Movies About Soace

From Irvin Kershner, starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams
Rated PG

The Empire Strikes Back is the fifth installment of the Star Wars saga and is set three years after the events of the first movie. The Rebel Alliance has been pushed back by the Galactic Empire and is on the run. Luke Skywalker continues his Jedi training with Yoda and Han Solo, Leia, Chewbacca and C-3PO flee the planet in the Millennium Falcon. Meanwhile, Darth Vader is on a mission to hunt down the Rebel's secret base and has sent a fleet of Star Destroyers to find them. Meanwhile, the Rebel Alliance learns of a new weapon created by the Empire, the Death Star II, and must find a way to destroy it before it is used to destroy the galaxy. As the Rebels attempt to outrun the Empire, Luke is lured to a remote planet by Darth Vader, who intends to turn him to the dark side. In a thrilling climax, the Rebel Alliance succeeds in destroying the Death Star II and Yoda passes away, leaving Luke with a powerful message of hope.

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

Interstellar is a science fiction adventure film directed by Christopher Nolan. The story follows a group of astronauts as they travel through a wormhole in search of a new home for humanity. The crew is led by the widowed engineer and ex-NASA pilot Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) and includes scientists Dr. Brand (Anne Hathaway) and Dr. Mann (Matt Damon). Along their journey, they encounter a mysterious alien race known as “the bulk” and discover the true nature of time and space. They soon realize that their mission is bigger than they ever imagined, as they are now tasked with saving the future of humanity. Through stunning visuals and an emotional score, Interstellar is an epic exploration of humanity’s place in the universe.

From George Lucas, starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness
Rated PG

Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope is a 1977 American space-opera film written and directed by George Lucas. It is the first installment of the original Star Wars trilogy and the beginning of the Star Wars saga. In the Galactic Empire, Darth Vader, an agent of evil, is searching for the secret plans of the Death Star, a powerful space-station capable of destroying entire planets. Meanwhile, on the desert planet of Tatooine, a young farm-boy named Luke Skywalker is thrust into the struggle of the Rebel Alliance when he meets Obi-Wan Kenobi, an old Jedi who has been in hiding. Together, these unlikely heroes embark on a daring mission to rescue Princess Leia from the clutches of Darth Vader and the Empire, and deliver the Death Star plans to the Rebel Alliance before it’s too late. Along the way, Luke trains to become a Jedi, finds friends in the form of Han Solo and Chewbacca, and comes face-to-face with the Dark Lord himself. With the fate of the galaxy hanging in the balance, Luke must find the courage to face the Empire’s ultimate weapon and bring about a new hope for the galaxy.

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. It follows the crew of a commercial spaceship, the Nostromo, as they investigate an unknown distress signal on a remote planet. The crew discovers an alien creature and soon realizes it is hostile. As the creature stalks and kills the crew members one by one, Warrant Officer Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) emerges as the sole survivor. She must now face the creature alone in a desperate fight for survival. With its intense suspense, groundbreaking special effects, and powerful performances, Alien is a classic of the horror genre that has spawned numerous sequels, prequels, novels, and video games.

From Andrew Stanton, starring Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin, Fred Willard
Rated G

WALL·E is a 2008 American computer-animated science fiction film directed and written by Andrew Stanton. The film follows a robot named WALL·E, who is designed to clean up a polluted Earth far in the future. After 700 years of doing his job, WALL·E discovers a new purpose in life when he meets a search robot named EVE. WALL·E and EVE embark on an adventure across the galaxy and eventually complete their mission to restore the planet. Along the way, they discover love and a deeper connection with the world and its inhabitants. The film is both a heartwarming adventure and a cautionary tale about the dangers of human disregard for the environment.

From James Cameron, starring Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, Carrie Henn, Paul Reiser
Rated R

Aliens is an action-packed science fiction film directed by James Cameron and released in 1986. The film follows Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), the lone survivor of the Nostromo space mission. After the destruction of her ship, she is rescued by a deep space salvage team and is brought back to Earth. However, once on Earth, Ripley realizes that her alien nemesis, the Xenomorph, has followed her to her home planet and is terrorizing a small colony on a nearby planet. With the help of a team of Colonial Marines, she embarks on a mission to save the colonists and eliminate the alien threat. Along the way, she discovers the truth about the Xenomorph and its origins and is forced to confront her own demons as she battles the aliens in an epic showdown.

