10 Great Sci-Fi Movies Under 90 Minutes

Before John Boyega and Jodie Whitaker became sci-fi superstars, they appeared together in Attack the Block. This sci-fi comedy opens with trainee nurse, Samantha (Whitaker), being mugged by a street gang, led by Moses (Boyega). After the area is invaded by aliens, Moses' gang and Samantha are forced to team up to protect the tower block they live in.

Now, enemies being forced to ally against a common foe isn't a novel premise. (George A. Romero's Night of the Living Dead series used this trope routinely.)

But Attack the Block never feels cliched due to its tight script, surprisingly developed characters, and powerful performances. At only 88 minutes, the film ensures every second counts, especially when it comes to the nail-biting action. The aliens themselves have a simple but unsettling design, which keeps viewers on edge. Because creature-features are usually filled with idiotic characters, its refreshing to see the ensemble make sensible decisions to stay alive.

Attack the Block may have bombed at the box office, but it has become such a cult hit, it's no surprise there is a sequel on the way.