Defining the horror genre is comparatively simple. A horror film aims to frighten the audience through scary visuals and unsettling threats. Sci-Fi, however, is a bit more difficult to define. It often opens in futuristic or alternate settings, exploring aspects of human nature through stories involving advanced technology, aliens, or space travel.
When science fiction and horror join, they create gripping, brain-wrecking narratives that can be truly terrifying. The following films, all classified as science fiction, have the potential to be exceptionally scary, even if not all fit into the horror genre.
10. The Invisible Man, a 2020 release
The original films in The Invisible Man series date back to the 1930s and 1940s. While they are enjoyable, they are not usually classified as scary. These movies focus on individuals who acquire the power of invisibility, and the complexities that come with this ability, which can be both advantageous and challenging.
In 2020, the franchise was revived with The Invisible Man, a film that went for a more serious and genuinely terrifying tone, eliminating humor. This version features the invisible man stalking and tormenting his ex-partner, transforming it into a psychological thriller. The tension mainly revolves around the protagonist Elisabeth Moss struggling to prove that she’s being tormented by an unseen force.
2. Signs, a 2002 release
Signs, released in 2002, blends horror, mystery, and science fiction in a single plot. Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, the film follows a farm-dwelling family as they respond to possible alien invaders.
Rather than delivering an action-packed alien invasion, the movie focuses on the gradual tension of such an event. It effectively includes eerie sequences and a sense of realism, making it a perfect alien-themed sci-fi film of the 21st century.
3. Shin Godzilla, a 2016 release
Shin Godzilla, released in 2016, is part of the extended Godzilla franchise. This installment, seeking inspiration from the original 1954 film, offers a more terrifying portrayal of the iconic monster.
By subtly depicting a real-life disaster, Shin Godzilla serves as an action-packed film and a genuinely frightening monster movie. While it deals with elements of satire and dark humor, it remains one of the darkest entries in the monster movie genre.
4. Seconds, a 1966 release
Seconds made its debut at the Cannes Film Festival and is notably one of the most disturbing sci-fi films. It tells the story of an organization offering a unique service to the wealthy, allowing them to transform one person into another, even if it means killing the individual whose identity is being considered.
Seconds delivers impactful looks into human nature, raising questions about true identity and the impact of technology on superstitions. Its ability to explore these themes within a disorienting and sometimes unsettling cinematic experience is what makes it a successful fusion of science fiction and horror.
5. Nope, a 2022 release
Jordan Peele, known for his debut Get Out, explored the blend of sci-fi and horror with Nope in 2022. This film offers a unique take on alien invasion, casting a unique setting, a deliberately paced narrative, and a chilling portrayal of extraterrestrial life. Nope is visually impressive and unsettling, while also delivering commentary on humanity’s interaction with other life forms and offering clever critiques of fame and exploitation.
6. Alien, a 1979 release
Alien is undeniably one of the greatest movies of the 1970s, often considered a prime example of the horror and science fiction blend in cinema. Over 40 years since its release, it remains a compelling experience, driven by a straightforward yet brilliantly executed plot.
The story revolves around an unequipped crew trapped on a spaceship with a dangerous alien creature trying to hunt them down. The film’s pacing serves a purpose, relying on setting mystery to build tension. The final act delivers outstanding suspense, powering it as a timeless cinematic masterpiece.
7. The Thing, a 1982 release
The Thing, released in 1982, is regarded as one of the greatest sci-fi films ever made. Initially considered too terrifying, it gained appreciation later on. The film revolves around a group of men at a research facility hunted by a transforming alien creature.
With practical effects that seem gruesome even today, the movie offers a scary atmosphere, continuous suspense, and a haunting final act. It’s a long-time classic in both the sci-fi and horror genres.
8. 28 Days Later, a 2002 release
Before his successful collaborations with Christopher Nolan, Cillian Murphy gained recognition for his role in the after-apocalyptic zombie film 28 Days Later. The movie, which casts Naomie Harris, Christopher Eccleston, and Brendan Gleeson, revolves around a group of survivors trying to explore a world ravaged by a viral outbreak that turns most of the population into homicides.
While some debate it as a zombie movie due to the infected nature of the creatures, the movie remains undeniably frightening and intensely gripping. Its realistic approach has held on to its appeal, even two decades after its release.
9. The Fly, a 1986 release
In 1958, The Fly introduced a scientist’s transformation into a human/fly hybrid, but it may not terrify the new audience. In contrast, the 1986 remake, expertly directed by David Cronenberg, delivers a genuinely effective sci-fi/horror experience that remains disturbing even today. With the help of outstanding special effects, it turns the odd atmosphere into something genuinely frightening. It wonderfully blends genres, providing a thoroughly unsettling film. It also highlights Jeff Goldblum‘s outstanding acting abilities in his role as a scientist.
10. Threads, a 1984 release
Threads may not fit entirely into the horror genre, but it is undeniably one of the most terrifying and disturbing films ever made. It provides a chilling portrayal of the events leading to a global nuclear war, the horrifying consequences of the bomb blasts, and the struggles of survivors.
The movie offers a graphic and nightmarish depiction, making it one of the most devastating and horrifying sci-fi movies in history.