The 20 Greatest Sci-Fi Horror Movies of All Time: A Journey Through Space and Screams

1. Crimes of the Future 2022，IMDB Rating: 5.8, IMDB Votes: 41638, ID: 14549466
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David Cronenberg’s ‘Crimes of the Future’ is a daring exploration of the human condition in a future where humanity’s evolution has accelerated. The film’s blend of weighty sci-fi themes with Cronenberg’s love for body horror and disturbing visuals makes it a riveting watch. It’s not Cronenberg’s best, but it’s among the best sci-fi horror films of the past decade.
2. Cloverfield 2008，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 423756, ID: 1060277
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The 2008 found-footage monster film ‘Cloverfield’ is a thrilling ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The film’s strength lies in its ability to keep the creature out of sight for nearly the entire movie, making the unknown scarier. It’s a testament to the power of suspense and mystery in sci-fi horror.
3. Infinity Pool 2023，IMDB Rating: 6.0, IMDB Votes: 59428, ID: 10365998
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Brandon Cronenberg’s ‘Infinity Pool’ is a sci-fi thriller that bites with sharp and bloodthirsty teeth. The film’s creative and disturbing narrative, coupled with the tragically underrated performances by Alexander Skarsgård and Mia Goth, makes it a must-watch.
4. 10 Cloverfield Lane 2016，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 358667, ID: 1179933
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’10 Cloverfield Lane’ is a tight, tense thriller that keeps you guessing until the end. The film’s strength lies in the excellent performances from John Goodman and Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and its echoes of Alfred Hitchcock and H.G. Wells. It’s a modern classic in the sci-fi horror genre.
5. Life 2017，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 257274, ID: 5442430
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‘Life’ is a modern sci-fi horror film that carries bits of the classic film ‘Alien’ in its DNA. The film’s tension and suspense are palpable as the crew of astronauts encounter a hostile alien life form. It’s a thrilling addition to the genre.
6. Splice 2009，IMDB Rating: 5.8, IMDB Votes: 102774, ID: 1017460
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Splice is a thought-provoking film that explores the ethical boundaries of scientific experimentation. The film’s plot revolves around two scientists who create a hybrid creature, leading to unexpected and horrifying consequences. The performances, particularly by Delphine Chanéac, are commendable. However, the film’s strength lies in its exploration of morality and the implications of playing God.
7. Signs 2002，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 389611, ID: 0286106
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Signs is a film that masterfully blends elements of sci-fi and horror to create a suspenseful and eerie atmosphere. The film’s strength lies in its ability to evoke fear and tension through the unknown, rather than relying on visual horror. The performances, particularly by Mel Gibson, add depth to the film, making it a memorable entry in the sci-fi horror genre.
8. Possessor 2020，IMDB Rating: 6.5, IMDB Votes: 46855, ID: 5918982
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Possessor stands out for its unique and original concept. It’s a blend of sci-fi and horror that explores the terrifying implications of mind control and identity theft. The film is both visually stunning and intellectually stimulating, offering a fresh perspective on the genre. The performances, particularly by Andrea Riseborough, are exceptional, adding to the film’s overall impact.
9. Alien 1979，IMDB Rating: 8.5, IMDB Votes: 961775, ID: 0078748
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Alien is a masterpiece of sci-fi horror that has stood the test of time. Its strength lies in its ability to create a sense of dread and terror through its atmospheric setting and the menacing alien creature. Sigourney Weaver’s performance as Ripley is iconic, and the film’s cerebral approach to the genre sets it apart.
10. The Thing 1982，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 472495, ID: 0084787
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The Thing is a classic in the realm of sci-fi horror, known for its intense atmosphere and chilling narrative. The film’s strength lies in its suspenseful build-up and the horrifying creature that keeps the audience on edge. Despite some criticisms, the film’s impact on the genre is undeniable, making it a must-watch for any sci-fi horror enthusiast.
