Summary
Sci-fi comedymovies keep audiences entertained for hours, but only a certain number can be considered the very best in history. Many of thebest movies of all timefall into either the science fiction or comedy genres, but some brilliantly combine both, creating an engaging yet hilarious watch. A good number of thebest sci-fi movies everuse comedic elements, even if it’s not on purpose.
However, there are several subgenres of sci-fi films that tend to rely on humor. For example,cool time loop movieslikeGroundhog DayandHappy Death Dayare brilliantly funny at points, yet the emphasis on sci-fi is still apparent throughout.Whether a film is set in space, a dystopian landscape, or even inside a character’s mind, there’s always room for laughter.
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Back to the Future
Cast
Back to the Future follows teenager Marty McFly as he is inadvertently sent back to 1955, where he disrupts his parents' meeting. With the assistance of eccentric inventor Doc Brown, Marty must restore the timeline by ensuring his parents fall in love and find a way back to 1985.
Back to the Futureis the definingtime travel movie. Marty McFly and Doc Brown quickly become the ultimate sci-fi duo, with the pair racing to protect timelines and keep each other out of trouble. While there’s a big focus on comedy inBack to the Future, at no point does it overshadow or diminish its use of scientific elements.
However,the film is a product of its time, and despite themistakes that make it intoBack to the Future, it’s still a brilliant and enjoyable movie. The film is so legendary, however, that it inspires multiple other forms of media, and plenty ofmovies and TV shows rip offBack to the Future.
The classic 1985 release introduces all manner of sci-fi concepts that other media frequently references or parodies,such as the self-lacing shoes and the iconic DeLorean car.Back to the Futureis a staple in popular culture, even decades after its initial release, and a franchise that redefines sci-fi overall.
Spaceballs
Spaceballs is a 1987 comedic science fiction film directed by Mel Brooks. It follows Lone Starr and his sidekick as they confront the villainous Dark Helmet, who schemes to kidnap Princess Vespa and steal her planet’s air. They encounter Yogurt, who introduces them to the mystical power known as “The Schwartz.”
The hilariousStar WarsparodySpaceballsdoes a fantastic job of recreating some of the most ludicrous sci-fi tropes.The hit 1987 film is full of outrageous humor, with incredible performances from stars like Bull Pullman and Daphe Zuniga,as well as director Mel Brooks himself.
What’s so great aboutSpaceballs, however, is that it has just as big a cult following as its source material.Spaceballs' best quotesare very prominent in popular culture, such as Rick Moranis as Dark Helmet’s remark, “I can’t breathe in this thing.”
Spaceballsis still a timeless movie that each new generation falls in love with. In fact, it’s a title that audiences are begging to see a remake or sequel of. Thankfully, after years of development hell,Spaceballs2 is finally happening after 37 years. Hopefully,Spaceballs 2will be as successful as its predecessor, and it will continue to use the same familiar, ludicrous comedy that the first film is best remembered for.
Everything Everywhere All at Once
In Everything Everywhere All at Once, a middle-aged laundromat owner (Michelle Yeoh) is distracted from her financial and family issues by a multiversal crisis. With just her husband (Ke Huy Quan) to support her through the confusion, she must contend with her overbearing traditional father (James Hong), a pencil-pushing auditor (Jamie Lee Curtis), and her emotionally-distant daughter (Stephanie Hsu).
Despite only being released in recent years,Everything Everywhere All at Onceimmediately becomes an instant classic after its first watch.Everything Everywhere All at Once’s castincludes Michelle Yeoh as lead character Evelyn Wang andIndiana Joneschild star Ke Huy Quan in his return to the silver screen for the first time since his youth.
The unusual yet endearing storyline about Evelyn’s journey to meet various versions of herself from parallel universes is amazing and easy to invest in, and the film’s absurd humor makes it even more enjoyable. However,Everything Everywhere All at Once’s real meaningis so much more than a multiversal adventure and is rather quite deep.
Although there is a primary emphasis on the elements of sci-fi and comedy,Everything Everywhere All at Onceis also action-packed, heroic, and emotionally profound.From its wild and inventive storytelling to its comical performances,Everything Everywhere All at Onceis an all-around superb blockbuster.
20 Best Sci-Fi Movies Of 2024
2024 has been an outstanding year for science fiction movies, from lesser-known thoughtful dramas to CGI-filled blockbuster franchise installments.
Men In Black
Men In Black is a science fiction film directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, starring Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones as agents of a secret organization overseeing extraterrestrial activity on Earth. The agents are tasked with managing alien immigrants while protecting humanity from intergalactic threats. The film explores their partnership as they confront various challenges while ensuring the public remains unaware of alien presence.
Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith are two core figures in the sci-fi world because of their characters fromMen in Black. The blend of sci-fi, action, and comedy in allfourMen in Blackmoviesis notable, but the first film of the franchise is a stand-out in each of the respective genres. While its special effects aren’t as precise or realistic in comparison to movies in recent years,Men in Black’s cheesy alien design and CGI work contribute to the film’s overall charm and appeal.
Agents J and K’s rapport is a great example of an unlikely comedy pairing, especially against the backdrop of a secret government organization shared with a range of tremendously inventive extraterrestrials. Their vast differences as professionals and people create many ofMen in Black’s most memorable quotesand several hysterically funny moments throughout.Men in Blackdoesn’t take itself too seriously, and neither do its characters, which is what makes the film such a beloved cinematic title with an evergrowing attraction for audiences.
Galaxy Quest
An homage to classic science fiction and its fandom, Galaxy Quest follows a group of actors from a fictional cult classic sci-fi series who are unwittingly embroiled in a real space conflict when aliens who believe the series is real abduct them and ask for their help defeating a tyrant threatening their people. Starring Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, Tony Shalhoub, Daryl Mitchell, and Sam Rockwell, the film features many references and parodies of classic sci-fi films and shows, mainly Star Trek.
The terrificGalaxy Questis often overlooked in the sci-fi genre, but many remember it as absolutely hilarious upon rewatching. While there are someharsh realities aboutGalaxy Quest, such as its overuse of product placement, this also adds to the film’s general humor and parodical qualities.Galaxy Questhas some huge names in its cast who all deliver their characters brilliantly, such as Alan Rickman, Tim Allen, and Sigourney Weaver.Galaxy Quest’s metaness is a significant factor as to why it is so popular, however.
The idea that a regular person is contacted by actual aliens who disapprove of how they are perceived in TV and films is nothing short of ridiculous,but it’s a plotline that many sci-fi audiences dream of experiencing.Galaxy Questdoesn’t just parody the science fiction genre; it also satirizes fans in a way that is humorous while avoiding being patronizing. Despite the film’s success, a sequel is yet to appear in cinemas, butGalaxy Quest 2still needs to happen.
Ghostbusters
The beginning to the classic franchise, Ghostbusters is the 1984 film that started it all. The product of director Ivan Reitman and writers Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis, Ghostbusters was a comedy/sci-fi movie that puts three out-of-work parapsychologists in New York City into the unlikely role of ghost hunters when the supernatural forces begin to emerge in the city. Establishing their new business after having a ghostly encounter at the New York Public Library, Peter Venkman, Ray Stantz, and Egon Spengler head over to their first call from Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver), who’s new unwanted supernatural houseguest will set of paranormal events that will make New York believe in the eccentric scientists. The Ghostbusters will have to live up to their reputation to have a chance against the demi-god responsible for New York’s new haunted status. Ghostbusters had a successful sequel in Ghostbusters II, followed by an all-female reboot in 2016, and a true sequel to the second entry as Ghostbusters: Afterlife in 2021.
Ghostbustersis another fundamental title in the science fiction genre.From start to finish, there are so many renowned features ofGhostbustersthat make it immediately recognizable.For example,Ghostbusters’ iconic theme song is a big part of the franchise’s branding, which leaves anyone who watches it asking, “Who you gonna call?”The originalGhostbusterscast sets up a new standard for sci-fi characters, and Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, and Harold Ramis all produce standout performances as the titular group.
The four men’s amazingly funny differences result in an excellent dynamic between them, and this is prominent ineveryGhostbustersmovie. Ghostbusters’ clever quips in dialogue, cringe-worthy but enjoyable visual effects, and supernatural plot are all core factors of why the film is such a classic sci-fi adventure. Even in the movie’s most pivotal moments,Ghostbustersmanages to stay on topic while layering in dry wit and memorable quotes.
Weird Science
John Hughes' 1985 comedy Weird Science tells the story of two high school students who create a virtual woman using their computer, only to have her come to life. Anthony Michael Hall and Ilan Mitchell-Smith star as teenagers Gary Wallace and Wyatt Donnelly, with Kelly LeBrock playing the artificially created Lisa and Bill Paxton and Robert Downey Jr. in supporting roles,
AlthoughWeird Science’s main plot doesn’t age very well, it’s still a ludicrous and funny film.Weird Scienceinitially seems to be a cheesy ‘80s reimagining of the classic novelFrankenstein,but itis actually an inspiration of Al Feldstein’s 1951 comicMade of the Future. Anthony Michael Hall and Ilan Michael-Smith lead the film as Gary and Wyatt, who hilariously live out many teenagers’ dreams of creating the perfect woman.
