Not many film genres that audiences embrace are as beloved as space. Since the 1960’s, the space genre has produced unforgettable movies. Whether it’s astronauts, hidden figures or dune scavengers, the genre has produced strong characters. Given the massive number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the greatest space movies that deserve to be celebrated.
1. Star Wars: A New Hope
Star Wars is a spectacular science-fiction franchise my teacher always loved dearly. Years ago, I developed a strong bond with a teacher was a huge fan of the sci-fi franchise. Star Wars was a great franchise that my English teacher would cherish. A force to be reckoned with, he spoke fondly about movies impacting his identity. He always admired franchise about starry galaxies making him feel happy. My teacher’s lifelong love of Star Wars began when he watched “Star Wars: A New Hope”. Following its release in 1977, George Lucas’ movie has stood the test of time as the greatest space movie ever made. With the greatest film of his career, Lucas captured starry galaxies facing wars that are a painful burden to bear. Lucas is one of those filmmakers that has always excelled at world-building, and his strengths are clearly evident in “Star Wars: A New Hope”. Lucas used breathtaking practical effects to create unforgettable planets in space. For instance, the iconic Cantina scene in which Han Solo is introduced remains one of the greatest moments of the space genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Mark Hamill, who created one of the most commemorated space heroes in cinematic history with Luke Skywalker. Ultimately, what makes “Star Wars: A New Hope” the greatest space film ever made is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about the importance of finding identity which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s which tend to be outdated, it has aged beautifully with a message that remains commemorated. Nearly 40 years following introduction of a sci-fi series created a long time ago in a galaxy far far away, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that hasn’t lost abilities to blow audiences away making unforgettable movies that definitely deserve to be celebrated today.
2. Alien
Aliens are creepy creatures which have always scared me. At an early age, I developed fears for aliens that cause damage. With their frightening eyes, painful claws and creepy bodies, aliens have always terrified me. I would be afraid to sleep alone at night fearing I would be attacked by aliens that were a shocking sight. My lifelong fear of aliens first began when I watched “Alien”. Released in 1979, Ridley Scott’s groundbreaking movie forever changed the space genre through its frightening depiction of aliens causing trauma. Scott is one of those filmmakers that has always excelled making movies set in space, and “Alien” showcased his strengths as a director. For instance, the opening scene of the film in which the camera examines the corridors of a spaceship in silence is one of the best moments of the sci-fi genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance from Sigourney Weaver, who embodies a feminist hero travelling in space. Ultimately, what makes “Alien” one of the greatest space movies ever made is its perfect balance. Unlike most movies in the genre, it found the prefect balance between storytelling and spectacle. As powerful as the aliens on a spaceship, it’s an inspiring reminder of a genre that audiences worship.
3. Dune: Part Two
The Middle East is a magnificent country that shaped my identity. I recall with nostalgia joyous memories of growing up in Saudi Arabia. During my childhood, I grew up in a Middle Eastern neighbourhood. Whether it’s the gorgeous deserts or oil economy, I grew up to value a country that I regarded highly. As someone treasuring a country that I grew up to value, I adored “Dune: Part Two”. Released in 2024, Denis Villeneuve’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved sci-fi book. Villeneuve has an aptitude for creating stunning science-fiction films through breathtaking visuals, and “Dune: Part Two” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Paul Atreides rides the sandworm through the desert with high stamina is one of the greatest moments of the sci-fi genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Timothee Chalamet, who creating a strong sci-fi hero. Ultimately, what makes “Dune: Part Two” a sci-fi classic is its depiction of Middle East. Unlike most movies depicting the Middle East as a land of terrorism, the film honoured a misunderstood country. As precious as dusty dune planets, it’s a bold reminder of a genre that has produced unforgettable movies which won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
4. Interstellar
Fathers are inspiring figures that shape children’s futures. As far as I remember, I’ve always admired my father. A role model, he motivated me to achieve dreams. However, career has affected our relationship forever. Focused on his career, my father hasn’t been available when I need him the most. As someone mourning the absence of a father I treasure, I adored “Interstellar”. Released in 2014, Christopher Nolan’s film captured space travel. Nolan is one of those filmmakers that has always excelled evoking emotion through practical effects, and “Interstellar” showcased his strengths as a director. For instance, the scene in which Cooper breaks down in tears experiencing emotional reunion with his daughter following several years of separation is one of the most memorable moments of the space genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Matthew McConaughey, capturing astronauts in space facing a price to pay. Ultimately, what makes “Interstellar” a commemorated space masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a heartwarming message about fatherhood which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of painful hardships fathers face being separated from estranged children in space, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured classic movies audiences embrace.