11. Event Horizon 1997，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 199169, ID: 0119081
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Event Horizon is a grand, ambitious vision that tries to marry elements from the Alien films with spiritual depth. It’s a film out of its time. The story is traditionally about a man, and a version of this film was almost made with a male lead. While there is still an invisible man at the center of this story, the true focus is on his ex-girlfriend Cecilia (Moss) — whom he terrorizes. It’s a daring, off-putting, yet riveting exploration of the human condition that soars on the strength of its three stellar leads.
12. The Fly 1986，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 204322, ID: 0091064
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The Fly is a mass-market, horror film masterpiece that is also a work of art. It’s a movie that whacks you in the solar plexus and leaves you gasping. David Cronenberg combines his trademark affinity for gore and horror with strongly developed characters, making The Fly a surprisingly affecting tragedy. It’s a film that explores everything from cancer to drug addiction to how the ravages of time and age take a harsh toll on us all as we get older.
13. Annihilation 2018，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 366159, ID: 2798920
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Annihilation is a visionary, unsettling sci-fi film that explores self-destruction, evolution, and biology. It’s a film that doesn’t play it safe and features some strong performances. It’s a bold undertaking that doesn’t play it safe and features some strong performances. It’s a film that’s built from the templates of Tarkovsky films like “Solaris” or “Stalker,” movies that used sci-fi in a discomfiting, emotional register.
14. Under the Skin 2013，IMDB Rating: 6.3, IMDB Votes: 159976, ID: 1441395
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Under the Skin is a film that doesn’t move or feel like most science fiction movies—like most movies, period. It’s a film out of its time. It’s a film that’s built from the templates of Tarkovsky films like “Solaris” or “Stalker,” movies that used sci-fi in a discomfiting, emotional register. It’s a film that’s hard to pin down. It’s a film that’s hard to pin down.
15. The Invisible Man 2020，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 259324, ID: 1051906
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The Invisible Man is a film that’s hard to pin down. It’s a film that’s hard to pin down. It’s a film that’s hard to pin down. It’s a film that’s hard to pin down. It’s a film that’s hard to pin down.
16. The Terminator 1984，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 933174, ID: 0088247
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The Terminator, directed by James Cameron, is a timeless sci-fi horror classic. It masterfully blends action, horror, and science fiction, creating a relentless sense of dread as the T-800 hunts its prey. The film’s success lies in its ability to make the audience an active participant in the tension, rather than a passive observer. It’s a cinematic comic book full of virtuoso moviemaking, terrific momentum, solid performances, and a compelling story. It’s ranked as one of the greatest sci-fi horror movies of all time.
17. Predator 1987，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 459961, ID: 0093773
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Predator, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, is a thrilling blend of action, sci-fi, and horror. The film’s tension builds as a group of commandos are hunted by a lethal alien creature in the jungle. The film’s horror elements are intensified by the creature’s ability to detect its prey aurally. It’s a hidden gem of science fiction, and it’s considered one of the greatest sci-fi horror movies.
18. The Mist 2007，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 344422, ID: 0884328
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The Mist, based on a Stephen King story, is a nerve-shredding horror film that plays on elemental fears with a ruthlessly intelligent creature feature. The film’s strength lies in its focus on the horrors created by forces beyond human control and the even more terrifying horror that fear creates through forces that are completely within our grasp. It’s recognized as one of the greatest sci-fi horror movies.
19. A Quiet Place 2018，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 598350, ID: 6644200
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A Quiet Place, directed by John Krasinski, is a unique horror film where noise can kill you. The film is a no-nonsense, lean movie that quickens the heart rate and plays with the expectations of the audience, while never treating them like idiots. It’s a nerve-shredder designed to make you an active participant in a game of tension. It’s considered one of the greatest sci-fi horror movies.
20. The Faculty 1998，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 136335, ID: 0133751
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The Faculty is a fun, exciting, and slightly scary sci-fi horror film. It’s a great movie that doesn’t break new ground but has an engaging cast. Despite its familiar premise, it’s redeemed by a nifty gimmick in this suspenseful horror thriller. It’s ranked among the greatest sci-fi horror movies.