What’s Your Favorite Sci-Fi Book or Movie?
I came across this blog post called 32 Sci-Fi Novels You Should Read. I’ve heard of almost all of them and I’ve read fourteen of them. Science Fiction is not my favorite genre, but I try to read three or four good sci-fi books a year. I’m behind schedule for 2008, having only read 2001: A Space Odyssey
It seems to me that, other than the heritage of Gene Roddenberry, most science fiction is pessimistic, or at least skeptical, regarding the limits of science and technology. The best of the genre is more than childish adventures of robots and space aliens. It ponders the nature of man, and his ability to save himself.
One of the legacies of the so-called Enlightenment is a thoroughgoing optimism about human nature. Add the progressivism introduced by Charles Darwin, mid 19th century, the belief that everything is evolving, that is, getting better and better through time and you have the philosophical basis for a sci-fi tale. What will life be like in the future? Utopian visions, at least in literature, seem to be far outnumbered by dystopic ones. The limits of science and technology and the hubris of man are common themes. In this, I usually find much science fiction more realistic than not.
I think I’ve read 27 of them. It’s a decent list. I’ll think about some of my favorite. I really love the E.E. “Doc” Smith series, but that is sorta classic pulp sci fi.
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Rev. Todd Peperkorn
3 Nov 08 at 2:10 pm
Only 23 here, what shame! I agree, a decent list. I’m more fantasy than Sci-Fi.
There a couple notable plessimistic titles there… and they happen to be my favs of the list (1984, brave new world, farenheit 451, etc.)
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Christopher Gillespie
3 Nov 08 at 4:55 pm
Miller’s A Canticle for Leibowitz has always been one of my favorites, although I’m not a huge fan of the whole apocalyptic genre. I’m more a time travel fan. Timeline was a fun story, but I thought it was kind of corny and surprised to see it on the list. I loved one that I think you once recommended, Scott…Replay by Ken Grimwood.
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Kurt Onken
3 Nov 08 at 11:34 pm
My favorite sci fi movie is of course, Star Wars!I could not wait for the Star Trek movie. Maybe it will replace Star Wars in my list.
Private Number Plate
4 Nov 08 at 5:15 am
I won’t speak about how thought provoking any SCI-FI book or movie is. I will simply talk about the main appeal of this genre to me…fun!
In the good old days, before all the trailers told us every plot and subplot, I remember walking into the theater for a movie that looked interesting from the poster. So, I thought what the heck, I’ll give it a try.
What transpired next will forever be burned in my brain…ALIEN!
Paul, in Bethel Park
4 Nov 08 at 11:03 am
I have to throw this one in:
Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (just funny stuff)
John Frahm
5 Nov 08 at 5:39 pm
I’ve read about 14. I’m surprised there’s no Arthur C. Clarke on the main list. My favorite book of Clarke is not 2001 but The City and the Stars. I also think that Foundation and Empire is actually better than Foundation.
Finally, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress is a rather un-PC book about individual liberty. Even if it is libertarian (rather than the libertine Stranger) it seems like it deserves more respect.
Joel
6 Nov 08 at 4:06 am
My favorite sci-fi book is A Wrinkle in Time – actually the whole series.
My favorite sci-fi movie – damn that is a tough one. I like so many…..let’s see….. I think i too will have to go with “Alien”.
Mandy
8 Nov 08 at 3:15 pm