Summary
- Made-for-TV sci-fi films offer imaginative storytelling and visuals, rivaling their theatrical counterparts.
- Films like
Dark Metropolis
and
Threads
prove that quality sci-fi can thrive on the small screen. - From mind-bending adventures to alien invasions, these films defy expectations and engage viewers with entertaining content.
In the realm of made-for-television films, where productions often face shorter timelines and budgetary constraints, there exists a surprising number of sci-fi films that rival their theatrical counterparts. Surprising many by producing some of the best sci-fi movies, some made-for-TV films offer imaginative storytelling, visuals, and thought-provoking themes, proving that quality sci-fi can flourish beyond the big screen.
From mind-bending, heart-warming adventures to gruesome alien invasions, some made-for-TV films unleash the creativity and innovation that can be achieved on a smaller scale. Some of the most creative sci-fi movies defied their low expectations and earned their place among the best in the genre without needing to be released on the big screen.
10 Dark Metropolis (2010)
Second Chance At Impressing Viewers
Following the events of The Next Race, Dark Metropolis, improved on its earlier predecessor and was able to flourish into a better-crafted film. Its story comments on politics and spirituality, as it touches on the theme of real humans losing against a genetically enhanced race. While it was met with a negative reception when released, Dark Metropolis managed to eventually engage its viewers with its far-fetched scenarios and entertaining visuals.
Even with its many ridiculous plot devices, the film showed how high the stakes were with its action. Dark Metropolis went at a much slower pace compared to more traditional sci-fi movies, but exciting moments like the dune buggy chase scene made gained back traction. The scientific suppositions it proposed on the topic of gene-splicing and genetic engineering are more reasonable than many theories seen in the genre. Overall, Dark Metropolis is a mind-free, amusing way to pass the time.
9 Independence Daysaster (2013)
Alien Invasion Returns
While Independence Daysaster doesn’t try to be the best in the genre, it mostly maintains an edge-of-your-seat quality. With its intriguing spin on the basic trope of TV alien invasions, it gave fans reasonably good acting, nice scenery, and great background music.
While some of the scenes can come off as cliché, like the inclusion of an Independence Day-inspired scene, its sci-fi elements are where it truly stands out. The alien ship designs, with their metallic sphere-like appearances, were unique and the detail in the actual physics of the ships moving is fascinating. Independence Daysaster came to be one of the rare instances where, despite not being as successful as the movie it’s mockbusting, everyone involved seemed to have fun producing.
8 The Incredible Hulk Returns (1988)
The Hulk Is Back. Stronger Than Ever.
Despite not being part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe timeline, The Incredible Hulk Returns is still relevant as a strong sci-fi and superhero movie contender. With its dynamic character portrayal by Bill Bixby and the addition of an unconventional Thor into the story, the movie is beyond typical TV fare.
Despite its budget constraints, and Hulk’s appearance being different from what current fans are used to, it still managed to hook viewers with interesting inventions like the Gamma Transponder. The Hulk’s strength, alongside Thor’s mystical power in trying to retrieve the device, makes The Incredible Hulk Returns’ plot surprisingly rational.
The Incredible Hulk Returns (1988) TV-PGSci-FiFantasy Superhero
The Incredible Hulk Returns is a television movie featuring the reunion of Dr. David Banner, played by Bill Bixby, with his alter ego, the Hulk, portrayed by Lou Ferrigno. The film introduces the character Thor, played by Eric Allan Kramer, marking their first on-screen appearance together. Directed by Nicholas J. Corea, the movie explores themes of duality and the struggle for control over inner demons against the backdrop of superhero action.
Director Nicholas Corea , Bill Bixby Writers Nicholas Corea Cast Bill Bixby , Lou Ferrigno , Jack Colvin , Lee Purcell , Eric Allan Kramer , Steve Levitt , Tim Thomerson , Charles Napier , John Gabriel Release Date May 22, 1988 Studio(s) Bixby-Brandon Productions Distributor(s) NBC Runtime 100 Minutes Main Genre Superhero Expand
7 Sharknado (2013)
Sharks. Tornadoes.
