They always say the third film in a trilogy is the worst. Well, this is The Return of the King.

First, some context. This will be the only challenge I will join this year. I have decided to take a step back from challenges in general. Additionally, my Patron will run out on Dec. 7, and currently, I'm too broke to renew it, which, as far as I'm aware, doesn't exactly give me pleasant ways to do some things relating to challenges (adding all films to the Open Challenge Films lists). I have considered making a gap year for 2025, but that was something I didn't want to do, for obvious reasons. So yeah, this is the main reason why I will not join any challenges for 2025, and will only have this one running.

WHAT IS SCI-FIx52?
Well, it's essentially a challenge where you choose 52 films meeting the criteria below. They can be first-time watches or rewatches. They can be watched weekly, as fast as possible, or in any other way you like. The challenge is simply to watch them during 2025.

HOW DO I JOIN
Well, that's simple. Create a list and add all 52 films meeting the criteria below to a list and share the list's link in the comments. Then I will add your name below.

RULES
Each log has to be tagged with "scifix52" and "scifix52-25". The challenge officially starts on January 1, 2025, and ends on December 31, 2025, BUT you can still join the challenge after that date.

Each movie you choose has to be a narrative film that runs at least 60 minutes in length. Short films, documentaries, TV mini-series, and other 'non-films' are not allowed. Each film also has to have the "science-fiction" genre attached to it.

Be sure to include a link back to this list in your list so other people stumbling upon your list can join the challenge too, if they want to. I'd recommend making it a ranked list and adding each task to the notes so they can be cross-referenced easily.

Feedback, suggestions, and criticisms would be highly welcome!

PROMPTS
1. Watch a science-fiction film of your choice. ☑️
2. BLINDSPOT: Watch the highest-rated science-fiction film not on your watchlist.
3. Watch a science-fiction film rated highly by one of your friends/family members. (or someone you follow)
4. Watch a movie that’s been sitting on your watchlist for way too long.
5. Watch three science-fiction films from the same franchise - Part 1/3
6. Watch three science-fiction films from the same franchise - Part 2/3
7. Watch three science-fiction films from the same franchise - Part 3/3
8. Watch a science-fiction film starring Bruce Willis.
9. Watch a science-fiction film starring Sigourney Weaver.
10. Watch a science-fiction film directed by John Carpenter.
11. Watch a science-fiction film directed by David Cronenberg.
12. Watch a science-fiction film written by Alex Garland.
13. Watch a science-fiction film written by Roland Emmerich.
14. Watch a science-fiction film composed by Hans Zimmer.
15. Watch a science-fiction film composed by John Williams.
16. Watch a science-fiction film released in the 1990s.
17. Watch a science-fiction film released in the 2010s.
18. Watch a non-American-produced science-fiction film.
19. Watch a science-fiction film produced in New Zealand.
20. Watch a science-fiction film produced in Germany.
21. Watch a science-fiction horror or thriller film.
22. Watch a science-fantasy film
23. Watch a science-fiction spy film.
24. Watch a science-fiction heist film.
25. Watch a science-fiction slasher film.
26. Watch a science-fiction anime film.
27. Watch a science-fiction film based on a television series.
28. Watch a science-fiction film based on comics or manga.
29. Watch a science-fiction film based on a novel or short story.
30. Watch a science-fiction film based on a video game.
31. Watch a science-fiction film based on/inspired by true events.
32. Watch a Prime Video-original science-fiction film.
33. Watch a Netflix-original science-fiction film.
34. Watch a science-fiction film that runs under 90 minutes.
35. Watch a science-fiction film that runs over 180 minutes.
36. Watch a science-fiction remake. (Note: This list also includes the original films.)
37. Watch a science-fiction prequel.
38. Watch a science-fiction sequel.
39. Choose or randomize a prompt from any of your other currently running or past challenges and watch a science-fiction film fitting that prompt.
40. Ask ChatGPT (or a similar text-based AI) for science-fiction films and watch one of the films that come up. (You can choose the exact prompt you give the AI model.)
41. Watch a science-fiction film starring a child in the lead role.
42. Watch a science-fiction film covered on the Project Geekology podcast. (Or any other podcast you know.)
43. Watch a science-fiction film with an LGBTQIA+ character in a lead or supporting role.
44. Watch a science-fiction film with a lead character who has a mental disorder. (eg. dissociative disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, etc.) (undiagnosed/unconfirmed also works)
45. Watch a science-fiction film with a lead character who is neurodivergent. (eg. autistic, ADHD, etc.) (undiagnosed/unconfirmed also works)
46. Watch a science-fiction film from the previous year’s challenge that you didn’t manage to watch. (If you have watched all of them, congratulations! This is a joker.)
47. Watch a science-fiction film featuring a “taboo” topic. (eg. sex, drugs, etc.)
48. Watch an unknown science-fiction sequel/prequel/spinoff to a well-known science-fiction film.
49. Watch a science-fiction film you own but never watched. (If you watched your whole collection, choose a film you haven’t seen in the longest time or one you don’t remember.)
50. Watch a science-fiction film from your birth year. (If you don’t want to publicize your birth year, choose any year you like.)
51. Watch a science-fiction film you wanted to avoid.
52. Watch a science-fiction film of your choice. ☑️

Extra Credit:
53. Watch a science-fiction film from your favorite decade (either your favorite for movies in general or for science-fiction films. It's up to you.)
54. Watch a science-fiction film directed, written, or produced by someone you have met or seen in real life.
(I skipped this one since I haven't seen any celebrity in real life with sifi on their resume)
55. Watch a science-fiction film with a celebrity cameo. (eg. a musician) ☑️
56. Watch a science-fiction film based on a toyline.

---- PERSONAL STATS ----
PROGRESSION: 03/55
REWATCHES: 0/0
AVERAGE RATING: Calculating it once I have finished this challenge.

Original list: letterboxd.com/hifive789/list/sci-fix52-2025/
Credit to: HiFive