Ignite Your Kids' Imagination with These Sci-Fi Gems
Fantastic Voyage (1966)
Although its practical special effects may seem outdated now, this movie about a team of scientists being miniaturized and injected into a scientist's bloodstream still holds a lot of charm. For those interested in how the human body works, it offers realistic (for its era) depictions of the heart, blood cells, and other organs. It's a fun survival adventure that kids will surely enjoy. You can rent Fantastic Voyage on Prime Video.
Imagine the excitement of seeing these tiny scientists navigate through the complex world inside a human body. It's a unique experience that can spark a child's curiosity about the human body and science in general. This movie truly stands the test of time.
Tron (1982)
Between the exhilarating Lightcycle Run ride at Walt Disney World and the highly anticipated sequel starring Jared Leto, there are many reasons to revisit the original Tron. This sci-fi classic follows a computer engineer who ventures into the digital realm and leads a revolution.
Even though the primitive CGI may seem a bit dated to modern eyes, kids will be captivated by the excitement of characters competing for their lives in video games. It's a great introduction to the world of virtual reality and computer programming. Watch this movie on Disney+ or rent on Prime Video.
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004)
If your kids enjoy the visual aesthetics of The Iron Giant, they'll likely appreciate the steampunk style of this imaginative adventure. The movie revolves around a heroic pilot battling an army of colossal robots and pioneered the fully green screen filming technique to create its retro-futuristic feel.
Unlike some other Spielberg-esque movies, there's no heart-ripping or face-melting here. It's a fun and exciting story that kids can relate to. Watch it on Netflix or rent from Prime Video.
WarGames (1983)
This techno-thriller about a teenager hacking into a government military system may not seem like science fiction anymore, but it still raises relevant questions about artificial intelligence and the potential for disaster.
What made this movie appealing to younger audiences was how accessible it made computers seem. The computer's operating system, "Joshua," was a character in its own right, adding an extra layer of interest. Kids today may find it quaint, but it's still a classic. Watch it on Max or rent it from Prime Video.
Flight of the Navigator (1986)
The plot of a young boy disappearing and returning eight years later at the same age is quite unusual for a Disney movie. His mysterious disappearance is linked to an alien spaceship discovered by NASA.
Even if the time travel shenanigans are a bit too complex for some kids, the alien ship voiced by Paul Rubens and the exciting special effects sequences will keep them engaged. Watch it on Disney+ or rent it from Prime Video.
All Monsters Attack (1969)
Although widely regarded as the worst in the Godzilla franchise, this Toho-era film has a special place in the hearts of many. It transforms Godzilla into a children's toy, which kids find quite charming.
The story of a young kid imagining himself visiting Godzilla's home and learning life lessons is both heartwarming and entertaining. While the action sequences may be a bit hokey, it's a great way to introduce kids to an iconic character. Watch it on Max, The Criterion Channel, or rent from Prime Video.
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986)
When it comes to introducing kids to Star Trek, this movie is a great starting point. It features the original crew bringing humpback whales from 1980's San Francisco to the future to save the planet.
The script simultaneously introduces the heady concepts that have made the series appealing for generations while also having fun with the fish-out-of-water characters. After seeing this classic, kids might start debating the pros and cons of the Kobayashi Maru training scenario. Watch it on Paramount+ With Showtime or stream/rent from Prime Video.
Time Bandits (1981)
Growing up, I loved this goofy fantasy film from Monty Python alum Terry Gilliam. It follows Kevin as he escapes his tech-obsessed parents and journeys through history with a troupe of era-hopping dwarves.
With a map that allows them to travel through time and space, they encounter key figures from the past and get into all sorts of adventures. Kids will love Kevin's resourcefulness and the hilarious ending. Watch it on Max or The Criterion Channel or rent it from Prime Video.
Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989)
When it comes to time travel movies, this comedy about two slackers is hard to beat. They kidnap historical figures to ace their history report and make history fun.
It shows that we should never underestimate anyone, and the addition of Joan of Arc and Beethoven in a shopping mall adds to the fun. If your family likes this movie, the sequels are just as enjoyable. Watch it on Max or rent it from Prime Video.
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
As adults, we often lose our sense of awe and curiosity. But this movie helps us recapture that feeling. Roy Neery's inquisitiveness transforms him from a middle-class father into a world-famous space explorer.
It also gives kids an excuse to play with their food and learn about the importance of communicating with others who are different. Rent it digitally from Prime Video.
Explorers (1985)
Although director Joe Dante couldn't finish the film as he wanted, it still has a whimsical charm. It's a love letter to childhood imagination and '50s sci-fi.
Three suburban kids make a spaceship out of junk with only their ingenuity and no parental supervision. It's a great story that shows that even alien races can be more like us than we think. Stream it for free with ads on Pluto TV or rent it from Prime Video.