Taking something as well-loved and unique as a sci-fi novel and adapting it to screen is a risky business. Many of the classics, both new and old, have very dedicated and passionate fan bases. Getting it wrong is always going to rustle a few feathers. However, there are a few sci-fi screen adaptations that have it just right.
I feel like this list is going to be much shorter than its ‘flops’ counterpart. However, I have written it to the best of my knowledge. Of course, there will be ones I miss, but I haven’t done it with the sole intention of upsetting fans. I just do it because I am human and therefore fallible.
Dune
May as well get this modern masterpiece out of the way first. Although adapted for screen previously by David Lynch, I feel the one people will think of first is the 2021 sci-fi epic directed by Denis Villeneuve. However, if you want to feel like you have accidentally eaten some strange forest mushrooms for a few hours, give the original sci-fi screen adaptation a go. It’s a wild ride.
Denis Villeneuve has done the book real justice with his telling of Herbert’s space opera. The true majesty of the sandworms, the brutality of generation-killing wars, and the sheer desperation of living in dry ass sand are all palpable through the screen. The score, acting, and wonderful setpieces really bring the science fiction novel to life for a whole new generation of fans. Where he is going to go with the future of the books as they start to get really weird, only time will tell.
Blade Runner
Despite Philip K. Dick’s sci-fi book ‘Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep‘ being a fantastic work of art, I would never have seen the vision that Ridley Scott did for his two magnificent screen adaptations. Philip K. Dick is what you could call a philosophical or theoretical science fiction writer, playing with theories and bizarre situations. However, Scott has pulled two deeply atmospheric and gripping films from the relatively short book.
Playing on the theory rather than the narrative, Ridley Scott’s adaptation of Electric Sheep has fleshed out the world into one of the most iconic sci-fi noir pictures of all time. The futuristic, gritty crime fiction setting paved the way for sci-fi that came after and did justice to the excellent source material.
Frankenstein
Few science fiction lists are complete without the grandmother of science fiction herself, Mary Shelly. Although she was not a prolific writer, Frankenstein is considered one of the first sci-fi novels in history. The adaptation, made in 1931, is also one of the all-time greats.
Although the film may miss a lot of the nuance and societal observations of the original book, this adaptation is still a winner. With the use of such early visual effects, carefully crafted models, and acting that is as hammy as it gets, it’s an instant classic. This is a science fiction adaptation that should be on any fan’s shelf.
2001: A Space Odyssey
It’s little wonder Arthur C. Clark’s books have been picked up and adapted to the sci-fi screen. His broad, space-faring novels are perfectly suited to the adventurous director looking for a challenge. Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of 2001: A Space Odyssey is widely considered one of the greatest feats of filmmaking.
Kubrick and Clark worked closely together on the making of the beautiful, slow, and technically brilliant adaptation. Combining Kubrick’s brilliant and complex mind with Clark’s true, core vision results in a faithful yet deeply stylised adaptation that has stood the test of time. Being lucky enough to see this as a remaster in the cinema is still one of my movie-going highlights.
Arrival
Although the 1981 novella by Ted Chiang is not particularly well known, Story of Your Life is actually the basis for Denis Villeneuve’s second film on this list: Arrival. This magnificent work of sci-fi novel adaptation tackles the issues of language and interpretation between alien races. The interpretation of time and a shot at planet-wide peace is gifted by the Heptapod visitors in this wonderful, thoughtful work.
Denis Villeneuve has a fantastic grasp of the concept of scale, creating massive structures and creatures in both this and Dune. The sheer magnitude of the setpieces he creates, paired with his impeccable soundtracks, create real wonder that sets his current run of science fiction apart from the rest for me.
Metropolis
Although not quite as wild a science fiction adaptation as something like 2001: A Space Odyssey, P.D. James Children of Men is still a classic. The 2006 film adaptation by Alfonso Cuarón took the source material and played it fantastically out on screen.
Although the original work by James is quite different to the narrative of the film, the core themes and issues are still very much present. Whereas the book takes a lot more time to dig into a world rendered infertile, the film takes a much more action-packed approach. This works perfectly as we follow our hero and his infinitely precious cargo through a world tearing itself apart. I remember the famous single shot take, running through the war zone and into the hospital, as one of my favourites as a young, budding film nerd.
Minority Report
Yet another appearance by Philip K. Dick on the best sci-fi screen adaptations list leaves us with Minority Report. Again, reading the source material leaves us with the usual confusion of Dicks incredible writing style but a deep and complete understanding of a typically complex and exciting science fiction theory.
Minority Report uses Philip K. Dicks novella of the same name to create a work where three alien beings are able to predict the future. They are used to prevent crime before it ever happens, one day pinning a crime on our protagonist. The film and book broach the subjects of pre-destiny and free will, asking just how much volition we have over our own lives. Typically Phillip K. Dick, honestly.
The Iron Giant
Ted Hughes originally wrote the book The Iron Man in 1968, which was then adapted into the beautiful animated movie The Iron Giant in 1999. This, for many, will be a very fond memory of a boy and his enormous metal friend as they make their way on an adventure.
The film and book are both rife with Cold War fears as the enemy within becomes evident. Despite being a typically docile and friendly robot, tensions surrounding war and aggression quickly threaten to turn everyone against one another. This sci-fi screen adaptation beautifully captures the interesting observation of Cold War life.
The Expanse
As a space opera, this is a fantastic book series to get your teeth into, and the screen adaptation has done it justice. This long-running series takes the detective approach to uncovering a huge threat to humanity that must be tackled. If you’re in the mood for a sci-fi season that runs over multiple seasons and will keep you gripped for all of them, give The Expanse a go.
Starship Troopers
If you want to discover where games like Helldivers and, of course, the movie of the same name get their inspiration from, pick up a copy of Starship Troopers. This science fiction novel, written by Robert A Heinlein in 1950, is a clear observation of the Cold War America he was living in.
Despite coming out to huge controversy, the original work still won the Huge Award for Best Novel. Its fascinating observations about voting in-depth training and war scenarios inspired the later film. Despite the later film being a goofy masterpiece, the original book was quite a serious take.
