The 1970s was a decade of transformation and progress in science fiction films. From the iconic Star Wars to the allegorical classic Invasion of the Body Snatchers, movies from this era captured audiences’ imaginations with groundbreaking special effects, distinctive storylines, and captivating characters.
Directors like George Lucas were breaking new ground with their space opera stories, while others were creating thoughtful meditations on society and our relationship with technology. However, many underrated gems from this era have taken the backseat to the more popular titles. Still, these movies provide an interesting perspective on the genre and deserve recognition for their creativity and artistry. Here are the top underrated sci-fi movies of the 1970s, ranked.
10 The Terminal Man (1974)
George Segal stars in 1974's The Terminal Man, a medical thriller that follows the story of a man suffering from violent seizures. After undergoing experimental brain surgery, Segal's character finds himself much worse than before, struggling to control his own body. It's a slow burn that delves into the intersection of technology and morality through a horror-tinged lens. The atmosphere is incredibly cold, with a compelling lead performance from Segal.
Director Mike Hodges and director of photography Richard Kline create such memorable moments through the cinematography, with each detail a key part of the artistry. The drawn-out story and pacing of its suspense are not for everyone, but for those who enjoy a good sci-fi thriller that asks questions about the human condition and the growth of technology, The Terminal Man is a good watch.
9 Rollerball (1975)
1975's Rollerball is a dystopian vision of the future, one where a violent sports league rules over society. James Caan stars in this science fiction thriller set in 2018, which in all fairness, was far in the future at the time of its release. Caan plays Jonathan E., a star player in the Rollerball league, as he strives to overcome a system that seeks to control him and ensure the league's continued success as a means of social control.
Rollerball offers commentary on corporate greed and manipulation, though it does so through a relatively straightforward story. The action is thrilling, with some of the most iconic high-energy sports scenes in cinema history. Caan's performance and supporting roles from John Houseman and Maud Adams are exceptional. There are flaws in some of the plotting, but Rollerball's heady themes and memorable action scenes make it a great choice for fans of 70s sci-fi.
8 Night of the Lepus (1972)
One of the more bizarre and outside-the-box offerings from the decade, 1972's Night of the Lepus stars Janet Leigh, Rory Calhoun, and Stuart Whitman in the sci-fi horror hybrid. A small-town Arizona community is being terrorized by a pack of giant mutated rabbits created due to a genetic engineering experiment. It's a silly premise, and the execution isn't perfect, but the movie does have some fun with its outlandish idea.
The star cast makes up for the campy execution, with Leigh and Calhoun giving solid performances. The scenes featuring the giant rabbits are cheesy but provide a thought-provoking look at the consequences of eco-terrorism and the dangers of genetic manipulation. Overall, Night of the Lepus is an absurd but enjoyable B-movie watch for fans of sci-fi and still timely eco-horror.
7 Silent Running (1972)
Bruce Dern stars in 1972's Silent Running, a thoughtful sci-fi drama set in a world where all plant life on Earth has been extinguished. Dern stars as Freeman Lowell, an astronaut sent to maintain a small botanical garden in space. He works on the project for years before discovering an order to terminate it, leading him on a desperate, rogue mission driven by loneliness, morality, and desperation.
Silent Running is a somber tale of environmental responsibility and our relationship with the natural world. The movie is surprisingly influential and moving, though it's usually overshadowed by more energetic films. The cinematography is impressive, and the special effects are convincing for the time. Fans of movies like The Martian should check out this more grounded but just as compelling classic.
6 The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976)
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The Man Who Fell to Earth finds David Bowie in his first major film role as Thomas Jerome Newton, an extraterrestrial who travels to Earth seeking a way to save his home planet. The movie is based on a novel of the same name and follows Newton's journey as he discovers the beauty and complexity of humanity. Director Nicolas Roeg's work is visually stunning, with bright colors, surreal moments, and a unique visual style that heightens the drama.
