Classic Sci-Fi Movies Are Kind of Preachy

When it comes to movies, few genres have been pored over with as much critical inquiry as classic science fiction. Despite some of the factual inaccuracies portrayed in these movies (which is to be expected given time and technology constraints), many of these films were way ahead of their time, tapping into themes of social issues, intellectual thought, and morality. Even though entertainment is an underrated aspect of these classic sci-fi movies, there seems to be a common, unspoken thread tying many of them together: preachiness.

At first, this may seem like an implausible accusation, but bear with me: these classic sci-fi stories often tend to have a lecture-like quality to them. These movies often go beyond simply exploring a far-fetched concept or situation – they then add in a moral quandary or two. The sets and costumes were generally simple but effective enough to support the story. Many of these movies end with a moral message or life lesson.

One example of a classic sci-fi movie with a preachy streak is Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey.” In the movie, a mission to Jupiter becomes a dramatic struggle between humans and machines. The film ultimately suggests that the human spirit is capable of doing things machines can’t, and it too alludes to a higher power beyond that. The film has principles and ideas that it transcends, like knowledge and understanding.

“The Day the Earth Stood Still,” another classic sci-fi flick, similarly imparts lessons on its audience. In this movie, an alien visits Earth and warns of consequences if humanity fails to learn how to share its resources and live in harmony. It serves as an allegory for the Cold War of the time, warning against the potential of large-scale destruction if humans can’t find a way to work together and avoid conflict.

The preachiness of these classic sci-fi films can be a turn-off for some, who may feel as though they’re being preached to. But at the same time, it’s important to recognize that during a time when film was a relatively new medium, it was often used to explore ideas, spark discussion, and educate the public. Even today, movies like these can spark conversations and potentially instill powerful life lessons.

At the end of the day, the preachiness of these classic sci-fi movies gives viewers a collection of ideas and insights to think about, even if they may not agree with the message. It’s an interesting side-effect that can be both seen as positive or negative depending on the perspective. Either way, these films provide an interesting insight into the blend of entertainment and education in classic sci-fi.