The 75+ Best Sci-Fi Comedy Movies, Ranked
Photo: Galaxy Quest / DreamWorks Distribution

The 75+ Best Sci-Fi Comedy Movies, Ranked

Ranker Film
Updated May 15, 2024 28.1K views 81 items
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8.1K votes
768 voters
2 reranks
Voting Rules
Vote up your favorite funny movies set in a science fiction universe.
Latest additions: Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, Megamind vs. the Doom Syndicate, Poor Things
Most divisive: Hancock
Over 700 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Funny Science Fiction Comedies

Venturing into a realm where rib-tickling humor meets visionary futurescapes, viewers find themselves immersed in the dynamic genre of sci-fi comedy movies. These films offer an unmissable cinematic cocktail, brilliantly merging laughter with interstellar adventures, and presenting audiences with a paradoxical blend of forward-thinking concepts wrapped in comedic relief. Imagine floating in zero gravity while doubled over in raucous laughter - that's the essence of these engaging cinematic creations! 

Crafted to perfection, the best sci-fi comedy movies offer a unique juxtaposition of genres. They seamlessly steer the narrative from whimsical plot twists to profound universal dilemmas with delightful ease. Elements of humor and futuristic notions are skillfully woven together, creating a tapestry of films that transcend traditional genre boundaries. This intriguing fusion births a genre that delivers moments of levity and awe-inspiring sci-fi grandeur. 

Galaxy Quest and Guardians of the Galaxy stand as shining exemplars of this marvelous genre, their clever writing and stellar performances making them fan favorites. The hilariously satirical yet heartfelt portrayal of fandom in Galaxy Quest, and the rollicking space opera combined with sharp wit offered in Guardians of the Galaxy, demonstrate precisely why these movies rank highly in the pantheon of sci-fi comedies. Other gems include Back to the Future with its iconic DeLorean time machine, and Spaceballs which parodies beloved sci-fi classics. Each of these movies comes complete with easy access to streaming buttons for Amazon Prime, Paramount+, Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, and Hulu, enabling a smooth transition from choosing to viewing. 

The allure of sci-fi comedy movies lies in their uncanny ability to tease our imagination with futuristic scenarios and simultaneously tickle our funny bone. Surprising, engaging, and consistently amusing, these films offer a roller coaster ride across galaxies far, far away, sprinkled with hearty laughs along the way. Regardless of whether you're a dedicated science fiction aficionado, a comedy lover, or simply someone seeking an entertaining cinematic experience, diving into these top-tier sci-fi comedies promises a unique and satisfying viewing journey. 

  • Galaxy Quest
    1

    Galaxy Quest

    Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman
    257 votes
    In Galaxy Quest, a group of washed-up TV actors, led by Jason Nesmith (Tim Allen), find themselves in an interstellar dilemma. Known for their roles in a once-popular sci-fi show, they're mistaken for real space explorers by a group of aliens desperate for help. The crew, including Gwen DeMarco (Sigourney Weaver) and Alexander Dane (Alan Rickman), are unwittingly thrust into a genuine space adventure. This comedy-science fiction film cleverly parodies genre tropes, offering a comedic twist on the classic space opera narrative. The movie was well received upon release and won the prestigious Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation.
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  • Guardians of the Galaxy Franchise
    2

    Guardians of the Galaxy Franchise

    Chris Pratt, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper
    200 votes
    Guardians of the Galaxy is a 2014 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics superhero team of the same name. It is the tenth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film was directed by James Gunn. In Guardians of the Galaxy, Peter Quill forms an uneasy alliance with a group of extraterrestrial misfits who are fleeing after taking a powerful artifact.
  • Men in Black
    3

    Men in Black

    Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith, Linda Fiorentino
    181 votes
    In the sci-fi comedy flick, Men in Black, we meet Jay (Will Smith), a New York City cop, and Kay (Tommy Lee Jones), a seasoned agent from a covert organization. This clandestine outfit, known as Men in Black, silently guards Earth from extraterrestrial threats. Jay is recruited into this secretive world after an alien encounter. The duo's mission? Safeguard our planet from an intergalactic terrorist (Vincent D'Onofrio). With clever gadgets and sharp wit, they tackle cosmic challenges. Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, this film won an Academy Award for Best Makeup. A blend of humor and action that keeps viewers enthralled without revealing too much of the universe's mysteries.
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  • Back to the Future Franchise
    4

