Blast Off Into The Past: Classic Science Fiction Films Of The 1960s

By WatchListHQSeptember 10, 2025
The 1960s was a pivotal time for the science fiction genre, with filmmakers pushing the boundaries of special effects, storytelling, and social commentary. This decade saw the release of some of the most iconic and influential science fiction films of all time, many of which continue to inspire and captivate audiences today.

From the existential themes of Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey to the socially conscious commentary of Planet of the Apes, the science fiction films of the 1960s tackled complex issues and ideas that resonated with audiences around the world. These films not only reflected the anxieties and fears of the time but also offered a glimpse into a possible future, one that was both fascinating and terrifying.

The 1960s science fiction films also showcased a wide range of styles and approaches, from the cerebral and philosophical to the action-packed and adventurous. Whether it was the eerie atmosphere of Village of the Damned or the epic scope of Destroy All Monsters, these films demonstrated the versatility and creativity of the science fiction genre. With their innovative special effects, memorable characters, and thought-provoking themes, the classic science fiction films of the 1960s remain a must-see for fans of the genre.

In this collection, we've gathered some of the most iconic and enduring science fiction films of the 1960s, each one a testament to the power and imagination of the genre. From the familiar favorites to the lesser-known gems, these films offer a journey through a decade of cinematic innovation and creativity, one that continues to inspire and influence filmmakers today.
2001: A Space Odyssey
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2001: A Space Odyssey

#1

Humanity finds a mysterious object buried beneath the lunar surface and sets off to find its origins with the help of HAL 9000, the world's most advanced super computer.

1968
8.1
11993 votes
Planet of the Apes
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Planet of the Apes

#2

Astronaut Taylor crash lands on a distant planet ruled by apes who use a primitive race of humans for experimentation and sport. Soon Taylor finds himself among the hunted, his life in the hands of a benevolent chimpanzee scientist.

1968
7.6
3729 votes
Seconds
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Seconds

#3

An unhappy middle-aged banker agrees to a procedure that will fake his death and give him a completely new look and identity; one that comes with its own price.

1966107 min
Science FictionThrillerHorror
7.3
388 votes
Village of the Damned
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Village of the Damned

#4

In a small English village everyone suddenly falls unconscious. When they awake every woman of child bearing age is pregnant. The resulting children have the same strange blond hair, eyes and a strong connection to each other.

196077 min
HorrorScience Fiction
7.2
463 votes
Mothra
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Mothra

#5

Shipwreck survivors found on the presumably uninhabited Infant Island leads to a scientific expedition that discovers a surviving native population along with the Shobijin, tiny twin fairy priestesses of the island's mythical deity called Mothra. After the fairies are kidnapped by an exploitative businessman named Clark Nelson, Mothra sets out to rescue them.

1961101 min
AdventureScience FictionFantasy
7.1
171 votes
Fahrenheit 451
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Fahrenheit 451

#6

In the future, the government maintains control of public opinion by outlawing literature and maintaining a group of enforcers, known as “firemen,” to perform the necessary book burnings. Fireman Montag begins to question the morality of his vocation…

1966113 min
DramaScience Fiction
7.1
1017 votes
Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster
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Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster

#7

After a meteorite unleashes a three-headed beast upon Tokyo, Mothra tries to unite with Godzilla and Rodan to battle the extraterrestrial threat.

196492 min
Science FictionActionFantasy
7.0
267 votes
Alphaville
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Alphaville

#8

Lemmy Caution is on a mission to eliminate Professor Von Braun, the creator of a malevolent computer that rules the city of Alphaville. Befriended by the scientist’s daughter Natasha, Lemmy must unravel the mysteries of the strictly logical Alpha 60 and teach Natasha the meaning of the word “love.”

196599 min
DramaScience FictionMystery
6.9
578 votes
King Kong vs. Godzilla
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King Kong vs. Godzilla

#9

The advertising director of Pacific Pharmaceuticals, frustrated with the low ratings of their sponsored TV program, seeks a more sensationalist approach. He orders his staff to Faro Island to capture King Kong for exploitation. As Godzilla re-emerges, a media frenzy generates with Pacific looking to capitalize off of the ultimate battle.

