elements have made it another cult classic, worth a rewatch in 2025.
8
Judge Dredd
Based On The 2000 AD Comics Character
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8.5/10
Judge Dredd
R
CrimeAction Sci-Fi
Judge Dredd is a 1995 sci-fi action film based on the comic character of the same name. Set in a distant dystopian future, humanity has elected “Judges,” to deal out justice, who act as “judge, jury, and executioner” as they tend to the lawless world of Mega-City One. But when Judge Dredd is framed for murder by his own brother, Dredd will strike back against him to reestablish the rule of Law and bring him to justice.
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Release Date
June 30, 1995
Runtime
96 minutes
Franchise(s)
Judge Dredd
Cast
Armand Assante
, Joan Chen
, Rob Schneider
, Sylvester Stallone
, Max Von Sydow
, Jurgen Prochnow
, Diane Lane
Director
Danny Cannon
Writers
Steven E. de Souza
, William Wisher Jr.
Sequel(s)
Judge Dredd
Budget
$85-90 million
Studio(s)
Disney
Distributor(s)
Disney
Expand
When the world is left as nothing more than a wasteland after a mysterious disaster, a group of totalitarian “Judges” rise up to instill order, no matter the cost. Judge Dredd follows the titular Dredd, a dedicated Judge, and his quest for redemption when he is framed for murder by his half-brother. As the film continues to unfold, it pits Dredd against his brother in increasingly dire situations, with Dredd attempting to stop Rico from taking over the city.
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Judge Dredd has been an icon of independent comics since his 1977 debut. In the years since, he has crossed over with a variety of heroes.
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Judge Dredd is an action-packed adventure through and through, depicting an interesting version of a world gone mad. Although the film is generally considered a flop and has a poor review score on Rotten Tomatoes, it has a dedicated following even to this day. Another Judge Dredd film was released in 2012, but the original 1995 film is generally considered to be more concerned with adhering to the original comic canon.
7
Johnny Mnemonic
Keanu Reeves Stars In Another Cult Classic
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Johnny Mnemonic
R
Action Sci-Fi
Johnny Mnemonic is an action sci-fi film directed by Robert Longo and based on William Gibson’s novel. The film follows data courier Johnny, who carries a large implant in his brain that holds significant information that could change everything – but a yakuza member takes on a hit request and sends a dangerous assassin to stop incriminating information from getting out.
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Release Date
May 26, 1995
Runtime
96 Minutes
Cast
Keanu Reeves
, Dolph Lundgren
, Takeshi Kitano
, Ice-T
, Dina Meyer
Director
Robert Longo
Writers
William Gibson
Keanu Reeves is an actor with a filmography full of strange cult classics, the likes of which include the Matrix series of films and Constantine, the latter of which was released in 2005. However, the same can be said of the cyberpunk film Johnny Mnemonic, which tells the story of a “mnemonic courier” called Johnny who makes his living transporting sensitive information from place to place. However, things begin to fall apart when he’s attacked on the job.
Johnny Mnemonic is another great Keanu Reeves character that fans have gravitated towards. The film itself is also a great example of an adventure in the cyberpunk genre, which has recently been repopularized by media like the video game Cyberpunk 2077. The eccentricities of the Johnny Mnemonic setting are part of the fun of watching it, showing just how much the genre has grown since the 1990s.
6
Strange Days
Strange Days’ All-Star Cast Delivers A Meaningful Sci-Fi Noir
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9/10
Strange Days
R
CrimeDramaSci-FiThriller
Strange Days is a science fiction film directed by Kathryn Bigelow, set in the near future of 1999. The plot revolves around ex-cop Lenny Nero (Ralph Fiennes), who deals in illegal virtual reality recordings. As the city erupts in chaos, Nero uncovers a conspiracy linked to the recordings, involving a range of characters played by Angela Bassett and Juliette Lewis. The film explores themes of technology and socio-political unrest.
