When somebody says the word mutant, superhero fans or science fiction fans in general often first think of theX-Menwho popularized the word. However, while the X-Men are the most prominent movie mutants, they aren’t the only ones as this topic has been a part of cinema for decades now.
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Movies about mutants are sometimes surprisingly light-hearted but frequently, they not only serve as a warning but also point out things that society does wrong. Some of the best science fiction movies about mutants can make the audience think, and they will leave a strong impression as a result.
5The Fly (1986)
The 1986movie directed by David Cronenbergis one of the few remakes that’s even better than the original movie. Jeff Goldblum plays Seth Brundle, a talented scientist, who begins mutating into a giant fly after a teleportation experiment gone wrong. Seth’s transformation is both scary and captivating as it also marks the destruction of his relationship with Geena Davis' Veronica.
The final result of the mutation looks convincing to this day and is wonderfully appalling in the best meaning of the word. If the audience enjoys the story, they should also pay attention to the underappreciated 1958 original with Vincent Price that’s in many ways different. An interesting fact is that before Jeff Goldblum was cast in the role, the part of Seth Brundle was offered to Michael Keaton, but he refused it. The movie’s special effects were so convincing that it even won an Oscar for Best Makeup!
4Godzilla (1954)
Each version of Godzilla has something to offer, be it the critically shunned 1998 movie, or the 2014 version. However, many fans considerthe original 1954 movie the best Godzilla story. Unlike in other versions, this Godzilla is indeed a mutant since its creation was caused by atomic radiation. That closely mirrored society’s fears in the 1950s, and Godzilla is a living, breathing embodiment of them that brings destruction and death to those who cross her path.
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The Japanese movie became a huge hit and is one of the must-watch classics for all fans of horror as well as science fiction movies. The Godzilla the viewers see in the movie is actually an actor in a costume, unlike in later adaptations which worked heavily with special effects.
3Them! (1954)
Some of the most frightening mutants in science fiction movies are those based on creatures that do exist in the real world and are well familiar to people. Such as the giant ants inThem!The movie takes a while to get going but once the first mutated ant appears on the scene, it becomes more fast-paced and the viewers are interested to discover what will happen next, whether humans have any chance at all when it comes to dealing with this new threat.
With 21,000 ratings on IMDb,Them!is one of the science fiction classics that deserves even more attention from the audience than it has already gotten. Just likeGodzillawhich premiered the same year, the movie helps the modern audience to understand what people were afraid of back in the 1950s. Even though the giant ants are the main stars of the movie, the cast is solid. A fun fact is thatThem!is one of the first movies thatthe futureStar Trekstar Leonard Nimoyappeared in, albeit only for a short moment.
2Love And Monsters (2020)
Mutant monster movies don’t usually feature romantic storylines since the characters are too busy trying to survive. ButLove and Monstersbreaks the fold which makes it refreshingly original and fun at times, despite the fact that the heroes still face mortal danger. It helps that Dylan O’Brien is sympathetic as Joel, a guy who isn’t such a great fighter yet is determined to cross a large distance to reach the girl he loves.
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On this unusual road trip, Joel experiences many tension-filled moments and adventures he won’t ever forget. The movie keeps a fast pace and has the power to both surprise the viewers and make them laugh, which makes itone of the best comedies of 2020. Not every movie can mix genres so effortlessly yetLove and Monstersis an exception to this rule.
1The Shape Of Water (2017)
It’s not common for science fiction movies to win the Oscar for Best Picture. That’s what makesThe Shape of Watereven more unique.Guillermo del Toro is no stranger to directing fantasy and science fiction, having createdPan’s Labyrinth(2006) andHellboy(2004). In this movie, he captures the developing relationship between the mute cleaner Eliza and the strange amphibian mutant creature captured by the American government.
Sally Hawkins gives an excellent performance in the leading role and Michael Shannon plays the villainous government agent Richard Strickland whom the viewers will love to hate. However, at its core, the movie is about the hate humans have for those different from them. That’s a topic that appears in multiple mutant movies, and one thatThe Shape of Waterpresents intelligently and compellingly.
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