A Glean movie guide
The Golden Age of Sci-Fi
From dystopian futures to time travel.
Essential science fiction films that defined the 1980s.
Handpicked for this guide
The movie list
- 01
Blade Runner
A visually stunning masterpiece that set the standard for the dystopian aesthetic.
In the smog-choked dystopian Los Angeles of 2019, blade runner Rick Deckard is called out of retirement to terminate a quartet of replicants who have escaped to Earth seeking their creator for a way to extend their short life spans.
- 02
Back to the Future
An endlessly rewatchable time-travel adventure that perfectly captures 80s charm.
Eighties teenager Marty McFly is accidentally sent back in time to 1955, inadvertently disrupting his parents' first meeting and attracting his mother's romantic interest. Marty must repair the damage to history by rekindling his parents' romance and - with the help of his eccentric inventor friend Doc Brown - return to 1985.
- 03
The Terminator
A relentless, high-stakes thriller that launched one of cinema's most iconic franchises.
In the post-apocalyptic future, reigning tyrannical supercomputers teleport a cyborg assassin known as the "Terminator" back to 1984 to kill Sarah Connor, whose unborn son is destined to lead insurgents against 21st century mechanical hegemony. Meanwhile, the human-resistance movement dispatches a lone warrior to safeguard Sarah. Can he stop the virtually indestructible killing machine?
- 04
Aliens
A masterclass in tension and action that expands the scope of its predecessor.
Ripley, the sole survivor of the Nostromo's deadly encounter with the monstrous Alien, returns to Earth after drifting through space in hypersleep for 57 years. Although her story is initially met with skepticism, she agrees to accompany a team of Colonial Marines back to LV-426.
- 05
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
A heartfelt, iconic story of friendship that remains a cultural touchstone.
An alien is left behind on Earth and saved by the 10-year-old Elliott who decides to keep him hidden in his home. While a task force hunts for the extra-terrestrial, Elliott, his brother, and his little sister Gertie form an emotional bond with their new friend, and try to help him find his way home.
- 06
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
Widely considered the best of the series, featuring a legendary battle of wits.
The starship Enterprise and its crew is pulled back into action when old nemesis, Khan, steals a top secret device called Project Genesis.
- 07
Escape from New York
A gritty, high-concept action film set in a lawless, prison-island Manhattan.
In a world ravaged by crime, the entire island of Manhattan has been converted into a walled prison where brutal prisoners roam free. After the US president crash-lands inside, war hero Snake Plissken has 24 hours to bring him back.
- 08
They Live
A sharp, satirical cult classic that uses sci-fi to critique consumer culture.
A lone drifter stumbles upon a unique pair of sunglasses that reveal aliens are systematically gaining control of the Earth by masquerading as humans and lulling the public into submission.
- 09
RoboCop
A brilliant blend of brutal action and biting social commentary.
In a violent, near-apocalyptic Detroit, evil corporation Omni Consumer Products wins a contract from the city government to privatize the police force. To test their crime-eradicating cyborgs, the company leads street cop Alex Murphy into an armed confrontation with crime lord Boddicker so they can use his body to support their untested RoboCop prototype. But when RoboCop learns of the company's nefarious plans, he turns on his masters.
- 10
The Thing
A masterclass in paranoia and practical effects that remains terrifying today.
A research team in Antarctica is hunted by a shape-shifting alien that assumes the appearance of its victims.