Classic Science Fiction Films Are Often Moralizing

Classic sci-fi movies from the 1970s may have been overly preachy, according to TV writer Andrea Kail. Speaking on the Geek’s Guide to the Galaxy podcast, Kail criticized Silent Running and Beneath the Planet of the Apes for being slow-paced and message-heavy. However, fellow guest Tom Gerencer praised movies such as The Andromeda Strain for their relevance, citing its realistic portrayal of a deadly new virus and captivating storytelling. Despite its hits and misses, Matthew Kressel, a science fiction author, commented on how these movies have inspired future filmmakers. These ’70s sci-fi classics have influenced the likes of Red Dwarf and Wargames, and their continued legacy in the world of sci-fi storytelling is proof that they remain important today, even if they don’t all hold up as entertaining stories.