Science fiction has always pushed the boundaries of cinema to its absolute limit, and plenty of classic black-and-white movies still have the power to entertain and enthrall viewers to this day. From technological marvels that utilized special effects that were massively ahead of their time to thought-provoking psychological stories whose narrative never lost its relevance, there are many movies, even from the black-and-white silent era, that can be enjoyed just as well by modern viewers.
Many of the best black-and-white sci-fi releases were produced during periods of great political and social upheaval and powerfully reflected the society out of which they were created. With terrifying alien creatures representing fears of the unknown or the dire consequences of technological progress, classic sci-fi films often convey themes that remain incredibly relevant to this day. While black-and-white movies may put some viewers off, sci-fi lovers would be doing themselves a disservice if they didn’t go back and check out these astounding releases.
10
Attack Of The 50 Foot Woman (1958)
Directed by Nathan Hertz
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Your changes have been saved
Email is sent
Email has already been sent
My List
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Attack of the 50 Foot Woman
HorrorSci-Fi
An alien encounter leaves an abused wife as a giant, and she pursues revenge on her unfaithful husband after surviving an attempted murder.
Release Date
May 19, 1958
Main Genre
Sci-Fi
Cast
Allison Hayes
, William Hudson
, Yvette Vickers
, Roy Gordon
, George Douglas
, Ken Terrell
Director
Nathan Hertz
Writers
Mark Hanna
Attack of the 50 Foot Woman was one of the most memorable black-and-white sci-fi films of the 1950s whose legacy has endured right up to this day. With an iconic poster by Reynold Brown, this was just one of many films from this era, such as War of the Colossal Beast and The Incredible Shrinking Man, that dealt with size-changing humans. As a cult classic that’s consistently been parodied over the years, this low-budget B-movie left an undeniable mark on Hollywood.
Telling the story of a wealthy heiress whose encounter with an alien spacecraft causes her to grow exponentially in size, this gigantic problem puts Nancy Fowler Archer’s (Allison Hayes) already troubled marriage in jeopardy. With an absurd concept that leaned into the ridiculous nature of its narrative, it’s no surprise that sci-fi lovers still look back on this film fondly. With a remake in the works from director Tim Burton and screenwriter Gillian Flynn (via Variety), audiences should check out the original Attack of the 50 Foot Woman before the new version is released.
9
Village Of The Damned (1960)
Directed by Wolf Rilla
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Your changes have been saved
Email is sent
Email has already been sent
My List
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
8/10
Village of the Damned
Not Rated
HorrorSci-Fi
Village of the Damned, directed by John Carpenter, is a supernatural thriller set in a small American town where an alien force impregnates the local women. The resulting children, born with eerie powers and a lack of human empathy, lead to fear and suspicion among the villagers.
Release Date
October 25, 1960
Runtime
77 Minutes
Main Genre
Horror
Cast
George Sanders
, Barbara Shelley
, Martin Stephens
, Michael Gwynn
, Laurence Naismith
, Richard Warner
, Jenny Laird
, Sarah Long
, Thomas Heathcote
, Charlotte Mitchell
, Pamela Buck
, Rosamund Greenwood
, Susan Richards
, Bernard Archard
, Peter Vaughan
, John Phillips
, Richard Vernon
, John Stuart
, Keith Pyott
, Alexander Archdale
, Sheila Robins
, Tom Bowman
, Anthony Harrison
Character(s)
Gordon Zellaby
, Anthea Zellaby
, David Zellaby
, Alan Bernard
, Dr. Willers
, Harrington
, Mrs. Harrington
, Evelyn Harrington
, James Pawle
, Janet Pawle
, Milly Hughes
, Miss Ogle
, Mrs. Plumpton
, Vicar
, P.C. Gobby
, General Leighton
, Edgar Hargraves
, Professor Smith
, Dr. Carlisle
, Coroner
, Nurse
, Pilot
, Lieutenant
Director
Wolf Rilla
Writers
Wolf Rilla
, John Wyndham
, Ronald Kinnoch
, Stirling Silliphant
Expand
Few things are more unnerving than a group of haunted-eyed children whose power knows no bounds. This was set up for the terrifying British sci-fi Village of the Damned, which adapted The Midwich Cuckoos by John Wyndham. As the story of a small village whose women all gave birth to glowing-eyed, blonde-haired children with frightening powers of intellect and telepathy, the uncertain intentions of these distressing school kids made for truly chilling viewing even more than 60 years later.