    Back to the Future Franchise

    Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson
    217 votes
    The Back to the Future franchise is an American science fiction–comedy film series written and directed by Robert Zemeckis, produced by Bob Gale and Neil Canton for Steven Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment, and distributed by Universal Pictures. The franchise follows the adventures of a high school student, Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox), and an eccentric scientist, Dr. Emmett L. Brown (Christopher Lloyd), as they use a DeLorean time machine to time travel to different periods in the history of Hill Valley, California.
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  • Spaceballs
    5

    Spaceballs

    Mel Brooks, John Candy, Rick Moranis
    185 votes
    In the satirical science fiction comedy Spaceballs, Captain Lone Starr (Bill Pullman) and his half-man, half-dog sidekick Barf (John Candy) find themselves on a mission to rescue Princess Vespa (Daphne Zuniga) from the evil clutches of Dark Helmet (Rick Moranis). The film, directed by Mel Brooks, provides a humorous take on popular sci-fi franchises. Set in an outlandish universe filled with ludicrous characters and peculiar spacecrafts, Spaceballs is a rib-tickling parody that playfully skewers the tropes and clichés of its genre. Its clever scripting and memorable performances make it an enduring classic in comedic cinema.
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  • Young Frankenstein
    6

    Young Frankenstein

    Gene Wilder, Peter Boyle, Cloris Leachman
    146 votes
    In the comedic film, Young Frankenstein, Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (Gene Wilder) inherits his infamous grandfather's estate in Transylvania. Accompanied by his loyal assistant Igor (Marty Feldman) and his lab assistant Inga (Teri Garr), he finds himself drawn into the family business of reanimating the dead. He creates a monster (Peter Boyle) with unintended hilarity ensuing. Directed with a deft hand by Mel Brooks, this spoof of classic horror films won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. The movie is renowned for its comedic elements mixed with classic horror tropes, providing a unique twist on the Frankenstein lore.
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  • Ghostbusters Franchise
    7

    Ghostbusters Franchise

    Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver
    173 votes
    Ghostbusters is a supernatural comedy franchise created in 1984. Its first installment was the film Ghostbusters, released on June 8, 1984, by Columbia Pictures. It centers on a group of eccentric New York City parapsychologists who investigate and capture ghosts for a living. For the film, the franchise licensed action figures, novelizations, and other original Ghostbusters-themed products. After the initial success, they released original material in other fields such as comic books, video games, television series, and a theme park attraction.
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  • WALL-E
    8

    WALL-E

    Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin
    127 votes
    In the post-apocalyptic, deserted Earth of this film, WALL-E (Ben Burtt) is a robot with a singular task: clean up. His solitude is disrupted by EVE (Elissa Knight), a sleek reconnaissance robot. The plot unfolds as WALL-E's fascination with EVE leads him on an interstellar journey that will determine the fate of mankind. A Pixar creation directed by Andrew Stanton, this animated science fiction film has bagged an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, among other accolades. It's a captivating blend of romance and adventure, underpinned by profound environmental themes.
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  • Thor: Ragnarok
    9

    Thor: Ragnarok

    Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett
    155 votes
    In the action-packed Marvel movie, Thor: Ragnarok, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) finds himself in a deadly gladiatorial contest against his former ally, Hulk (Mark Ruffalo). Stranded on the alien planet Sakaar without his mighty hammer, he must race against time to return to Asgard and stop Ragnarok - the destruction of his homeworld at the hands of the ruthless Hela (Cate Blanchett). In this high-stakes adventure directed by Taika Waititi, Thor must fight for survival and rally against the impending doom. His journey is fraught with unexpected allies, classic Marvel humor, and stunning visual effects that earned the film an Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects.
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  • Idiocracy
    10

