You may be shocked to learn George Lucas’ feature debut was this experimental sci-fi social commentary. While his fame came later with the bold and brash cowboy antics displayed in space Western Star Wars, Lucas’ first directorial effort offers a more dystopian view starring the recently departed Robert Duvall and Donald Pleasence. The now-cult classic imagines a future where sex and reproduction are outlawed, brain-bubbling drugs secure total civilian compliance, and workers are forced into dangerous tasks with little protection. When three people begin to have unlawful emotions, the entire system is threatened and they must fight to hold on to their humanity. – James Scott
