MovieChat Forums > Forbidden Planet (1958) Discussion > Similar movies in deep space?

Similar movies in deep space?

posted 13 years ago by CaptainViggo
13 replies | jump to latest

I'm actually watching some old and classic sci-fi movies, and I've strongly enjoyed two of them in particular: "Forbidden Planet" and "Robinson Crusoe on Mars".

Now, I'm looking for more from the 50s/60s/70s, but with the same concept: on a far away / unknown planet and/or in deep space.

I've read many lists of good old classic sci-fi, but most of the movies listed are using the aliens/monsters invasion on Earth formula.

I've also re-watched "Planet of the Apes" (1968) and "Journey to the Center of the Earth" (1959) which takes place on Earth of course, but overall has a very "unknown planet" feel in it.

So, do you know movies with that formula that I could enjoy?

[–] 13 years ago

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[–] arbilab 13 years ago

I like This Island Earth. The first 2/3rds are the best Twilight Zone episode you ever saw. The third act loses focus and momentum but it's still fun. 'Specially considering the general state of sci-fi cinema in 1955.

A possibility is Silent Running (1972). Directed by Douglas Trumbull, renowned effects director but not renowned "director". I'd still watch it today, but I'd have to admit the intensity lags.

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[–] CaptainViggo 13 years ago

Thanks serebellum, indeed it was pretty fun to watch.

arbilab, you're right, most part of the movie could really be a good Twilight Zone episode.

As for Silent Running, I've seen it for the first time long ago, and again last year. And while I really like it, for me it's already part of the modern and realistic sci-fi, even if this movie in particular has many elements that are getting really old.

Next movies to watch: Conquest of Space (1955) and When Worlds Collide (1951).

[–] 13 years ago

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[–] jt-hix2112 12 years ago

Tarkovsky's Solaris and Scott's Alien, both from the 70's. And Prometheus is still playing in some theaters.

It's only a movie, and, after all, we're all grossly overpaid - Alfred Hitchcock

[–] CaptainViggo 12 years ago

All already seen, but they hardly make it to the retro cheesy sci-fi category.

[–] sonofagun 12 years ago

retro cheesy sci-fi?

Flash Gordon!

[–] bjlevine 12 years ago

Yeah, they did this TV show. Not sure if too many people are aware if it. I think the name was...Star Trek. Or something like that.

"Oh no...they sent the wrong Spock!"

[–] MystMoonstruck 12 years ago

The Angry Red Planet
Demon Planet aka Planet of the Vampires ~ highly influential on "Alien", including the "space jockey"

For some kooky fun...
The Queen of Outer Space
Journey to the Seventh Planet

*** The trouble with reality is there is no background music. ***

[–] CaptainViggo 12 years ago

Very interesting list.
Planet of the Vampires and its influence on Alien makes me quite curious.

Thanks!

[–] MystMoonstruck 12 years ago

Here it is on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omdN8H--dUU

From about 46:00 on, it is especially interesting. After all, they are on a fogbound planet with a damaged spacecraft. Hmmmm...

*** The trouble with reality is there is no background music. ***

[–] persen1 12 years ago

The problem with the 50's and 60's, is that there were not that many space sci-fi movies created, because they were more focused on creating movies about beings coming to Earth, in most cases to take over the planet or simply as monsters who kills.
But you are able to find hidden treasures between all the sci-fi movies of the 50's and 60's, who takes place in space such as these:

Cat-Women of the Moon
www.imdb.com/title/tt0045609/

From the Earth to the Moon (1958 movie)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051638/

Destination Moon
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0042393/

The Phantom Planet
www.imdb.com/title/tt0055294/

Rocketship X-M
www.imdb.com/title/tt0042897/

Conquest of Space
www.imdb.com/title/tt0047947/

First Men in the Moon
www.imdb.com/title/tt0058100/

Robinson Crusoe on Mars
www.imdb.com/title/tt0058530/

Flight to Mars
www.imdb.com/title/tt0043545/

Project Moonbase
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046213/

[–] beegeebright 12 years ago

Check out the list in "Space Suit Films" a new book by Gary Westfahl. It includes all of the good ones and great discussions of them. I think it is on Amazon.com