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

2001: A Space Odyssey is a 1968 epic science fiction film produced and directed by Stanley Kubrick. The screenplay was co-written by Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke, and was partially based on Clarke's short story "The Sentinel". The film follows a voyage to Jupiter with the sentient computer HAL after the discovery of a mysterious black monolith affecting human evolution. The film is noted for its scientific realism, pioneering special effects, ambiguous and surrealistic imagery, and its minimal use of dialogue. It received widespread critical acclaim upon its release and is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential films ever made.

From Richard Marquand, starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams
Rated PG

Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi is the sixth installment in the Star Wars saga and serves as the concluding installment of the original trilogy. Directed by Richard Marquand, the story follows the Rebel Alliance as they launch a mission to rescue Han Solo from the clutches of the notorious Jabba the Hutt. With the help of the lovable Ewoks, the Rebel Alliance mounts a daring assault on the new Death Star while Luke Skywalker confronts his father, Darth Vader, in a thrilling lightsaber duel that will decide the fate of the galaxy. Meanwhile, Emperor Palpatine hatches a plan to take control of the universe and it is up to the Rebel Alliance to stop him. Ultimately, the battle between good and evil is decided in a climactic showdown between the Empire and the Rebels.

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 2011 novel of the same name by Andy Weir. The story follows astronaut Mark Watney, who is accidentally left behind on Mars and must survive by any means necessary. With limited resources and no contact with Earth, Watney must find a way to signal Earth and survive until a rescue mission can be organized. Through his ingenuity and resourcefulness, Watney is able to cobble together a habitat and eventually establish contact with NASA. With the help of a dedicated team of scientists, Watney is eventually rescued and brought back to Earth in triumph.

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

Solaris is a 1972 Soviet science fiction drama film directed by Andrei Tarkovsky and starring Donatas Banionis, Natalya Bondarchuk and Jüri Järvet. The film follows Kris Kelvin, a psychologist sent to a space station orbiting the mysterious planet Solaris, in order to investigate the crew's mysterious psychological problems, only to find himself in a surreal environment with strange and otherworldly occurrences. As Kelvin struggles to comprehend the strange phenomena, he begins to come to terms with his own inner demons and his feelings for his late wife, all while Solaris challenges his sense of reality. Ultimately, he is forced to confront his identity and his place in the universe.

From Franklin J. Schaffner, starring Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, Maurice Evans
Rated G

Planet of the Apes (1968) is a classic sci-fi/adventure film directed by Franklin J. Schaffner. It tells the story of three astronauts who crash land on a distant planet ruled by intelligent, talking apes. Led by Taylor (played by Charlton Heston), the astronauts soon find themselves in a battle for survival against the oppressive gorilla army and a society where humans are treated like animals. With some help from a sympathetic chimpanzee, Zira (played by Kim Hunter), Taylor and his crew attempt to find a way back to earth. However, as the story progresses, Taylor begins to realize the truth: he has not crashed onto a distant planet — he is actually on Earth, thousands of years in the future.

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

Guardians of the Galaxy is a 2014 American superhero film directed by James Gunn and based on the Marvel Comics superhero team of the same name. It stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Karen Gillan, Michael Rooker, and Lee Pace. The film follows Peter Quill, a half-human, half-alien who forms an uneasy alliance with a group of extraterrestrial misfits—Rocket, a gun-toting raccoon, Groot, a tree-like creature, Drax the Destroyer, a warrior seeking revenge, and Gamora, an assassin. Together, they fight to save the universe from a powerful villain known as Ronan the Accuser. Along the way, the Guardians discover the power of friendship and family as they come to understand the importance of working together against a common enemy.

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 and written by Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman. It is the eleventh film in the Star Trek franchise, and is also a reboot that features the main characters of the original Star Trek television series portrayed by a new cast. The film follows James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) and Spock (Zachary Quinto) as they work together to prevent a Romulan from using time-travel to destroy the galaxy. Along the way, the duo are joined by a talented crew of officers, including Uhura (Zoe Saldana), Sulu (John Cho), Chekov (Anton Yelchin), and Dr. Leonard McCoy (Karl Urban). Together, they must use their collective wits, strength, and courage to save the universe.

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

Moon is a science fiction film about Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell), a lonely astronaut who is nearing the end of a three-year contract with a private company to mine lunar helium-3 on the far side of the moon. With only two weeks remaining and desperate to see his wife Tess (Dominique McElligott) and 3-year-old daughter, Sam suffers a fatal accident while in his lunar rover. He wakes up to find a younger clone of himself and soon discovers a powerful conspiracy that threatens the future of humanity. With the help of GERTY (voiced by Kevin Spacey), an emotionally intelligent computer, Sam must find a way to save himself - and ultimately the world - before time runs out.