The non-linear narrative and messy presentation aren't for every viewer, but the film is an unforgettable experience. Bowie is excellent in the lead role, and he's backed up by a talented supporting cast, including Rip Torn, Candy Clark, and Buck Henry. The Man Who Fell to Earth is a masterful blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and drama that stands as one of the decade's most rewarding genre classics.
5 Wizards (1977)
The Wizards is an animated sci-fi fantasy film from 1977, directed by the great Ralph Bakshi. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, the movie follows the story of two powerful wizards, Avatar and Blackwolf, battling for control of a world now populated by mutants, fairies, elves, and other creatures. It's a psychedelic and disturbing vision of the future, presented in Bakshi's style.
This film has gained cult status over the years, with many citing its revolutionary storytelling and visual style. The animation combines traditional hand-drawn sequences and rotoscoped live-action footage. It's visually striking but can be jarring for those used to more traditional animation styles. This film has gained cult status over the years, with many citing its revolutionary storytelling and visual style. Wizards is an essential entry into the sci-fi fantasy cinema world.
4 Death Race 2000 (1975)
Another cult classic from the 70s is 1975's Death Race 2000. Directed by the wonderfully campy Paul Bartel and starring David Carradine and Sylvester Stallone, the film is set in a dystopian future where citizens compete in a deadly cross-country race. The participants score points for each person they kill, and the winner is rewarded with fame and fortune.
Death Race 2000 is a subversive, humorous take on an action film with many elements that mesh with horror, sci-fi, and even comedy. The action sequences are filled with blood and gore, with the film's low, gritty atmosphere only adding to the fun. It's a fun throwback to 70s cinema as a fast-paced thrill ride that is still entertaining today.
3 Solaris (1972)
Solaris is an enigmatic Russian sci-fi film from 1972, directed by Andrei Tarkovsky. It follows a psychologist's journey to investigate strange happenings on a remote space station. Upon arrival, he meets with the crew, who are dealing with the effects of radiation waves they've been sending out into the ocean. It causes the team to confront their memories and dreams in physical form, leading them on a journey of discovery.
Solaris is a slow, meditative film more concerned with ideas than action. The concepts explored in the film develop in a passive, hypnotic way that requires patience and attention. It has a runtime of over two and a half hours, yet it's the perfect length for what Tarkovsky is trying to accomplish. Solaris is a classic of the genre and one that every science fiction fan should experience.
2 Scream and Scream Again (1970)
Scream and Scream Again is a 1970 British sci-fi thriller directed by Gordon Hessler. The movie follows three separate stories, all of which revolve around a mysterious killer terrorizing nightclubs in London. With the reputation of being a vampire, the killer is pursued by a group of scientists, detectives, and government agents. Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, and Vincent Price star in the film, providing an enjoyable mix of gothic horror and science fiction in this approachable thriller.
The film's three stories are linked by themes of death, mystery, and immortality, as well as some creepy scenes that harken back to classic monster movies. It holds a 60s murder mystery vibe while paying homage to traditional genre elements. Despite the chaotic plot and pacing, Scream and Scream Again is a fun movie.
1 THX 1138 (1971)
The first feature film directed by George Lucas, THX 1138 is a sci-fi thriller set in a totalitarian future where emotions are suppressed, and human beings are treated as commodities fed hallucinogenic drugs to keep them docile. Robert Duvall stars as THX 1138, a man who stops taking the drugs and begins questioning the computer-controlled government system. Maggie McOmie co-stars as LUH 3417, joining him in his rebellion. It's an ambitious story with an artistic look and feels often seen in works from directors like Stanley Kubrick or Ridley Scott.
THX 1138 is a visually striking but emotionally cold film with eerie soundscapes and slick production design. Its dystopian setting displays a take on science fiction topics such as surveillance, mind control, and freedom of choice. The movie stands out from the rest of Lucas' work and other productions from this decade, showing a vision that helped pave the way for future sci-fi films. It's a cult favorite with a satirical edge and a gripping analysis of the future of humanity.