19 Movies that were the blueprints of the sci-fi genre

Modified Feb 06, 2025 06:01 ET

19. Total Recall (1990)

Arnold Schwarzenegger in Total Recall | Image via StudiocanalUK

Paul Verhoeven directed Total Recall, which starred Michael Ironside, Sharon Stone, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. The movie explores the ambiguous boundaries where memory meets reality. The story takes place in 2084 when construction worker Doug Quaid attempted to locate his identity on Mars. The movie introduced creative visual effects while exploring themes about reality and identity. This innovative art form became the foundational element for the upcoming sci-fi films.