1976

Jimmy Carter wins the presidency and discovers that Americans aren’t optimistic anymore. Had Carter watched 70s sci-fi, he would have known. For years, viewers have wallowed in dystopia, post-apocalyptic ruin and environmental doom. Malaise was as chipper as they could muster.

Below is a list of the sci-fi films of 1976, in roughly chronological order.

Doomwatch — Based on a British environmental-angst TV series, a team investigate islanders deformed from a toxic spill.

Track of the Moon Beast — A geologist is struck by a tiny meteorite. He turns into a killer Moon Beast at each full moon. He must be stopped before he kills again AND explodes.

Time Travelers — Yet another version of Irwin Allen’s concept. Doctors must travel back pre-fire Chicago for a plague cure.

Embryo — A Frankenstein variant. Doctor creates a beautiful woman from a fetus, but she must have fetal hormones to stay alive.

Food of the Gods — Bert. I. Gordon’s giant rats besiege people in a mountain cabin. Based on a segment of H.G.Wells’ novel.

Logan’s Run — Future dystopia where anyone over 30 is euthanized. Logan tries to find The Sanctuary outside the city dome.

The Ultimate Warrior — Yul Brynner is a hired mercenary to get a pregnant woman out of a post-apocalyptic city rife with starvation and gang warfare.

The Man Who Fell to Earth — David Bowie stars as semi-helpless alien who came to earth to save his dying race. He is discovered and subjected to medical tests.

At the Earth’s Core — Yet another Verne variant. Two men burrow to earth’s core to find (surprise!) dinosaurs and scantily-clad women.

Furtureworld — Sequel to Westworld. Reporters uncover a plot to replace world leaders with bio-bot doubles.