5. The Martian
Movies about survival have always resonated with me. At an early age, my family faced grim bombings in Saudi Arabia that caused damage. Truth be told, I was only five years old when deafening bombs struck my household. Through my parent’s drive to survive, I made it out of the bomb blast without a scratch alive. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured individuals with a strong drive to survive a disastrous situation as powerfully as “The Martian”. Released in 2015, Ridley Scott’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about survival. Scott effectively uses stunning visuals to capture an astronaut with a strong drive to survive. For instance, the scene in which Mark Watney engages in an experiment planting foods to survive in space is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Matt Damon, capturing an astronaut seeking survival. Ultimately, what makes “The Martian” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most space movies, it tackles themes that resonate with everyone. The film delivers a meaningful message about survival which would resonate with everyone. A strong portrait of courageous astronauts surviving on a doomed planet, it’s a sensational reminder about a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies that are impossible to forget.
6. Apollo 13
Teamwork has often been a crucial part of NASA. NASA has often relied on teams that face obstacles to ensure that astronauts are transported into space. Without teams, space missions would not have been accomplished with doubt. The roles that teams play in allowing astronauts to carry out their routine is beautifully depicted in the film “Apollo 13”. Released in 1995, Ron Howard’s movie captured teams that ensured the Apollo 13 space mission. Howard used captivating cross-cutting editing to capture engineers ensuring that astronauts survived a disaster in space that’s frightening. Assisted by Tom Hanks who is amazing in the lead role, Howard honoured NASA’s teams. A powerful tribute to moon landings in space, it’s a soaring reminder of a commemorated genre that has made great movies about strong teams that audiences embrace.
7. Contact
Alien invasions are disasters that always fascinated my mother. At an early age, I developed a bond with a mother fearing aliens causing damage. She feared the day that the Earth would be invaded by aliens with a price to pay. As someone treasuring memories of a mother afraid of extra-terrestrial contact, I adored “Contact”. Released in 1997, Robert Zemeckis’ movie offered an engaging depiction of alien invasions. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Contact” stand out is its subtlety. Zemeckis used minimalistic diegetic sounds to capture an alien invasion. Assisted by Jodie Foster who is excellent in the lead role, Zemeckis captured alien disasters. A captivating portrait of astronomers seeking to make extra-terrestrial contact, it’s a compelling reminder about a genre making movies that have had a massive unforgettable impact.
8. Gravity
One of the common characteristics of the space genre is its spectacle. Filmmakers have used innovative cinematic techniques to capture hardships astronauts face in space. The genre’s ability to craft gravity-defying spectacle leaving audiences in awe is clearly evident in the film “Gravity”. Released in 2013, Alfonso Cauron’s movie captured astronauts seeking to survive catastrophe. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Gravity” stand out is its strong sense of spectacle. Cauron used stunning special effects to capture hardships astronauts in space are facing. Assisted by Sandra Bullock who is excellent in the lead role, Cauron created a powerful portrait of space survival. As strong as Dr. Stone’s desire for survival, it’s a remarkable reminder of a genre that has made timeless movies which audiences consider extremely special.
9. Hidden Figures
When it comes to the most inspiring women in NASA’s space history, it’s worth discussing the hidden figures. During the 1960’s, three African-American women participated in NASA’s space program. The women broke barriers of colour to become legendary figures. In 2016, Theodore Melfi honoured the hidden figures in his movie “Hidden Figures”. What makes “Hidden Figures” stand out in the space genre is its empowering depiction of women. Melfi uses captivating montages to capture obstacles black women working for NASA in the 1960’s were facing. Accompanied by Taraji P. Henson who is excellent, Melfi honoured hidden figures in history. A heartfelt tribute towards Africa-American women that participated in NASA, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made timeless movies attracting audiences to the modern-day Cinema.
10. Star Trek: Into Darkness
Star Trek is a spectacular science-fiction series that shaped my grandfather’s identity. I recall fond memories of a grandpa that loved a series in the sci-fi genre. As someone treasuring memories of a series that gave my grandfather happiness, I admired “Star Trek: Into Darkness”. Released in 2013, J.J. Abrams’ movie honoured the classic sci-fi series. Abrams used stunning visuals to create a dangerous space setting. Assisted by Benedict Cumberbatch who is amazing, Abrams honoured a legendary sci-fi series. Although it can’t reach the galactic heights of the greatest space movies, “Into Darkness” proves the enduring appeal of the genre. As strong as Kirk’s desire to explore the final frontier, it’s a fantastic reminder of a genre that I will forever treasure for motivating me to pursue a career in film criticism about which I deeply care.
The Film Buff 