Reader Top Ten Greatest Science Fiction Films of the 1970s: Brian O'Rourke

Reader and friend Brian O’Rourke gives us our next reader’s selection of the top ten science fiction films of the 1970s.

Brian writes:

“JKM, thanks for another opportunity to voice my favorite genre films! It's been a busy week of travel and work -- I almost missed your call for readers' picks -- so I haven't had much of a chance to explain my choices, but, yes!, Woody Allen makes my list of favorite '70s sci-fi films!”

My list, in ascending order:

(10) THE BROOD (1979)

(9) WESTWORLD (1973)

(8) TIME AFTER TIME (1979)

(7) STAR WARS (1977)

(6) THE STEPFORD WIVES (1975)

(5) A CLOCKWORK ORANGE (1971)

(4) SLEEPER (1973)

(3) INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS (1978)

(2) CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND (1977)

(1) ALIEN (1979)

And just because it’s a 1970s list, I’ve got to throw my vote in for the absolute worst science fiction movie of that decade: STARSHIP INVASIONS."

Brian: That’s a great list, and I agree with you about Starship Invasions. That film is terrible.  It’s funny to think that Robert Vaughn was in one of the best films of the decade (The Mind of Mr. Soames) and one of the worst (Starship Invasions). Talk about running the gamut of 1970s genre cinema!

Also, it’s great to see The Stepford Wives make another list.  That film is exceedingly well-made, and the social commentary is sharp.  I’m also happy to see Time After Time make the cut!