From Joe Johnston, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper, Laura Dern, Chris Owen
Rated PG

October Sky is the true story of Homer Hickam, a young man living in a small town called Coalwood, West Virginia in the late 1950s. Homer dreams of becoming a rocket scientist and escaping the crushing monotony of working in the coal mines like his father. Despite ridicule from his peers and the townspeople, Homer is determined to build and launch his own rocket. With the help of his friends, Homer perseveres through mechanical setbacks and moral support from his teacher, Mrs. Hickam. Ultimately, Homer's hard work pays off when his team wins the National Science Fair and he is accepted into college. October Sky is a timeless tale of following your dreams and never giving up.

From Philip Kaufman, starring Sam Shepard, Scott Glenn, Ed Harris, Dennis Quaid
Rated PG

The Right Stuff is a 1983 biographical drama directed by Philip Kaufman, based on the book by Tom Wolfe. It tells the story of the U.S. space program, and the extraordinary individuals who were chosen to become the first American astronauts. The film follows the Mercury Seven astronauts - Alan Shepard, Gus Grissom, John Glenn, Gordon Cooper, Wally Schirra, Deke Slayton, and Scott Carpenter - their training and the subsequent space missions. It also focuses on several other figures, including Chuck Yeager, a U.S. Air Force officer and test pilot who was the first to break the sound barrier and Ed White, the first American to walk in space. The film delves into the inspiring stories of the brave individuals who pushed the boundaries of what was possible and made history in the process. It also captures the spirit of awe and adventure that filled the nation in the 1960s, with the successes and setbacks of the space program becoming a rallying point for the nation.

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

Serenity is a science fiction film written and directed by Joss Whedon. It takes place in the distant future, in a time when humans have left Earth to colonize other planets. The story follows the crew of the spaceship Serenity, who are pursued by a relentless group of bounty hunters called the Reavers. The crew consists of Captain Malcolm Reynolds, a former soldier; his first mate, Zoë; the ship's pilot, Wash; the engineer, Kaylee; and the doctor/mercenary, Simon and his sister River, who are on the run from the Alliance. The crew of Serenity is forced to use their resourcefulness and courage to survive against their pursuers and hostile forces. Along the way, they discover that River has mysterious supernatural powers, and they are confronted with moral dilemmas and difficult choices. In the end, the crew is able to defend themselves and the ship against the Reavers, but at a great cost. The film contains many themes, including loyalty, family, and the struggle for freedom in the face of tyranny.

From J.J. Abrams, starring Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson
Rated PG-13

Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens is the seventh installment of the Star Wars saga, directed by J.J. Abrams. The film is set thirty years after the events of Return of the Jedi, in which the Rebel Alliance defeated the Galactic Empire. It follows a new generation of heroes as they face a new menace in the form of the First Order, an organization that seeks to destroy the New Republic and establish a new order in the galaxy. The story follows a scavenger named Rey, an ex-stormtrooper named Finn, and an ace pilot named Poe Dameron as they join forces with Han Solo and Chewbacca to locate Luke Skywalker, the last Jedi Master. As they battle the forces of the First Order, they uncover secrets behind the power of the Force and the identity of the mysterious villain Kylo Ren. In the end, Rey finds the courage to confront Ren, while the Resistance and its allies launch a daring attack against the First Order. In the epic finale, Rey faces off against Ren and emerges as the new hero of the galaxy.

From James Cameron, starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Michelle Rodriguez
Rated PG-13

Avatar is a 2009 epic science fiction film directed, written, produced, and co-edited by James Cameron. The film stars Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez, and Sigourney Weaver. The film's story is set in the year 2154, when humans are mining a precious mineral called unobtanium on Pandora, a lush habitable moon of a gas giant in the Alpha Centauri star system. The expansion of the mining colony threatens the continued existence of a local tribe of Na'vi – a humanoid species indigenous to Pandora. The film's title refers to a genetically engineered Na'vi body operated from the brain of a remotely located human that is used to interact with the natives of Pandora. Avatar follows the story of Jake Sully, a paralyzed former Marine who replaces his deceased identical twin brother in a science experiment involving the Na'vi. Initially, Jake is hostile towards the Na'vi, but eventually he is accepted into the tribe and he falls in love with a Na'vi woman called Neytiri. After Jake and Neytiri form a bond and he earns the respect of the Na'vi, they join forces to fight the human forces that are trying to destroy their home. In the end

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

Apollo 13 is a 1995 American docudrama directed by Ron Howard and starring Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Bill Paxton, Gary Sinise, and Ed Harris. Based on the true story of the ill-fated 1970 Apollo 13 lunar mission to the Moon, the film follows the astronauts as they attempt to return to Earth after an on-board explosion cripples their spacecraft. Led by NASA flight director Gene Kranz (Harris) and overall mission commander Jim Lovell (Hanks), the crew of Apollo 13 must use every resource available to them in order to survive the high-stakes mission. With time running out, their courage, ingenuity, and strength of spirit are put to the test as they battle the odds to make it home safely.