Release Date
October 13, 1995
Runtime
145 Minutes
Cast
Ralph Fiennes
, Angela Bassett
, Juliette Lewis
, Tom Sizemore
, Michael Wincott
, Vincent D’Onofrio
, Glenn Plummer
, Brigitte Bako
, Richard Edson
, William Fichtner
, Josef Sommer
, Joe Urla
, Nicky Katt
, Michael Jace
, Louise LeCavalier
, David Carrera
, Jim Ishida
, Todd Graff
, Malcolm Norrington
, Anais Munoz
, Ted Haler
, Rio Hackford
, Brook Susan Parker
, Brandon Hammond
, Donald Donnie Young
Director
Kathryn Bigelow
Writers
James Cameron
, Jay Cocks
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Starring the legendary Ralph Fiennes, Strange Days is a singular sci-fi film that takes well-known science fiction conventions and marries them with the genre expectations of film noir. It follows an ex-cop who has turned to a life of crime, selling illegal recordings of people’s memories to the highest bidder. The narrative delves into the dark underbelly of this fictional setting, unafraid of depicting the horrible crimes that take place here.
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Atmospheric and dark, Strange Days can sometimes be difficult to watch. It does not shy away from the pain of the human condition, showing characters in the most horrible situations. There is a hopeless feeling to the film, one that seems intentional, with abuse of power being the thematic center of the film. Another impactful title turning 30 in 2025, its themes are no less potent now.
5
Mortal Kombat
Based On The Popular Video Game Series
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Mortal Kombat
r
ActionAdventure
1995’s Mortal Kombat is the first attempt to translate the famous MK video game franchise to the big screen. It features Liu Kang, Sonya Blade, and Johnny Cage receiving help from Lord Raiden in order to defeat Shang Tsung and stop Outworld from defeating Earthrealm one final time. After a controversial sequel, the 2021 reboot started its story from scratch.
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Release Date
August 18, 1995
Runtime
101minutes
Franchise(s)
Mortal Kombat
Cast
Robin Shou
, Christopher Lambert
Director
Paul W. S. Anderson
Writers
Paul W. S. Anderson
Sequel(s)
Mortal Kombat: Annihilation
Distributor(s)
New Line Cinema
Expand
Based on the hit fighting game series of the same name, Mortal Kombat was an instant classic the moment it was released. The film depicts the mystical Mortal Kombat tournament, a competition that only takes place once in a generation. However, this tournament is also meant to determine the fate of the universe, and if the brutal Outworld Empire wins one more time, they will be permitted to invade the realm of Earth, aptly named Earthrealm.
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3
Though there have been several Mortal Kombat films since, both live-action and animated, fans have latched onto the original film for a variety of reasons. Despite sometimes cheesy moments and special effects, the movie lovingly brings to life several different characters from the original video game and was the first to do so. It was number one at the box office when it was released, becoming the highest-grossing video game adaptation before being replaced by Pokémon: The First Movie.
4
Proteus
Another Horror Sci-Fi Film Released In 1995
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Proteus
R
ThrillerHorrorScience Fiction
Proteus is a 1995 horror film centered on heroin smugglers seeking refuge on an abandoned oil rig following their ship’s explosion. They discover the rig hides a biological experiment, including a shape-shifting monster named Charlie capable of absorbing its victims’ memories.
Release Date
November 4, 1995
Runtime
97 minutes
Cast
Craig Fairbrass
, Toni Barry
, William Marsh
, Jennifer Calvert
, Ricco Ross
, Jordan Page
, Nigel Pegram
, Neil Finnighan
, Johnie Chase
, Jerry Grayson
, Tom Lucy
, Bill Davey
, Lance Peters
, Doug Bradley
Director
Bob Keen
Writers
John Brosnan
Taking place in the middle of the ocean on an oil rig, Proteus revolves around a group of heroin dealers seeking safe harbor after their ship has been destroyed. However, things are not exactly as they seem on this oil rig, as it is not an oil rig at all. They eventually discover that this story was just a cover to hide the biological experiment lying just beneath the surface, as the scientists there have created a monster that can not only shape-shift but steal the memories of others.
Proteus is a great example of deep ocean horror, stripping away the safety of land and leaving the main characters on a dangerous platform in the middle of the ocean. This only makes the tension that much more palpable, creating an atmospheric horror movie that successfully chills viewers. The shape-shifter itself is quite horrifying, making for a thought-provoking creature feature to watch in the new year.
3
Congo
Based On The Novel By Jurassic Park Writer Michael Crichton
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Congo
PG-13
ActionAdventureMystery
Congo is an action-adventure film directed by Frank Marshall, based on Michael Crichton’s novel. The movie follows a team of explorers who venture into the African jungle to locate a missing expedition and seek the legendary diamonds of the Lost City of Zinj. Starring Laura Linney, Dylan Walsh, and Ernie Hudson, the film combines elements of science fiction and thriller genres.
