cross-posted from: https://feddit.uk/post/17198612

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.

  1. Triangle (2009)
  2. The Boys from Brazil (1978)
  3. Sunshine (2007)
  4. Journey to the Other Side of the Sun (1969)
  5. Morons From Outer Space (1985)
  6. Frequencies (2013)
  7. Phase IV (1974)
  8. Unearthly Stranger (1963)
  9. Under the Skin (2014)
  10. Xtro (1982)
  • @janonymousEnglish
    5•2 months ago

    Not sure if it’s underrated, but Sunshine (2007) is really great!

    • UKFilmNerdMEnglish
      3•2 months ago

      It’s a great film with a wonderful cast. The soundtrack is pretty fake good as well.

  • @ChicoSuaveEnglish
    2•2 months ago

    Phase 4, the ant movie? It was boring and awful when it tried to be serious.

    Xtro is a gem that needs more attention.

    • @HamartiaEnglish
      1•2 months ago

      I remember enjoying Phase IV. But it’s pacing was slow. At the time I thought that the ending had more compelling sci-fi chops than the rest. So it would have been better to trim the movie down to half it’s length; put that ending in the middle of the movie; then progress the story from that point.

    • ᴇᴍᴘᴇʀᴏʀ 帝OPMEnglish
      1•2 months ago

      Definitely give some a spin

      I wouldn’t really class The Boys From Brazil or Sunshine as underrated but if it gives them an extra smidge of attention then I won’t begrudge their inclusion.

      Xtro and Under the Skin definitely need more people to see them - they’d be high on my version of this list. I would warn people that they go off into a very weird horror direction, which might not suit some people.

      Triangle is a worthy top pick as it’s great. I.might quibble about how British it is but it is a UK co-production and the director is British so I’ll let it slide. Phase IV, however, is only a British co-production and is a weird inclusion on the list - it’s slow and experimental and not for everyone.