10 Cult Sci-Fi Alternatives To Star Wars: The Force Awakens You Must Watch

By Ian Watson /

6. Empire Of The Ants (1977)

Bert I Gordon€™s film is basically a 50s monster movie, right down to the over-sincere, pseudo-scientific opening narration which informs us that the ant €œmay very well be the next dominant life form on this planet.€ They€™re granted an opportunity when barrels marked Danger Radioactive Waste wash ashore and begin disgorging their load, transforming our humble ants into hungry ant-agonists that attack Joan Collins€™ Real Estate developer and her prospective clients. Perhaps aware of how ridiculous his creatures look, Gordon starts with scenes shot from their POV, then when he€™s forced to use a close-up his camera goes haywire, swinging from left to right as actors tussle with these rubbery foes. Fortunately, Robert Lansing€™s John McClane-ish boat driver is around to kick ass and take names, even keeping a cool head as Collins snaps at him. €œYou never did like working for me,€ she says at one point. €œJust because I€™m a woman!€