Release Date
June 9, 1995
Runtime
109 Minutes
Cast
Laura Linney
, Tim Curry
, Dylan Walsh
, Ernie Hudson
, Grant Heslov
, Joe Don Baker
, Lola Noh
, Mary Ellen Trainer
Director
Frank Marshall
Writers
Michael Crichton
, John Patrick Shanley
With a story based on the original novel by Jurassic Park writer Michael Crichton, Congo was already set up for success, riding on the tails of the 1993 mega-hit. It takes place in the titular Congo, with an expedition team finding ancient ruins in the middle of the jungle. Notably, there are several gorillas in the area, who grow violent when the explorers reach these ruins.
There is a lot to like about Congo, with a cast that includes the iconic Tim Curry. Though the movie can be a bit silly at times, with gorillas played by actors in suits, the film still stands as an interesting and genuinely different film that will also soon be turning 30. It is campy and goofy, and that is a large part of its appeal in the modern day.
2
Ghost In The Shell
This Animated Film Captured Hearts & Minds For Decades
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10/10
Ghost in the Shell
TV-MA
AnimationActionCrime
Ghost in the Shell explores the story of Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg public-security agent in 2029 Japan, assigned to track down a mysterious hacker known as the Puppet Master. As she delves deeper into the case, she confronts questions of identity, consciousness, and what it means to be human. The film is directed by Mamoru Oshii and is based on the manga by Masamune Shirow.
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Release Date
December 8, 1995
Runtime
83 Minutes
Franchise(s)
Ghost in the Shell
Cast
Atsuko Tanaka
, Akio Otsuka
, Iemasa Kayumi
, Koichi Yamadera
, Yutaka Nakano
, Tamio Ôki
, Tesshô Genda
, Masato Yamanouchi
Director
Mizuho Nishikubo
, Mamoru Oshii
Writers
Shirow Masamune
, Kazunori Itô
Expand
Another incredible cyberpunk story, Ghost in the Shell is an animated Japanese film set in the year 2029. It delves into the concept of “ghosts,” the term for people who have essentially completely connected their brain to the world of technology, housing themselves in a cybernetic body and therefore referred to as a “shell.” The film closely follows an investigation into the mysterious Puppet Master, who the police have assumed is the one responsible for an assassination attempt.
A controversial live-action version of Ghost in the Shell was released in 2017, starring Scarlett Johansson in the lead role.
Not only is the animation excellent, even today, but the film is a thoughtful exploration of what it is to be human. These complex themes are woven together with a narrative with a surprising amount of heart and soul, cited as one of the inspirations for the movie Avatar. Ghost in the Shell has won several awards, notably for its excellent screenplay and direction.
1
12 Monkeys
A Powerful Sci-Fi Viral Outbreak Film From 30 Years Ago
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9/10
12 Monkeys
r
MysterySci-FiThriller
In 12 Monkeys, convict James Cole (Bruce Willis) travels back in time to learn the origin of a man-made virus that has unleashed worldwide chaos in the future. Terry Gilliam’s 1995 sci-fi movie, which boasts a cast that includes Brad Pitt, Christopher Plummer, Madeleine Stowe, and David Morse, is based on Chris Marker’s 1962 short film La Jetée and originated a 2013 TV series adaptation.
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Release Date
January 5, 1996
Runtime
129minutes
Cast
Joseph Melito
, Bruce Willis
, Jon Seda
, Michael Chance
, Vernon Campbell
, H. Michael Walls
Director
Terry Gilliam
Writers
Chris Marker
, David Webb Peoples
, Janet Peoples
Starring Bruce Willis as convict James Cole, 12 Monkeys is a time-bending adventure that takes place in a world that has been dismantled by disease. James, in a desperate bid to shorten his prison sentence, is sent back in time to locate the original disease as it was introduced into the world so he can bring it back for a cure to be developed. However, things do not go as planned, and he has more difficulty finding the initial disease than intended.
The depiction of such a viral outbreak is more impactful now in 2025 than it ever could have been 30 years ago. Watching this film today, knowing the dangers that have come with the pandemic, elevates a film that was already great to a higher status of relevance. 12 Monkeys was also adapted into a popular Netflix television series in 2015, proving just how excellent the original sci-fi film really is.