    Idiocracy

    Luke Wilson, Maya Rudolph, Dax Shepard
    149 votes
    In Idiocracy, Joe Bauers (Luke Wilson), an average American, is selected by the Pentagon for a top-secret hibernation program. He is forgotten and wakes up 500 years later, finding society so dumbed down that he's now the smartest person alive. Frito (Dax Shepard) becomes his guide in this new world ruled by stupidity. Rita (Maya Rudolph), a woman from his time, also wakes up and together they try to survive. The satirical comedy lampoons societal trends, predicting a future where idiocy reigns supreme. Directed by Mike Judge, it's a humorous critique of modern culture's potential downfall.
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  • Bill & Ted Franchise
    11

    Bill & Ted Franchise

    Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter, Kristen Schaal
    240 votes
    The ruler of the future tells best friends Bill and Ted they must compose a new song to save life as we know it. But instead of writing it, they decide to travel through time to steal it from their older selves. Meanwhile, their young daughters devise their own musical scheme to help their fathers bring harmony to the universe.
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  • The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
    12

    The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

    Martin Freeman, Yasiin Bey, Sam Rockwell
    155 votes
    In the movie The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Arthur Dent (Martin Freeman) finds his world upended when Earth is destroyed by an alien race known as Vogons. Stranded in space, he is rescued by Ford Prefect (Mos Def), a writer for the eponymous guide. Joined by Zaphod Beeblebrox (Sam Rockwell), the two-headed president of the galaxy, and Trillian (Zooey Deschanel), the only other human survivor, they embark on a cosmic adventure to discover the ultimate question of life, universe and everything else. The film, notable for its humorous take on science fiction, won the Empire Award for Best Comedy in 2005.
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  • Mars Attacks!
    13

    Mars Attacks!

    Jack Nicholson, Glenn Close, Annette Bening
    142 votes
    Mars Attacks! is a sci-fi comedy directed by Tim Burton, featuring a star-studded ensemble cast. The film revolves around Martians invading Earth, starting with a seemingly peaceful approach which quickly deteriorates into chaos and destruction. The President of the United States, James Dale (Jack Nicholson), struggles to maintain peace, while TV journalist Nathalie Lake (Sarah Jessica Parker) reports on the escalating crisis. Meanwhile, in Nevada, a rebellious teenager, Richie Norris (Lukas Haas), becomes an unlikely hero. Famed for its unique blend of humor and horror, Mars Attacks! offers an offbeat take on classic alien invasion narratives.
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  • Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
    14

    Honey, I Shrunk the Kids

    Rick Moranis, Matt Frewer, Marcia Strassman
    107 votes
    In the intriguing family adventure film, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, Wayne Szalinski (Rick Moranis), a quirky inventor, unwittingly shrinks his children and their friends to minuscule proportions with an experimental shrink ray. The pint-sized teens, Amy and Nick Szalinski (Amy O'Neill and Robert Oliveri) along with their neighborhood pals Russ and Ron Thompson (Thomas Wilson Brown and Jared Rushton), find themselves navigating the gargantuan terrains of their own backyard. Faced with everyday objects turned monstrous obstacles, they must band together to survive the perilous journey back home. Meanwhile, oblivious to their plight, Wayne battles to reverse his disastrous invention. This movie is a heart-pounding blend of comedy, science fiction, and adventure that keeps viewers riveted from start to finish.
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  • Gremlins
    15

    Gremlins

    Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton
    105 votes
    In the movie Gremlins, a young man named Billy Peltzer (Zach Galligan) receives an unusual pet, a Mogwai called Gizmo (voiced by Howie Mandel), as a Christmas gift. This seemingly harmless creature comes with three important rules: no bright lights, no water, and never feed it after midnight. When these rules are inadvertently broken, the small town of Kingston Falls is overrun by destructive creatures known as Gremlins. Directed by Joe Dante and produced by Steven Spielberg, this 1984 film blends comedy, horror, and fantasy elements to create an unforgettable cinematic experience.
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  • Weird Science
    16

