I think science fiction films are about 40 years behind science fiction literature.  There were maybe two good sf masterpieces written in teh fifties--to match the two good films that switters mentioned--that weren't embarrassing nerdy wank fantasies.  Give me some time and maybe I can name one of them.  With cgi, the tv and the box office are finally getting out of the pulp era.  (And will soon join the intellectual heights that the rest of the medium dominates.) 

Um, or something.  Isn't Farscape a Michael Crichton turd?

Now shut up and hold me like you did by the lake at Naboo.

K