The document analyzes and references several sci-fi movie posters from 1979 to 2016, including Alien, Passengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, Avatar, and Oblivion. It summarizes the key design elements of each poster, such as prominently featuring the movie title and stars, using minimalistic imagery to intrigue audiences, and referencing other successful movies or franchises to attract fans. Overall, the document shows how sci-fi movie posters effectively communicate genre and tone through graphic and textual elements to promote the films.

1. Sci-Fi Movie Posters
Analysis and Reference

2. Alien 1979 Poster
The title is while small easily
legible, due to the white letters
on a black background.
Interestingly the title does not
dominate the poster and instead
of large font it is spaced out to
make it more appealing.
The prop of the alien egg is
used as the centre of the
movie poster. Although the
alien is never seen, this
brings a mysterious edge to
the poster. The egg seems
to be leaking as if at any
moment the alien will be
free, a suspenseful method.
Interestingly most of the
background in this image is
entirely black. This draws the
audiences eyes to the only
colour on the page that of the
egg. Everything is produced it
seems to make the audience
wonder what Alien could be in
the egg.
Here the slogan is clearly legible
white on black background. Again it
does not take priority over the
centre of the poster which is that of
the Alien egg. The phrase also sets
the theme of the poster that of sci-fi
horror. Easily remembered and
ominous.

3. The dominating features of
this poster are that of the
two stars. This is done for
the reason that they are
such massive stars. Some of
the biggest names in the
industry at it’s release date.
People will be drawn to the
movie without knowing
anything simply for the A list
actors.
Here we can see what looks
like lights illuminating
Jennifer Lawrence’s face.
While it is not clear what
they are it does however
have connotations of
science fiction, giving the
poster a different feel to
that of a romantic movie.
The font here is while
legible unique and different
in it’s style. This again has
connotations of something
futuristic, breaking from a
normal font for the title of
the movie.
Passengers 2016 Poster
The release date while not
dominating is clearly
visible.
To play on the fame of the
stars their names are clearly
written on the poster.
The ways in which the movie can be
viewed are clearly portrayed at the
centre of the poster. Meaning the movie
is more accessible.

4. Guardians of the
Galaxy 2014 Poster
I reference this poster due to the fact that it was the
most successful sci-fi movie of 2014. While it is in the
clear Marvel layout, with the heroes in the foreground
surrounded by events of the movie I can take inspiration
from the key items included. These being: stars clearly
portrayed, title easily eligible and clear, movie studio
features, star’s names. Furthermore the tagline for this
is not a quote that summarises the movie rather
referencing another successful movie which is that of
the avengers. This is done as the concept for this movie
was not entirely popular but the avengers was therefore
this was used to sell the movie. The clear themes of
science fiction are also portrayed as we can see space,
spaceships and laser guns: all of which portray a science
fiction theme.

5. Avatar 2009
Poster
I reference this poster due to the fact that again it was a
hugely successful science fiction movie. Similarly to the
Alien poster we see a minimalistic approach focussing
around one character in this case again an: Alien. This
poster is particularly striking as the woman is beautiful
yet alien which intrigues audiences. Titanic is also used
at the top as a pull a hugely successful movie which
brings in loyal fans, knowing the director produces
quality movies.

6. Oblivion 2013
Poster
This poster breaks from the norms seen in most of the
posters previous. This focusses more on the scenery of the
movie rather than the stars. This is perhaps a key feature of
Tom Cruise productions as he is such a well known star. His
involvement gives an instant quality sealing and therefore
the poster can focus on concept rather than the star.