With a similar premise to Stephen King’s later story and film franchise Children of the Corn, Village of the Damned taps into innate fears of the unknown as even the paternity of these children was up for question. With uncertain motivations, Village of the Damned became all the more frightening as the children show no signs of empathy, read minds, and continually improve their telekinetic abilities. This dark and disturbing story delivered psychological scares and has held up incredibly well in the decades since its release.
8
The Thing From Another World (1951)
Directed by Christian Nyby
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Your changes have been saved
Email is sent
Email has already been sent
My List
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
The Thing from Another World
NR
DramaHorrorScience Fiction
The Thing from Another World is a 1951 science fiction horror film in which scientists and US Air Force personnel confront a blood-thirsty alien organism at a secluded arctic research station. Based on the novella “Who Goes There?” by John W. Campbell Jr., the film explores themes of isolation and extraterrestrial threats.
Release Date
April 5, 1951
Runtime
87 minutes
Cast
Kenneth Tobey
, Margaret Sheridan
, Robert Cornthwaite
, Douglas Spencer
, James Young
, Dewey Martin
, Robert Nichols
, William Self
, Nicholas Byron
, Eduard Franz
, George Fenneman
, Paul Frees
, Everett Glass
, Norbert Schiller
, Edmund Breon
, John Dierkes
, Sally Creighton
, James Arness
, David McMahon
, Bill Neff
Character(s)
Captain Patrick Hendry
, Nikki
, Dr. Arthur Carrington
, Ned ‘Scotty’ Scott
, Lt. Eddie Dykes
, Crew Chief Bob
, Lt. Ken ‘Mac’ Erickson
, Corporal Barnes
, Tex Richards
, Dr. Stern
, Dr. Redding
, Prof. Voorhees
, Prof. Wilson
, Dr. Lorenz
, Prof. Ambrose
, Dr. Chapman
, Mrs. Chapman
, ‘The Thing’
, Gen. Fogarty
, Bill Stone (uncredited)
Director
Christian Nyby
Writers
Charles Lederer
Expand
While most film fans will be well aware of John Carpenter’s 1982 sci-fi horror classic The Thing, they may not be familiar with this earlier adaptation of the same story, “Who Goes There?” by John W. Campbell Jr. The Thing From Another World was the first adaptation of this terrifying tale where a crew of scientists encounters an alien creature who crash-landed in an Arctic environment. With an excellent concept and slow-building tension, much like Carpenter’s later version, The Thing From Another World is essential viewing for any sci-fi horror lovers.
As one of the greatest sci-fi films of the 1950s, The Thing From Another World was produced by Howard Hawks and was a top-tier B-movie. With excellent performances and strong characterization, the powerful filmmaking on display here proved that modern special effects are not needed to produce a movie that stands the test of time. In fact, the black-and-white cinematography only adds to The Thing From Another World’s style and appeal.
7
Them! (1954)
Directed by Gordon Douglas
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Your changes have been saved
Email is sent
Email has already been sent
My List
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Them!
Approved
HorrorMysterySci-Fi
In groundbreaking monster movie Them! a nest of giant irradiated ants is discovered in the New Mexico desert and quickly become a national threat when the queen escapes to build a new colony. The national search that follows climaxes in a battle with Them in Los Angeles.
Release Date
June 16, 1954
Runtime
94 minutes
Main Genre
Horror
Cast
James Whitmore
, Edmund Gwenn
, Joan Weldon
, James Arness
, Onslow Stevens
, Sean McClory
Director
Gordon Douglas
Writers
Ted Sherdeman
, Russell S. Hughes
, George Worthing Yates
Expand
Science fiction during the 1950s had a lot of heavy themes to reckon with as filmmakers powerfully explored the frightening consequences of nuclear warfare. One of the most enduring of these nuclear monster movies was Them!, a film that saw giant ants unleashed upon the United States whose potential to establish nests puts the entire country’s welfare in jeopardy. With social and political relevance, this monstrous sci-fi was a cut above the average film of this era and maintained its terrifying power right up to this day.
