In the words of the now-famous Star Trek introduction, I would like to start with the quote 'Space the final frontier….' Here is a glimpse into the fascination of mankind and Hollywood, with the universe, outer space, alien life forms, and more.
Space truly is the final frontier of travel, discovery, intrigue, learning, and simply the unknown.
It will be a lie if I say that I have not dreamt of being an astronaut.
That I did not want to travel on a spaceship or maybe even meet friendly alien life forms.
But, these are dreams that we all live through Hollywood movies that try to recreate our hopes, aspirations, fears, and predictions.
Story writers combine science and creativity in their works with different objectives. They aim to get a semblance of authenticity or create a wildly imaginative world like Avatar, or even horrors and creature features like the Alien series, Predator series, etc.
Sometimes in movies, we go out exploring space, and sometimes aliens come over to our planet.
Either way, our film industry constantly recreates most of our dreams and imaginations about the universe.
In this list of space movies, ENTOIN has attempted to capture all films, which involved space travel, encountering aliens, where mankind lives beyond the confines of our planet.
So, you may not find movies that depict earth-bound encounters with aliens, or NASA attempts to launch into space, etc.
Although I loved movies like Hidden Figures, E. T. the Extra-terrestrial, Arrival, Moon, Space Station 76. etc.
I have only picked movies that involve traveling into space and spending time there. I have also not included famous superhero movies like the Avengers franchise, Guardian of The Galaxy franchise, Justice League franchise, etc.
Those movies deserve a list of their own. So, without further delay, let us dive into the list of space movies that Entoin compiled.
I will give a short intro about it, and what to expect from it.
AnimationAdventureFamily
Director:
Andrew Stanton
Release Date:
Fri Jun 27 2008
Star Cast:
Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin
Budget:
$180,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$521,311,890
WALL·E is a beloved animated film from Pixar that weaves a touching narrative while exploring important themes like human consumerism, environmental degradation, and responsible waste management.
Set in a distant future, humanity has abandoned Earth, leaving it covered in trash and devoid of any plant or animal life.
The remnants of civilization reside aboard the spaceship Axiom, while back on Earth, the dedicated waste-collecting robot WALL·E discovers a young sapling—rekindling hope that their home planet can one day be restored.
Hailed by the American Film Institute as the best film of 2008, and by Time magazine as the best movie of the decade, WALL·E also enjoyed both critical acclaim and box office success.
With a remarkable 95% "fresh" score on Rotten Tomatoes, the film remains a standout achievement in animated cinema.
Recommended:
HorrorSci-Fi
Director:
Ridley Scott
Release Date:
Fri Jun 22 1979
Star Cast:
Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, John Hurt
Budget:
$11,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$106,285,522
The spaceship Nostromo is on its way back to Earth after completing a mission when it intercepts a mysterious transmission from a nearby moon.
Despite warnings from one of the crew members about the hazardous environment possibly damaging the ship, they decide to land on the moon's surface to investigate.
Upon arrival, the crew encounters a lethal extraterrestrial creature that begins hunting them down one by one.
Alien became one of 20th Century Fox’s biggest hits, inspiring a successful series of sequels and prequels.
The film earned several prestigious awards for its groundbreaking visual effects, including an Academy Award, and is often regarded as one of the greatest films of all time. It is based on a story by O'Bannon and Ronald Shusett.
Recommended:
DramaSci-FiThriller
Director:
Alfonso Cuarón
Release Date:
Fri Oct 4 2013
Star Cast:
Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, Ed Harris
Budget:
$100,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$773,031,583
"Gravity" follows the harrowing survival journey of Dr. Ryan Stone, a medical engineer on her very first mission in space.
As part of a team working to repair the Hubble Space Telescope, Dr. Stone and her fellow astronauts face unexpected calamities that claim the lives of her crewmates one by one.
Left completely alone, she must summon remarkable courage and resourcefulness to defy all odds and attempt a return to Earth.
