Space exploration makes many people dream as much as it scares. For decades, the infinity of space has tickled our thirst for knowledge and our adventurous soul. So much so that Hollywood regularly offers us feature films that take place light years away from us.
If you want to take to the skies and take a cosmic journey worthy of the name, we have selected 9 must-see films that take place in space. Hang your belt, it’s going to take your breath away.
Interstellar (2014)
Directed by Christophe Nolan, Interstellar does not leave the spectators unscathed. Considered a true masterpiece of science fiction for many people, the feature film takes us on the trail of a group of explorers who use a recently discovered fault in space-time in order to repel human limits and conquer astronomical distances on an interstellar journey. The primary objective is to find a planet capable of welcoming humans and being able to leave the Earth which is slowly dying.
Between an acclaimed scientific precision, a soaring music composed by Hans Zimmer, a staging with small onions and a splendid acting delivered by Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathway, Jessica Chastain or Michael Caine, Interstellar is an essential film related to space. It is to be seen or reviewed on Netflix or Prime Video. Take out the tissues.
Apollo 13 (1995)
“Houston, we have a problem”. It is April 13, 1970, it is 9:07 p.m. when the NASA command center hears this message from the crew of Apollo 13, the seventh American manned space mission to the Moon of the Apollo program. After 55 hours of flight and 205,000 miles from Earth, one of the oxygen tanks exploded. Time is running out to bring the three astronauts back before it’s too late…
Inspired by real events, this film by Ron Howard is a classic when it comes to the conquest of space in Hollywood. The staging, the constant pressure toApollo 13 and the performance of the actors, in particular Tom Hanks and Ed Harris, made it a cult film.
Want to take a ride in space? Apollo 13 is available on CANAL+.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Directed by Stanley Kubrick, 2001: A Space Odyssey is a science fiction classic. The feature film invites us aboard a spaceship that evolves in lunar orbit. Astronauts head to Jupiter in search of mysterious black monoliths. In addition to the conquest of space, the film addresses the themes of artificial intelligence, human evolution, technology or extraterrestrial life.
Become a real reference over the years, 2001: A Space Odyssey is one of the films to see at least once in your life. Although not available on any platform, the footage is available for purchase or rental on CANAL+ or Prime Video.
WALL-E (2008)
This little Disney robot moved a multitude of spectators. Humanity has deserted the Earth and its last inhabitant is a funny little robot whose task is to clean up the planet. Extremely alone for several hundred years, WALL-E’s life is turned upside down when he meets EVE. Meeting this other robot, with whom he falls madly in love, will give new meaning to his life. So much so that WALL-E will travel the universe to follow EVE, called back into space to complete her initial mission.
This animated film by Disney and Pixar seduced young and old alike, winning the Golden Globe and the Oscar for best animated film. With several reading levels (how we love them!), WALL-E is a feature film that plays with our heartstrings despite the absence of dialogue. Catch-up session on Disney+.
Alone on Mars (2015)
In 2015, Ridley Scott sent Matt Damon to Mars. All alone. After a particularly violent storm, astronaut Mark Watney is left for dead by his teammates. Still alive but abandoned on a hostile planet, the astronaut cannot count on himself to survive and hope to return to Earth.
The feature film Alone on Mars adapts the eponymous novel by Andy Weir and stands out as a commercial success with more than 630 million dollars collected at the box office. Matt Damon’s performance earned him the Golden Globe for best actor in 2016. Just that! Want to take a ride on the red planet? Alone on Mars can be found on Disney+.
Space Cowboys (2000)
The space fascinates and big names in cinema rub shoulders with it. This is particularly the case of Clint Eastwood who reveals Space Cowboys in 2000. After a disappointment that dates back four decades, astronauts Frank Corvin, Hawk Hawkins, Jerry O’Neill and Tank Sullivan have their chance to shine. As a Russian satellite threatens to crash into Earth, they are the only ones who can master the ancient guidance system and avoid disaster.
Space Cowboys is available for purchase or rental on Prime Video and CANAL+.
Gravity (2013)
It’s George Clooney and Sandra Bullock’s turn to don a spacesuit. In Gravity, they embody two survivors of a space mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope. Their goal ? Return to the International Space Station, and return to Earth.
In 2014, Gravity raids the Oscars and walks away with 6 awards. At the same time, the film is breathtakingly beautiful. For those who want to (re)see Gravityit is possible on Prime Video.
Alien (1979)
Avant Alone on Mars, Ridley Scott had already given us a film set in space. Indeed, science fiction fans cannot miss the saga Alieninitiated in 1979 by Alien, the eighth passenger. A true monument of the genre, the feature film is simply cult.
The crew of the Nostromo ship returns to Earth when Officer Kane is attacked by an unknown life form during a forced shutdown on a desert planet. Things get complicated when a living foreign body punctures his abdomen a few hours later, and escapes into the corridors of the ship…
If you want to dive back into the saga Alienthis is happening on Disney+.
The Voyage to the Moon (1902)
Produced in 1902 by Georges Méliès, The journey to the moon marks a turning point in the film industry. Only 14 minutes long (it was long for the time), this silent film recounts the lunar expedition of six astronomers. For the very beginning of the 20th century, The journey to the moon achieves technical feats and imposes itself as a pioneer of the seventh art.
If this footage may seem “ridiculous” in 2023, The journey to the moon revolutionized cinema when it was released more than 110 years ago. A classic…
