Scientists gathered at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory have determined which science fiction films strike the best balance between reality and fiction, identifying the most scientifically accurate movies ever made.
The comprehensive list also includes films deemed the most scientifically absurd and unrealistic by space agency experts.
According to scientific journal Smithsonian Magazine, space agency experts consider the 1997 film “Gattaca” to be the most realistic science fiction film of all time.
Starring Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, and Jude Law, the film explores the societal implications of genetic engineering with such consistency that scientists continue to publish papers referencing the film’s vision today.
Another heavyweight on the list is “Contact” (1997). Adapted from renowned astronomer Carl Sagan’s novel, Sagan was directly involved in the production process and focused intensely on details to ensure scientific accuracy, even at the cost of slowing down production.
What Else Made the Most Realistic List?
The complete list of most scientifically accurate films determined by Jet Propulsion Laboratory researchers includes:
- Gattaca (1997)
- Contact (1997)
- Metropolis (1927)
- The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
- Woman from the Moon (1929)
- The Thing from Another World (1951)
- Jurassic Park (1993)
Which Films Are the Most Scientifically Absurd?
At the top of the agency’s “least believable” list sits the 2009 disaster film “2012”.
Donald Yeomans, manager of the Near-Earth Object Program, harshly criticized the film. According to Yeomans, the film’s central premise—that “Earth’s core suddenly heats up due to neutrinos”—is scientifically impossible.
In second place is “The Core”, which ignores fundamental geological principles. The famous Bruce Willis vehicle “Armageddon” also earns a spot on the list for its unrealistic scenario.
Complete List of Most Inaccurate Films:
- 2012 (2009)
- The Core (2003)
- Armageddon (1998)
- Volcano (1997)
- Chain Reaction (1996)
- The 6th Day (2000)
- What the Bleep Do We Know? (2004)
