Fancy a bit of adventure beyond the usual holiday snaps? This curated list of 10 sci-fi films takes you on a journey where tourists encounter the extraordinary. From alien planets to time-travel escapades, these films offer a unique blend of exploration and the fantastical, making them perfect for anyone who loves to travel, both in reality and through the realms of imagination. Whether you're a seasoned globetrotter or an armchair explorer, these films will transport you to places you've never dreamed of visiting.

The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
Description: An alien visitor arrives in Washington, D.C., to deliver a message to humanity, making Earth a tourist destination for extraterrestrial beings.
Fact: The film was remade in 2008 with Keanu Reeves.


Planet of the Apes (1968)
Description: Astronauts crash-land on a planet where apes are the dominant species, turning their space exploration into an unexpected tourist trip through a bizarre society.
Fact: The iconic ending twist was kept secret from the cast until the last day of shooting.


Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
Description: Ordinary people become tourists of the cosmos when they encounter UFOs and are drawn to a meeting point with extraterrestrials.
Fact: The film's famous five-note musical phrase was composed by John Williams.


The Last Starfighter (1984)
Description: A young man is recruited to fight in an interstellar war after playing a video game, turning his arcade experience into a real-life space adventure.
Fact: The film was one of the first to use CGI for its space battle scenes.


The Fifth Element (1997)
Description: A taxi driver inadvertently becomes a key player in saving the world, turning his everyday job into a cosmic adventure.
Fact: The film features a cameo by Jean-Paul Gaultier, who also designed the costumes.


The Time Machine (2002)
Description: A scientist invents a time machine and travels to the future, where he encounters a world vastly different from his own. It's a journey through time, offering a unique perspective on tourism.
Fact: The film is a remake of the 1960 classic, which was based on H.G. Wells' novel.


The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005)
Description: This film follows Arthur Dent, an ordinary bloke who suddenly finds himself on an intergalactic adventure after Earth is demolished to make way for a hyperspace bypass. It's the ultimate guide for any tourist looking to explore the universe.
Fact: The film was adapted from Douglas Adams' cult classic book series. The phrase "Don't Panic" became a catchphrase among fans.


Interstellar (2014)
Description: While not explicitly about tourists, this film explores the concept of space travel and the human desire to explore new worlds, making it a must-watch for anyone fascinated by the idea of cosmic tourism.
Fact: The film's depiction of a black hole, Gargantua, was based on real scientific theories and calculations.


The Tourist (2010)
Description: While not sci-fi, this film involves a tourist who unwittingly becomes part of an international intrigue, showcasing the thrill of unexpected adventures during travel.
Fact: The film was originally intended to star Tom Cruise and Charlize Theron.


The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976)
Description: An alien arrives on Earth to find water for his dying planet, becoming an accidental tourist in human society.
Fact: David Bowie stars as the alien, bringing his otherworldly charisma to the role.
