The best space opera movies of all time add a touch of theatrics to the world of science fiction with their larger-than-life stories and outer space adventure. Though the term has a somewhat loose definition, space opera is distinct from traditional science fiction because it puts less of an emphasis on hard science, and more on elements of fantasy and character drama.
Space operas stretch back to the earliest days of cinema, with many serials falling into the category. Even in the realm of early 20th century science fiction literature, space opera was quite common. As our own understanding of space and science grew, the prevalence of space opera declined. However, the subgenre is still alive and well thanks to a handful of major franchises.
Many space operas involve intergalactic conflicts and drama that plays out on a galactic scale. However, the real intrigue still comes from the inward personal journeys of the characters. Science fiction is merely a backdrop for the universal truths of popular storytelling, and that helps to make space operas resonate with audiences across generations. Real life science can never outpace the sci-fi of space operas.
For the purposes of this list, major franchises are reduced to a singular entry. That’s because some of the best space opera series would snag half the spots. There are traditional space operas as well as films that blur the lines a bit. The flexibility of the subgenre is actually one of its strongest assets, and the entries on this list all contribute something new to the space opera concept.
10
Flash Gordon (1980)
Though it isn’t the most famous or popular science fiction film of the 1980s, Flash Gordon is still a quintessential space opera movie. Based on the comics and serials of the same name, the film concerns a football player who is recruited to travel across the galaxy and fight an evil emperor who has attacked Earth. As befitting its source, the 1980 cult classic turns the camp up to 11.
There is a playful sense of fun to Flash Gordon that was lacking in other sci-fi films from the time. It isn’t entirely serious, which is why the goofiness is so endearing. However, it falls to the bottom of this list because it lacks the depth of other space opera flicks. It’s a classic of the subgenre, but only just so.
9
Starship Troopers (1997)
Robocop director, Paul Verhoeven, was tapped to adapt Robert Heinlein’s Starship Troopers, and he put his signature satirical spin on the project. In the future, a global military force is dispatched to distant planets to fight an encroaching alien race with insect-like features. The film is a fierce dissection of fascism and the rising military industrial complex.
It could be argued that Starship Troopers isn’t really a space opera. However, it eschews hard science in favor of thematic storytelling, one of the central concepts of the subgenre. It belongs on this list because it not only delivers exciting military sci-fi action, but is an uproariously funny black comedy. Unfortunately, its satire does muddle the message just a bit, thus it falls down the list.
8
Spaceballs (1987)
A list of great space operas isn’t complete without the film that so perfectly lambasts them. Mel Brooks’ Spaceballs is the story of an evil empire, a tough princess, a charming rogue, and even a magical power known as “The Schwartz.” If that sounds like a parody of Star Wars, that’s because it is. However, it doesn’t ignore other popular sci-fi properties.
The brilliance of Spaceballs is that it not only parodies space operas like Star Wars, but it also pokes fun at the business behind those films. The meta commentary about consumerism and cynicism in Hollywood has aged gracefully, as have Brooks’ nonstop jokes. Despite being a stellar sci-fi comedy, Spaceballs is still inferior to many of the films it spoofs.
7
The Last Starfighter (1984)
The Last Starfighter is sadly lost in a sea of so-called Star Wars clones in the 1980s, but it’s arguably the most underrated space opera ever made. A teen with a knack for a certain arcade game is recruited by an alien force to assist them in their intergalactic war. It embraces the escapism of sci-fi and video games, while staying grounded in the real-life consequences of conflict.
The Last Starfighter is a rich story about dreams and reality. It doesn’t put a glossy sheen on war, and actually features a hero who is conflicted with his role as a fighter. The alien effects are top-notch, but it’s the writing, acting, and directing that really shine. There are layers to The Last Starfighter, even if it isn’t as well-known as many of its contemporaries in the space opera subgenre.