196297 min
Science FictionComedyAdventure
6.9
322 votes
Destroy All Monsters
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Destroy All Monsters

#10

At the turn of the century, all of the Earth's monsters have been rounded up and kept safely on Monsterland. Chaos erupts when a race of she-aliens known as the Kilaaks unleash the monsters across the world.

196889 min
Science FictionAction
6.9
260 votes
Ikarie XB 1
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Ikarie XB 1

#11

The year is 2163. Starship Ikaria XB 1 embarks on a mission deep into space in search of alien life. During their perilous journey the crew confront the effects of a malignant dark star, the destructive legacy of the 20th century and, ultimately, the limits of their own sanity.

196388 min
Science Fiction
6.8
101 votes
The Day the Earth Caught Fire
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The Day the Earth Caught Fire

#12

British reporters suspect an international cover-up of a global disaster in progress... and they're right. Hysterical panic has engulfed the world after the United States and the Soviet Union simultaneously detonate nuclear devices and have caused the orbit of the Earth to alter, sending it hurtling towards the sun.

196198 min
Science FictionDrama
6.8
159 votes
Invasion of Astro-Monster
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Invasion of Astro-Monster

#13

Astronauts Glenn and Fuji investigate Planet X and encounter mysterious aliens known as the Xiliens, who ask Earth's people to help save their world from "Monster Zero". In exchange for borrowing Godzilla and Rodan, the Xiliens offer a cure for cancer. As Glenn investigates, he develops a romance with Miss Namikawa and uncovers the Xilien's true intentions.

196596 min
Science FictionAction
6.8
232 votes
Matango
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Matango

#14

Five vacationers and two crewmen become stranded on a tropical island near the equator. The island has little edible food for them to use as they try to live in a fungus covered hulk while repairing Kessei's yacht. Eventually they struggle over the food rations which were left behind by the former crew. Soon they discover something unfriendly there...

196389 min
HorrorScience FictionThriller
6.8
99 votes
The Face of Another
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The Face of Another

#15

A businessman with a disfigured face obtains a lifelike mask from his doctor, but the mask starts altering his personality.

1966122 min
DramaScience Fiction
7.8
265 votes
The Valley of Gwangi
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The Valley of Gwangi

#16

A turn of the century wild west show struggling to make a living in Mexico comes into the possession of a tiny prehistoric horse. This leads to an expedition to the Forbidden Valley where they discover living dinosaurs. They capture one and take it back to be put on display, leading to inevitable mayhem.

196996 min
FantasyScience FictionThriller
7.1
151 votes
Mothra vs. Godzilla
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Mothra vs. Godzilla

#17

Journalists Ichiro Sakai and Junko cover the wreckage of a typhoon when an enormous egg is found and claimed by greedy entrepreneurs. Mothra's fairies arrive and are aided by the journalists in a plea for its return. As their requests are denied, Godzilla arises near Nagoya and the people of Infant Island must decide if they are willing to answer Japan's own pleas for help.

196489 min
DramaActionScience Fiction
7.0
310 votes
Amphibian Man
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Amphibian Man

#18

People living at a seashore town are frightened by reports of an unknown creature called "the sea devil". Nobody knows what it is, but it's really the son of doctor Salvator. The doctor performed surgery on his son and now young Ichtiander can live under water. This gives him certain advantages, but also creates a lot of problems.

196196 min
AdventureScience FictionRomance
6.8
82 votes
Hibernatus
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Hibernatus

#19

The frozen body of Paul Fournier is discovered in Greenland where he had disappeared during a scientific expedition in 1905. Perfectly conserved he is brought back to life in the 1960s. His descendants take care of him: to spare him the cultural shock they behave so to make believe it's 1905 and they are his cousins, uncle...

196982 min
ComedyScience Fiction
6.7
489 votes