Movies About Space Travel

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

Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back is a 1980 American space opera film directed by Irvin Kershner. Set three years after the events of the first Star Wars film, it continues the story of the Rebel Alliance's fight against the Galactic Empire as they are pursued by Darth Vader and his minions. The story follows Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, and their allies as they face the greatest challenge of their lives. After several battles, the Rebel Alliance learns of a new weapon being developed by the Empire, and they must find a way to defeat it before the Empire can use it against them. With the help of the Jedi Master Yoda, Luke embarks on a quest to become a Jedi himself. The Empire Strikes Back is widely considered to be one of the best films in the Star Wars franchise, and is often cited as the best of the series.

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 movie follows a group of explorers who travel through a wormhole in search of a new home for humanity. The crew is led by former NASA pilot Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) and also includes Dr. Amelia Brand (Anne Hathaway), Romilly (David Gyasi), Doyle (Wes Bentley), and Professor Brand (Michael Caine). The team embarks on an epic journey that takes them beyond time and space, encountering far-reaching challenges and discoveries that will test the limits of their courage and understanding of the universe. Along the way, they come into contact with a mysterious alien force that helps them identify a suitable planet for humanity. As they race against time and space to save humanity, the crew learns that love is the only way to save the world.

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

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope is the fourth installment in the Star Wars saga. The film is set in a distant galaxy where the Sith have risen to power and the evil Galactic Empire rules. When a small group of rebels acquires the plans to the Empire’s ultimate weapon--the Death Star, Princess Leia, a member of the royal family, entrusts them to a young farm boy named Luke Skywalker. With the help of his mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke embarks on a daring mission to rescue the princess and find a way to destroy the Death Star. Along the way, he joins forces with the smuggler Han Solo and his loyal sidekick Chewbacca, as well as a ragtag group of freedom fighters. Together, they must fight against the Empire’s evil forces and restore freedom and justice to the galaxy.

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

Alien is a 1979 science fiction horror film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, Veronica Cartwright, Harry Dean Stanton, and John Hurt. Set in the distant future, the film follows the crew of the commercial towing spaceship Nostromo who are on their way back to Earth when they are diverted to investigate an unknown transmission from a nearby planetoid. After discovering a derelict alien spacecraft and a mysterious alien life form, the crew is thrown into a deadly fight for survival. As their numbers dwindle, the survivors must face off against the alien creature, a relentless killing machine with no regard for human life. With a suspenseful atmosphere and intense action, Alien is a classic of the genre that has stood the test of time.

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

Wall·E is a 2008 computer-animated science fiction film directed by Andrew Stanton, and the ninth feature film produced by Pixar Animation Studios. The film follows a robot named Wall·E, who is designed to clean up a waste-covered Earth far in the future. He falls in love with another robot, EVE, and follows her into outer space on an adventure that changes the destiny of both his kind and humanity. Along the way, Wall·E discovers a planet full of garbage, meets a cast of comical robots, and even saves the human race. The film's themes include consumerism, loneliness, and the fragility of Earth's environment. Wall·E is a heartwarming, visually stunning film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

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

Aliens is a science fiction action horror film directed by James Cameron and released in 1986. It is a sequel to the 1979 film Alien. The film follows Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) as she is rescued after drifting through space in cryosleep for 57 years. She is soon sent back to the planet LV-426, where she and a team of Colonial Marines must battle against a horde of deadly alien creatures. Along the way, Ripley discovers she has a connection to the aliens and soon discovers their chilling purpose. Along with the marines, Ripley must fight against the alien monsters and defeat them before they can reach Earth. The film is critically acclaimed, with reviewers praising the action sequences and Weaver's performance.

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

2001: A Space Odyssey is a science fiction film directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on the novel by Arthur C. Clarke. The film follows a series of events spanning over four million years, in which a mysterious black monolith propels humanity's evolution. Astronaut Dave Bowman and his crew are sent on a mission to Jupiter in order to uncover the secrets behind the monolith, only to discover a mysterious artificial intelligence called HAL 9000 that has taken control of the ship. Through a series of events and surrealistic sequences, Bowman ultimately defeats HAL and discovers humanity's next evolutionary step: the Star Child. The film is an exploration of the themes of technology, human evolution, and the search for meaning in an increasingly chaotic universe.

