The 1980s were a pivotal time in the history of science fiction cinema, with several iconic filmmakers rising to prominence and changing the form irrevocably. It was a time of enormous technological advances and bigger budgets for studio blockbusters, ushering in a new era of sensational cinema that still continues today. Directors like Steven Spielberg and James Cameron pioneered this, and much of this innovation occurred in the science fiction genre. Many of the best science fiction films of all time were made in the ’80s and had a huge impact on the industry.
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For many of these iconic films, it’s the opening scenes that immediately reveal how impressive and immersive the rest of the project will be. Advances in visual effects and filmmaking tricks allowed for some incredibly progressive scenes, and many filmmakers were quick to include them from the beginning to draw the audience directly into the film. Even the most outlandish sci-fi films of the ’80s used these techniques in their opening scenes, and many of them have survived since.
10 Extraterrestrials (1986)
Directed by James Cameron
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James Cameron aliens It is the immediate sequel to Ridley Scott Foreignfollowing the exploits of Ellen Ripley as she works to help save a terraforming colony from the deadly xenomorphs she had previously encountered. The opening scene follows a rescue team as they work through the wreckage of Ripley’s space shuttle, succinctly reminding audiences of the events of the previous film while setting the stage for the sequel and providing beautiful accompanying neon visuals.
9 Back to the Future (1985)
Directed by Robert Zemeckis
back to the future has aged extremely well, and much of that is due to the practical effects and timeless storytelling that Zemeckis employs to make his story stand out from the crowd. The opening scene is a perfect example of this, as it uses a long tracking shot to introduce Doc’s science equipment without words. It immediately sets the tone of the movie, introduces some important plot elements, and makes the audience laugh when Marty is impressed by the huge amplifier.
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8 Escape from New York (1981)
Directed by John Carpenter
escape from new york is a unique science fiction film for its time, abandoning abstract scientific concepts for a much more grounded and action-packed adventure that just so happens to take place in a futuristic reality. The opening clearly sets the stage for this neon-soaked dystopia, providing an intriguing narrative for the audience to catch up on before jumping straight into this prison island and turning the action up to 11.
7 Star Trek II – The Wrath of Khan (1982)
Directed by Nicolás Meyer
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He trip to the stars The franchise has been popular since long before the ’80s, but this was the era where it arguably peaked with one of the best. trip to the stars cinema, The Wrath of Khan. The film’s story has been touched upon several times throughout the franchise, but this is when it’s really at its strongest. The opening scene is immediately gripping, presenting the main characters with an impossible problem as they are forced to decide between their own safety and the survival of those they must protect.
6 The Thing (1982)
Directed by John Carpenter
Another John Carpenter classic, The thing It begins with an atmospheric scene that reveals nothing about the story that follows. The opening simply uses Carpenter’s eerie music and haunting visuals to create that sense of horror and dread in the audience, revealing nothing about the film’s plot and simply following a chase between the helicopter team and a runaway sled dog. .
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5 Blade Runner (1982)
Directed by Ridley Scott
sword hunter has some of the most immersive and impressive world-building of any sci-fi film of this era, and that’s evident from the first scene of the film. Ridley Scott uses the backdrop of his futuristic city to immediately place the audience in his world, allowing the rainy streets and neon skyscrapers to tell the story for them. It’s sheer trust and lack of support that does sword hunter One of Ridley Scott’s best films and it shows from the beginning.
4 ET The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Directed by Steven Spielberg
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One of the many reasons Spielberg is such a compelling storyteller is his ability to make such complex and emotional narratives seem incredibly simple. He does this with eastern timeusing intentionally blurry direction and atmospheric music to create this ominous scene in the dark woods. He then briefly introduces the alien and shows him separating from his family; This moment sets up the entire film.
3 Akira (1988)
Directed by Katsuhiro Otomo
akira is widely cited as the best anime film ever made, and much of that is due to its narrative simplicity. The story itself is nothing overly complex or mind-blowing, but the gorgeous visuals and thematic density make it feel completely innovative. The opening scene immediately puts the stakes into play by blowing up contemporary Tokyo and flashing forward thirty years, presenting the Tokyo of the future. It’s a brilliant way to present this futuristic setting without bogging down the audience with too much exposition.
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2 The Terminator (1984)
Directed by James Cameron
The terminator is another perfect example of how to set the stage for a dystopian, futuristic world without spending too much time explaining the complexities of the story. From the film’s opening shots of this decimated wasteland where robots shoot humans and walk on their bodies, everything about the film’s central conflict between humanity and artificial intelligence becomes immediately clear.
1 Star Wars Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Directed by Irvin Kershner
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The empire strikes backHoth’s opening fight is hands down one of the best scenes in the entire thing. star wars franchise. After the great celebrations at the end of A new hopeThis initial battle immediately brings the rebels back into play and endangers them without undoing any of their previous victories, using the film’s immense budget to create an intricate, well-choreographed fight sequence that has since become a of the most recognizable scenes of the series. .