As one of the greatest creature features of its time, Them! showcases a society reckoning with the dire consequences of the new atomic age. With truly impressive visuals for its era, Them! sadly lost out on the Oscar for Best Special Effects to Disney’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. With a compelling concept that had something urgent to say about the society out of which it was produced, the political relevance of Them! meant it stood the test of time.
6
King Kong (1933)
Directed by Merian C. Cooper & Ernest B. Schoedsack
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Your changes have been saved
Email is sent
Email has already been sent
My List
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
King Kong (1933)
Approved
AdventureHorror
King Kong (1933) is a classic adventure film following filmmaker Carl Denham, who travels to Skull Island to capture footage of a legendary giant ape named Kong. Fay Wray stars as Ann Darrow, the woman Kong becomes infatuated with, while Robert Armstrong and Bruce Cabot also play pivotal roles. The movie is renowned for its groundbreaking special effects and compelling narrative.
Runtime
100 Minutes
Main Genre
Adventure
Cast
Fay Wray
, Robert Armstrong
, Bruce Cabot
, Frank Reicher
, Sam Hardy
, Noble Johnson
Director
Merian C. Cooper
, Ernest B. Schoedsack
Writers
James Ashmore Creelman
, Ruth Rose
, Merian C. Cooper
, Edgar Wallace
, Leon Gordon
The longevity of King Kong is truly a spectacular sci-fi achievement, as, despite debuting in 1933, the story of this giant ape has not lost any of its relevance in popular culture. With truly astounding special effects for its time, it must be admitted that the original King Kong looks dated today. However, it still holds up incredibly well, as the power of its filmmaking and emotional resonance, where Kong showcases a sense of humanity in his fascination with the beautiful woman Ann Darrow (Fay Wray), still packs a serious punch.
King Kong is one of the most important American films ever made, and its stop-motion special effects had a notable impact on Hollywood. As Kong continually returned in sequels, spin-offs, and remakes, it’s clear that audiences connected with this timeless story. Watching Kong face off against his Japanese counterpart, Godzilla, in the MonsterVerse cinematic universe, it’s clear that there is just something about this character that endures through the ages.
5
The Last Man On Earth (1964)
Directed by Sidney Salkow & Ubaldo B. Ragona
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Your changes have been saved
Email is sent
Email has already been sent
My List
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
The Last Man On Earth
HorrorScience Fiction
The Last Man on Earth follows the sole survivor of a global epidemic that transforms humans into the living dead. Released in 1964, the film stars Vincent Price as Dr. Robert Morgan, who battles against an onslaught of vampire-like creatures, having adapted to a life of solitude and survival.
Release Date
May 6, 1964
Runtime
86 Minutes
Cast
Vincent Price
, Emma Danieli
, Franca Bettoia
, Giacomo Rossi Stuart
Character(s)
Ruth Collins
, Dr. Robert Morgan
, Virginia Morgan
, Ben Cortman
, Dr. Mercer
, Kathy Morgan
, Governor
, TV Reporter
, New People Leader
, Passerby
, Ruth Collins (voice)
Director
Ubaldo Ragona
, Sidney Salkow
Producers
Robert L. Lippert
Writers
Richard Matheson
, William F. Leicester
Expand
While Vincent Price is known as a true icon of horror cinema, some of his greatest movies also leaned heavily into the sci-fi genre. One of the best of these is The Last Man on Earth, an apocalyptic story about a disease that turned all of humanity into the living dead and the last man left alive who must fight for survival. Based on Richard Matheson’s 1954 novel I Am Legend, The Last Man on Earth was a trailblazing zombie sci-fi story released four years before George A. Romero revolutionized the genre with Night of the Living Dead.
The Last Man on Earth featured a compelling lone-man story that holds up very well today. In fact, audiences may recognize its premise from later adaptations like The Omega Man from 1971 or 2007’s I Am Legend starring Will Smith. As a public domain film that is widely available to watch for free, sci-fi lovers have no excuse not to go back and check out this 1960s classic.
4
The Invisible Man (1933)
Directed by James Whale
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Your changes have been saved
Email is sent
Email has already been sent
My List
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
The Invisible Man
NR
HorrorScience Fiction
The Invisible Man, released in 1933, follows scientist Jack Griffin, who turns invisible after a self-conducted experiment. As he hides in a local inn, his mental state deteriorates due to the drug’s side effects, causing concern for Dr. Cranley’s daughter Flora, who worries about his increasingly erratic behavior.
