The 1960s were a unique decade, full of creativity and experimentation in the realm of science fiction. With adaptations from classic novels and original visionary stories, sci-fi films during this decade provided fans with plenty of memorable and thought-provoking entertainment.
Special effects were on the rise, and many of the stories explored themes of technology, space exploration, alien invasions and encounters, and threats of nuclear war. Audiences were enamored by now classics like The Day the Earth Stood Still, Planet of the Apes, and 2001: A Space Odyssey, but plenty of lesser-known gems from the decade deserve more attention. Here are some of the most underrated sci-fi movies of the ’60s, ranked.
10 Fantastic Voyage (1966)
Though one of the more well-known science fiction classics of the ’60s, Fantastic Voyage is still highly underrated. Directed by Richard Fleischer and starring Stephen Boyd, Raquel Welch, and Edmond O’Brien, the film follows a team of scientists who are turned to microscopic proportions and injected into a scientist’s body to find the blood clot and save his life. However, their mission is complicated by the presence of foreign agents and the short one-hour time limit.
With impressive special effects and a thrilling story, Fantastic Voyage is a must-see for any sci-fi fan. The film was hugely successful, winning two Academy Awards at the 1966 ceremony for Best Art Direction – Color and Best Special Effects. Even with this success, the movie is still overlooked by many, which is a shame considering its progressive story and impressive visuals, not to mention a great turn from Donald Pleasence before his James Bond and Halloween days.
9 Marooned (1969)
John Sturges’ 1969 film Marooned stars Gregory Peck, Richard Crenna, and David Janssen in a thrilling story of NASA astronauts sent to space for a months-long research mission. The slow-building drama increases as the men deal with a failing engine, a dwindling oxygen supply, and a looming return to earth. The numbingly suspenseful scenes of the astronauts working to survive in space, combined with the absence of a score, make Marooned a genuinely gripping experience.
The film was a critical success and earned an Academy Award for Best Effects, Special Visual Effects in the next year’s Oscars. One of this movie’s unique and all-encompassing elements is the ambient soundtrack used to emulate the environment of being in space. It may be a slow build that seems somewhat flat on a first watch, but Marooned is a classic of its era and deserves more love than it gets.
8 The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1969)
Walt Disney’s contributions to the science fiction genre of the ’60s often go unnoticed, but 1969’s The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes is a charming and enjoyable film. Starring Kurt Russell as Dexter Riley, an accident-prone university student who gets electrocuted while repairing a computer. This leaves him with the intelligence and memory of a computer, leaving him to use his newfound smarts to help save stop a villainous businessman. It’s a lighthearted comedy and an impressive showcase of Disney’s capabilities beyond traditional animation.
The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes is an excellent example of the family-friendly science fiction films of the time. While it may not be as dark and thought-provoking as other films on the list, it’s worth a watch for its unique blend of comedy and science fiction. Kurt Russell’s performance as the bumbling Dexter Riley is a highlight and helps to make the movie an enjoyable experience for viewers of all ages.
7 This Is Not a Test (1962)
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This Is Not a Test is an underrated Cold War science fiction flick released in 1962. It’s one of the lesser-known films from the decade, but its gripping story and character conflict make it worth a watch. The movie follows a small-town sheriff who is forced to protect the town’s citizens from an impending nuclear attack. He creates a roadblock to stop travelers, and the group takes refuge in a truck, hoping to survive the fallout.
The film is a robust exploration of the fear and paranoia of the time, as well as a commentary on the human experience of conflict in moments of crisis. With its claustrophobic atmosphere and stark cinematography, This Is Not a Test is one of the most powerful science fiction films of its era. It may not be as popular as others from the decade, but it’s worth seeing for its story and strong performances.
6 Destination Inner Space (1966)
Destination Inner Space is an underrated sci-fi thriller film released in 1966. The movie observes the crew of a Topside Sealab, a Marine research station on the ocean’s floor. A strange unidentified object has been spotted in the area, and the crew must investigate. Once the futuristic, cylindrical saucer is on board the Sealab, they find themselves dealing with more than just a mysterious object. This creature feature goes on to follow the crew as they fight for their lives against the alien threats.
