Science fiction films can be a useful tool for classrooms and a fun family activity. From live action dramas to side splitting comedies, these fun science fiction films are a great choice for family movie night or a classroom event.
These films also cover a wide range of topics, from space exploration, encounters with the unknown, to poignant commentaries on society and the human experience. These enjoyable and fun science fiction films for kids are sure to entertain your family or classroom.
Science Fiction Movies for Children: Animated Features
There are a plethora of great science fiction animated features for family or classroom viewing. Wall-E, created by Pixar, is an especially good choice for viewers of all ages. The Iron Giant is also an especially heart-warming and poignant animated science fiction film for family or classroom viewing.
- Wall-E, 2008, rated G
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars, 2008, rated PG
- Treasure Planet, 2002, rated PG
- Metropolis, animated version, 2001, rated PG-13
- Atlantis, The Lost Empire, 2001, rated PG
- Titan A.E., 2000, rated PG
- The Iron Giant, 1999, rated PG
Science-fiction Films for Young Audiences: Live Action Films
Both E. T. the Extra Terrestrial, released 1982, and Close Encounters of the Third Kind are popular science fiction films for kids. Zathura: A Space Adventure is based of a children’s picture book by award winning writer and illustrator Chris Van Allsburg and is a fun and imaginative film for children. The 1982 film, Tron, has been remade and is going to be released in theatres December 7, 2010.
- Aliens in the Attic, 2009, rated PG
- Race to Witch Mountain, 2009, rated PG
- Journey to the Center of the Earth, 2008, rated PG
- Zathura: A Space Adventure, 2005, rated PG
- Flubber, 1997, rated PG
- Explorers, 1985, rated PG
- E.T. the Extra Terrestrial, 1982, rated PG
- Tron, 1982, rated PG
- The Watcher in the Woods, 1980, rated PG
- The Black Hole, 1979, rated PG
- Return from Witch Mountain, 1978, rated G
- Unidentified Flying Oddball, 1978, rated G
- The Cat from Outer Space, 1978, rated G
- Close Encounters of the Third Kind, 1977, rated PG
- Escape to Witch Mountain, 1975, rated G
- The Little Prince, 1974, rated G
- 2001: A Space Odyssey, 1968, rated G
- Son of Flubber, 1963, Not Rated
- The Absent Minded Professor, 1961, Not Rated
- The Day the Earth Stood Still, 1951, rated G
The Star Wars films, 6 total, are another popular science fiction franchise appropriate for family viewing. The films are listed below according to release date.
- Star Wars: Episode 4 A New Hope, 1977, rated PG
- Star Wars: Episode 5 The Empire Strikes Back, 1980, rated PG
- Star Wars: Episode 6 The Return of the Jedi, 1983, rated PG
- Star Wars: Episode 1 The Phantom Menace, 1999, rated PG
- Star Wars: Episode 2 The Attack of the Clones, 2002, rated PG
- Star Wars: Episode 3 The Revenge of the Sith, 2005, rated PG-13
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