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 and final installment in the original Star Wars trilogy. Luke Skywalker returns to the planet Tatooine to rescue his friend Han Solo from the clutches of the vile gangster Jabba the Hutt. With help from his friends, Luke is able to free Han and defeat Jabba. Meanwhile, the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire prepare for a dramatic showdown, with the fate of the galaxy at stake. The Rebels launch an attack on the Empire's new superweapon, the Death Star, while Luke confronts his father Darth Vader in a lightsaber duel. Ultimately, Luke is able to redeem Vader by convincing him to turn away from the dark side of the Force. In the end, the Rebel Alliance is triumphant and the Empire is defeated, bringing peace to the galaxy.

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

The Martian is a science-fiction film starring Matt Damon that follows astronaut Mark Watney, who is presumed dead after a fierce storm and is left behind on Mars by his crew. He must use his ingenuity and knowledge of science and engineering to survive in the hostile environment and find a way to contact Earth and signal for help. With limited resources and time running out, Watney must find a way to stay alive and find a way home. Through careful planning and execution, Watney is able to stay alive, make contact with Earth, and eventually get rescued from Mars.

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

Solaris is a 1972 Soviet science fiction film written and directed by Andrei Tarkovsky. The film follows Kris Kelvin, a psychologist sent by scientists to a space station orbiting the planet Solaris to investigate the strange phenomena that have been occurring aboard. Upon arriving, Kelvin discovers that the crew has been replaced by replicants of people from his past, including his long-dead wife, Hari. Throughout the film, Kelvin struggles to make sense of the situation and reconcile his memories of his wife with the physical presence of her clone. As the film progresses, Kelvin is forced to confront his unresolved issues with Hari, and ultimately accept her as a part of himself. In the end, Kelvin is transformed by his experience on Solaris, and the film closes with him leaving the station, having gained a greater understanding of himself and the universe.

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

Planet of the Apes is a 1968 American science fiction film directed by Franklin J. Schaffner. The film stars Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, Maurice Evans, James Whitmore, and Linda Harrison. The film tells the story of a group of astronauts who crash-land on a distant planet in the future. The planet is ruled by intelligent apes who speak English, use technology and suppress the human race. The astronauts must fight for their freedom and attempt to escape the planet. The film was a commercial and critical success, winning an Academy Award for Best Costume Design. It has since spawned five sequels, a television series, and a remake in 2001.

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

Guardians of the Galaxy is a 2014 American science fiction superhero movie directed by James Gunn and based on the Marvel Comics superhero team of the same name. The movie follows a ragtag group of misfits, led by Peter Quill, who find themselves the target of a powerful villain's relentless pursuit. To save the universe and protect the precious objects they have in their possession, the Guardians must join forces and embark on a thrilling adventure full of action, humor, and emotion. Along the way, they discover the true power of friendship and loyalty. Featuring an all-star cast of characters, including Chris Pratt as Star-Lord, Zoe Saldana as Gamora, Dave Bautista as Drax the Destroyer, Bradley Cooper as Rocket Raccoon, Vin Diesel as Groot, and Karen Gillan as Nebula, Guardians of the Galaxy is a thrilling, fun-filled blockbuster that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

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

Star Trek (2009), directed by J.J. Abrams, is the eleventh installment of the Star Trek franchise and a reboot of the original 1966 television series. The story follows the crew of the USS Enterprise as they embark on their maiden voyage. Led by a young, brash, and bold Captain James T. Kirk, the crew must work together to stop an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization. The crew includes Commander Spock, Chief Medical Officer Dr. "Bones" McCoy, Lieutenant Nyota Uhura, Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu, Ensign Pavel Chekov, and Chief Engineer Montgomery "Scotty" Scott. In their mission, the crew must face their most dangerous enemy yet, a vengeful Romulan from the future, Nero, who seeks to destroy the Federation and all of humanity. Together, the crew must find a way to stop Nero, save Earth, and restore the future of the Federation.

