Looking for some movies to celebrate the iconic space anniversaries we commemorate this week? You're in luck! This weekend marks two monumental dates in space exploration: the Apollo 11 Moon landing (July 20, 1969) and the final Space Shuttle landing (July 21, 2011). To honour these achievements, we've compiled a list of 7 must-watch space movies that capture the spirit of human space exploration, from its early days to its potential future.
Whether you're a hardcore space enthusiast or just looking for some out-of-this-world entertainment, these films are sure to ignite your cosmic curiosity. So, grab your popcorn, settle into your favourite launching chair, and get ready for a cinematic journey through the stars!
1. First Man (2018)
We're launching our countdown with First Man, a biopic about Neil Armstrong that captures both the technical challenges and personal sacrifices of the Apollo program. The film's sound design is out of this world (pun intended), making you feel every rattle and shake of those early spacecraft. The moon landing scene, filmed in IMAX, is a breathtaking cinematic achievement that gives us a taste of what it might have been like to take that one small step.
2. Hidden Figures (2016)
This film opened our eyes to the unsung heroes of the space race. Based on the true story of African American women mathematicians at NASA, Hidden Figures reminds us that space exploration is a human endeavour that requires diverse talents. The scenes of Katherine Johnson racing across the NASA campus to use the "coloured" bathroom highlight the absurdity of segregation against the backdrop of literal rocket science.
3. Apollo 13 (1995)
"Houston, we have a problem." This line alone cements Apollo 13's place in space movie history. Based on the true story of the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission, this film is a testament to human ingenuity and calm under pressure. It's a nail-biting reminder that space exploration is never routine and always dangerous. The scene where the astronauts have to jerry-rig a carbon dioxide filter is a master class in high-stakes problem-solving.
4. Space Cowboys (2000)
Clint Eastwood, Tommy Lee Jones, and a bunch of other grizzled veterans in space? Sign us up! This movie's charm lies in its "old dogs learn new tricks" premise. It's not the most scientifically accurate film, but it captures the spirit of the early NASA days while acknowledging the march of time. And let's be honest, who hasn't dreamed of becoming an astronaut, even in their golden years?
5. Armageddon (1998)
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room – or should we say, the asteroid? This movie is ridiculous, and we love it for that. The science is about as solid as a paper rocket, but who cares when you've got Bruce Willis drilling on a space rock? It's a guilty pleasure that reminds us space exploration can be fun, even if it's not always accurate. Plus, that Aerosmith song is still stuck in our heads.
6. The Martian (2015)
Fast forward to more recent times, and we've got Matt Damon science-ing the heck out of Mars. This film scores major points for its attempt at scientific accuracy (although we're still sceptical about those super-powerful Martian storms). It's a love letter to problem-solving, ingenuity, and the humble potato. "I'm going to have to science the s**t out of this" is the battle cry of nerds everywhere.
7. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
We're concluding our countdown with the granddaddy of all space movies. Kubrick's masterpiece may be confusing, but it's undeniably influential. From the iconic imagery of the monolith to the chilling portrayal of AI gone wrong (we're looking at you, HAL), this film set the bar for cerebral sci-fi. Plus, that "Blue Danube" space docking sequence? Pure cinematic poetry. As we look to the future of space exploration, the themes and questions raised by 2001 remain as relevant as ever.
As we celebrate these milestones in space exploration this weekend, these movies remind us of the dreams, challenges, and triumphs that have defined our journey to the stars. Whether it's the raw emotion of First Man or the mind-bending concepts of 2001, each of these films captures a unique aspect of our fascination with space. So, pop some corn, dim the lights, and blast off into a space movie marathon!
What's your favourite space movie? Did we miss any classics? Let us know in the comments below!
