21 Space-Themed Movies to Expand Your Sci-Fi Horizons

We’ve rounded up the best space-themed movies for science fiction lovers. For centuries, people have wondered what lies in space and have dreamed of exploring it. This curiosity and desire to explore have resonated in the movie industry, inspiring dozens of space-themed science fiction movies over the years. These movies have captivated science fiction enthusiasts who are fascinated by space. So, we’ve created a great list for those who love movies set in space. Here are the best space movies.

1.Ad Astra

Roy embarks on a mission to find his father, who disappeared during a space expedition 20 years ago while searching for extraterrestrial life. Roy travels beyond the Solar System to find his missing father and uncover a mystery that threatens life on Earth. Along the way, Roy’s journey brings to light secrets that challenge the nature of human existence and our place in the universe. Brad Pitt, Tommy Lee Jones, and Liv Tyler star in this thrilling space movie.

Information about Ad Astra (2019)

Director: James Gray
Cast: Brad Pitt, Tommy Lee Jones, Ruth Negga, Donald Sutherland
Release Year: 2019
Duration: 123 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Mystery
Language: English
Age Rating: PG-13
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Apple TV
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Similar Movies: Interstellar (2014), Gravity (2013), The Martian (2015)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: Ad Astra on IMDb

2.Avatar

Set in the 22nd century, Avatar takes place on a satellite called Pandora. Jake Sully, a former marine who is paraplegic, volunteers to live on Pandora, taking on an avatar made for his deceased twin brother. This satellite is home to the Na’vi, an intelligent and humanoid species with blue skin who are facing extinction. To exploit Pandora’s resources, a military company creates the “Avatar” program, allowing humans to operate in half-human, half-Na’vi bodies. As Jake adapts to life as a Na’vi, he meets Princess Neytiri and falls in love, ultimately deciding to protect Pandora and its people. Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, and Michelle Rodriguez star in this visually stunning movie.

Information about Avatar (2009)

Director: James Cameron
Cast: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang
Release Year: 2009
Duration: 162 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Language: English
Age Rating: PG-13
Available Platforms: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Similar Movies: Avatar: The Way of Water (2022), Jurassic World (2015), The Matrix (1999)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: Avatar on IMDb

3.Interstellar

At a time when Earth’s resources are nearly depleted, Cooper, a knowledgeable farmer, is determined to secure a safe future for his children. One day, a team of scientists approaches him with a mission to save humanity’s future. Cooper accepts the challenge, embarking on a journey through space full of unknowns. Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Matt Damon, and Michael Caine star in this epic space adventure.

Information about Interstellar (2014)

Director: Christopher Nolan
Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Michael Caine
Release Year: 2014
Duration: 169 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi
Language: English
Age Rating: PG-13
Available Platforms: Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Similar Movies: Gravity (2013), The Martian (2015), 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: Interstellar on IMDb

4.Star Wars Series

Star Wars, one of the most beloved space movie franchises, is set in a fictional galaxy filled with alien species, droids, and planets governed by the Galactic Empire. Each movie in the series focuses on different characters while weaving a connected story across an imaginary universe, making it one of the most iconic space sagas of all time.

Information about Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

Director: J.J. Abrams
Cast: Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac
Release Year: 2019
Duration: 142 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Language: English
Age Rating: PG-13
Available Platforms: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
Similar Movies: Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017), Rogue One (2016), The Mandalorian (2019–)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker on IMDb

5.Gravity

Dr. Ryan Stone embarks on her first space mission aboard the Explorer shuttle, joined by experienced astronauts Matt Kowalski and Shariff Dasari. During their mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope, disaster strikes as debris shatters the shuttle, leaving Ryan and Matt stranded in space with no communication with Earth. As their oxygen dwindles, they struggle to find a way back home. Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, and Ed Harris star in this gripping space thriller.

