The 25 best science fiction movies of all time

What are the best movies about mysterious planets, visitors from other worlds, and the future on our very own Earth? Check out our picks!

17. 'WALL-E'

Walt Disney Co./AP
'WALL-E' is directed by Andrew Stanton.

This 2008 comedy directed by Andrew Stanton follows a robot named WALL-E (Waste Allocation Load Lifter – Earth Class) who is the only machine left on an abandoned Earth and is still working to clean the planet of all its trash. He longs for a connection with another creature and is delighted to find a new robot, EVE (Extraterrestrial Vegetation Evaluator), has arrived on Earth. EVE has been sent to the planet with a special mission.

The grim situation humanity finds itself in as the movie begins is ultimately lightened by the hopeful ending and the sweet relationship between WALL-E and EVE. Pixar once again shows it can tackle the seemingly impossible (a main character who doesn't talk) and make a film both accessible and absorbing.

Monitor film critic Peter Rainer found the movie to be "emotionally resonant... it's more heartfelt than anything on the screens these days featuring humans."

Ben Burtt, who voices WALL-E, is a robot expert – his work will pop up in another entry higher up on this list.

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