Good Movies About Space

From Christopher Nolan, starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Mackenzie Foy
Rated PG-13

Interstellar is a 2014 epic science fiction film directed, co-written, and co-produced by Christopher Nolan. The film stars Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Bill Irwin, Ellen Burstyn, and Michael Caine. The film follows a group of astronauts who travel through a wormhole in search of a new home for humanity in the wake of Earth's impending destruction. Along their journey, they encounter a mysterious entity, Brand, and face numerous obstacles as they attempt to save humanity. The film is widely regarded as a masterpiece, winning numerous awards including the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. It is noted for its groundbreaking visual effects, emotional depth, and themes of hope and perseverance in the face of insurmountable odds.

From Ridley Scott, starring Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, John Hurt, Veronica Cartwright
Rated R

Alien is a science-fiction horror film directed by Ridley Scott and released in 1979. The story follows the crew of a commercial towing spaceship, the Nostromo, as they encounter a deadly extraterrestrial life form on a remote planet. After bringing the creature on board their ship, the crew discovers its violent nature and must fight to survive. As the creature picks them off one by one, they battle their own fears and the horrifying creature in a desperate attempt to save their lives. In the end, only one crew member survives the deadly encounter. Alien is a thrilling and suspenseful film that has stood the test of time, making it a classic that is still celebrated by horror and science-fiction fans alike.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, William Sylvester, Daniel Richter
Rated G

2001: A Space Odyssey is a science fiction classic directed by Stanley Kubrick in 1968. It follows a voyage to Jupiter with the sentient computer HAL after the discovery of a mysterious black monolith affecting human evolution. The story is based in part on Arthur C. Clarke's short story "The Sentinel". The film deals with themes of human evolution, technology, artificial intelligence, and extraterrestrial life, and is notable for its scientifically accurate depiction of spaceflight and groundbreaking visual effects. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, with its innovative use of music and cinematography, and the philosophical underpinnings of its narrative.

From Ridley Scott, starring Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, Edward James Olmos
Rated R

Blade Runner is a 1982 science fiction neo-noir film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, and Sean Young. Set in a dystopian future, the film follows a blade runner, a special police operative tasked with tracking down and eliminating “replicants”, or genetically engineered humanoids. The story follows the blade runner as he is confronted with a moral dilemma; should he fulfill his mission and eliminate the replicants or protect them from extinction? Along the way, he discovers the truth behind the replicants and his own identity. The film is widely considered to be a classic and its influence on science fiction and cinema has been profound. It has spawned numerous sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations in other media.

From Andrei Tarkovsky, starring Natalya Bondarchuk, Donatas Banionis, Jüri Järvet, Vladislav Dvorzhetskiy
Rated PG

Solaris is a science fiction film directed by Andrei Tarkovsky in 1972. It is based on the novel of the same name by Polish author Stanisław Lem. The film follows the story of Kris Kelvin, a psychiatrist sent to a space station orbiting the mysterious planet Solaris to investigate the strange behavior of the remaining crew members. On the station, Kris discovers that the planet is emitting mysterious energy waves which are affecting the minds of the crew, causing them to act erratically and experience strange hallucinations. He also discovers that the crew members are being haunted by mental replicas of their loved ones from Earth, which have been created from their subconscious memories. Kris eventually realizes that the energies from Solaris are trying to communicate with them, and he must confront his own hidden memories and emotions in order to understand the planet. Ultimately, Kris learns to accept the reality of Solaris and is able to make peace with his past. The film has been praised for its philosophical themes and thought-provoking exploration of human emotion and memory.

From James Gunn, starring Chris Pratt, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Zoe Saldana
Rated PG-13

Guardians of the Galaxy is a 2014 American sci-fi comedy-adventure film directed by James Gunn. Set in the far reaches of space, the film follows Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), a loner outlaw who finds himself the object of a massive manhunt after stealing an orb coveted by the villainous Ronan. In order to evade Ronan and save the galaxy from his power, Quill is forced to join an unlikely team of alien misfits known as the Guardians of the Galaxy. Along with Quill, the Guardians include the gun-toting raccoon Rocket (Bradley Cooper), the tree-like humanoid Groot (Vin Diesel), the mysterious and formidable Gamora (Zoe Saldana), and the revenge-driven Drax (Dave Bautista). Together, these unlikely heroes must work together to protect the galaxy from Ronan's evil machinations.

From Ridley Scott, starring Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Kate Mara
Rated PG-13

The Martian is a 2015 science fiction film directed by Ridley Scott and based on the novel of the same name by Andy Weir. The story follows astronaut Mark Watney, who is stranded on Mars after a fierce storm separates him from the rest of his crew. With no hope of immediate rescue, Watney must rely on his ingenuity and resourcefulness to survive and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive. As time passes, the crew of the Ares III mission, along with NASA and a team of international scientists, work together to bring Watney home. Through a series of challenges and creative problem-solving, Watney finds a way to survive until a rescue mission can be organized. Along the way, he faces extremes of temperature, isolation, and the threat of unanticipated events that could end his mission.

