NASA astronauts have been to the ISS and orbit and back many times over the past 20 years, but why do movies always portray space travel as so chaotic, harrowing, and dangerous? Or?
The “what if” thoughts we all have about being stranded, going crazy on a small space station, or encountering aliens are best portrayed on the big screen and are no match for our actual reality. is far from it. But if it’s the intergalactic tension you want to experience, these are the best movies we recommend checking out.
It’s time to leave the earth a little and put yourself in the clouds.
“Event Horizon” (1997)
No film captures the idea of losing your mind in space as vividly and viscerally as Paul W.S. Anderson’s sci-fi horror film. It starts off very simple, with something sinister happening around Neptune’s orbit, but what makes this so sinister is the demonic, Cthulhu-esque suddenness of the story as it unfolds. It’s about developing.
“Moon” (2009)
Baby Nepo is overjoyed! David Bowie’s son Duncan Jones’ first film turned out to be a truly great film, and this one still stands out as his best work. This was a breakout film in the indie world for future Oscar winner Sam Rockwell, and is one of those movies known for (sort of) having a big twist, but the story doesn’t fall apart once it’s revealed. In fact, it’s getting better. If you don’t know yet, don’t worry, I won’t give any spoilers.
“First Man” (2018)
Damien Chazelle started his brilliant career with two huge bangers that won him numerous awards and left everyone guessing what his next project would be. It was a much quieter, more introspective and brooding piece about Neil Armstrong going to the moon. It’s not as big and flashy as La La Land or Babylon, but it’s just as effective and clever in terms of filmmaking.
“Sunshine” (2007)
This may have been the best cosmic madness movie ever made, but the final third of the plot is much maligned and often debated. A trip to the sun with a group of luxurious astronauts turns dangerous when a passing demon jumps onto the ship and begins killing the crew of Icarus II. I wish there was a better ending, because otherwise it would be the best work of Danny Boyle and his friends.
“Arrival” (2016)
We wouldn’t disagree if you named Denis Villeneuve as one of the greatest directors in showbiz today. He’s at the top of the list of people who make money by turning blockbuster ideas into arthouse movies. His adaptation of the short story “Story of Your Life” is a powerful drama about language, aliens, love, and free will. Amy Adams literally never had a better actor on screen. And this is one of his best movies released in 2016, and it’s one of his best sci-fi movies ever made.
“Mars Attacks!” (1996)
The most accurate depiction of what would happen if aliens descended from space, this retro-inspired ensemble comedy shows humans dying and distraught. That’s because aliens from Mars are trying to kill us all, and plenty of cameos and silly gags fill the short running time of this fun story.
Honorable mention: “Solaris” Either Tarkovsky in 1972 or Steven Soderbergh in 2002, “Pole” (2011) Written by Greg Mottola, “Ad Astra” (2019) Written by James Gray, “high society” (2018) Written by Claire Dennis, “Elysium” (2013) Written by Neill Blomkamp.
If you liked this movie list, check out our list of scary movies without jump scares or our Netflix recommendations.
