When it comes to shaking up the male-dominated aspect of most movies, the film industry is constantly improving. The sci-fi genre, in particular, has suffered as a result of being mostly marketed to men over the years. It’s a little absurd to consider how many sci-fi movies feature only men in leading roles.
This is especially true given the great quality of sci-fi movies with female leads! One would think that the balance would have evened out by now, given that some of the best sci-fi films of all time include female protagonists. While there is still work to be done, these top 5 sci-fi films show the progress that has already been made.
Best 5 Women Protagonist Sci-Fi Movies
- Alien
It seems obvious that Alien would be included. Alien has to be the best sci-fi film featuring a female protagonist of all time.
In equal parts unsettling and thrilling, Ridley Scott’s 1979 sci-fi horror film about alien-hunting astronauts on the Nostromo vessel is haunting and thrilling. Ripley, on the other hand, is the film’s constant anchor. Weaver confirmed her reputation as one of Hollywood’s most talented actresses with her performance, for which she received a BAFTA award. Alien is still the gold standard 41 years later.
- Star Wars: The Last Jedi
The original Star Wars movie starred Luke Skywalker and Han Solo as the main characters, with Princess Leia serving as a supporting role. With Felicity Jones at the head of Rogue One, Disney’s era of Star Wars began to change.
The Last Jedi is, without a doubt, the best Star Wars picture with a female lead. The picture is not simply a brave and innovative take on the beloved franchise, but it also centers on Daisy Ridley’s Rey. In Rian Johnson’s sequel, Rey, one of the best characters in recent memory, reaches her peak.
- Gravity
Gravity, Alfonso Cuarón’s 2013 sci-fi space thriller, was a huge hit. It raked in hundreds of millions of dollars at the box office and dominated the Academy Awards. The concept (a woman gets stranded in space and has no control of her direction) was well-executed and performed.
The cast has been drastically reduced, with George Clooney and Sandra Bullock taking the lead for the majority of the film. Bullock, on the other hand, is the film’s driving force. Ryan Stone, her astronaut doctor, is easy to identify with and root for throughout her difficult journey above the Earth.
- Hunger Games
The Hunger Games franchise as a whole is pretty good, and it’s still one of the best young adult/dystopia book-to-film adaptations out there. Jennifer Lawrence’s portrayal of Katniss Everdeen is flawless and unforgettable.
However, the first Hunger Games film is still the greatest of the four. Although Catching Fire is close behind it, there was nothing quite like seeing Gary Ross’ 2012 adaptation for the first time.
- Invisible Man
The Invisible Man (the newest film on the list, released this past February) includes as much horror as it does sci-fi, similar to Annihilation. Leigh Whannell’s sci-fi horror film seems as modern as it can be by updating the original H.G. Wells story to represent the “Invisible Man” using technology.
However, Elisabeth Moss’s performance is undoubtedly the best part of the film. Moss is already regarded as one of the best living performers, but this only cemented his position.
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