This gripping film garnered 10 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actress.
"Gravity" ultimately secured 7 Oscars, recognized for its outstanding direction, original score, breathtaking cinematography, and groundbreaking visual effects.
Recommended:
ActionAdventureSci-Fi
Director:
James Cameron
Release Date:
Fri Jul 18 1986
Star Cast:
Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, Carrie Henn
Budget:
$18,500,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$131,060,248
Directed by James Cameron, this acclaimed science fiction horror film follows Ellen Ripley, the sole survivor of the Nostromo.
After spending 57 years in stasis, Ripley awakens to find the Weyland-Yutani Corporation skeptical of her harrowing story. To uncover the truth, they send a new team to investigate the mysterious LV-426 colony.
On arrival, the team encounters a traumatized young girl and uncovers a terrifying infestation—alien creatures that threaten everyone's survival. As Sulaco's crew explores further, they discover the aliens in captivity and must face a relentless alien queen determined to destroy them all.
Initially, production faced numerous challenges. In response, 20th Century Fox entrusted newcomer James Cameron with writing and directing the film, a decision that proved wise as he went on to create four of the year's highest-grossing films.
Recommended:
DramaMysterySci-Fi
Director:
Andrei Tarkovsky
Release Date:
Tue Sep 26 1972
Star Cast:
Natalya Bondarchuk, Donatas Banionis, Jüri Järvet
Budget:
RUR 1,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$225,719
"Solaris" is a 1972 Russian film adaptation based on the acclaimed science fiction novel by Stanislaw Lem.
The story centers on a mission to study the mysterious planet Solaris. A space station is placed in orbit around the planet, but its crew begins to suffer from psychological distress and depression.
To investigate, psychologist Kris Kelvin is dispatched. Upon arrival, he experiences the same inexplicable phenomena that have affected the other crew members.
Although the film received strong critical praise, it did not achieve commercial success. Interestingly, Stanislaw Lem, the author of the original novel, was dissatisfied with how the film portrayed his story.
ActionAdventureFantasy
Director:
Irvin Kershner
Release Date:
Wed Jun 18 1980
Star Cast:
Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher
Budget:
$18,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$538,375,067
"The Empire Strikes Back" is the second installment in the legendary Star Wars Trilogy, and it’s widely celebrated for delivering one of cinema’s most unforgettable plot twists.
Set three years after the events of "A New Hope," this chapter follows Luke Skywalker, who dedicates himself to intense training under Jedi Master Yoda, seeking to strengthen his connection with the Force and prepare for his confrontation with Darth Vader.
Meanwhile, Vader relentlessly pursues the rebel forces, ramping up the tension across the galaxy. The film's climactic duel between Skywalker and Vader—culminating in the shocking revelation of Vader’s true identity—remains iconic in movie history.
David Denby of New York Magazine described this film as grand, thrilling, generously scaled, and even a bit ponderous—capturing its remarkable impact on audiences.
AdventureSci-Fi
Director:
Stanley Kubrick
Release Date:
Sun May 12 1968
Star Cast:
Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, William Sylvester
Budget:
$12,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$66,452,425
"2001: A Space Odyssey" is a revolutionary science fiction film inspired by Arthur C. Clarke's groundbreaking novel from his Space Odyssey series. The film stands as a milestone in cinema, merging literary brilliance with visionary filmmaking.
Upon its release, the movie redefined the genre with its innovative use of technology, pioneering special effects, and unparalleled depiction of space. Its scientific accuracy and striking visual imagery set new standards for future space movies.
While initial audiences were divided, the film's reputation has grown considerably over time. Today, it is celebrated as one of the greatest films ever made and is featured prominently in the American Film Institute's rankings.
The story centers on mysterious alien monoliths mysteriously placed across the solar system. These artifacts serve as catalysts, influencing humanity's development throughout history.
