Buzz
As the adage goes, children represent the future. Encourage them to envision a brighter world by introducing them to remarkable science fiction narratives. After all, this genre has the power to spark creativity, present innovative ideas, pose deep moral dilemmas, and cultivate a broad-minded outlook.
Discover 11 outstanding sci-fi films (excluding Star Wars, Marvel, and E.T.) that can inspire your children’s imaginations and ideas, whether grand or simple.
Fantastic Voyage (1966)
Though its practical effects may seem dated by today's standards, this film about a group of scientists miniaturized and sent into a man's bloodstream to eliminate a deadly clot remains captivating for young audiences. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the human body, showcasing the heart, blood cells, and organs in a way that was groundbreaking for its time, all wrapped in an exciting survival story. You can rent Fantastic Voyage on Prime Video.
Tron (1982)
With the thrilling Lightcycle Run ride at Disney World and the upcoming sequel featuring Jared Leto, there’s no better time to revisit the original Tron. This iconic sci-fi film follows a computer programmer who enters a digital world and sparks a rebellion against a tyrannical program. While the CGI may appear rudimentary now, it was revolutionary at the time, and the high-stakes video game battles remain thrilling. If your kids enjoy watching friends play Xbox games on Discord, they’ll likely be drawn to Tron. (Then you can move on to the 2010 sequel.) Stream it on Disney+ or rent on Prime Video.
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004)
If your kids loved The Iron Giant, they’ll likely be enchanted by the steampunk visuals of this imaginative tale. The story follows a daring pilot taking on an army of giant robots, and it was one of the first films to use entirely green screen technology to craft its retro-futuristic world. Unlike some Spielberg-inspired films, it avoids graphic violence, making it a great choice for families. Stream it on Netflix or rent from Prime Video.
WarGames (1983)
This tech-driven thriller about a teen who accidentally accesses a military supercomputer might not feel like sci-fi today, given how AI is now part of our daily lives. However, the concept of a computer triggering a global conflict feels more pertinent than ever. What captivated me as a kid was how it demystified computers, turning "Joshua," the AI, into a relatable character with a digital voice and on-screen dialogue akin to subtitles. Modern kids might find it charmingly retro. Stream it on Max or rent it from Prime Video.
Flight of the Navigator (1986)
This Disney film has an intriguing premise: a boy disappears and reappears eight years later without aging, his disappearance tied to a NASA-discovered alien spacecraft. While the time-travel elements might seem complex, the movie balances it with humor, thanks to Paul Rubens' voice acting for the ship, quirky alien designs, and thrilling visual effects that will keep kids entertained. Stream it on Disney+ or rent it from Prime Video.
All Monsters Attack (1969)
While this Toho-era Godzilla film is often considered the weakest in the series, it holds a special place for my two young sons. They adore the tale of a boy who dreams of visiting Monster Island, befriending Minilla, Godzilla's adopted son, and witnessing epic battles between Godzilla and his foes. Despite its reliance on recycled footage and a shift from serious kaiju themes to a child-friendly narrative, it serves as a fun and accessible introduction to the iconic monster for younger audiences. Stream it on Max, The Criterion Channel (including a dubbed version), or rent from Prime Video.
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986)
Discussing how to introduce kids to Star Trek with another parent led to a shared sense of challenge. "It’s not a straightforward hero’s journey like Star Wars," he noted. "It delves into the complexities of building a utopian society." He’s right—beyond the occasional Tribble, there’s little that’s overtly child-friendly about the U.S.S. Enterprise’s explorations.
Then I recalled The Voyage Home, the first Star Trek movie I watched. This installment sees the original crew traveling back to 1980s San Francisco to save humpback whales, ensuring Earth’s survival from an alien probe. The film balances the series’ intellectual themes with humor as the crew navigates the quirks of 20th-century life. It might even spark debates with your kids about the ethics of the Kobayashi Maru. Watch it on Paramount+ With Showtime or stream/rent from Prime Video.
Time Bandits (1981)
As a child, I was captivated by this whimsical fantasy film directed by Monty Python’s Terry Gilliam. It tells the story of Kevin, a boy who flees his gadget-obsessed parents to join a band of time-traveling dwarves. With a magical map guiding them through history, they encounter famous figures and attempt to pilfer treasures. Kids will admire Kevin’s clever use of historical knowledge to navigate challenges, and the film’s humorous ending will resonate with any child who’s ever felt overlooked by their parents. Stream it on Max or The Criterion Channel, or rent it from Prime Video.
Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989)
This time-travel comedy about two lovable slackers who recruit historical figures to help them pass a history test is a timeless favorite. Its playful tone and scenes like Joan of Arc roaming a mall make history entertaining for pre-teens. The revelation that these airhead rock enthusiasts, played by Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves, are destined to save the world delivers a heartwarming message about potential. If your family enjoys this, the sequels Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey and Bill and Ted Face the Music are equally delightful. Watch it on Max or rent it from Prime Video.
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
As children, we often lose our sense of wonder, which is why I cherished Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The film follows Roy Neery (Richard Dreyfuss), whose fascination with an alien signal transforms him from an ordinary dad into a celebrated space adventurer. The iconic mashed potato scene will inspire kids to get creative with their food, while parents will appreciate the film’s themes of curiosity and the importance of bridging communication gaps with those who are different. Rent it digitally from Prime Video.
Explorers (1985)
Despite director Joe Dante’s inability to fully realize his vision for this film, it remains a heartfelt tribute to childhood creativity and 1950s sci-fi. The story follows three suburban kids who, inspired by alien telepathy, build a spaceship from scrap materials using nothing but their wits—no adults allowed. While the plot takes an unconventional turn in the latter half (likely due to production challenges), it’s refreshing to encounter aliens who aren’t bent on world domination. Instead, they reveal surprising similarities to humanity. Watch it for free with ads on Pluto TV or rent it from Prime Video.