From J.J. Abrams, starring Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Simon Pegg, Leonard Nimoy
Rated PG-13

Star Trek is a 2009 American science fiction action film directed by J.J. Abrams, written by Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, and distributed by Paramount Pictures. The film follows James T. Kirk and Spock, two crew members of the starship USS Enterprise, as they attempt to save the galaxy from Nero, a Romulan from their future who seeks revenge on the United Federation of Planets. The newly appointed Captain of the USS Enterprise, James T. Kirk, with his loyal officers, including Spock and Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy, must find a way to stop Nero from destroying their home planet, Earth. Along the way, they visit strange new worlds, battle dangerous enemies and come face-to-face with their own personal demons. With a thrilling story, great characters, exciting action and stunning visuals, Star Trek is an unforgettable journey for any fan of science fiction.

From Duncan Jones, starring Sam Rockwell, Kevin Spacey, Dominique McElligott, Rosie Shaw
Rated R

Moon is a science fiction film set in 2035, directed by Duncan Jones. Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell) is a solitary astronaut who, for the past three years, has been harvesting helium-3 on the dark side of the Moon. He suffers from extreme loneliness, caused by his isolation from Earth and from his only companion, a robot named GERTY (voiced by Kevin Spacey). With his contract nearing its end, Sam is desperate to return home. However, during his final days on the Moon, Sam finds himself in a dangerous situation when he discovers an unexpected visitor – a clone of himself. The clone reveals that he is a product of a corporate experiment to exploit Sam's skills and extend their 3-year contracts to 10. With time running out, and the prospect of a lifetime of servitude looming, Sam and his clone devise a plan to escape the facility and return to Earth. With the assistance of GERTY and despite numerous obstacles, Sam and his clone ultimately succeed in their mission. In the end, they share a touching moment as Sam watches his clone disappear into the sky.

From Andrew Niccol, starring Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Jude Law, Gore Vidal
Rated PG-13

Gattaca is a 1997 science fiction film directed by Andrew Niccol and starring Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman and Jude Law. The film is set in a future where genetic engineering of humans is commonplace and dictates the destiny of every person. Vincent Freeman (Hawke) is born with a genetic defect that labels him as genetically inferior, a second-class citizen. Despite his genetic predisposition, he is determined to reach his dream of going into space. To do this he assumes the identity of Jerome Morrow (Law), a man genetically engineered to be perfect. With the help of a genetic doctor, Vincent manages to pass as Jerome, but must take extreme measures to keep his identity secret and stay ahead of the authorities. He eventually achieves his dream of going into space, but not without a few obstacles along the way. The film ultimately reveals the implications of genetic engineering and our obsession with perfection.

From Joss Whedon, starring Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Alan Tudyk
Rated PG-13

Serenity is a 2005 science fiction-adventure film written and directed by Joss Whedon. Set in a distant future, the film follows the adventures of the crew of the spaceship Serenity, a Firefly-class vessel, as they battle an oppressive Alliance government while also attempting to avoid a relentless bounty hunter. The crew of Serenity is led by Captain Mal Reynolds, a former member of the losing side in a civil war. Along with his first mate Zoe, pilot Wash, mechanic Kaylee, mercenary Jayne, and passengers Simon and River Tam, Mal travels the fringes of space looking for jobs. When they accept a job from the mysterious Mr. Universe, they find themselves in possession of a powerful and valuable secret that puts them in the sights of the Alliance and an unstoppable assassin known as The Operative. With the entire Alliance military on their tail, they must now race against time to protect their new cargo and outwit their pursuers.

From Gareth Edwards, starring Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Alan Tudyk, Donnie Yen
Rated PG-13

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is a 2016 American epic space opera film directed by Gareth Edwards and written by Chris Weitz and Tony Gilroy. Set in the Star Wars universe shortly before the events of A New Hope, the film follows a team of rebel spies on a mission to steal the plans for the Galactic Empire's new super weapon, the Death Star. The cast includes Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Riz Ahmed, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Jiang Wen, Forest Whitaker, Mads Mikkelsen, and Alan Tudyk. The team is led by Jyn Erso, the daughter of the Death Star's lead engineer, Galen Erso. With the help of Cassian Andor, a rebel intelligence officer, the team embarks on a mission to learn more about the Death Star and its weaknesses. Along the way, they encounter several allies, including blind warrior Chirrut Îmwe, his mercenary friend Baze Malbus, and Rebel Alliance pilot Bodhi Rook. After a series of daring actions, they succeed in stealing the Death Star plans, which are then used by the Rebels to destroy the battle station.

