Best Science Fiction Movies of 1961

The highest-rated science fiction films from 1961, ranked by MovieMagicScore based on authentic viewer ratings.

Science Fiction 1960 Science Fiction 1962 All Time Science Fiction

Action Comedy Drama Horror Thriller Romance Animation Documentary Fantasy Crime

Mothra

1961

Shipwreck survivors found on the presumably uninhabited Infant Island leads to a scientific expedition that discovers a surviving native population along with the Shobijin, tiny twin fairy priestesses of the island's mythical deity called Mothra. After the fairies are kidnapped by an exploitative businessman named Clark Nelson, Mothra sets out to rescue them.

7.1

The Day the Earth Caught Fire

1961

British reporters suspect an international cover-up of a global disaster in progress... and they're right. Hysterical panic has engulfed the world after the United States and the Soviet Union simultaneously detonate nuclear devices and have caused the orbit of the Earth to alter, sending it hurtling towards the sun.

6.8

Mysterious Island

1961

During the US Civil War, Union POWs escape in a balloon and end up stranded on a South Pacific island, inhabited by giant plants and animals. They must use their ingenuity to survive the dangers, and to devise a way to return home. Sequel to '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea' .

6.6

The Absent-Minded Professor

1961

Bumbling professor Ned Brainard accidentally invents flying rubber, or "Flubber", an incredible material that gains energy every time it strikes a hard surface. It allows for the invention of shoes that can allow jumps of amazing heights and enables a modified Model-T to fly. Unfortunately, no one is interested in the material except for Alonzo Hawk, a corrupt businessman who wants to steal the material for himself.

6.5

Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea

1961

The crew of an atomic submarine battle to save the world from global destruction.

5.6

Gorgo

1961

Greedy sailors capture a giant lizard off the coast of Ireland and sell it to a London circus. Then its mother shows up.

5.3

Reptilicus

1961

A portion of the tail of a prehistoric reptile is discovered in Denmark. It regenerates into the entire reptile, which proceeds to destroy buildings and property and generally make a nuisance of itself. It can fly, swim, and walk, and has impenetrable scales, which makes it difficult to kill.

3.6

Best Science Fiction Movies of 1961

This ranking features the top science fiction movies released in 1961, sorted by MovieMagicScore viewer ratings. Looking for more? Browse all genres from 1961 or see the best science fiction movies of all time.