Information about Gravity (2013)

Director: Alfonso Cuarón
Cast: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, Ed Harris
Release Year: 2013
Duration: 91 minutes
Country: United Kingdom, United States
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Language: English
Age Rating: PG-13
Available Platforms: HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Similar Movies: Interstellar (2014), The Martian (2015), Ad Astra (2019)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: Gravity on IMDb

6.The Martian

In this space survival story, astronaut Mark Watney is left stranded on Mars after a violent storm separates him from his crew, who believe he is dead. Alone on the Red Planet, Watney uses his skills and ingenuity to survive and send a signal to Earth. While NASA and international scientists work tirelessly to bring him home, his crew faces a tough decision to return for him. Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kate Mara, and Chiwetel Ejiofor lead the cast in this compelling movie.

Information about The Martian (2015)

Director: Ridley Scott
Cast: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Jeff Daniels
Release Year: 2015
Duration: 144 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi
Language: English
Age Rating: PG-13
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Similar Movies: Interstellar (2014), Apollo 13 (1995), Gravity (2013)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: The Martian on IMDb

7.Star Trek Series

With nearly 60 years of history and 13 feature films, Star Trek presents a post-World War III future where humanity has united with other intelligent beings to form the United Federation of Planets, exploring the galaxy and forming alliances in this iconic space adventure series.

Information about Star Trek (2009)

Director: J.J. Abrams
Cast: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban
Release Year: 2009
Duration: 127 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Language: English
Age Rating: PG-13
Available Platforms: Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Similar Movies: Star Trek Into Darkness (2013), Star Trek Beyond (2016), Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: Star Trek on IMDb

8.Zathura: A Space Adventure

While their father is at work, Danny and Walter argue and end up in the basement, where they find a strange metal game. As they start playing, a card warns, “Meteor shower will begin,” triggering an endless adventure as meteors shower around them. Josh Hutcherson, Jonah Bobo, Kristen Stewart, Dax Shepard, and Tim Robbins star in this fun and action-packed family space movie.

Information about Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005)

Director: Jon Favreau
Cast: Josh Hutcherson, Jonah Bobo, Dax Shepard, Kristen Stewart
Release Year: 2005
Duration: 101 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
Language: English
Age Rating: PG
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Apple TV
IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
Similar Movies: Jumanji (1995), Bridge to Terabithia (2007), The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: Zathura: A Space Adventure on IMDb

9.Moon

Astronaut Sam Bell is on a three-year contract with Lunar Industries to mine Helium-3 on the Moon. As he approaches the end of his mission, an accident cuts off his satellite communication. With only the robot Gerty for company, Sam starts experiencing hallucinations and memory loss. As he tries to make sense of his situation, he finds himself in a fight to uncover the truth. Sam Rockwell, Kevin Spacey, Dominique McElligott, and Kaya Scodelario star in this intense space movie.

Information about Moon (2009)

Director: Duncan Jones
Cast: Sam Rockwell, Kevin Spacey (voice), Dominique McElligott
Release Year: 2009
Duration: 97 minutes
Country: United Kingdom
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Language: English
Age Rating: R
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Apple TV
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Similar Movies: Ex Machina (2014), 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), Solaris (1972)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: Moon on IMDb

10.Alien Series

The Alien series follows Ellen Ripley, a civil servant who faces off against an extraterrestrial species known as “aliens.” Sigourney Weaver stars as Ripley throughout much of the series, with Michael Fassbender and Noomi Rapace taking the lead in the 2017 installment, Alien: Covenant.

These space movies offer thrilling explorations of the unknown, perfect for those who dream of venturing beyond our world.

Information about Alien: Covenant (2017)

Director: Ridley Scott
Cast: Michael Fassbender, Katherine Waterston, Billy Crudup, Danny McBride
Release Year: 2017
Duration: 122 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Language: English
Age Rating: R
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
Similar Movies: Prometheus (2012), Alien (1979), Life (2017)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: Alien: Covenant on IMDb

11.Apollo 13

Jim Lovell, Ken Mattingly, and Fred Haise undergo six months of preparation for the Apollo 13 mission. Just two days before launch, Mattingly contracts measles, so another astronaut takes his place. After takeoff, Apollo 13 experiences an electrical failure before entering lunar orbit, putting the crew at risk of running out of oxygen. With their shuttle badly damaged and without power, they face a difficult journey back to Earth. Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, and Kevin Bacon star in this gripping space movie.