From Ron Howard, starring Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon, Gary Sinise
Rated PG

Apollo 13 is a 1995 American historical drama film directed by Ron Howard and starring Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Bill Paxton, Gary Sinise, and Ed Harris. The film depicts the 1970 Apollo 13 lunar mission, astronauts Jim Lovell (Hanks), Fred Haise (Paxton), and Jack Swigert (Bacon) as they struggle to return safely to Earth after an on-board explosion damages the spacecraft and threatens their lives. As the astronauts and mission control personnel (including Harris' Gene Kranz) in Houston work together to avert disaster, their families back home anxiously await the outcome. With courage, ingenuity and determination, the crew must find a way to survive the crisis and bring the spacecraft back home.

From Alfonso Cuarón, starring Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, Ed Harris, Orto Ignatiussen
Rated PG-13

Gravity is a 2013 film directed by Alfonso Cuarón and starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney. The story follows Dr. Ryan Stone, a medical engineer on her first shuttle mission with veteran astronaut Matt Kowalsky. When disaster strikes, Stone and Kowalsky are left stranded in space, struggling to survive and find their way back to Earth. Faced with the dangers of space and the limited resources available to them, they must use their wits and courage to survive. Along the way, Stone must confront her own demons and find the strength to live.

From J.J. Abrams, starring Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Benedict Cumberbatch
Rated PG-13

Star Trek Into Darkness is a 2013 science fiction action film directed by J.J. Abrams and written by Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Damon Lindelof. It is the twelfth installment in the Star Trek film franchise and a sequel to the 2009 film Star Trek. The film follows the crew of the USS Enterprise as they pursue a renegade Starfleet operative into hostile Klingon territory in search of vengeance. The film stars Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Benedict Cumberbatch, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg, John Cho, and Anton Yelchin. When a terrorist organization called the "Khan" emerges, Starfleet is divided over how to respond. Admiral Marcus orders the crew of the Enterprise to travel to the Klingon homeworld and stop the Khan from executing his plans. The crew of the Enterprise must face their adversaries in an epic battle that puts their friendship, loyalties, and courage to the test. In the end, the crew of the Enterprise will discover that courage and loyalty are the only things that can save them and the galaxy.

From Luc Besson, starring Bruce Willis, Milla Jovovich, Gary Oldman, Ian Holm
Rated PG-13

The Fifth Element is a 1997 science-fiction action film directed by Luc Besson, starring Bruce Willis, Milla Jovovich and Gary Oldman. The film follows the story of Korben Dallas, a former major in the military turned cab driver, who is pulled into a quest to save the world from a malevolent force. With the help of a mysterious alien woman named Leeloo, Korben embarks on a quest to find the four mystical stones of elements that, when combined, form the Fifth Element — the only thing that can stop the malevolent force from destroying the world. Along the way, Korben must battle obstacles, including a ruthless government agent, in order to save the world.

From James Gunn, starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel
Rated PG-13

"Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" is an action-packed sci-fi adventure film about the further adventures of the lovable team of outlaws, Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and Baby Groot. In this installment, the Guardians travel across the cosmos on the search for Peter Quill's true father, while also facing off against a host of dangerous new enemies. Along the way, they learn the importance of family and friendship while they attempt to save the universe from destruction. With exciting fight scenes, a great soundtrack, and plenty of laughs, "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" is a must-see for any fan of the Marvel universe.

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Jodie Foster, Matthew McConaughey, Tom Skerritt, John Hurt
Rated PG

Contact is a 1997 science fiction drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by James V. Hart and Michael Goldenberg. The film stars Jodie Foster as Dr. Eleanor "Ellie" Arroway, a scientist searching for extraterrestrial life. She is selected to make contact with an alien species after discovering mysterious signals coming from the Vega star system. The story follows her as she embarks on a journey of discovery that takes her to the edges of the universe, and beyond. Along the way, she discovers the true power of faith and love and how they can transcend any scientific boundaries.

From Damien Chazelle, starring Ryan Gosling, Claire Foy, Jason Clarke, Kyle Chandler
Rated PG-13

From Danny Boyle, starring Cillian Murphy, Rose Byrne, Chris Evans, Cliff Curtis
Rated R

From David Twohy, starring Radha Mitchell, Cole Hauser, Vin Diesel, Keith David
Rated R

From Ridley Scott, starring Noomi Rapace, Logan Marshall-Green, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron
Rated R

From Christian Alvart, starring Dennis Quaid, Ben Foster, Cam Gigandet, Antje Traue
Rated R

From Paul W.S. Anderson, starring Laurence Fishburne, Sam Neill, Kathleen Quinlan, Joely Richardson
Rated R

From Neill Blomkamp, starring Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, Sharlto Copley, Alice Braga
Rated R