The 1950's is sometimes described as the 'classic' era of science fiction cinema. Much of the production was in a low-budget form, targeted at a teenage audience. Many were formulaic, gimmicky, comic-book-style films. They drew upon political themes or public concerns of the day, including depersonalization, infiltration, or fear of nuclear weapons. Invasion was a common theme, as were various threats to humanity.
Three of the films from this decade, Destination Moon (1950), The War of the Worlds (1953) and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954) won Academy Awards, while The Incredible Shrinking Man (1957) won a Hugo Award.
