10 underrated British sci-fi gems for genre fans
10 underrated British sci-fi gems for genre fans
When you think of British sci-fi movies, what comes to mind? For many, it will be directors like Ridley Scott and Alex Garland being exemplary of UK filmmakers who have put a stamp on the genre with films like Alien and Ex Machina. However, outside the heavy hitters and big titles, British sci-fi movies largely go underappreciated; relegated to cult status, or completely ignored in America.
These 10 movies don't get nearly enough attention for their approach to sci-fi, whether it be innovative techniques, a clever approach to the genre, or being so over-the-top they had problems finding an audience. To celebrate the stand-out sci-fi movies, we will blast off and jump between these gems that present some of the best British sci-fi seldom seen but loved by a core audience.
- Triangle (2009)
- The Boys from Brazil (1978)
- Sunshine (2007)
- Journey to the Other Side of the Sun (1969)
- Morons From Outer Space (1985)
- Frequencies (2013)
- Phase IV (1974)
- Unearthly Stranger (1963)
- Under the Skin (2014)
- Xtro (1982)
My main quibbles are that Xtro and Under the Skin should be higher and that some (especially Phase IV and Triangle) are British co-productions and don't feel very British (at least Triangle has a British director, I suppose).