There are some great science fiction movies, like Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy, that take place largely on a planet other than Earth. However, these aren't really space movies. Instead, some of the best space movies are realistic depictions of space travel.
Many of these popular movies capture real explorations into space, including Apollo 13 and First Man, which outline some of the most famous shuttle flights of all time. Others explore the more terrifying scenarios of space travel, such as Alien and High Life. The best space movies are all different genres, but they can accurately capture the terror and wonder of outer space.
10 Life Acts As A Cautionary Tale
Life is a science fiction flick about three astronauts on the International Space Station who think they've found proof of extraterrestrial life on Mars. However, things become dangerous when they continue their research and the mysterious life proves to be more intelligent than they anticipated.
Life is a great space movie option for fans of horror movies. Though the movie takes place in outer space, it builds a lot of tension by playing on humans' fear of aliens and the threat they pose to the humans aboard the space station.
9 Ad Astra Is A Unique Space Drama
30 years after a man and his crew disappear during a voyage into outer space, his son, who's also an astronaut, goes on a mission to Neptune. In Ad Astra, Brad Pitt's Roy attempts to find out what happened all those years ago while also investigating a power surge that threatens the universe.
Ad Astra isn't the most intense action-packed space movie, but it's a somber story that tugs on the audiences' heartstrings. Brad Pitt was praised for his performance as Roy in Ad Astra, accurately portraying a man who bottles up his feelings yet clearly has deep emotional scars.
8 First Man Is A Look Into Neil Armstrong's Life
Starring Ryan Gosling, First Man takes place mainly at NASA in the 1960s when they are planning the epic and dangerous mission to land on the moon. The film includes an amazingly realistic recapturing of Armstrong and his two fellow astronauts landing on the moon in 1969.
While this film has a lot to do with space travel, First Man focuses on Armstrong's personal feelings about the mission and how the fame affected his life following the historical moment. Some viewers were not impressed by the story that was told, but most critics thought it was admirable that First Man didn't cater to the formulaic model of biopics.
7 High Life Is A Futuristic Sci-Fi
High Life is one of the best space movies from the 2010s, and it was praised for its master storytelling. This sci-fi flick focuses on Monte and his daughter, who was born in space. The two are the last survivors of a mission into outer space, but they are now faced with fighting to survive as they hurtle toward a black hole.
Critics were blown away by High Life and its ability to use the plot and characters to symbolize the human experience. High Life subverts expectations, giving viewers a terrifying and thrilling experience.
6 The Martian Is A Clever Fight For Survival
The Martian tells the story of astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon), who is left on Mars after a fierce storm because his crew assumes he's dead. When those back on Earth receive word that Mark is still alive, they begin planning to rescue him from the hostile and desolate planet.
Though some space movies have subpar plots, The Martian actually has a good story. Instead of just focusing on the terrifying aspects of space, the movie succeeds in being a commentary on the importance of the work people dedicate their lives to.
5 Gravity Highlights The Kessler Syndrome
In Gravity, Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) is a medical engineer who's going on her first shuttle mission. Joining her is experienced astronaut Matt Kowalsky (George Clooney), who's going on his last trip. However, when their shuttle is destroyed, the two end up trapped in space.
Gravity made viewers feel the same fear as Ryan and Matt, who were struggling to overcome their panic and survive. However, the movie is also an insightful commentary on the Kessler Syndrome, which theorizes that the space debris orbiting the Earth can get in the way of satellites and, of course, shuttles carrying astronauts.
4 Apollo 13 Is An Incredible Survival Story
Apollo 13 is a dramatized version of the the Apollo 13 mission to space. Three astronauts believe everything is going according to plan as they leave the Earth's orbit. However, an oxygen tank explodes, and they have to cancel their moon mission. As tensions rise and they experience technical problems, Apollo 13 becomes an intense survival story.
Apollo 13 is one of the best movies about survival, and this adaption of a real-life event fleshes out the well-known story. Critics and viewers alike praised the movie for outlining why these men are considered such admirable heroes.
3 Interstellar Is The Best Apocalyptic Space Movie
Interstellar is a futuristic story in which the Earth is slowly becoming uninhabitable. A gifted NASA physicist (Michael Caine) enlists a former NASA pilot (Matthew McConaughey) and a team to go through a wormhole and investigate three other planets that could be mankind's new home.
Though Interstellar was criticized by some for not being one of the most exciting space adventure films, it was praised for its thoughtful insight into space travel and the importance of invaluable resources. Many consider Interstellar to be one of the best works of science fiction.
2 Hidden Figures Is About Segregation At NASA
Hidden Figures tell the story of the brilliant African American mathematicians Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson. Amidst one of the most important events in space travel history, the movie also tackles the experiences of these women as they face racism, sexism, and being underestimated.
Though Hidden Figures has some embellishments and inaccuracies that make it an obvious Oscar-bait movie, it has been praised for the amazing performances. It's an inspiring story of those exceeding expectations and persevering through others' doubts.
1 Alien Is The Best Extraterrestrial Horror Movie
Despite being over 40 years old, Alien continues to be one of the best sci-fi horror movies. The movie is set in outer space and features deadly extraterrestrials. The plot kicks off when a crew is awoken from their cryo-sleep capsules to investigate a signal from an alien vessel. It turns into a fight for survival when the alien lifeforms begin killing off the crew.
The stellar performances and well-written dialogue in Alien make it one of the best space movies. Sigourney Weaver is still praised for her role as Ellen Ripley, who has become one of the most iconic final girls in horror.