Movies - TV
The 12 Best Feel-Good Sci-Fi Movies
By MARGARET DAVID
A New Hope
The year 1977 saw the birth of one of the greatest sci-fi franchises with the release of “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope,” a film filled with impressive special effects, likable characters, and iconic music. “A New Hope” is a simple story of good versus evil, which follows the heroes’ fight against the Empire and ends with a joyful ceremony.
The Martian
Although “The Martian” may at first appear to be about a lone survivor overcoming impossible odds, it soon becomes apparent that the film is truly about the efforts of many to save the stranded astronaut. Nationalism and politics get set aside, and all manner of experts join the global project to rescue Mark Watney (Matt Damon) from Mars.
2001: A Space Odyssey
“2001: A Space Odyssey” may have some dark moments, including an opening scene suggesting violence is inherent in human nature, but the film is ultimately about the universal hope of evolution. After triumphing over HAL 9000 and completing his mission, Bowman (Keir Dullea) becomes a sort of guide for the next step in human evolution.
Jupiter Ascending
While “Jupiter Ascending” is far from a great movie, it’s hard to argue that this film about a galactic princess and her werewolf boyfriend isn’t a stupid fun adventure, reminiscent of the “what if?” daydream scenarios many have. This kind of pulp story, complete with over-the-top sequences and characters with ridiculous names, is about the comfort dreams give.
Tron
Before computers were essential and knowledge of technology was common, the 1982 film “Tron” imagined a life inside these mysterious devices in a goofy adventure in the world of cyberspace. Flynn (Jeff Bridges) gets transported into the Grid, a neon-lit world where computer programs appear as people, and must face off against the rogue program, MCP.