5 classic sci-fi flicks turning 50 in 2018

By: H&I Staff    Posted: December 28, 2017, 9:42AM

Image: 20th Century Fox

The 1960s were a big decade for science fiction. With shows like Lost in Space premiering in 1965 and Star Trek premiering in 1966, it’s no surprise that sci-fi was appealing to mass audiences by the tail end of the decade. Hollywood obviously had to get in on the action!

2018 marks the 50th anniversary of some of the biggest books, shows and movies in the genre, so let’s take a look at some of the sci-fi staples we’ll be celebrating this year:

1

‘2001: A Space Odyssey’

Release Date: April 3, 1968

Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey has gone down in history as one of the greatest films of all-time. And for good reason. The soundtrack and direction lend themselves to storytelling, with very little dialogue throughout the film — not to mention, the realistic depiction of space travel. After all, people wouldn’t claim that the real Moon landing footage was created by Kubrick if 2001 wasn’t convincing!

Image: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

2

‘Planet of the Apes’

Release Date: April 3, 1968

With modern technology and CGI, it’s easy to scoff at the makeup and prosthetics used in Planet of the Apes, but back in 1968 the look of these apes was unlike anything anyone had seen onscreen before. This film spawned a number of sequels, a TV show, comic books and a number of attempted reboots over the years.

Image: 20th Century Fox

3

'The Astro Zombies'

Release Date: May 1968

While The Astro Zombies has never reached the level of success as any of the other films on this list, this then-little known B-movie has become a cult classic. The budget was only $37,000! Punk band, the Misfits released a song in on their 1982 album Walk Among Us, called “Astro Zombies.” It’s told from the mad scientist’s point of view and has become one of the Misfits’ most recognizable songs.

Image: Geneni Film Distributors

4

‘Night of the Living Dead’

Release Date: October 1, 1968

Though many of us are burned out on zombies these days, nobody can deny that Night of the Living Dead is still fantastic. Director George A. Romero is credited with being the father of the zombie film, due to the franchise that stemmed from this film. It’s even been preserved in the National Film Registry, for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

Image: Continental Distributing

5

‘Barbarella’

Release Date: October 18, 1968

50 years later, it’s both astounding and also obvious that Barbarella has stood the test of time. From a paper-thin storyline to some questionable acting chops, the campy classic is mocked, while also being beloved by people young and old. Jane Fonda’s little outfits might have something to do with that, though.

Image: Paramount Pictures