6
Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014-2023)
The MCU’s Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy is one of its most consistent, and it offers a slice of space opera in the midst of all the superhero action. Starlord and his band of outer space weirdos embark on various missions that put their unique skills to the test. Meanwhile, they all search for parts of themselves that they are missing. Don’t let the silliness fool you, the trilogy has heart.
The accessibility of the space opera is on full display in all three films, and the small moments often outshine the bombastic action sequences. The characters are fun to spend time with, and it’s a rare example of an MCU property that doesn’t feel overdone or tiresome. It’s held back only slightly by the glossiness of the MCU, and it is sometimes guilty of feeling a bit calculated to fit into the cinematic universe’s larger narrative.
5
Avatar (2009-2025)
Space opera is big business, and never is that more clear than in James Cameron’s Avatar franchise. Grossing nearly $7 billion across three movies, the sweeping tale of the Na’vi and their lush moon of Pandora has pushed box offices to their absolute limits. While reinventing the technology of cinema in the process, Cameron has told a very simple story about persistence and morality.
Other space operas might have richer stories and more complex themes, but they can’t hold a candle to the spectacle of Avatar. In a lot of ways, the films are a tribute to cinema itself, showing that the future of filmmaking is always just around the corner. Despite all that praise, the Avatar series does lack originality, something that other space operas never struggle with.
4
The Fifth Element (1997)
Standing alone among larger franchises, The Fifth Element is a real treat. With Earth in jeopardy, a cab driver teams up with a mysterious woman to stop the planet’s destruction. That rather simple description of the plot doesn’t do Luc Besson’s film justice, and The Fifth Element is an experience unlike any other.
The retrofuturistic designs are countered by incredibly ornate modern choices, and every frame of the film is a feast for the eyes. It is also a fast-paced action film that uses a flimsy science fantasy plot to get to all the fun stuff in the middle. As far as originality is concerned, The Fifth Element might be the most unique science fiction movie of the last 50 years. Without a few franchises standing in its way, it could easily top this list.
3
Dune (2020-2026)
Though David Lynch’s Dune adaptation deserves some credit, the Denis Villeneuve version is miles better. Paul Atreides becomes the leader of the Fremen and takes on the powerful empire that controls all life in the galaxy. The second try at Frank Herbert’s book series gives the sweeping space opera time to develop the rich philosophy behind the story.
The scale of the franchise is most impressive, and it does an excellent job of synthesizing the complexities of the plot into digestible cinema. Dune remains just elusive enough to be engrossing, without leaving audiences lost in space without something to hold onto. If the third installment is just as good, the Dune franchise may deserve a spot higher on this space opera countdown.
2
Star Trek (1979-2016)
Star Trek is a franchise best known for its TV shows, but several of the films are also perfect space opera fare. The adventures of the U.S.S. Enterprise and its intrepid crew splash across the big screen, but it’s their humanity that is tested when they reach for the furthest parts of space. Despite being grounded in somewhat hard sci-fi, it’s Star Trek‘s space opera side that’s best.
In films like The Wrath of Khan, it’s the villain’s revenge that is most interesting, and Kirk’s struggles with his own aging and fallibility is relatable. No matter how far into space the crew travels, the same problems arise that plague people in the modern day. Star Trek could easily be the best space opera franchise, but those touches of reality knock it down a peg compared to one other series.
1
Star Wars (1977-2026)
One franchise truly embodies the spirit of the space opera, and that’s Star Wars. George Lucas’ vision of a galaxy far far away takes a page from classic serials, combining the excitement of science fiction with the theatrics and imagination of fantasy. Though the film series ranges in quality from classic to downright terrible, the highlights are brighter than any other space opera.
Just The Empire Strikes Back is enough to secure the top spot, because it solidifies what space opera is as a subgenre of sci-fi. The characters of Star Wars are archetypal, the conflicts have heart, and the larger fictional universe offers endless opportunities for exploration. There might be better science fiction films out there, but nothing beats Star Wars as prime space opera.