    Weird Science

    Kelly LeBrock, Anthony Michael Hall, Ilan Mitchell-Smith
    103 votes
    In the comedic science fiction film Weird Science, high school geeks Gary Wallace (Anthony Michael Hall) and Wyatt Donnelly (Ilan Mitchell-Smith) decide to take their fate into their own hands. Using a home computer and some old-fashioned teenage ingenuity, they create Lisa (Kelly LeBrock), a stunningly beautiful woman with a mind of her own. However, the boys soon learn that their creation is more than they bargained for, leading to a series of hilarious and unexpected events. This John Hughes-directed movie artfully combines humor and fantasy, providing an entertaining exploration of adolescent dreams gone awry.
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  • Short Circuit
    17

    Short Circuit

    Ally Sheedy, Steve Guttenberg, Fisher Stevens
    104 votes
    After a lightning bolt gives it human emotions and intelligence, a military robot escapes and finds refuge at the home of an animal-loving pacifist (Ally Sheedy).
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  • Paul
    18

    Paul

    Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Seth Rogen
    119 votes
    In the comedic sci-fi film Paul, two British comic book enthusiasts, Graeme Willy (Simon Pegg) and Clive Gollings (Nick Frost), embark on an American road trip. Their journey takes a turn for the extraordinary when they encounter an alien named Paul (voiced by Seth Rogen). This extraterrestrial fugitive from Area 51 ropes them into a mission to help him escape government agents. As they cavort across the Western United States, they also cross paths with Ruth Buggs (Kristen Wiig), a creationist who undergoes a radical transformation after meeting Paul. The film, directed by Greg Mottola, is a clever blend of humor and homage to the world of science fiction.
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  • Evolution
    19

    Evolution

    David Duchovny, Orlando Jones, Seann William Scott
    87 votes
    A comedy that follows the chaos that ensues when a meteor hits the Earth carrying alien life forms that give new meaning to the term "survival of the fittest." David Duchovny, Orlando Jones, Seann William Scott, and Julianne Moore are the only people standing between the aliens and world domination... which could be bad news for the Earth.
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  • Ant-Man
    20

    Ant-Man

    Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly
    98 votes
    In the heart-pounding Marvel adventure, Ant-Man, Scott Lang (Paul Rudd), a skilled thief with a heart of gold, stumbles upon a suit that grants him superhuman abilities. Guided by Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), the original Ant-Man, Lang embarks on a thrilling journey to embrace his inner hero and save the world from certain doom. The film blends elements of action, comedy, and sci-fi, presenting a unique take on superhero cinema. Evangeline Lilly co-stars as Hope van Dyne, adding depth to the narrative with her strong and determined character. Ant-Man is an engaging exploration of redemption and courage, peppered with impressive visual effects that bring the tiny world of our protagonist to life.
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  • Innerspace
    21

    Innerspace

    Dennis Quaid, Martin Short, Meg Ryan
    42 votes
    A scientifically miniaturized marine unexpectedly finds himself floating around the body of a hypochondriac, and trying to outwit saboteurs who want the device that shrank him. Attempts by his colleagues to retrieve the little man - protected inside a tiny submersible - are hampered by the would-be thieves.
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  • The Matrix
    22

    The Matrix

    Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss
    115 votes
    Neo (Keanu Reeves) believes that Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), an elusive figure considered to be the most dangerous man alive, can answer his question -- What is the Matrix? Neo is contacted by Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), a beautiful stranger who leads him into an underworld where he meets Morpheus. They fight a brutal battle for their lives against a cadre of viciously intelligent secret agents. It is a truth that could cost Neo something more precious than his life.
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  • Free Guy
    23

    Free Guy

    Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, Joe Keery
    48 votes
    When a bank teller discovers he's actually a background player in an open-world video game, he decides to become the hero of his own story -- one that he can rewrite himself. In a world where there's no limits, he's determined to save the day his way before it's too late, and maybe find a little romance with the coder who conceived him.
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  • Men in Black II
    24

    Men in Black II

    Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith, Rip Torn
    114 votes
    Men in Black II is a blend of science fiction and comedy, released in 2002. Agent J (Will Smith) finds himself the sole protector of Earth from alien threats. However, when the devious Kylothian queen, Serleena (Lara Flynn Boyle), plots to destroy humanity, J must bring his former partner, Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones), out of retirement. Despite K's memory wipe from the first film, he remains the only one with knowledge capable of defeating Serleena. This sequel also features an expanded universe and more outrageous alien designs, maintaining its predecessor's playful tone while introducing fresh narrative elements.
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  • The World's End
    25

