22 Sci-Fi Movies You Don't Have To Be A Nerd To Enjoy

They're all future classics.

We recently asked the BuzzFeed Community to tell us what sci-fi movie they'd recommend to someone who doesn’t like sci-fi. Here are some of the best answers.

1. The Martian (2015)

20th Century Fox

"Despite the locale and all the science, it's a standard survival tale that's very well-paced and fun to watch. And, of course, Matt Damon. Who doesn't like Matt Damon?"

Submitted by Bucky James Dio, Facebook

2. Her (2013)

Warner Bros.

"It's not an obvious sci-fi movie, so it's a good choice for people who think they don't like the genre. The mix of drama, romance, and science fiction keeps the story engaging, plus the cast is near perfect."

Submitted by Jack Green, Facebook

3. Event Horizon (1997)

Paramount Pictures

"It will also scare the crap out of you."

Submitted by Chris Roll, Facebook

4. Ex Machina (2015)

Universal Pictures

'It’s a great film with more focus on the thriller element than the science-fiction."

Submitted by jessiemae

5. Back to the Future (1985)

Universal Pictures

"It's grounded itself in pop culture as a classic and very memorable film. BTTF contains thought provoking themes while making itself overwhelmingly entertaining. It is hard to hate this sublime masterpiece."

Submitted by Niall Hassett, Facebook

6. Interstellar (2014)

Warner Bros.

"You don’t have to like sci-fi to love this movie."

Submitted by torbanni

7. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Focus Features

"If they're a fan of romantic movies I'd recommend Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind."

Submitted by Stuart Robertson, Facebook

8. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

"It's a cerebral mindfuck that hides in sci-fi clothing."

Submitted by ashleyh47a4ede11

9. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (2005)

Walt Disney Studios

"It’s got great actors, comedy, and drama. It’s also extremely thought provoking. But most importantly, what other movie tells you the meaning of life?"

Submitted by sabrefencer

10. A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

Warner Bros.

"It’s a really good movie about a robotic boy who was programmed to love. He gets adopted and has to embark on a journey to find out where he truly belongs."

Submitted by mahiali209960

11. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)

20th Century Fox

"I’d never seen any of them but after all the hype last year over the new one I figured what the hell, you can’t knock it until you’ve tried it. I LOVED IT. It’s such a great story, you don’t even notice that it’s set in a different world, you just get caught up in it."

Submitted by michelles42560a195

12. Serenity (2005)

Universal Pictures

"It's just a quality film and I’ve never met a person who has seen it and not liked it."

Submitted by linneam

13. MirrorMask (2005)

Samuel Goldwyn Films

"I have to stress how awesome and underrated MirrorMask is! From the mind of Neil Gaiman, this movie is like Coraline on an acid trip. Check it out!"

Submitted by Cassie Freeman, Facebook

14. The Matrix (1999)

Warner Bros.

"It really changes your perspective on reality and everything around you. Plus it has killer fight scenes."

Submitted by aslia4dfb69e73

15. Moon (2009)

Sony Pictures Classics

"Moon is more stripped down than the stereotypical sci-fi . With only 'one' character present, this movie is carried by both the great acting of Sam Rockwell and a compelling story that comes before the special effects."

Submitted by Brian O'Neill, Facebook

16. The Terminator (1984)

Orion Pictures

"Robots from a dystopian future seems like it would be pure sci-fi, but the first Terminator movie is great for people more into horror, with Sarah being stalked by a relentless killer while everybody thinks the guy trying to protect her is crazy."

Submitted by Beverley Carry, Facebook

17. Avatar (2009)

20th Century Fox

"Avatar is not only one of my favorite sci-fi films, but one of my favorite films in general. The graphics are stunning and it has a script that flows while holding a lot of meaning. It gives a complex look at the environment as well as colonization. it's one of the few films that sees humans as the enemies and the aliens as the protagonists."

Submitted by Kelly Nicole, Facebook

18. Gravity (2013)

Warner Bros.

"It’s beautiful, well done, and simple. It doesn’t beat you over the head with science, but tells a plausible story about a genuine threat (space junk). You have to suspend a bit of disbelief – all the space stations aren’t really that close together – but other than that it’s very solid."

Submitted by tomchivers

19. Star Trek (2009)

Paramount Pictures

"Neither of my parents are sci-fi fans but I convinced them to watch Star Trek. It’s perfect because it’s not too heavy, has some good humour, great acting, and is the perfect way to get into the franchise."

Submitted by c4d65ad352

20. The Fifth Element (1997)

Columbia Pictures

"It’s got great action with a good amount of comic relief. It's become a classic and doesn’t take a genius to follow."

Submitted by SnOwRiDe1080

21. Oblivion (2013)

Universal Pictures

"It takes place in the near future, on Earth, and the scenery is GORGEOUS. It feels futuristic while still being grounded and natural. Plus the story is easy to follow while still being surprising."

Submitted by Becky Novak, Facebook

22. Children of Men (2006)

Universal Pictures

"I would definitely say Children of Men based on the novel by P.D. James. The book is great, but the film is probably the only instance, for me, where the movie is better than the book. Although this film came out 10 years ago, the themes discussed are something that are still relevant today."

Submitted by genntouv89

Note: Submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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