Release Date
November 3, 1933
Runtime
71 minutes
Cast
Claude Rains
, Gloria Stuart
, William Harrigan
, Henry Travers
, Una O’Connor
, Forrester Harvey
, Holmes Herbert
, E. E. Clive
, Dudley Digges
, Harry Stubbs
, Donald Stuart
, Merle Tottenham
, Robert Adair
, Edgar Barrier
, Ted Billings
, Walter Brennan
, Robert Brower
, Mae Bruce
, Rita Carlyle
, John Carradine
, D’Arcy Corrigan
, Jack Deery
, Dwight Frye
, Mary Gordon
, Bobby Hale
Character(s)
Dr. Jack Griffin
, Flora Cranley
, Dr. Arthur Kemp
, Dr. Cranley
, Jenny Hall
, Herbert Hall
, Chief of Police
, Constable Jaffers
, Chief Detective
, Inspector Bird
, Inspector Lane
, Millie
, Detective Thompson (uncredited)
, Radio Announcer (uncredited)
, Villager Playing Darts (uncredited)
, Bicycle Owner (uncredited)
, Farmer (uncredited)
, Mary Purdy (uncredited)
, Townswoman at Pub (uncredited)
, Informer Suggesting Ink (uncredited)
, Villager (uncredited)
, Officer in Charge of Barn Capture (uncredited)
, Reporter (uncredited)
, Screaming Woman (uncredited)
, Townsman at Pub (uncredited)
Director
James Whale
Producers
Carl Laemmle Jr.
Writers
Philip Wylie
, Preston Sturges
Expand
It’s astounding just how much modern Hollywood horror owes to the trailblazing techniques of director James Whale. As the filmmaker behind classics like Frankenstein and The Old Dark House, one of Whale’s most effective movies was The Invisible Man. Based on the novel by H.G. Wells, The Invisible Man was a technical marvel that pushed filmmaking techniques of the 1930s to their absolute limit.
Much of the impressive special effects in The Invisible Man can be attributed to John P. Fulton, who cleverly conceived impressive scenes whereby footprints in the snow highlight the Invisible Man’s presence and path. What’s so impressive, considering this movie was released in 1933, is that its effects hold up just as well, if not better, than John Carpenter’s 1992 version starring Chevy Chase, Memoirs of an Invisible Man. Despite generations having passed, audiences can still marvel at the wonders of this James Whale movie.
3
Invasion Of The Body Snatchers (1956)
Directed by Don Siegel
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Your changes have been saved
Email is sent
Email has already been sent
My List
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
9/10
Invasion of the Body Snatchers
Approved
HorrorDramaSci-Fi
Invasion of the Body Snatchers is a science-fiction horror film directed by Don Siegel. The story follows Dr. Miles Bennell, who discovers that the residents of his small town are being replaced by emotionless alien duplicates. As the phenomenon spreads, Bennell desperately tries to uncover the truth and warn humanity about the impending invasion. The film is noted for its themes of paranoia and loss of identity amidst growing societal fears.
Release Date
February 5, 1956
Runtime
80 Minutes
Main Genre
Horror
Cast
Kevin McCarthy
, Dana Wynter
, Larry Gates
, King Donovan
, Carolyn Jones
, Jean Willes
, Ralphe Dumke
, Virginia Christine
Director
Don Siegel
Writers
Daniel Mainwaring
, Jack Finney
, Richard Collins
Expand
It’s impressive just how well the sinister alien takeover in Invasion of the Body Snatchers holds up today. From the future Dirty Harry director Don Siegel, this thought-provoking story saw humans being replaced with identical copies of themselves who maintain the memories and traits of the person they assimilated. Produced in the wake of McCarthyism during the 1950s, themes of paranoia and mistrust pervade this timeless sci-fi classic.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers powerfully reflected Cold War fears during this time and, with serious psychological resonance that did not rely on special effects, has truly stood the test of time. While there have been numerous adaptations of the original novel by Jack Finney, such as in 1978, 1993, and 2007, it’s still this black-and-white 1950s version that stands as the definitive film of this story. As a true sci-fi classic, anyone who has not seen it yet should be sure to go back and check out Invasion of the Body Snatchers.