    The World's End

    Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Paddy Considine
    102 votes
    In The World's End, Gary King (Simon Pegg) rallies his old school pals for a nostalgic pub crawl in their hometown, aiming to reach the legendary pub, The World's End. Among his friends are Andrew Knightley (Nick Frost), Peter Page (Eddie Marsan), Steven Prince (Paddy Considine), and Oliver Chamberlain (Martin Freeman). As they meander through town, they realize their beloved local has been overrun by alien robots. This comedy-science fiction flick, directed by Edgar Wright, intertwines humor and horror with an end-of-the-world scenario, leading to unexpected twists and turns. It's the final installment of Wright's acclaimed Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy.
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  • They Live
    26

    They Live

    Roddy Piper, Keith David, Meg Foster
    83 votes
    In the cult classic, They Live, John Nada (Roddy Piper), a drifter in economic despair, stumbles upon sunglasses that reveal a hidden reality. The world is controlled by extraterrestrials who use subliminal messaging to manipulate humans and maintain power. As he navigates this dystopian Los Angeles, Nada allies with Frank Armitage (Keith David) to expose the truth. Directed by John Carpenter, this sci-fi thriller combines elements of horror and satire, underlining social commentary on consumerism and media influence. Despite its release in 1988, They Live remains relevant today, a testament to its enduring impact.
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  • Batteries Not Included
    27

    Batteries Not Included

    Jessica Tandy, Luis Guzmán, Hume Cronyn
    29 votes
    Batteries Not Included is a 1987 family-comic science fiction film directed by Matthew Robbins about small extraterrestrial living machines that save an apartment block under threat from property development. The story was originally intended to be featured in the TV series Amazing Stories, but executive producer Steven Spielberg liked the idea so much that he decided to make it a theatrical release. It is also notable for being the feature film screenwriting debut of Brad Bird, who was one of the writer and producers of the show. Many of the film's foreign releases used the title Miracle on 8th Street.
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  • Treasure Planet
    28

    Treasure Planet

    Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Brian Murray, David Hyde Pierce
    29 votes
    In Disney's animated sci-fi adventure, Treasure Planet, Jim Hawkins (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) embarks on a daring intergalactic quest. A map leads him to the fabled Treasure Planet, chasing riches beyond imagination. Accompanied by quirky cyborg cook John Silver (Brian Murray), the duo navigates through black holes and supernovas. This film, nominated for an Academy Award, reimagines Robert Louis Stevenson's classic tale 'Treasure Island' in a futuristic setting. It is a journey of self-discovery as much as it is about treasure hunting, fraught with danger and unexpected friendships.
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  • Palm Springs
    29

    Palm Springs

    Andy Samberg, Cristin Milioti, J.K. Simmons
    30 votes
    In the quirky rom-com Palm Springs, Nyles (Andy Samberg) and Sarah (Cristin Milioti) find themselves trapped in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over again. Stuck in an endless wedding celebration in Palm Springs, these two strangers form an unlikely bond as they navigate their surreal predicament. Their characters evolve amidst the desert backdrop, with comedy and romance interwoven seamlessly into the narrative. The film's unique take on the concept of time has earned it a nomination for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy at the 78th Golden Globe Awards.
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  • Small Soldiers
    30

    Small Soldiers

    Kirsten Dunst, Gregory Smith, Jay Mohr
    32 votes
    Small Soldiers is a thrilling blend of action, comedy, and fantasy. It follows the unexpected adventure of teenager Alan Abernathy (Gregory Smith), who finds himself in the midst of a war between two factions of sentient action figures - the heroic Commando Elite, led by Major Chip Hazard (Tommy Lee Jones), and the peaceful Gorgonites, headed by Archer (Frank Langella). The toys, products of advanced military technology gone awry, bring chaos to Alan's small town. Directed by Joe Dante, this 1998 film cleverly critiques consumer culture and militarism through its engaging plotline and memorable characters.
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