By Grace Dean Contributions from Ian Stokes published 26 November 2025 Whether it's extra-terrestrial invaders or a nightmare of our own creation, sci-fi often calls us to action. Comments (0) ( ) When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works . (Image credit: Warner Bros, 20th Century Studios, & Tri-Star Pictures) It's time to get tactical, as we're taking a look at the more bombastic side of sci-fi this time with our rundown of the ten best sci-fi action movies of all time (according to us, opinions may vary, etc, etc). Sci-fi is the perfect setting for some bombastic action, as it allows filmmakers to lean into the impossible, crafting scenarios and set-pieces that wouldn't be possible in a movie set in the modern day. You can't just CGI in some aliens getting blown up and call it a day, though — it's all about the stakes, the tension, and the execution. From epic showdowns to alien-blasting missions to defend the Earth, there's something for everyone here. We only have one rule. Everyone reads to the end; no one quits. Here's our ranking of the best sci-fi action movies of all time. 10. Starship Troopers (Image credit: TriStar Pictures) Release date: November 7, 1997 | Cast: Casper Van Dien, Denise Richards, Dina Meyer, Neil Patrick Harris | Director: Paul Verhoeven | Rotten Tomatoes: 72% critics / 70% audience An interstellar war with a race of giant bugs that want to wipe out humanity? Oh, you better believe we want to know more. Starship Troopers sees the soldiers of the United Citizen Federation head to distant planets to destroy the gnarly-looking and incredibly vicious Arachnids and an even more upsetting Brain Bug (that I still can’t get out of my head). A controversial release in 1997, in part due to its violence, it’s now considered a cult classic, popularized for its satirical view on militarism. And it was director Verhoeven who led the charge, famously behind other sci-fi classics of the 80s/90s, like RoboCop and Total Recall (which we’ll get into later on). No stranger to action, Verhoeven brought to life the book of the same name with a barrage of bug-blasting escapades in the 23rd century. The result was a bombastic action movie with a dark sense of humour. It's packed with glorious one-liners, enormous battles, and — of course — Verhoeven's signature piece: a gratuitous shower scene to pump up the nudity. Hey, the man knows what he likes. The CGI and special effects hold up to this day, and even three decades on, nothing has really captured the awe-inspiring sense of scale that Starship Troopers managed. Get the Space.com Newsletter Breaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more! Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. Watch Starship Troopers on Paramount+: Premium (no ads): $12.99/mo or $119.99/yr BLACK FRIDAY DEALS: Source: https://www.space.com/entertainment/space-movies-shows/best-sci-fi-action-movies-of-all-time-ranked