Mostly known for its cringe-worthy dialogue, Sharknado is actually a highly enjoyable movie. While its events surround a tornado that lifts sharks from the ocean and sends them directly into Los Angeles, its real charm comes from its refusal to take itself seriously. With its hilarious use of CGI, it quickly became a guilty pleasure for many. In fact, since its release, it’s become one of the biggest cult made-for-TV favorites, and has spawned five sequels.
Its plot is so absurd that it irresistibly becomes captivating, and the over-the-top disaster scenario adds tons of entertainment value. Its self-aware humor and tongue-in-cheek approach make it memorable. Sharknado accomplished its goal of entertaining audiences in a way that few films can.
Sharknado TV-14 Sci-FiComedyHorrorThrillerAdventureAction Where to Watch
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Sharknado is a disaster movie produced by The Asylum. Starring Tara Reid, Ian Ziering, and John Heard, the 2013 film revolves around a tornado that picks up thousands of sharks and threatens Los Angeles with massive destruction. Its unexpected success spawned a various sequels and spinoffs.
Release Date July 11, 2013 Director anthony c. ferrante Writers Thunder Levin Cast Tara Reid , Ian Ziering , John Heard , Cassie Scerbo , Jaason Simmons Runtime 86 minutes
Related What’s the best sci-fi movie of 2024 so far?
With several sci-fi franchises returning this year, Dune: Part Two is still my favorite. Furiosa was incredible, but seeing one of my favorite books come to life on screen was such a fulfilling experience, and the Dune ensemble is hard to top. I wasn’t too impressed by Godzilla x Kong or the new Planet of the Apes, but I still have hopes for Alien: Romulus to be one of my top movies of the year.
6 Meteor Apocalypse (2010)
The Sky Is Falling
The 2010 TV film Meteor Apocalypse, stands out as a perfect mix of disaster movie and science fiction film due to how realistic the devastation caused by a meteor shower is. Combined with the cast’s great acting, the movie creates a tense and immersive viewing experience. The characters having such a low chance of survival adds a level of intensity to the film. Meteor Apocalypse is remarkable because it shows that in the face of overwhelming adversity, there is always a chance.
Beyond the surface-level action, Meteor Apocalypse goes into important themes such as humanity’s resilience, the fragility of life, and the importance of cooperation in times of trouble. The film’s visual effects, while not as cutting-edge compared to today’s standards, are still impressive and contribute to the overall sense of scale and danger.
5 Borealis (2015)
A Father’s Journey. A Daughter’s Hope
While maybe not one of Joey King’s best movies or shows, Borealis is a strong sci-if film overall. Her acting as Aurora, a girl who is soon to be blind, managed to captivate viewers in an unparalleled way. The film’s method of showing family problems like gambling debt and the passing of a family member was also amazingly executed.
The road trip sets up the film to have plenty of lighthearted scenes, and the characters’ dreams keep fueling their actions at every moment.Borealis may not be strictly a sci-fi film in the traditional sense, but it does go into subjects like fate and the supernatural, which are often associated with the genre. They use The Northern Lights as a fantastical phenomenon, exploring it in a more sci-fi-themed context.
4 Lavalantula (2015)
A Different Type Of Horror-Comedy
At its core, Lavalantula is a sci-fi television movie that hits the mark with the right mix of fun and horror. Its plot is very straightforward: a volcano erupts and spews a swarm of giant lava-breathing spiders. While remaining silly, the movie created such a strong following that a sequel was released. Lavalantula, is a self-aware romp, but that did not stop it from congruently paying homage to various classic sci-fi features. The special effects are cheesy at times, but the outrageous scenarios make up for an enjoyable watch.