The low-budget effects and production design may not be as flashy as some other films, but Destination Inner Space is still an engaging watch. The blend of sound and special effects are both effective, and the monster design is still notable today. It’s a great example of mid-century sci-fi, and its unique plot makes it an enjoyable film for any science fiction fan.
5 Panic in Year Zero! (1962)
Panic in Year Zero! is a 1962 science fiction film starring Ray Milland as Harry Baldwin, a father trying to protect his family in the aftermath of a nuclear attack on Los Angeles. With law and order no longer in effect, the Baldwins must fight for survival as they travel through the dangerous post-apocalyptic wasteland. The story touches on themes of morality and ethics, but it’s also an exciting action flick. The family encounters different types of survivors, from the desperate to those willing to use violence to get what they want.
The film is a classic example of the nuclear disaster subgenre, and it’s still a fun watch today. The combination of suspenseful action sequences and moral dilemmas make Panic in Year Zero! an essential piece of science fiction cinema. You can also appreciate the score by Les Baxter, which helps to create an ambiance of dread that continues to linger through its entirety.
4 Quatermass and the Pit (1967)
Quatermass and the Pit is a classic British science fiction film released in 1967, based on the BBC television series of the same name. It follows Bernard Quatermass, a scientist investigating a strange object discovered at an underground construction site. It turns out to be a human skeleton, and a Martian spacecraft buried deep beneath the surface. Further investigations uncover its mysterious power and create more questions about where humanity came from.
The movie is a gripping, suspenseful thriller that captures the imagination of viewers long after its release, and is said to have influenced Alien. With its dark setting and clever dialogue, the story keeps viewers guessing and is one of the few films to truly create an atmosphere of fear. It’s one of the most overlooked Hammer Horror films, despite its compelling storyline and technical achievements.
3 The Day of the Triffids (1963)
The Day of the Triffids is another British science fiction film based on the novel by John Wyndham. It follows Bill Masen, a biologist who wakes up from an accident to find that a meteor shower has blinded most of the population. Soon, he realizes they are being attacked by man-eating plants known as Triffids. Bill and the other survivors must embark on a quest for safety in the midst of a chaotic, post-apocalyptic world.
While some overlook this movie due to the script and production design weaknesses, its central concept remains quite memorable. The Day of the Triffids is an eerily effective horror film, and its simple but terrifying premise has made it a true classic. It’s an enjoyable watch for those who appreciate B-movies and are looking for classic sci-fi thrills.
2 The Flesh Eaters (1964)
The Flesh Eaters is a fun 1964 B-movie starring Martin Kosleck and directed by Jack Curtis. It follows an actress, her assistant, and an airplane pilot who become stranded on an island when they hit a storm during their flight. They meet a scientist who lives on the island, but his motives are suspicious. It soon becomes apparent that the island is infested with flesh-eating creatures, forcing them to fight for their lives as they struggle to escape.
The Flesh Eaters is a classic example of low-budget horror with campy effects. Some may find the gore to be dated, but for the time, it was quite effective. Looking past the dialogue and acting, it’s a suspenseful movie that stands out among its peers. It has a monster-movie feel, with a hint of noir and science fiction elements, making it a fascinating watch.
1 Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (1961)
With no shortage of talented actors and filmmakers, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea is a classic science fiction film from 1961. It stars Walter Pidgeon as Adm. Harriman Nelson, the creator of a nuclear submarine called Seaview. While Nelson and the vessel’s crew are in the Arctic Ocean for testing, the Van Allen radiation belt catches fire and threatens to destroy the planet with fast-rising temperatures. Nelson and his crew are the world’s only hope, as the submarine is the only vessel capable of firing a nuclear missile from the Mariana trench.
This movie has a perfect balance of slow-building suspense and exciting action sequences. It boasts a great cast, with appearances by Joan Fontaine, Barbara Eden, Peter Lorre, and several others. It remains underrated for its time, but it is a pleasant watch for those looking for a classic science-fiction adventure. Numerous films and television shows have been inspired by the story, including a delightful ’60s TV show, cementing Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea’s historical place. With the captivating visuals during the underwater scenes and burning skies, it’s a true classic that doesn’t get the recognition it deserves.