Information about Apollo 13 (1995)

Director: Ron Howard
Cast: Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon, Gary Sinise
Release Year: 1995
Duration: 140 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Adventure, Drama, History
Language: English
Age Rating: PG
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Netflix
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Similar Movies: The Martian (2015), First Man (2018), Hidden Figures (2016)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: Apollo 13 on IMDb

12.Guardians of the Galaxy

Peter Quill, who calls himself Star-Lord, steals a mysterious orb and finds himself on the radar of the powerful villain Ronan. Ronan is determined to possess this orb, and his desire threatens the entire universe. As Quill tries to escape, he ends up joining an unusual team that includes Rocket the raccoon, Groot the tree, Drax the revenge-driven warrior, and the deadly green-skinned Gamora. Together, they form the Guardians of the Galaxy and attempt to stop Ronan. Chris Pratt, Dave Bautista, and Zoe Saldana lead the cast.

Information about Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Director: James Gunn
Cast: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel (voice), Bradley Cooper (voice)
Release Year: 2014
Duration: 121 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
Language: English
Age Rating: PG-13
Available Platforms: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Similar Movies: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017), Thor: Ragnarok (2017), Star Trek (2009)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: Guardians of the Galaxy on IMDb

13.The Cloverfield Paradox

In search of a new energy source, a group of scientists works on a space station trying to unlock the mysteries of the Higgs boson. However, they unintentionally release a terrible force that threatens their lives. What they encounter is only a warning of what’s to come. Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Daniel Brühl, and Elizabeth Debicki star in this intense movie.

Information about The Cloverfield Paradox (2018)

Director: Julius Onah
Cast: Gugu Mbatha-Raw, David Oyelowo, Daniel Brühl, Chris O’Dowd
Release Year: 2018
Duration: 102 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Language: English
Age Rating: TV-MA
Available Platforms: Netflix
IMDb Rating: 5.5/10
Similar Movies: Cloverfield (2008), 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016), Life (2017)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: The Cloverfield Paradox on IMDb

14.Sunshine

Set in 2057, Sunshine follows a group of astronauts on a mission to reignite the dying Sun. After a failed attempt, a second team is sent seven years later aboard the spaceship Icarus II, carrying nuclear warheads to trigger a solar explosion. Just as they reach the Sun, communication is cut off, leaving the crew alone with the Sun’s intense energy. Cillian Murphy, Chris Evans, Rose Byrne, and Michelle Yeoh star in this suspenseful journey.

Information about Sunshine (2007)

Director: Danny Boyle
Cast: Cillian Murphy, Rose Byrne, Chris Evans, Michelle Yeoh
Release Year: 2007
Duration: 107 minutes
Country: United Kingdom, United States
Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller
Language: English
Age Rating: R
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Similar Movies: Interstellar (2014), Gravity (2013), Event Horizon (1997)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: Sunshine on IMDb

15.Life

On an international space mission, a team of six astronauts discovers the first sign of life on Mars. But as they delve deeper, they realize that this new life form is more intelligent—and far more dangerous—than expected. Jake Gyllenhaal, Ryan Reynolds, and Rebecca Ferguson star in this suspenseful thriller.

Information about Life (2017)

Director: Daniel Espinosa
Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rebecca Ferguson, Ryan Reynolds, Hiroyuki Sanada
Release Year: 2017
Duration: 104 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Language: English
Age Rating: R
Available Platforms: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Similar Movies: Alien (1979), The Cloverfield Paradox (2018), Prometheus (2012)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: Life on IMDb

16.Passengers

The starship Avalon carries 5,000 colonists and 258 crew members in deep sleep, on a 120-year journey to the planet Homestead II. After 30 years, a collision with an asteroid causes a malfunction, waking up passenger Jim Preston 90 years early. A year later, he wakes Aurora Dunn. With 90 years still ahead, they navigate the challenges of survival and companionship. Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence star in this space romance.

