A timeless masterpiece of the sci-fi genre is set to grace our television screens tonight.

If you’re a devotee of Will Smith, sleek attire, and otherworldly creatures, then this is one you won’t want to miss. Indeed, Channel 4 will be airing Men in Black during its evening film slot this Saturday.

Whether you’re yet to experience this cinematic gem or you’re an avid fan of the franchise, we believe it’s essential viewing.

For those unacquainted with the 1997 classic, Men in Black centres on street-savvy New York cop James Edwards, who is enlisted by the enigmatic Agent K into the Men in Black, a clandestine organisation that oversees and controls alien activity on Earth. Donning their signature sharp black suits and equipped with memory-wiping neuralysers, the duo must thwart a lethal alien bug from pilfering a minuscule galaxy and sparking an interstellar war.

Along their journey, they encounter a variety of eccentric aliens concealed in plain sight, including a chatty pug and some peculiar coffee-obsessed worms, reports <a href=”https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/hilarious-sci-fi-film-perfect-36204054″ rel=”Follow” target=”_self”>the Mirror</a>.

Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld and adapted from the comic book series of the same name, the movie combines action, comedy and revolutionary practical effects from makeup maestro Rick Baker, who previously crafted Michael Jackson’s Thriller.

The blockbuster became a colossal summer sensation and boasts an impressive 91 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Critics praised its fusion of science fiction and comedy, with one saying: “Men in Black is the wryest, sharpest, most entertaining special effects film in recent memory, a simultaneous participant and mocking parody of the more-bang-for-your-buck behemoth genre.”

Another reviewer said: “A terrifically entertaining combination of alien conspiracy fears played for laughs with a perfect cast… Men in Black is so much fun one is actually mildly disappointed when it ends after an economically short 98 minutes.”

A third critic added: “The gremlins and the gadgets are the real stars of this show.”

Men in Black airs on Channel 4 at 6.10pm today (Sunday).