Top 10 Sci-Fi Movies of 1987

The year 1987 was a landmark era for science fiction cinema, delivering a diverse mix of action-packed blockbusters, satirical comedies, and imaginative cult classics. This article explores ten of the most notable sci-fi films released in 1987, highlighting their plots, themes, and lasting cultural impact. While determining the absolute “best” films is subjective and depends on individual viewer preferences, these selections represent the standout achievements of the genre during this vibrant year.

1. RoboCop

Directed by Paul Verhoeven, RoboCop is a cyberpunk masterpiece that combines high-octane action with sharp social satire. Set in a dystopian, crime-ridden Detroit, the film follows police officer Alex Murphy, who is brutally murdered and subsequently resurrected by a powerful corporation as a cyborg law enforcer. The movie is widely praised for its commentary on corporate greed, privatization, and media commercialism, alongside its groundbreaking special effects.

2. Predator

Directed by John McTiernan and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Predator successfully blends military action with extraterrestrial horror. The story follows an elite special forces team on a rescue mission in a Central American jungle, only to find themselves hunted by a technologically advanced alien warrior. The film became an instant classic, launching a massive franchise and introducing one of cinema’s most iconic alien designs.

3. The Running Man

Another Arnold Schwarzenegger vehicle, The Running Man, is loosely based on a novel by Stephen King (writing under the pseudonym Richard Bachman). Set in a dystopian future where convicted criminals must fight for their lives on a highly-rated television game show, the film explores themes of media manipulation, state control, and the desensitization of violence.

4. Spaceballs

Mel Brooks’ Spaceballs is a beloved sci-fi parody that primarily targets the Star Wars franchise, alongside other classics like Star Trek, Alien, and Planet of the Apes. Featuring an ensemble cast including Bill Pullman, John Candy, and Rick Moranis, the film uses slapstick humor and meta-commentary to poke fun at the tropes and merchandising of blockbuster science fiction.

5. Innerspace

Directed by Joe Dante, Innerspace is a sci-fi comedy-adventure inspired by the 1966 classic Fantastic Voyage. The plot centers on a miniaturized test pilot (played by Dennis Quaid) who is accidentally injected into the body of a neurotic supermarket clerk (Martin Short). The film won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects and remains celebrated for its creative premise and comedic performances.

6. The Hidden

The Hidden is a fast-paced sci-fi thriller directed by Jack Sholder. The story follows an FBI agent and a local cop trying to stop an alien parasite that possesses human bodies, turning ordinary citizens into thrill-seeking, violent criminals. The film is highly regarded by cult cinema enthusiasts for its unique blend of buddy-cop dynamics and science fiction horror.

7. *batteries not included

Produced by Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment, *batteries not included is a heartwarming sci-fi fantasy film. The story revolves around the residents of a rundown tenement building in New York City who are facing eviction by greedy developers. Their fortunes change when a group of small, living extraterrestrial robotic spaceships arrive to help them defend their homes.

8. Project X

Starring Matthew Broderick and Helen Hunt, Project X is a dramatic sci-fi thriller that focuses on a military research project involving chimpanzees trained on flight simulators. When a young airman discovers that the chimps are being exposed to lethal doses of radiation, he risks his career and safety to save them. The film blends science fiction elements with a strong message regarding animal welfare.

9. Masters of the Universe

Based on the popular Mattel toy line and animated series, Masters of the Universe blends science fiction with high fantasy. The story follows the heroic warrior He-Man as he travels to Earth to prevent the evil Skeletor from conquering the universe. While it diverged significantly from its source material, the film has garnered a dedicated cult following over the years.

10. Cherry 2000

Cherry 2000 is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi film starring Melanie Griffith and David Andrews. Set in a future where human relationships have become highly transactional, a man hires a rugged tracker to lead him through a lawless wasteland to find a replacement part for his beloved robotic wife. The film offers a unique, stylized vision of a wasteland future.