Jeff Bridges' Forgotten Sci-Fi Masterpiece That Deserves a Second Chance in 2025

Have you ever got that feeling that all things sci-fi that come out these days are something you have already seen? Sometimes, even the top-notch CGI and fresh stories can’t quite satisfy that crave for good old sci-fi.

For those who can relate we have an actual treasure from 1984 that is definitely worth revisiting — or, for some, discovering for the first time.

If you've never stumbled upon Starman, then you're in for a treat. This sci-fi masterpiece comes from the brilliant mind of John Carpenter, a director primarily known for his horror classics The Thing and Halloween. With Starman, Carpenter proved that he could push genre boundaries.

As one passionate fan perfectly put it:

"It's a great movie, but I feel like John Carpenter really deserved a mention. It's the movie that really stands out as being different from his other work in the 80s and wanted to show he could go beyond horror and other cult genre films. And he knocked it out of the park with this one."

This couldn't be more accurate. Carpenter's departure from horror revealed his versatility. He has created a tender, emotionally rich story that definitely stands apart from his usual work.

Jeff Bridges and Cullen Allen Shine in Starman

The film's success owes much to its stellar cast.

The amazing Karen Allen brings authenticity to Jenny Hayden, a widow whose life takes an unexpected turn when an alien visitor takes on the guise of her late husband. Allen, the star of Spielberg's Raiders of the Lost Ark, delivers a performance that perfectly blends grief, bewilderment and reawakening of love.

And then there's Jeff Bridges (The Big Lebowski), of course. His portrayal of the Starman is nothing short of mesmerizing. It's no surprise that he earned an Academy Award nomination for this incredibly nuanced performance.

As charming as Bridges' portrayal was, he wasn't the only actor to bring Starman to life. Robert Hayes also played this very interesting role, but in order to avoid spoilers, we'll let you find out the details of that connection for yourself.

Why Starman Deserves Your Attention in 2025

41 years after its release, Starman remains remarkably relevant. It has a charming authenticity to it that other modern movies are yet to replicate. Its optimistic view of human potential feels very refreshing. Ultimately, it's a feel-good story about what makes us human. You can watch it right now on Apple TV+.

For those who find themselves captivated by this story, there's more to explore. The film spawned a television series starring Robert Hays as Starman. The series takes its own direction, but it maintains the original's core themes.