Lavalantula HorrorSci-FiThriller Where to Watch
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*Availability in US Director Mike Mendez Release Date August 8, 2015 Cast Steve Guttenberg , Patrick Renna , Nia Peeples , Leslie Easterbrook , Danny Woodburn , Michael Winslow Runtime 90 minutes Main Genre Horror
3 Alien Opponent (2010)
Hunt Or Be Hunted
In Alien Opponent, the attention to detail and the imagination of its producers offered a unique take on the classic sci-fi alien invasion trope. Set in a junkyard where humans try to hunt down an alien, the movie provides a silly, but not unintelligent, critique of the human tendency to fear the unknown.
The junk bot featured in the movie was constructed primarily from cardboard.
While some fans argue that the movie has some lost potential, the care they took into its script and its nicely done effects make it still a good experience. The direction they took with the alien’s design was pretty meticulous. The look and feel of it, with its machine-like body, were on-point. However, despite Alien Opponent being wacky, the movie does also provide horror fans with some gory moments.
Related 10 Alien Invasion Movies Where The Invaders Are Actually Peaceful
Alien invasion movies like E.T., Arrival, and Close Encounters of the Third Kind show extraterrestrials as peaceful beings rather than cruel invaders.
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2 The Day After (1983)
A World In Ruins
Presenting itself as a disaster story, The Day After has a solid premise that hooks viewers from the start. With its good special effects and convincing acting from its main cast, it is able to deliver a believable scenario with a more serious tone. The way the movie progresses is very intriguing. Its first half is more focused on disaster scenes, while the second half shifts into a rescue mission that adds thriller elements.
While some viewers disliked the bland acting of the background characters and its uneven pacing, Nicolas Meyer’s direction manages to steer the wheel into a more positive experience. The Day After is one of the last great examples of the genre before it became more formulaic.
The Day After (1983) TV-PGDramaSci-Fi
The Day After is a 1983 television film that depicts the aftermath of a nuclear attack on the United States. Directed by Nicholas Meyer, the film follows the experiences of the residents of Lawrence, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri, as they struggle to survive in the wake of the catastrophic event. The Day After generated significant public and political attention due to its portrayal of the potential consequences of nuclear war.
Director Nicholas Meyer Writers Edward Hume Cast Jason Robards , JoBeth Williams , Steve Guttenberg , John Cullum , John Lithgow , Bibi Besch , Lori Lethin , Amy Madigan Release Date November 20, 1983 Character(s) Dr. Russell Oakes , Nurse Nancy Bauer , Stephen Klein , Jim Dahlberg , Joe Huxley , Eve Dahlberg , Denise Dahlberg , Alison Ransom Runtime 127 Minutes Main Genre Drama Expand
1 Threads (1984)
The Price Of War
If in search of a brutally honest movie, with intense realism and unfiltered social commentary, Threads is a good option. The movie tackles a nuclear war’s aftermath, giving viewers the vision of a damaged, post-apocalyptic world. Its way of showing people’s helplessness and the grim look it projects of the future causes a sinking feeling, absorbing the audience from the very first scenes.
The movie offers a glimmer of hope amid the devastation. It portrays a better, more raw view of the immediate destruction, lack of resources, and long-term effects of radiation that war can bring. Threads simply proves that a made-for-TV sci-fi film can be as exceptional and thought-provoking as any theatrical release.
Threads (1984) TV-MAThrillerSci-FiDrama
Threads is a British television film directed by Mick Jackson, depicting the impact of a nuclear war on the city of Sheffield and its residents. Released in 1984, the film follows the lives of two families as they grapple with the immediate and long-term effects of the catastrophic event. The narrative offers a stark and realistic portrayal of the societal breakdown and human suffering caused by nuclear conflict.
Director Mick Jackson Cast Karen Meagher , Reece Dinsdale , David Brierly , Rita May , Nicholas Lane , Jane Hazlegrove , Henry Moxon , June Broughton Release Date September 23, 1984 Writers Barry Hines Character(s) Ruth Beckett , Jimmy Kemp , Mr. Kemp , Mrs. Kemp , Michael Kemp , Alison Kemp , Mr. Beckett , Mrs. Beckett Runtime 112 Minutes Main Genre Thriller Expand