The 1980s were a pivotal moment in the history of Science fiction cinema, with several iconic filmmakers rising to prominence and changing the form irrevocably. It was a time of enormous technological advancements and rising budgets for studio blockbusters, ushering in a new era of sensational cinema that still happens today. Directors like Steven Spielberg and James Cameron pioneered this, and much of this innovation happened in the science fiction genre. Many of the best science fiction films of all time were made in the 80s and had a huge impact on the industry.
For many of these iconic films, it’s the opening scenes that immediately reveal how impressive and immersive the rest of the project will be. Advances in visual effects and filmmaking tricks allowed for some incredibly progressive set pieces, and many filmmakers would include them early on in order to draw audiences directly into the film. Even the most bizarre sci-fi films of the 1980s used these techniques in their opening scenes, and many of them have survived famously ever since.
10
Foreigners (1986)
Directed by James Cameron
James Cameron Aliens is the immediate sequel to Ridley Scott Foreignerfollowing the exploits of Ellen Ripley as she is hired to help save a terraforming colony from the deadly Xenomorphs she had previously encountered. The opening scene follows a rescue team as they work through the wreckage of Ripley’s space shuttle.succinctly reminding the audience of the events of the previous film, while also setting the stage for the sequel and providing some beautiful neon visuals to accompany it.
9
Back to the Future (1985)
Directed by Robert Zemeckis
Back to the future It has aged extremely well, and a lot of that comes down to the practical effects and timeless storytelling that Zemeckis employs to make his story stand out from the crowd. The opening scene is a perfect example of this, using a long take to introduce Doc’s scientific equipment without any words. It immediately sets the tone of the film, introduces some important plot devices, and gives the audience a good laugh when Marty marvels at the huge amplifier.
8
Escape from New York (1981)
Directed by John Carpenter
Escape from New York is a unique science fiction film for its time, abandoning abstract scientific concepts for a much more grounded and action-packed adventure that takes place in a futuristic reality. The opening clearly sets the scene for this neon-drenched dystopiaproviding intriguing narration to get the audience up to speed before jumping straight into this prison island and cranking the action up to 11.
7
Star Trek II – The Wrath of Khan (1982)
Directed by Nicholas Meyer
THE Star Trek the franchise has been popular since long before the 80s, but this was the time when it reached its peak with one of the best Star Trek films, The Wrath of Khan. The film’s story has been addressed several times throughout the franchise, but this is where it is truly strongest. The opening scene is immediately gripping, presenting the main characters with an impossible problem as they are forced to decide between their own safety and the survival of those they must protect.
6
The Thing (1982)
Directed by John Carpenter
Another John Carpenter classic, The thing opens with an atmospheric scene that reveals nothing about the story that will follow. The opening simply uses Carpenter’s eerie soundtrack and disturbing visuals to create that sense of horror and dread in the audience, revealing nothing about the film’s plot and simply following a chase between the helicopter crew and a runaway sled dog.
5
Blade Runner (1982)
Directed by Ridley Scott
Blade runner has some of the most immersive and stunning world-building of any science fiction film from this era, and this is evident from the film’s first scene. Ridley Scott uses the setting of his futuristic city to immediately place the audience in his worldallowing the rainy streets and neon skyscrapers to tell the story to him. It’s sheer confidence and lack of control that makes Blade runner one of Ridley Scott’s best films, and this is evident from the beginning.
Directed by Steven Spielberg
One of the many reasons why Spielberg is such a captivating storyteller is his ability to make such complex and emotional narratives seem incredibly simple. He does this with ETusing intentionally blurred direction and atmospheric music to create this eerie scene in the dark forests. He then briefly introduces the alien and shows him becoming separated from his family; This moment sets up the entire film.
3
Akira (1988)
Directed by Katsuhiro Otomo
Akira is widely cited as the greatest anime film ever made, and a lot of that comes down to its narrative simplicity. The story itself isn’t anything too complex or mind-blowing, but the beautiful visuals and thematic density make it feel completely innovative. The opening scene immediately sets up the stakes, blasting contemporary Tokyo and jumping forward thirty years, presenting the Tokyo of the future. It’s a brilliant way to present this futuristic setting without overwhelming the audience with too much exposition.
2
The Terminator (1984)
Directed by James Cameron
The Terminator is another perfect example of how to set the scene of a dystopian, futuristic world without spending too much time explaining the intricacies of the story. From the film’s opening scenes of this decimated desert where robots slaughter humans and walk over their bodies, everything about the film’s central conflict between humanity and artificial intelligence is immediately clear.
1
Star Wars Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Directed by Irvin Kershner
The Empire Strikes BackHoth’s opening fight is undeniably one of the best scenes in the whole Star Wars franchise. After the great celebrations at the end of A New Hope, this opening battle immediately brings the stakes back and puts the rebels in danger without undoing any of his previous victories, using the film’s immense budget to create an intricate, well-choreographed fight sequence that has since become one of the series’ most recognizable scenes.