Top 10 Science Fiction Horror Movies

Written by: Greg McCabe

In my opinion, horror and science fiction have always blended together quite nicely. More than any other crossover, I think these two genres have a synergistic effect on each other. Horror can bring some much-needed excitement into the intellectually heavy world of sci-fi, and vice versa. Here are my top 10 favorite sci-fi horror films.

10. Critters

Outrageous, campy, ridiculous, and I love every second of it.  Little furry carnivorous aliens wreak havoc on a small town while being hunted by intergalactic bounty hunters. What’s not to like?

9. Cube

This psychological thriller is a well-done sleeper that has gained cult status. One might think that a movie set entirely in interconnected cubes would quickly become stale, yet, thanks to excellent pacing the story moves along quite seamlessly.

8. Fire in the Sky

The best alien abduction movie ever, in my opinion. And made all the more terrifying by the fact that it’s based on a true story. The abduction sequence contains some of the most horrifying and disorienting scenes ever put to film. I get chills just thinking about it.

7. Prometheus

This quasi-prequel to the Alien franchise provided everything needed to make quality sci-fi horror: a high-concept story with lots of brain candy accompanied by unnerving and ghastly events.

6. The Fly (1986)

A man and fly are genetically mutated together, which provides director David Cronenberg the perfect platform for some righteous gross-out moments. However, amidst all the man-fly mayhem is a very tragic love story between the characters who were excellently portrayed by Geena Davis and Jeff Goldblum.

5. The Thing (1982)

Scientists at an Antarctic research center start getting picked off by a shape-shifting alien. Tense atmosphere and remarkable creature-effects made this movie an instant classic.

4. Predator

Some may call this sci-fi action, instead of sci-fi horror because of all the machine gun fire and explosions, but the essence of this movie relies on pure terror. Nothing says primal fear like being hunted in a jungle by an unknown predator.

3. Event Horizon

While this one did not fare well with the critics, I find it to be a phenomenal entry into the sci-fi horror genre. The vastly intriguing premise culminates into a bloody and horrifying vision of hell in space.

2. Alien

This masterpiece set the benchmark for all sci-fi horror films to follow. While it might feel a little dated today, it’s technically flawless and still capable of building tremendous tension with nothing but eerie atmosphere.

1. Aliens

While the original was a slow burn, the sequel is much more ambitious. Nominated for seven Academy Awards, this movie raised the bar for sci-fi horror in regards to acting, directing, visual effects, musical score, and all-around extraterrestrial pandemonium.

About the author: Greg McCabe is a born-and-raised Texan. His debut novel, The Undying Love, was published in 2013. Greg enjoys all genres of fiction, but seems to gravitate towards horror and science fiction.