Since the beginning of filmmaking, science-fiction has been one of the most popular genres in the medium. With the visual aspect of movies and the limitless possibilities of sci-fi, some truly amazing stories have been brought to the big screen, some of which are considered among the best movies ever made.
However, there are some sci-fi movies whose reputations may be a bit generous. Of course, just because a movie is overrated, doesn't mean it is bad. It is just that the critical reception, the fan devotion, and the box office numbers might suggest that these movies are slightly better than they actually are.
10 Blade Runner (1982)
Ridley Scott's Blade Runner is one of those movies that is passionately defended against all criticism. However, with multiple cuts released since 1982, it seems apparent that even Scott himself would admit to a few faults with the movie.
The visual style is iconic and for good reason. The sci-fi story is also really solid. However, it is a slow-moving plot that seems to drag its feet at times. And as good as Harrison Ford is in the role of Deckard, the character is not a super compelling protagonist.
9 Dune (1984)
It's interesting to consider Dune an underrated movie since it was a critical and financial failure upon its release. However, over the years, the movie has developed a cult following with some viewing it as a misunderstood masterpiece.
While David Lynch's vision deserves more credit than it was initially given, trying to rewrite history and say this is a good movie feels like a stretch. It feels as if they didn't even try to make the complex story comprehensible at all and it feels as if we are wandering lost through the movie.
8 The Fifth Element (1997)
Sometimes there are movies that are so wild and imaginative that it's hard not to admire them. The Fifth Element is certainly one of those movies as it delivers a colorful, absurd, and humorous sci-fi adventure.
The craziness does make for some really fun moments and the movie separates itself from other sci-fi stories by being so vibrant. But the overall piece feels more like a collection of interesting moments put together in a complicated and somewhat unsatisfying package.
7 Soylent Green (1973)
Soylent Green fits nicely into the trend of dark and pessimistic sci-fi movies of the 1970s. It is set in the future in which overcrowding has become a serious problem with a food shortage being handled by a massive corporation called Soylent which is at the center of a murder investigation.
By now, most people are aware of the famous twist ending. As smart and impactful as that ending is, the rest of the movie doesn't have a lot going for it.
6 Independence Day (1996)
When thinking of alien invasion movies, it's hard not to first think of Independence Day. The summer blockbuster really delivered in the destruction and spectacle departments as massive spaceships appear all over the world and unleash devastating attacks.
The first half of the movie is a lot of really fun build-up that climaxes with the unforgettable attack sequence. But the second half is a much less interesting ride that takes some starts to veer into the ridiculous in an attempt to match those earlier high notes.
5 Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi (1983)
Many fans would be furious to hear any aspect of the original Star Wars trilogy be deemed "overrated," but then there are other die-hard fans that can admit Return of the Jedi does get a bit too silly at times.
The final chapter in the first trilogy had to follow up The Empire Strikes Back's darker and powerful tone. Lucas decided to go with a much lighter and family-friendly route. There are some iconic moments and a lot of fun, but the fact that Han Solo is turned into a slapstick comedian while hanging out with teddy bear creatures is a letdown.
4 Back To The Future: Part II (1989)
The first Back to the Future is one of those nearly perfect movies that people can rewatch again and again without its quality diminishing. The sequel is often regarded as just as good as the original, or even better, according to some fans. That is just nonsense.
Back to the Future: Part II does a great job of continuing this adventure while taking it in a clever new direction. It is a worthy follow-up but doesn't match the cleverness, comedy, and excitement of the original.
3 Mad Max (1979)
The Mad Max franchise is a fantastic action series that proved it still has plenty of gas left in the engine with the brilliant Mad Max: Fury Road. But while the original is seen as the classic that kicked off the franchise, it may be the least entertaining entry.
The dystopia revenge story has some truly great moments that stick out. But it is also a surprisingly tedious story. While a slow burn can be effective, when rewatching the movie, it does feel like there was a lot of fat that could have been trimmed.
2 Close Encounters Of The Third Kind (1977)
Steven Spielberg has created some of the most beloved sci-fi movies of all time. Close Encounters of the Third Kind is one of his most successful movies and tells the story of a family man who becomes obsessed with aliens after having a run-in with a UFO.
The movie contains plenty of Spielberg magic that is still thrilling to this day. But Spielberg made a real error with his protagonist who comes off as a selfish, slimy, and unsympathetic man whose actions are appalling. It really makes the ending land on a sour note.
1 Avatar (2009)
When a movie becomes the highest-grossing movie of all time, it's hard to escape the label of "overrated". James Cameron's Avatar explores the alien world of Pandora as a soldier is tasked with infiltrating the planet's native alien race but soon feels a kinship to them.
With the huge box office numbers and many Oscar nominations, the backlash against Avatar was swift and sometimes unfair. But it is hard to argue that despite the amazing, ground-breaking visuals, the movie is packed with stale dialogue, forgettable characters, and a very familiar story.
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