2
The Day The Earth Stood Still (1951)
Directed by Robert Wise
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Your changes have been saved
Email is sent
Email has already been sent
My List
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
13
7.1/10
The Day The Earth Stood Still
G
Drama Sci-FiThriller
The Day The Earth Stood Still is a science fiction film that explores extraterrestrial visitation and global tensions as an alien emissary arrives on Earth to deliver an urgent message. The narrative examines humanity’s propensity for conflict and its potential for change amidst a backdrop of advanced technology and interstellar diplomacy.
Release Date
September 28, 1951
Runtime
92 minutes
Main Genre
Sci-Fi
Cast
Michael Rennie
, Patricia Neal
, Billy Gray
, Sam Jaffe
, Hugh Marlowe
, Lock Martin
, Freeman Lusk
, Edith Evanson
, Frank Conroy
, Frances Bavier
, John Brown
, Olan Soule
, Marjorie Crossland
, Elmer Davis
, H.V. Kaltenborn
, Drew Pearson
, Gabriel Heatter
, Harry Lauter
, James Doyle
, Larry Dobkin
, Robert Osterloh
, Glenn Hardy
, Tyler McVey
Character(s)
Klaatu
, Helen Benson
, Bobby Benson
, Prof. Jacob Barnhardt
, Tom Stevens
, Gort
, General Cutler
, Mrs. Crockett
, Mr. Harley
, Mrs. Barley
, George Barley
, Mr. Krull
, Hilda
, Elmer Davis
, H.V. Kaltenborn
, Drew Pearson
, Gabriel Heatter
, Lieutenant in Charge of Landing Site
, Army Dr. White
, Balding Army Doctor
, Army Examining Doctor
, Radio Interviewer at Landing Site
, Brady
Director
Robert Wise
Writers
Edmund H. North
Budget
$1.2 million
Studio(s)
20th Century
Distributor(s)
20th Century
Expand
With timeless themes of peace, unity, and the dangers of mutually assured destruction, The Day the Earth Stood Still remains as relevant today as when it was released in 1951. As the story of an alien visitor and his powerful robot visiting Earth to deliver an important message, this classic film from Robert Wise echoed new societal fears about atomic warfare and a potential nuclear Holocaust in the wake of the Cold War. With a clever and thought-provoking script, The Day the Earth Stood Still echoed the idea that humanity’s biggest threat was not alien life but humanity itself.
The humanoid alien Klaatu and his robot companion Gort signaled mankind’s need to move beyond international conflicts and embrace world peace as the space race opened up a world of opportunities across the known universe. While The Day the Earth Stood Still powerfully reflects the era in which it was made, its timeless message can just as easily be attributed to global politics today. While this eternal relevance signals a lack of progress on behalf of mankind, it means this sci-fi classic has endured across generations.
1
Metropolis (1927)
Directed by Fritz Lang
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Your changes have been saved
Email is sent
Email has already been sent
My List
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Metropolis
DramaDocumentarySci-Fi
Metropolis is a 1927 silent film directed by Fritz Lang, set in a dystopian future where the son of a powerful city planner becomes enamored with a working-class prophet. Their relationship unfolds amidst a stark social divide, as she foretells the arrival of a mediator to bridge societal gaps.
Release Date
February 6, 1927
Main Genre
Drama
Cast
Alfred Abel
, Gustav Fröhlich
, Rudolf Klein-Rogge
, Fritz Rasp
, Theodor Loos
, Erwin Biswanger
Director
Fritz Lang
Writers
Thea von Harbou
, Fritz Lang
It’s a real testament to the groundbreaking work of director Fritz Lang that Metropolis remains the benchmark by which all other sci-fi is judged almost one hundred years since its release. This astounding achievement of worldbuilding, special effects, and narrative heft meant that the influence of Metropolis can be felt in everything from the futurist aesthetics of Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner right through to Francis Ford Coppola’s epic 2024 passion project Megalopolis. As one of the very first feature-length sci-fi movies, Metropolis was a pioneering work that has not lost any of its innate power.
As an essential figure in the school of German Expressionism, Lang solidified his status as a cinematic legend with Metropolis. Few movies of the silent era were able to get across such grand and epic themes and ideas as this black-and-white classic, whose spellbinding special effects demand a viewer’s total and undivided attention. While many classic sci-fi movies hold up today, Metropolis truly achieved something special and will still be viewed with awe by filmgoers 100 years from now.
Source: Variety