The 1950s was a pivotal time for science fiction in cinema, with many classic films that have stood the test of time. Here are nine 1950s sci-fi movies that are still worth streaming in English:
- The Thing from Another World (1951): Directed by Christian Nyby, this classic horror-sci-fi film tells the story of a U.S. Air Force pilot who is sent to the Arctic to investigate a research station where all the staff has been killed by a mysterious creature. Starring James Arness as the lead character, this film is a masterclass in suspense and paranoia.
Streamable on: Amazon Prime Video, TCM, and YouTube
- The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951): Produced and directed by Robert Wise, this film stars Michael Rennie as an alien who comes to Earth to warn humanity that they must stop their destructive ways or face the consequences. This thought-provoking film is a must-watch for its clever commentary on nuclear war and the danger of human aggression.
Streamable on: Amazon Prime Video, TCM, and YouTube
- Forbidden Planet (1956): Gruening and Producer Nicholas Ray bring us this visually stunning film set in the distant future, where a spaceship crew lands on a mysterious planet with a monster in the form of a giant, blood-spattered, and terrifying creature. The special effects hold up surprisingly well, making this a must-see.
Streamable on: Amazon Prime Video, TCM, and YouTube
- It Came from Outer Space (1953): Directed by Jack Arnold, this classic tale of a spaceship and its alien cargo landing in Earth, only to be met with hostility, is a slow-burning anxiety fest that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Starring Hal Spacey as a scientist with a hidden agenda, this film is a masterclass in suspense.
Streamable on: Amazon Prime Video, TCM, and YouTube
- Them! (1954): This monster film, directed by Gordon Douglas, tells the story of a group of nuclear scientists who become trapped in an underground tunnel system under New Mexico, where they discover an eerily similar parallel world inhabited by mutated, giant ants. The chills are real.
Streamable on: Amazon Prime Video, TCM, and YouTube
- 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954): Bundled with countless James Bond films, this Disney production, directed by Richard Fleischer, brings H.G. Wells’ classic tale to life in a visually stunning way. Kirk Douglas and James Mason star in this swashbuckling submarine adventure.
Streamable on: Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and YouTube
- Killer from Space (1958): Another classic alien invasion film, this one directed by Ed Wood Jr., tells the tale of a glowing space object that crashes on Earth, only to hatch a giant, bloodthirsty creature. Starring John Carradine as a scientist trying to stop the impending doom, this film is a cult classic.
Streamable on: Amazon Prime Video, TCM, and YouTube
- 20 Million Miles to Earth (1957): A classic tale of a spaceship that comes to Earth carrying an alien, The Beast, and the scientist who tries to capture it for the government. The special effects, though dated, still deliver in this cleverly written script by Robert A. Heinlein (a.k.a. the "Father of Modern Science Fiction").
Streamable on: Amazon Prime Video, TCM, and YouTube
- The Man Who Fell to Earth (1959): Directed by Henry Worton, this lesser-known film tells the story of a human who lands on Earth, only to realize he is an extraterrestrial, using his wandering on Earth to try to understand human nature. The film’s themes of alienation and existential crisis remain/provocative, even today.
Streamable on: Amazon Prime Video, TCM, and YouTube
These nine cult classics will transport you back to a time when science fiction was an emerging genre, with themes and ideas that still resonate with us today. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and experience the nostalgia of 1950s sci-fi, guaranteed to still captivate your imagination!