Information about Passengers (2016)

Director: Morten Tyldum
Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Chris Pratt, Michael Sheen, Laurence Fishburne
Release Year: 2016
Duration: 116 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi
Language: English
Age Rating: PG-13
Available Platforms: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
Similar Movies: Gravity (2013), The Martian (2015), Interstellar (2014)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: Passengers on IMDb

17.Prometheus

As the 21st century draws to a close, star maps from several ancient cultures catch the attention of the Prometheus crew. In search of humanity’s origins, they land on a distant planet, only to find a threat that could lead to humanity’s extinction. Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Guy Pearce, Charlize Theron, Logan Marshall-Green, and Idris Elba lead the cast in this thrilling movie.

Information about Prometheus (2012)

Director: Ridley Scott
Cast: Noomi Rapace, Logan Marshall-Green, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron
Release Year: 2012
Duration: 124 minutes
Country: United Kingdom, United States
Genre: Adventure, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Language: English
Age Rating: R
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
Similar Movies: Alien (1979), Alien: Covenant (2017), Sunshine (2007)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: Prometheus on IMDb

18.The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

In this comedic sci-fi movie, Arthur Dent wakes up to find his house about to be demolished for a highway project. This event foreshadows a bigger threat—the Earth is set to be destroyed for an intergalactic highway. Arthur’s friend Ford Prefect, a reporter for the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, whisks him away on an intergalactic journey. Zooey Deschanel, Martin Freeman, and Sam Rockwell star in this cult classic.

Information about Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Director: James Gunn
Cast: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel (voice), Bradley Cooper (voice)
Release Year: 2014
Duration: 121 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
Language: English
Age Rating: PG-13
Available Platforms: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Similar Movies: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017), Thor: Ragnarok (2017), Star Trek (2009)
Trailer: YouTu b e Trailer
IMDb Link: Guardians of the Galaxy on IMDb

19.Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets

In the 28th century, Valerian and Laureline are tasked with safeguarding human settlements across the galaxy. They travel to Alpha, a city where countless cultures unite to share knowledge, but a mysterious force threatens its harmony. Cara Delevingne, Dane DeHaan, Rihanna, Clive Owen, and Ethan Hawke star in this visually captivating space adventure.

Information about Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017)

Director: Luc Besson
Cast: Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, Clive Owen, Rihanna
Release Year: 2017
Duration: 137 minutes
Country: France, China, Belgium, Germany, United Arab Emirates, United States
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Language: English
Age Rating: PG-13
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Similar Movies: Jupiter Ascending (2015), The Fifth Element (1997), Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets on IMDb

20.Salyut

Based on real events from 1985 Soviet Russia, Salyut-7 tells the story of the unmanned Soviet space station that suddenly stops responding to commands. If it falls from orbit, it could tarnish the Soviet image and cause disaster. Cosmonauts Vladimir Dzhanibekov and Viktor Savinykh are sent to prevent this catastrophe. Vladimir Vdovichenkov and Pavel Derevyanko star in this true-to-life space movie.

Information about Salyut-7 (2017)

Director: Klim Shipenko
Cast: Vladimir Vdovichenkov, Pavel Derevyanko, Aleksandr Samoylenko, Mariya Mironova
Release Year: 2017
Duration: 111 minutes
Country: Russia
Genre: Action, Drama, History
Language: Russian
Age Rating: Not Rated
Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Similar Movies: Apollo 13 (1995), Gravity (2013), The Spacewalker (2017)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: Salyut-7 on IMDb

21.Stowaway (2021)

During a mission to Mars, the crew discovers a stowaway on board, too far from Earth to turn back. With resources dwindling, they face a difficult decision. When the ship’s medical researcher challenges the crew’s decision, unexpected events unfold. Anna Kendrick, Toni Collette, Daniel Dae Kim, and Shamier Anderson star in this tense and thought-provoking story.

These movies offer thrilling journeys into the unknown, ideal for fans of space and science fiction. Whether exploring alien worlds, struggling for survival, or delving into humanity’s origins, each of these movies delivers the adventure of a lifetime.