10 Must-See Sci-Fi Films from 1995

      Flickering Myth's Tom Jolliffe revisits 1995 with ten must-see sci-fi film recommendations…

      Sci-fi films allow us to glimpse extraordinary futures, alternate realities, and much more. Admittedly, these Nostradamus-like forecasts don’t always materialize. For instance, 2015 did not bring us flying cars or Jaws 19. However, we might be nearing that number with the increasing Jurassic Park sequels. Occasionally, the genre does strike true; currently, the US seems to reflect the themes of Idiocracy, while the UK feels reminiscent of Terry Gilliam’s Brazil.

      Over the years, the sci-fi genre has maintained its appeal, with many visually stunning films being produced due to the genre's expansive visual possibilities. Some sci-fi titles stand the test of time, similar to Brazil, Jurassic Park, and the iconic environments of Blade Runner, which have been endlessly replicated.

      What about the sci-fi releases of 1995? Let’s travel back three decades to explore the key films and see how they hold up now, and if any of their dystopian themes or technologies have come to fruition. Here are ten essential sci-fi films from 1995…

      **Screamers**

      Science fiction isn't just popular in film; it has also captivated readers for centuries. One of the most renowned writers in this genre, Philip K. Dick, has had many of his works adapted for the screen, including Total Recall and Blade Runner. Screamers, a low-budget Canadian film directed by Christian Duguay, is also based on one of Dick's stories.

      Having genre great Dan O’Bannon among the screenwriters enhances this enjoyable slice of B-movie sci-fi horror. The concept of evolving and increasingly sentient battle robots that mimic humans adds intrigue, complemented by Peter Weller’s commanding performance. Though it has some rough edges and an ending that doesn’t quite reach full potential, Screamers remains an entertaining watch, especially considering the ongoing advancements in AI that mirror its themes.

      **Johnny Mnemonic**

      Initially received poorly, this film was the beginning of a rocky period for Keanu Reeves in sci-fi, including Chain Reaction the following year. By the time The Matrix was released, expectations had hit rock bottom, but that film turned things around in style.

      In the past 15 years, Johnny Mnemonic's reputation has been on the rise, partly due to the growing appreciation for campy cyberpunk media. Its eccentric style and quirks, along with Keanu's performance that oscillates between detached and intensely emotional, have garnered it fans. The film's commentary on information warfare and shady corporations resonates even more today. It also features Dolph Lundgren as a fanatical preacher, whose body is overtaken by his many robotic enhancements, adding another layer to its appeal.

      **Tank Girl**

      Based on the comic series, Rachel Talalay’s film was initially met with disdain, akin to a disruptive sound in a packed elevator. However, Tank Girl (which also stars Ice-T, like Johnny Mnemonic) is now viewed much more favorably.

      Its cyberpunk style and eccentric approach are more widely appreciated in the 2020s than they were in the 90s, reminiscent of films like Birds of Prey or Taika Waititi’s hits. While those films can be divisive, they still attract their share of fans. Lori Petty delivers a quirky and punk portrayal of Tank Girl, and even if her interpretation of the source material is up for debate, she shines in the role. Malcolm McDowell also provides a memorable performance.

      **Fist of the North Star**

      This long-running manga has seen numerous adaptations in print and anime, with another anime reboot on the way. The popular post-apocalyptic journey of Kenshiro was previously adapted for the big screen in 1995 with a flawed yet entertaining film directed by Tony Randel.

      Gary Daniels, a British kickboxer turned action star, plays Kenshiro, displaying his martial arts skills. The visuals effectively utilize a modest budget, and Randel’s horror background enhances the film's atmosphere. Some choreography frustrated Daniels after his experience working with Jackie Chan, as this production adhered to a standard Western style with multi-camera setups and long takes. In the current era of films like John Wick, this segmented style has gained popularity. The film features some engaging performances, including Chris Penn, Malcolm McDowell, and Costas Mandylor, elevating the overall experience. While it features a typical over-the-top villain, we’re still waiting for the ability to explode someone’s head through a specific set of pressure points.

      **Strange Days**

      Kathryn Bigelow explores a near-future society where virtual reality experiences have reached unprecedented levels of realism. Instead of users simply wearing headsets for games, they can partake in the black market to "experience" the memories recorded from others’ minds. While sexual recordings are tremendously popular,