Imagine the classic scenario of meeting your significant other's parents, but now throw in a twist of science fiction. These films blend the awkward and often humorous situations of family introductions with elements of the fantastical, extraterrestrial, or futuristic. This collection offers a unique perspective on the universal experience of meeting the parents, making it not just a test of compatibility but a journey through time, space, and beyond. Whether it's dealing with alien in-laws or navigating the complexities of time travel, these films provide a fresh and entertaining take on a familiar theme.

The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
Description: An alien arrives on Earth with a message for humanity, and his interactions with a human family, including a mother and her son, are central to the plot.
Fact: The film was remade in 2008 with Keanu Reeves, but the original remains a classic for its message and special effects.


The Time Machine (1960)
Description: A scientist travels through time and meets the descendants of humanity, exploring themes of family and legacy in a futuristic setting.
Fact: The film's time machine prop was designed by Bill Ferrari, who also worked on "Star Trek."


Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
Description: A man's obsession with UFOs leads him to meet an alien species, and his family dynamics are tested through this extraordinary experience.
Fact: The film's iconic five-note musical phrase was composed by John Williams and is now synonymous with alien contact.


E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Description: A young boy befriends an alien, and the alien's interactions with the boy's family, including his mother, are central to the heartwarming story.
Fact: E.T.'s voice was created by combining the voices of several children, including Debra Winger.


Starman (1984)
Description: An alien takes the form of a recently deceased man to meet his widow, leading to an interstellar road trip that explores human emotions and connections.
Fact: Jeff Bridges won a Saturn Award for Best Actor for his role as the alien.


The Iron Giant (1999)
Description: A young boy befriends a giant robot, and their bond explores themes of family, identity, and what it means to be human.
Fact: The film was a box office disappointment but has since gained a cult following and critical acclaim.


Meet the Parents (2000)
Description: While not strictly sci-fi, this comedy includes a lie detector test scene that feels like something out of a futuristic dystopia, making it a fitting start to our list.
Fact: The lie detector scene was improvised by Robert De Niro, adding to the film's authenticity and humor.


The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005)
Description: Arthur Dent's journey through space includes meeting various alien species, some of which could be considered his "in-laws" in the most unconventional sense.
Fact: The film includes a cameo by Douglas Adams, the book's author, who passed away before the film's release.


The World's End (2013)
Description: A group of friends attempt to relive their youth by completing a pub crawl, only to discover an alien invasion. Meeting the parents takes on a whole new meaning when they're part of the alien resistance.
Fact: The film is the final part of Edgar Wright's "Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy," following "Shaun of the Dead" and "Hot Fuzz."


The Adjustment Bureau (2011)
Description: A man discovers that his life is controlled by a mysterious group, leading to a complex relationship with a woman whose parents are part of this cosmic bureaucracy.
Fact: The film is based on a short story by Philip K. Dick, known for his sci-fi narratives.
