The 90’s was a prime era for science fiction films, with excellent stories and cheesy inserts, what’s not to love? The 90’s produced some of the most adored sci-fi films of all time. This brings feelings of nostalgia to many fans and set the bar high for audience expectations. Many all-time favorites still hold up well and are endearing while providing a laugh at some cheesy content scattered throughout the most beloved films.
The 1990s was a decade of profound innovation in films. It was the peak for puppeteers, refined animatronics, and new CGI capabilities. This changed the way that films were made to this day. With all the innovation, and smash hits, there were bound to be some cheesy moments along the way.
10 Back To The Future Part III (1990)
Back To the Future Part III begins after a time-traveling incident leaves Doc Brown stuck in 1885. His companion Marty must find a way back in time to rescue him and return them both to 1985. The two face the struggles of figuring out how to escape the past, while needing to adapt primitive technology to go home. The movie ends with a glimpse into the new life of Doc Brown, leaving the audience to imagine his off-screen adventure.
This film is a sci-fi/comedy that quickly became a beloved classic and is said by some fans to be the best in the series. Back To The Future III is packed full of Easter-egg moments from preceding films, cheesy stereotypical western tropes, new romance, complete with a flying steam engine train.
9 Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
Terminator 2: Judgement Day is considered a perfect sequel to the original Terminator film. The movie follows reprogrammed cyborg T-800 (formerly 101) whose traveled back in time to protect the young John Connor from being killed. The future industry, Skynet, is determined to eliminate future hero John to maintain their control. The movie ends as T-800 lets John Connor know that everything will be okay.
The film involves time-paradoxes, post apocalyptic ruin and iconic catchphrases coined by John Connor and cyborg T-800. Despite some cheesy moments and lines like "No Problemo" and "I need a vacation.", the movie was adored by fans and is groundbreaking for special effects in the early 90's. This film is arguably the best Terminator film, yet.
8 Coneheads (1993)
Coneheads is a sci-fi/comedy film that follows the Conehead family, who become stranded indefinitely on Earth. Settling in the United States, they try to move through normal human life while avoiding government suspicion. When they find a way to contact their home planet, it spells disaster. The story ends with the Coneheads vowing to protect their beloved home.
This movie is another underrated sci-fi film that is chopped full of brilliant actors, quotable one-liners, quick wit, and unforgettable costuming. The cheesy moments in the film include some absurd rocket ships, cheeky humor (that’s NOT chewing gum), interstellar travel, and hilarious Claymation gladiator battles.
7 Demolition man (1993)
Demolition Man is an iconic sci-fi/action film with much to appreciate. In Demolition Man, two rivals wake up from cryochambers, 36 years later in the year 1932. They must overcome the challenges of a different century (as well as each other). The movie ends by providing closure for the audience while leaving room for the imagination.
Hosting memorable special effects, and some tongue-in-cheek humor, the movie also has a sense of clairvoyance, as many of the 1932 “predictions” have actually occurred. There are some cheesy lines and moments including witty one-liners, cheesy technology, stereotypical action moments, and the societal obsession with Taco Bell (or Pizza Hut if viewing the international dub!).
6 Mars Attacks (1996)
Mars Attacks is an underrated Sci-Fi comedy that is both cheesy, and satirical, yet really enjoyable. The story follows various people around the United States, when Martians arrive at Earth, and through a major miscommunication with humans, unleash a full-blown invasion. When all else fails, the movie ends with the human race finding the most unexpected solution to destroy the Martians, and save the human race.
The sci-fi/comedy in true Tim Burton fashion, is unusual, dark, and quirky. This movie is packed with stars during the height of their careers in the '90s. The movie is suspenseful but intentionally cheesy in graphics, ironic situations and dialogue. The film is full of wit, yet emphasizes the worst traits of people.
5 The Fifth Element (1997)
The Fifth Element is one of the most recognized Sci-Fi films of the 90's. The plot follows Taxi driver, Korben Dallas, and Supreme being Lee-Loo as they work together to save the universe. Korben and Lee-Loo must travel to collect sacred stones, and create the Ultimate Weapon to stop The Great Evil from destroying the universe. The Fifth Element ends as Korben helps Lee-Loo realize what life has to offer.
The Fifth Element is a sci-fi/action that captivates audiences to this day. There are many details in the film and some cheesy aspects such as questionable alien costumes, and characters that are serious yet eclectic additions to the story. The pacing of the movie keeps the audience intrigued, but provides generic names to ideas such as "Great Evil" and "Supreme Being".
4 Men In Black (1997)
Men In Black is based on conspiracy theories surrounding secret government agents that cover up alien existence. The two must investigate any alien activity, erase witness accounts and attempt to crack an interstellar code in order to save the fate of Earth.
Men In Black is a sci-fi/action/comedy and feels timeless and hasn’t lost fans’ interest since its debut. This is a movie that is serious in tone yet flawlessly blends comedic relief by casually inserting cheesy encounters, corny jokes, and some classic 90s animatronics and puppeteers. The pacing always manages to keep the audience intrigued, and leaves fans to ponder on how small our Earth really is.
3 RocketMan (1997)
RocketMan follows Computer Tech, Fred Randall, who through unprecedented circumstances joins the NASA mission to Mars. The small crew experiences hilarious, and perilous trials in space, all while enduring Fred's insufferable antics. The film ends with Fred getting himself into trouble yet again.
RocketMan was produced by Disney, and they were no stranger to Sci-Fi. The film is a sci-fi/comedy, and is chopped full of cheesy moments, and slapstick humor. Throughout the film there are cheesy romantic lines, mishaps, and some logically questionable moments on Mars.
2 The Truman Show (1998)
The Truman Show is a profound postmodern film and is known as one of the best Jim Carrey films of all time. (Even branding itself among the medical community as a real condition). The story revolves around the life of protagonist, Truman, as he slowly learns that his entire life has been a setup, while the rest of the world watches his every move (literally). The Truman Show ends on a touching cliffhanger, leaving fans hurting and cheering for Truman.
The film is a sci-fi/drama and has its share of cheesy situations and phrases for comedic relief. This works well to offset the deeper themes of the movie, making it feel more lighthearted but remain thought-provoking. Overall, The Truman Show leaves audiences intrigued, and contemplating reality.
1 Star Wars Episode One: The Phantom Menace (1999)
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace was a star-studded production and was the first prequel to the original Star Wars Trilogy. This movie is a sci-fi/adventure focusing on the Jedi apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi, and his master Qui-Gon Jinn. The two find themselves on a desert planet and meet young Anakin Skywalker. The movie ends with a grand post-war celebration and sets up for more sequels.
The movie elaborates on corrupt political themes, and further expands the Star Wars universe in a galaxy far, far away. This is a Star Wars film fans love, and love to hate. The movie included very cheesy CGI work, even by 90’s standards, included unconvincing costuming with some characters, and introduced what is arguably the most hated (and cheesy) Star Wars character of all time – Jar Jar Binks.