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

Gravity is a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat suspense film directed by Alfonso Cuarón about two astronauts, veteran Matt Kowalsky (George Clooney) and medical engineer Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock), who are on a routine mission in space when debris from a satellite destroys their shuttle and leaves them stranded in orbit. With their oxygen supply dwindling, their only chance of survival is to use their limited resources to make it back to Earth before they run out of air. Along the way, they confront danger and fear as they make their way through the vastness of space. Gravity is a gripping and emotional story of survival and resilience in the face of incredible odds.

From Nicholas Meyer, starring William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan
Rated PG

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is a 1982 science fiction action film directed by Nicholas Meyer and based on the television series Star Trek. The film follows Admiral James T. Kirk (William Shatner) as he and his crew battle an old enemy, Khan Noonien Singh (Ricardo Montalban), who seeks revenge for being exiled from Earth. The Enterprise is attacked by Khan's genetically enhanced followers, and Kirk must use all of his skill and knowledge to defeat Khan and save the crew. Along the way, he and his crew face many dangers and become closer than ever. The film is widely seen as one of the best Star Trek films and set the standard for all future films in the franchise.

From George Lucas, starring Hayden Christensen, Natalie Portman, Ewan McGregor, Samuel L. Jackson
Rated PG-13

Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith is the final installment in the Star Wars prequel trilogy and the sixth film in the series. The story follows Anakin Skywalker's turn to the dark side of the Force and his transformation into the villain Darth Vader. Having been betrayed by Chancellor Palpatine/Darth Sidious, Anakin joins forces with the Sith to gain power, becoming a Sith Lord himself. In the process, Anakin kills Count Dooku and battles Obi-Wan Kenobi, eventually leading to his disfigurement. Palpatine further manipulates Anakin by promising him the power to save his pregnant wife, Padmé Amidala, who dies of a broken heart shortly after Anakin takes Palpatine's offer. Anakin joins forces with Palpatine to help him take control of the Galactic Republic and become the Galactic Empire, destroying the Jedi Order. Meanwhile, Obi-Wan and Yoda are forced into exile, while a few other Jedi, including Yoda and Obi-Wan's former apprentice Ahsoka Tano, survive and form an alliance to oppose the Empire. In the end, Anakin kills Palpatine, but is mortally wounded in the process.

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

The Fifth Element is a science fiction adventure film directed by Luc Besson and released in 1997. It stars Bruce Willis, Milla Jovovich, Gary Oldman, and Ian Holm. The film is set in the 23rd century, when Earth is threatened by a great evil, known as the Great Evil. To counter this threat, the mysterious Egyptian weapon known as the Fifth Element is needed. To find it, a former special forces major named Korben Dallas (Willis) is recruited by a priestess named Leeloo (Jovovich). With the help of an eccentric scientist named Professor Korben (Oldman), they race against time to find the Fifth Element, and must enlist the help of an alien race known as the Mondoshawan in order to save the planet. Along the way, they must also contend with a ruthless government agent, Zorg (Holm), who is determined to get the element for himself. With the fate of the world hanging in the balance, the duo must find the Fifth Element before it’s too late.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Richard Dreyfuss, François Truffaut, Teri Garr, Melinda Dillon
Rated PG

Close Encounters of the Third Kind follows a group of people as they become increasingly aware of an alien presence on Earth. After being visited by strange lights and other unexplained phenomena, they come to realize that there is something otherworldly happening. The story follows electrical lineman Roy Neary, single mother Jillian Guiler, and French scientist Claude Lacombe as they investigate these mysterious events and seek answers. Along the way, they come to understand that the aliens have a plan of their own and are trying to make contact. Ultimately, the group makes contact with the alien species, who turn out to be peaceful, and are invited to visit them in their home. As the story comes to a close, the group embarks on a journey to a distant planet, where they experience the wonders of space and time, and a newfound sense of awe and understanding.