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

Moon is a science fiction psychological thriller set in the year 2035. It follows Sam Bell, a solitary astronaut working a three-year contract mining helium-3 on the far side of the Moon. On the verge of completing his contract, he experiences a series of strange occurrences that lead him to discover the truth about his life and mission. He discovers that he is in fact a clone of the original Sam Bell, created by a large corporation as a means of exploiting the Moon's natural resources without having to pay wages to a human workforce. With his contract nearly complete, the original Sam has returned to Earth, leaving his clone struggling with questions of identity, freedom and the morality of cloning.

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

October Sky is a 1999 American biographical drama film directed by Joe Johnston, starring Jake Gyllenhaal as Homer H. Hickam Jr., a coal miner's son who is inspired by the launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957 to take up rocketry against his father's wishes, and eventually becomes a NASA engineer. The movie is based on Homer Hickam's autobiography Rocket Boys. The film also stars Chris Cooper, William Lee Scott, Chad Lindberg, Chris Owen, and Laura Dern. The film follows the story of Homer Hickam, a teenage boy living in a mining town in West Virginia in the late 1950s. When the Soviet Union launches Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite, into orbit, Homer is inspired to pursue rocketry against his father's wishes. With the help of his friends and teachers, Homer forms a rocketry club and begins to design and launch model rockets in an effort to reach the national science fair in Oklahoma and achieve his dream of going to college. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about friendship, courage, and perseverance.

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

The Right Stuff is a 1983 American epic historical drama film written, produced and directed by Philip Kaufman and adapted from Tom Wolfe's 1979 book The Right Stuff. The film tells the story of the original Mercury Seven astronauts and their quest to become the first Americans in space. It follows the lives and careers of these brave men as they endure grueling physical and psychological tests to become test pilots and astronauts, as well as the hazards of their historic mission and the pressure of the race to space. Featuring a score composed by Bill Conti, the film explores the strength of the human spirit and examines the profound effects of technological advancement. The Right Stuff was nominated for eight Academy Awards and won four, including Best Film Editing.

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

Serenity is a 2005 American space Western film written and directed by Joss Whedon. The film follows the crew of the titular spaceship as they try to evade an alliance force intent on retrieving a powerful psychic (River Tam) who has been placed under their protection. They soon realize that the alliance is trying to use River's psychic abilities to control the universe. The crew must then find a way to protect River and her brother from the alliance and ultimately save the universe from their reign. Along the way, they must confront the dark secrets of their own pasts, their inner demons, and their pursuers. The ensemble cast includes Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Morena Baccarin, Adam Baldwin, Summer Glau, Jewel Staite, and Ron Glass.

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 film series, directed by J.J. Abrams. Set thirty years after the events of Return of the Jedi, the film follows Rey, a scavenger from the desert planet Jakku, Finn, an ex-stormtrooper, and Poe Dameron, a Resistance X-wing fighter pilot, as they embark on a quest to locate the missing Luke Skywalker and defeat the evil First Order. Along the way, they must confront Kylo Ren, a powerful and villainous figure from the dark side of the Force. The film also features original characters such as Han Solo, Chewbacca, and Princess Leia, as well as newer characters such as Maz Kanata and Supreme Leader Snoke. With its themes of good vs. evil, light vs. darkness, and the power of friendship, The Force Awakens offers a thrilling and emotional story that builds on the legacy of the Star Wars franchise.

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

Avatar is an epic science fiction film directed by James Cameron, released in 2009. The story takes place in the distant future on the moon Pandora, inhabited by a humanoid species known as the Na'vi. The main character, Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), is a paraplegic former Marine who is brought to Pandora to help the humans' mining operations. He is given a special lab-created body, or Avatar, which allows him to walk and interact with the Na'vi people. As Jake adjusts to life on Pandora, he falls in love with a Na'vi woman, Neytiri (Zoe Saldana). He must choose between his loyalty to his own people, the humans, and his newfound love for the Na'vi. In the end, Jake leads the Na'vi in a battle against the humans, who are attempting to destroy the Na'vi's home to gain access to a valuable mineral beneath the surface. With the help of his Avatar and the Na'vi's advanced technology, Jake leads the Na'vi to victory over the humans, ultimately saving Pandora and its inhabitants.

