Science fiction is one of cinema’s most consistently beloved genres. Just as audiences were dazzled by Georges Melies’ “A Trip to the Moon” at the dawn of motion pictures in 1902, modern filmgoers often flock to see the latest big budget sci-fi spectacle.

The recently released “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” has already grossed nearly $600 million in the United States. Other science-fiction franchises – while not reaching the popularity of Star Wars – also are able to quickly amass fan bases. “Maze Runner: The Death Cure” will be released on Jan. 26, following two other films in the series released in 2014 and 2015. The genre has a dedicated fan base eager for more thought-provoking films.

To determine the 50 best sci-fi movies, 24/7 Wall St. created an index based on user ratings from IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes. The films range from 1931 to this year.

Click here to see the best sci-fi movies of all time.
Click here to see our detailed findings and methodology.