sci-fi films

In this article, about what Ridley Scott's classic film "Alien" says about society's relationship with young women, two figures sit against a dark background. A young woman with olive skin and dark hair gazes absent-mindedly in the distance. A xenomorph hovers over her shoulder, baring its teeth in a snarl, as its sharp, knife-like tail looms over her shoulder. Green light of a rather pallor variant shines over their skin, like the light of an emergency alarm.

What 1979’s ‘Alien’ says About Humanity’s Relationship with Sexuality

Hamad Naroze, Hunter College

Exploring what Ridley Scott's "Alien" tells us about humanity’s "protective" relationship over women.…

February 8, 2024

‘Stargate’ May Be Sci-Fi’s Most Self-Aware Franchise

Sydney Chastain, Florida State University

Meet a franchise that parodies its genre, its fans and itself.…

December 1, 2023

In an article about sci-fi, Frankenstein's monster stands back-to-back with Peter Quill from Guardians of the Galaxy in front of a colorful background.

From ‘Frankenstein’ to ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’: ‘A True History’ of Sci-Fi

Ava Coates, Emory University

Science fiction has a long and complex past. How have sci-fi works from previous centuries influenced the modern genre?…

August 14, 2023

illustration of landscape from Dune with the word Dune Part II on it

What Can We Expect From the Upcoming ‘Dune’ Movies?

Kaitlyn Anderson, Cornell University

Denis Villeneuve's 2021 film adaptation of the classic sci-fi novel was a huge hit. Amid discussion of the sequel, it's the perfect time to ask what else is in store.…

October 1, 2022

A still from fantasy series, 'Xena: Warrior Princess.'

Muscular Women and High Stakes: Why Lesbians Love Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror

L.R. Staples, Sarah Lawrence College

While some genres continue to rely on outdated tropes like female submission, others provide a beacon of hope for queer female audiences as they portray women as strong, independent leads.…

September 8, 2021

An illustration of BB-8 and Yoda from "Star Wars." (Illustration by Olivia Luo, The Ohio State University)

‘Star Wars’ Is Actually a Fantasy Series — Not Science Fiction

Elliot Jackson-Ontkush, Skidmore College

The franchise, which has now existed for more than 40 years, has elements of both genres. However, its tone and themes place it more firmly in the more magical of the two.…

June 19, 2021

2021 Will Find ‘Dune’ Getting Another Chance at Cinematic Recognition

Beth Jordan, Aquinas College

After many failed film attempts and getting overshadowed by 'Star Wars,' Frank Herbert's classic sci-fi novel is finally getting another opportunity to shine on the silver screen.…

March 7, 2021