Weird Scienceuses typical 1980s humor, music, and direction together to form one of the best goofy comedies ever. While certain parts of the dialogue and story would need to be changed,Weird Sciencestill has a lot of heart and is a title that deserves revisiting.Even Gary Wallace actorAnthony Michael Hall is endorsing a potentialWeird Scienceremake.
Weird Scienceunintentionally mocks the progress of technology, and so a modern-day reinterpretation of the film could allow for the concept to be even more imaginative and creative than the original. The movie’s storyline is wild and wacky, but the exaggeration of sci-fi is what makes it so fantastic.
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Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure
Starring Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter, Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure follows the titular heroes, two high school students in 1980s California who must go on a time-traveling quest assembling historical figures in order to pass a history test and in doing so ensure a utopian future that they play a large part in. George Carlin stars alongside Reeves and Winter as Rufus.
Another notable movie from the 1980s that nails sci-fi and comedy isBill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure. The 1989 release delves into a utopian future that results from the titular characters’ futures, but in order for that perfect world to become a reality, the pair travels through time. What initially seems to be a heroic journey quickly turns into chaos and hilarity, andBill and Ted’s expedition to write their school report in such an unnecessary way keeps the laughter rolling in throughout the film.
The filmis a parody of human history, butBill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure’swacky quotesand stupid antics keep things light-hearted.Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves’ back-and-forth is especially strong,especially Reeves, who is primarily a dramatic rather than comedic actor. Its sequels,Bill & Ted’s Bogus JourneyandBill & Ted Face the Music,aren’t as timeless as the original but do well at recreating the same allure and familiarity.
Space Jam
Space Jam is a 1996 film directed by Joe Pytka. It blends live-action and animation, featuring basketball legend Michael Jordan teaming up with the Looney Tunes characters. Together, they compete against the alien Nerdlucks, who have stolen the skills of NBA stars, in a high-stakes basketball game.
Space Jam’s innovative blending of live-action and animation makes it one of the most recognizable movies of all time. The uproariously funny sports movie features a star-studded cast, including Michael Jordan, Bill Murray, Charles Barkley, and several of theLooney Tunescartoon characters.
This combination of legendary celebrities and animated figures is exciting enough, butSpace Jam’s wild science-fiction storyline about dictator aliens and a basketball match designed to defeat them makes it even better.Space Jamis a brilliant film for all ages, with layers of jokes appropriate for all generations.Space Jam’s many Easter eggsfeature numerous gags and pop-culture references, which makes it even better.
Several of these are still relevant today, as well, makingSpace Jaman easy movie to quickly engage in. WhileSpace Jamis definitely corny, that is a considerable part of why it works. Michael Jordan’s presence, let alone his acting, as well as the appearance of theLooney Tunescast and the ridiculous mix of sports and aliens, givesSpace Jama beautiful feel of ‘90s nostalgia.
Mars Attacks!
Mars Attacks! is a science fiction comedy directed by Tim Burton. Set against the backdrop of a global Martian invasion, the film follows a series of misadventures involving various characters, including a U.S. president played by Jack Nicholson and a quirky scientist portrayed by Pierce Brosnan. The ensemble cast also features Glenn Close, Annette Bening, and Danny DeVito, blending dark humor with Burton’s signature visual style.
Mars Attacks!is a very different project in Tim Burton’s filmography compared to his other titles, but it proves that the director’s talents aren’t limited to a specific genre. The filmhas a rather stereotypical plotline for a sci-fi story, which focuses onthe US president dealing with an unexpected Martian invasion, butMars Attacks!takes a more satirical approach.
The impressive ensemble cast ofMars Attacks!includes several big Hollywood names, such as Jack Nicholson as President James Dale and Glenn Close as First Lady Marsha, both of whom provide solid performances. However, it’s the intelligent humor inMars Attacks!that makes the film so memorable. For example,Mars Attacks!‘alien dialogue is a meta gagand a nod to the movie’s writing process.
There’s no doubt that the special effects are out of date, especially in comparison to some of Burton’s more recent pieces, but if anything, it makes the absurdity of the story that much funnier. Hopefully, future movies will be able to replicate this, such asAttack of the 50 Foot Woman, which could beTim Burton’s new fun continuation ofMars Attacks!
15 Things You Didn’t Know About Mars Attacks!
Ack ack ack! If you thought Tim Burton’s Mars Attacks! was crazy, check out our compilation of behind-the-scenes facts and trivia.
