Scientific discoveries have shaped society for centuries. From human behavior, to life on other planets; science encompasses all of Earth’s accomplishments. To truly appreciate the wonders of life, one must admire the achievements of science. These selected films should hopefully showcase the broad range in how science is portrayed in life.
One cannot mention science in film without acknowledging George Lucas’ Star Wars. Episode IV: A new hope (1977). This film proved to be the “hope” of its generation by providing handcrafted puppets and thematic landscapes to attempt to make possible what was impossible at the time. Long before CGI, George Lucas created an otherworldly space just by using what was available to him at the time, creating a timeless classic. Follow Luke Skywalker, a common boy, as he is thrust into a galactic civil war against the evil empire, and learn the ways of “the force” to embark on a journey to save the galaxy.
(Image – Wars. Episode IV: A new hope(1977). IMDB.com. 20 January, 2026 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0076759/)
If scientific inventions built to enhance the limits of the human body in order to create a super human are more intriguing to you, you should definitely sit down and watch Jon Favreau’s Iron Man (2008). This movie follows a billionaire engineer Tony Stark who after being held captive in an Afghan cave, invents a weaponized suit to fight off evil. As one of the most popular superhero franchises of our time, Iron Man is a powerful figure and Robert Downey, Jr. gives a wonderful performance of him on screen.
(Image – Iron Man(2008). IMDB.com. 20 January, 2026 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0371746/?ref_=mv_close)
What about a superhero movie set in the 40s that utilizes science to enhance human strength? If you like movies with complicated chemical scientific discoveries, then Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) might be a film for you. Joe Johnson directs this film that follows Steve Rogers, a rejected military soldier who takes a dose of “Super-Soldier Serum” and transforms into Captain America. This transformation leads him to fight a warmonger and a terrorist organization. A culture classic, many incorporate this movie into their independence day festivities.
(Image – Captain America: The First Avenger (2011). IMDB.com. 20 January, 2026https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0458339/?ref_=fn_t_4)
If an animated classic is more your thing, Carlos Saldanha and Chris Wedge’s Robots (2005) could be an entertaining watch for you. In a world full of robot citizens, a young idealistic inventor moves to the big city to join the company of his inspiration, only to find himself hating its sinister new management. This movie has child-friendly animated graphics, however, it carries important messaging regarding keeping your passions and spark alive in a fast-moving, competitive world.
(Image – Robots (2005).IMDB.com. 20 January, 2026 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0358082/?ref_=fn_t_1)
Sophie Tompkins is a sophomore at Indiana University majoring in Environmental Science and Sustainability along with minoring in Fine Arts. This is the start of her fourth semester at Media Services and she is excited to work with Media Services in her upcoming years at the Herman B Wells Library!
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