Movies

10 Perfect Sci-Fi Comedies For Those Who Don't Take Science Too Seriously

10 Perfect Sci-Fi Comedies For Those Who Don't Take Science Too Seriously
Image credit: Universal Pictures

Sometimes science fiction tools can be used to generate humor.

The world of science fiction always comes up with the most outrageous scenarios to depict life. However, sometimes these sci-fi settings are invented to reflect our real lives. With the use of fictional places, characters, and even entirely new planets, the creators simply make fun of reality without directly addressing the issues.

Here are ten perfect examples for those who want to enjoy a sci-fi movie and also laugh at almost every line.

1. They Live

Probably the most popular movie in this genre is John Carpenter's They Live from 1988. This is probably due to the fact that the director's take on satire films is extremely biting. The film follows an unnamed character who finds a pair of sunglasses that allow him to see the "real world," meaning that he realizes how it is ruled by elite... aliens. The movie illustrates Reagan's America.

2. RoboCop

Another movie that is considered the best in the genre is RoboCop. However, after finding out the premise of the show, many people thought it would be some sort of dull action movie for those who don’t want to think at all. Turns out, the movie that features a cyber policeman is quite the opposite of what the audiences expected. Yes, there are many scenes with explosions and stuff, but director Paul Verhoeven made sure that the movie is a perfect satire on humanity and its traditions.

3. Brazil

Brazil is a brilliant take on a dystopian future. The film centers on a bureaucrat who goes in circles around the technocratic future society, desperately searching for a woman who has always been in his dreams. The director, Terry Gilliam, created the most surreal settings for this fairly straightforward premise and turned it into something completely absurd.

4. Sorry To Bother You

A relatively new film compared to other pieces, Sorry to Bother You is Boots Riley's attempt to draw attention to the unhealthy capitalist structures of society. The movie begins by depicting a dilemma in the mind of the main character: does he have to unite with his striking co-workers or keep the management position instead. The twists and turns of this movie will leave you gasping in shock all the time.

5. The Stepford Wives

The Stepford Wives creates a frightening and paranoid world in which to live. The movie is one of the first takes on what is now called a social thriller. It tells the story of a young woman who moves to Stepford, only to find that there's something wrong with all the women there. Soon she will find out what made them so obedient to their husbands.

6. Idiocracy

Idiocracy portrays a future where humanity's collective IQ has been diminished because all smart people decided to stop having children, and less bright folks, on the contrary, reproduced a lot. After the movie was released, it wasn't highly praised by critics, however after some years Idiocracy has been jokingly referred to as a documentary. The thing is, all the shocking events described in the movie turned out to be remarkably prophetic...

7. Starship Troopers

The film focuses on a team of futuristic military people who are sent into an intergalactic conflict with aliens in the 23rd century. It uses a war story about humanity's conflict with a non-human villain to mock the concept of war in general. At first, the movie didn't get much praise, largely because the writers were accused of endorsing fascism. However, after some time it was recognized as a satire on the issue.

8. Galaxy Quest

It is basically an ironic satire on science fiction itself. It is a dead-on parody of Star Trek and a loving tribute to the hardcore sci-fi fandom. The cast is led by three icons who mock their own profession: Tim Allen as a self-important Shatner caricature, Sigourney Weaver as a talented actor reduced to a one-dimensional role, and Alan Rickman as a Shakespearean dramatist who resents his sci-fi fame.

9. Mars Attacks!

Tim Burton's iconic 1996 film is a flawless tribute to the silly sci-fi movies created in the 50s. The film features a star-studded cast, including hilariously goofy performances from Glenn Close, Danny DeVito, Michael J. Fox, and Jack Nicholson in a double role. The movie uses the well-known idea of an alien attack to make fun at the cynicism of the '90s.

10. Dark Star

The movie is a satirical look at the future of humanity in the 22nd century. It focuses on a team of soldiers who are on a spaceship. But they are not just hanging around, they are on a mission to destroy every other planet they come across. The movie is full of nihilistic jokes, so if you’re into dark humor, you know what to turn on next.