Sci-fi can be a fascinating, but difficult, type of movie—especially if you don't like the terrifying elements inherent to the genre, find yourself freaked out by technology, or aren't into dystopian stories. However, science fiction movies are incredibly expansive: It can deal with big ideas and heady drama, but it can also have comedy and romance as integral parts of the storytelling. There's no need to avoid sci-fi films entirely because they might seem too cerebral or feature one too many explosions; plenty of these movies are simply engaging and entertaining.
We rounded up the best, genre-defying sci-fi movies, from '80s classics to films set in space to even ones with rom-com elements. Below, are the best movies to watch if you want to try sci-fi for the first time.
