By JOSEPH W. SMITH III

Sun-Gazette Correspondent

A couple of internet articles are currently promoting “underrated science-fiction movies.” So in honor of the brand-new space adventure “Life,” I’ve composed my own list — focusing not so much on lousy ratings as on films that are often overlooked.

In a year that brings us follow-ups to “Star Wars,” “Alien” and “Blade Runner,” here is some neglected sci-fi — listed from oldest to newest — that might be worth a look on your flat-screen or laptop:

• “Forbidden Planet” (1956) — This tale of a rescue mission to a far-flung planet remains my all-time favorite sci-fi movie: gorgeous visuals, a creepy electronic score, a truly menacing monster and a thoughtful, literate storyline. Starring Walter Pidgeon, Anne Francis, Leslie Nielsen (in a serious role) — and of course, Robbie the Robot.

• “The Incredible Shrinking Man” (1957) — Some of it’s dated, but I still love this story of a man who undergoes a chemical change that keeps him growing smaller and smaller. Intelligent and imaginative (he fights a cat, a spider and a flooded floor) — with a thought-provoking conclusion.

• “Silent Running” (1972) — Perhaps the most neglected movie on this list, “SR” stars Bruce Dern as one of several astronauts maintaining the last of earth’s vegetation in domed spaceships. When budget cuts mandate that they destroy the wildlife and return home, Dern takes matters into his own hands. With a score by Peter Schickele (a.k.a. PDQ Bach) and three lovable robots who were clearly precursors to R2-D2.

• “Time After Time” (1979) — From director Nicholas Meyer (“Star Trek II”) comes this story that has a time-traveling H.G. Wells chasing Jack the Ripper into the future. Malcolm McDowell is wonderful as Wells; also starring Mary Steenburgen, who married McDowell shortly thereafter. It’s the basis for the new TV series that premiered March 5.

• “Minority Report” (2002) — A virtual masterpiece, bringing together Tom Cruise, Steven Spielberg and author Philip K. Dick. Concerned with crime prevention through the use of “precogs” who foresee the future, it’s part murder mystery, part family drama, part action movie and part metaphysical reflection on fate and free will.

• “Meet the Robinsons” (2007) — Enchanting animated time-travel fare from Disney, with a clever script, plenty of laughs and some tear-inducing redemption for its orphan-boy hero. This little gem really deserves a wider audience.

• “Pandorum” (2009) — Slam-bang actioner set on a long-distance space flight where crewmen awaken early to some grisly and inexplicable mayhem. Could be titled “Zombies in Space” — but that’s misleading. A very smart — and very twisty — thriller starring Dennis Quaid and Ben Foster.

• “Moon” (2009) — Little-seen mind-bender about the lone attendant on a lunar mining base — who may or may not be losing his mind. Superb practical effects and top-notch solo work from Sam Rockwell.

• “Edge of Tomorrow” (2014) — Another Tom Cruise actioner — this one about soldier in an alien war who keeps getting killed and coming back to life. Alternately known by its tagline — “Live. Die. Repeat” — it has a whip-smart script, plus strong supporting work from Emily Blunt and Bill Paxton.

• “Passengers” (2016) — Critically panned but financially successful, this underrated adventure stars Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence as travelers on a 120-year space voyage who wake up 90 years early. Many viewers could not forgive Pratt’s character for his early misdeed — but might I point out that if he hadn’t done that, everyone on the ship would’ve died?

Keep an open mind when you cue these up, and remember — in space, no one can hear the critics complain.

PHOTO FROM SCIFI-MOVIES.COM
Grant Williams stars in 1957’s “The Incredible Shrinking Man.”