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

Apollo 13 is a 1995 American space docudrama directed by Ron Howard and starring Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Bill Paxton, Gary Sinise, and Ed Harris. The film tells the story of the ill-fated 1970 Apollo 13 lunar mission and the struggles of the astronauts to survive. It chronicles the efforts of mission commander Jim Lovell, command module pilot Jack Swigert, and lunar module pilot Fred Haise to get back to Earth safely after an on-board explosion crippled their spacecraft. After a harrowing journey, the crew successfully return to Earth and make a safe splashdown in the South Pacific Ocean. This story of bravery, ingenuity and determination stands as one of the greatest comeback stories of all time.

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

Gravity is a 2013 science fiction drama directed by Alfonso Cuarón and starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney. The film follows the story of Dr. Ryan Stone (Bullock), a brilliant medical engineer on her first shuttle mission, and veteran astronaut Matt Kowalsky (Clooney), in command of his last flight before retiring. As they venture into the depths of space, they soon find themselves faced with a catastrophic disaster that leaves them adrift in the void of space. With limited oxygen and no connection to Earth, they must work together to find a way to survive and make it back home. In doing so, they are forced to confront the fragility of life, the beauty of the universe, and the strength of the human spirit.

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

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is a 1982 American 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 the crew of the USS Enterprise battle the vengeful Khan Noonien Singh (Ricardo Montalbán), an augmented human and former foe of Kirk. The film features a Federation-Klingon-Romulan alliance that is formed to stop Khan's plans for revenge. In the end, Kirk is able to save the day and protect the Federation from Khan's wrath. With its thrilling action sequences and strong performances from the cast, The Wrath of Khan is widely considered to be one of the best films of the Star Trek 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 a 2005 epic space opera film written and directed by George Lucas. It is the third installment of the Star Wars prequel trilogy, and is set three years after the events of Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones. The film follows Anakin Skywalker as he turns to the dark side of the Force and becomes Darth Vader, while the Jedi are decimated by the forces of the newly formed Galactic Empire. The film sees Anakin seduced by the promises of Sith Lord, Palpatine, who helps him in his turn to the dark side, while Obi-Wan Kenobi and Senator Padmé Amidala attempt to turn him back to the light. Anakin's friendship with Obi-Wan is tested by his betrayal and the battle between the two that culminates in a dramatic duel on the volcanic planet of Mustafar. The film also sees the end of the Clone Wars, as the newly formed Galactic Empire begins its oppression of the galaxy. The Jedi are all but eliminated, with only a few survivors left to fight against the Empire. As the final installment of the prequel trilogy, Revenge of the Sith brings the story of the franchise full circle, as the pieces of

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

The Fifth Element is a 1997 science fiction action adventure film directed by Luc Besson. It stars Bruce Willis, Milla Jovovich, Gary Oldman, and Ian Holm. The story is set in the 23rd century and revolves around the survival of planet Earth, which is threatened by a malevolent cosmic force known as "Mondoshawan". To counter this threat, the planet's last hope for survival is the "Fifth Element" - a powerful energy source represented by four stones, which only a special being can use to restore peace and balance to the universe. With the help of a cab driver named Korben Dallas (Willis), a mysterious woman named Leeloo (Jovovich), a wise old priest (Holm) and a mad scientist (Oldman), they set out to save the world from destruction. The film features spectacular action sequences, extraordinary special effects, and a unique visual style.

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

Close Encounters of the Third Kind is a 1977 science fiction film directed by Steven Spielberg. It tells the story of everyday people who have extraordinary encounters with aliens from outer space. An everyday electric lineman, Roy Neary (Richard Dreyfuss), has an encounter with a UFO and becomes obsessed with discovering its origin. He joins a group of scientists, led by French researcher Claude Lacombe (Francois Truffaut), and together they attempt to contact the aliens. Along the way, they discover a secret government program dedicated to studying and communicating with extraterrestrial life. Through a series of escalating encounters, Roy and the researchers finally make contact with aliens who they believe are attempting to send a message to mankind. The film ends with a spectacular climax, as the aliens and humans come together in a shared moment of mutual understanding.