Rainer Erler is a German writer, director and film producer. Erler is considered a major maker of German science fiction films and of science fiction on television, as well as the founder of the science thriller subgenre (explosive social, political and scientific themes are presented in a suspenseful way).

Erler's films often dealt with controversial social issues such as nuclear energy, nuclear waste, ethics in scientific research, genetic manipulation or organ trafficking. Many films provoked controversial reactions when they were broadcast.