10 Best Films Based On 1960s Sci-Fi Novels (Including Dune)
The 1960s was a cultural phenomenon of space expedition and space race to reach the moon. Many sci-fi novelists envisioned an extraordinary galactic universe and future, drawing inspiration from these real-life space events. As a result, the numerous 1960s sci-fi novels defined a zeitgeist of extra-terrestrial beings, futuristic concepts, and intergalactic travel.
Nowadays, the best sci-fi books are adapted to the big screen to create spectacular visuals and narrate complex stories. Although nothing beats the original content from the books, the best sci-fi films captured the beauty and storytelling presented by them and transformed into a filmmaker's vision of its world.
10 Solaris (1972) - Available On HBO Max
In Solaris, a series of frightening events occur when a group of astronauts arrives on an extraordinary planet. An onboard psychologist investigates the situation and realizes that the unusual behavior is due to the water on the planet.
The 1972 Soviet sci-fi film is an adaptation of Stanislaw Lem's 1961 novel, Solaris. Many people consider it one of the best sci-fi films due to its enigmatic and thought-provoking story and spectacular visuals. In 2002, Steven Soderbergh also created his rendition starring George Clooney and Natascha McElhone and was more faithful to the novel. However, nothing beats Andrei Tarkovsky's remarkable original.
9 A Clockwork Orange (1971) - Available On FuboTV & Spectrum
A Clockwork Orange follows a young delinquent, Alex, taking part in an ultra-cultural violent society. Alex's criminal lifestyle catches up with him, but he soon becomes an experimental subject to rehabilitate his violent behavior.
This dystopian crime film does not have the usual science fiction aspects, but its futuristic elements make it distinguishable as one. It is an adaptation of the 1962 novel of the same name by Anthony Burgess. A Clockwork Orange discusses polarizing themes of delinquency, psychiatry, and social and political violence. Although the film is disturbing and uneasy to watch, many people consider the film as one of Stanley Kubrick's finest films.
8 Planet Of The Apes (1968) - Available On HBO Max
In Planet of the Apes, three astronauts land on a planet ruled by apes. Their society follows a class system in which the human astronauts are the inferior species, which means their lives are at risk. As they attempt to flee their captors, the human captors discover a startling truth about the planet's origins.
Planet of the Apes is an adaptation of the 1963 French novel by Pierre Boulle. This sci-fi film also dives into the social and political commentary of the futuristic world, which delivers a fascinating and entertaining story. These stories have been further explored like sequels and rebooted series, but people will never forget the classic 1968 film, which featured one of the most shocking climaxes in film history.
7 Escape To Witch Mountain (1975) - Available On Disney+
Escape to Witch Mountain follows two siblings who possess extraordinary powers. When a pesky millionaire wants to capture them for his financial gains, Tony and Tia seek help from a camper to help them escape and uncover details about their origins.
Based on the 1968 novel by Alexander H. Key, Escape to Witch Mountain is a fun and adventurous tale that digs into the world of extraordinary. While many sci-fi films have catered to older audiences, John Hough's creation gives a little something for children and families to enjoy. The film also turned into a series, including a 2009 film, Race to Witch Mountain, starring Dwayne Johnson.
6 The Iron Giant (1999) - Available On HBO Max
In The Iron Giant, a young boy named Hogarth encounters a giant alien robot and forms a friendship. However, the government wants to destroy it, so Hogarth must defend his friend at all costs and fix the misunderstandings.
Based on Ted Hughes' 1968 novel, The Iron Man, Brad Bird's animated sci-fi presents a heartwarming and beautiful story about a human and robot friendship. As one of the best-animated movies from the '90s, the film received universal acclaim for its well-crafted animations and moving story.
5 The Man Who Fell To Earth (1976) - Available On Prime Video
Starring musician David Bowie, The Man Who Fell to Earth follows an alien on a dire mission. He needs to collect water from Earth and transport it to the people of his home planet before it is too late. His presence further complicates things when he falls in love with a hotel clerk, and the United States government wants to stop him.
Based on Walter Tevis's 1963 novel, this sci-fi film showcases an unusual alien's perspective of the culture and livelihood on Earth. The direction and aspects of the film are weird, in a good way, which is complemented by the stunning visuals. The glam rock icon, who portrays the alien, also showcases an incredible and meaningful performance, so it is no surprise the movie is one of his Bowie's best. Currently, a television show of the same name is also in the works and is expected to release in 2022.
4 Logan's Run (1976) - Available To Rent On AppleTV, Amazon, & Google Play
Logan's Run takes place in a futuristic world, where people can experience a sheltered but luxurious life until they reach the age of 30. Once that milestone is reached, they are required to voluntarily die or else be hunted by the world's law enforcement. Logan, a police officer, hunts these runners down, but he slowly uncovers the truth that ignites a revolution.
This sci-fi film is an adaptation of the 1967 novel of the same name by William F. Nolan and George Clayton Johnson. Logan's Run received mixed reviews from critics since the plot is not as well-developed as the novel. Nevertheless, it is a fun and adventurous film that takes a bold creative direction with its allegory about the dangers of chasing the fountain of youth.
3 Blade Runner (1982) - Available On Netflix
Deckard is a blade runner who receives a task to terminate four Replicants. Before doing so, he visits the Tyrell Corporation, where he falls in love with a Replicant named Rachel. Amid questions of his own status as Replicant, Deckard plots his escape with Rachel from Los Angeles.
Based on the 1968 novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick, Blade Runner is a mysterious and influential film that changed the prospect of the sci-fi genre to a different level. While the movie has sci-fi themes like futuristic settings and robot-like figures, it also incorporates neo-noir aesthetics. Blade Runner became a cult classic and was regarded as one of Ridley Scott's best movies. Denis Villeneuve directed the sequel Blade Runner 2049, which extends beyond its mysterious and gripping story.
2 The Andromeda Strain (1971) - Available To Rent On Amazon & Google Play
Based on the 1969 novel by Michael Crichton, The Andromeda Strain presents a chilling story of a deadly extra-terrestrial organism wreaking havoc on Earth. Now, scientists must contain it before it gets any worse.
While most sci-fi movies tend to sway from the source material, Robert Wise's rendition stays true to the book. The Andromeda Strain is a thrilling, intense, and intelligent film that showcases the darker aspects of space missions and research, almost like a precursor to a disaster movie.
1 Dune (2021) - Available On HBO Max
Based on the 1965 novel by Frank Herbert, Dune showcases a cosmic world filled with political conflicts and chaos. Paul Atreides arrives in the dangerous desert of Arrakis as his household harvest the precious spices. However, it is all a trap, and Paul must survive harsh conditions to fulfill his destiny.
Many critics and fans loved the spectacular storytelling and striking visuals of Villeneuve's rendition of Dune. Compared to David Lynch's 1984 version, Villeneuve's Dune is faithful to the content of Herbert's story. Of course, the story is not finished as the film only served as Part 1 of the long novel, and a recently confirmed sequel will complete the remaining content of the first book as it is set to release in 2023.