Driven to uncover the secrets of a newly discovered monolith, the spacecraft Discovery One embarks on a perilous journey. The challenges and psychological struggles faced by its crew shape the profound narrative and enduring legacy of this cinematic classic.
ActionAdventureSci-Fi
Director:
J.J. Abrams
Release Date:
Fri May 8 2009
Star Cast:
Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Simon Pegg
Budget:
$150,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$385,680,446
In 2009, JJ Abrams revitalized the beloved Star Trek franchise with an exciting reboot that brought all the iconic original characters back to the screen.
The story begins before James T. Kirk becomes the famed captain of the Starship Enterprise. He frequently clashes with Commander Spock as they navigate their early rivalry.
The plot unfolds when Kirk accidentally discovers a dangerous scheme led by Nero, a Romulan villain who has journeyed back in time to change history and prevent the destruction of his home planet.
Nero kidnaps an older version of Spock and uses advanced technology to manipulate the timeline, threatening the fabric of the universe itself.
The 2009 Star Trek movie was a major success, earning critical acclaim for reigniting the classic franchise with a combination of thrilling action, sharp humor, a compelling story, and dazzling visuals.
Both longtime Trekkies and new fans found much to enjoy in this dynamic reimagining of a science fiction classic.
AdventureDramaSci-Fi
Director:
Ridley Scott
Release Date:
Fri Oct 2 2015
Star Cast:
Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig
Budget:
$108,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$630,620,818
Directed by Ridley Scott, "The Martian" follows a team of astronauts sent to Mars aboard the Ares III spacecraft.
After encountering a violent dust storm on the Martian surface, the crew is forced to abort their mission and begin their return journey to Earth.
Believing astronaut Mark Watney to have perished due to faulty spacesuit telemetry, the crew leaves him behind.
While en route back to Earth, the team discovers—thanks to NASA—that Watney is actually still alive. Determined to rescue him, they decide to change course and mount a daring attempt to bring him home.
As a botanist, Mark Watney relies on his ingenuity to grow food and survive the planet's hostile conditions.
"The Martian" was a major box office success, earning a 91% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which praised the film's thrilling and unexpectedly humorous tone.
This adaptation of the best-selling novel showcases exceptional performances from Matt Damon and direction from Ridley Scott, making it a standout in the genre.
ActionAdventureSci-Fi
Director:
J.J. Abrams
Release Date:
Fri Dec 18 2015
Star Cast:
Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac
Budget:
$245,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$2,071,310,218
Set three decades after the events of Return of the Jedi, The Force Awakens reunites audiences with iconic characters like Han Solo, Princess Leia, and introduces new heroes Rey, Poe Dameron, and Finn. Together, they join the Resistance in a desperate search for Luke Skywalker.
This seventh chapter in the Skywalker Saga brings a fresh chapter to the beloved franchise. With Kylo Ren rising as the menacing leader of the First Order, the shadow of the Galactic Empire looms once again.
The film became a worldwide sensation, grossing over $2 billion. Critic Peter Bradshaw from The Guardian praised it as both a continuation of the original trilogy’s narrative and an "affectionate next-gen reboot."
AdventureDramaHistory
Director:
Ron Howard
Release Date:
Fri Jun 30 1995
Star Cast:
Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon
Budget:
$52,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$355,237,933
"Apollo 13" is inspired by the book Lost Moon: The Perilous Voyage of Apollo 13, authored by astronaut Jim Lovell and Jeffrey Kluger. The film recounts the gripping true story of the ill-fated mission, which was the third attempt to reach the moon following the historic lunar landing.
The narrative follows astronauts Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert, and Fred Haise, whose journey turns perilous after an onboard explosion threatens their oxygen and power supply. As the world watches, NASA scientists and the crew must work together to ensure a safe return to Earth.
This compelling docudrama is celebrated for its meticulous attention to detail and authenticity. "Apollo 13" received nine Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and won Oscars for Best Film Editing and Best Sound.
ActionAdventureFantasy
Director:
Rian Johnson
Release Date:
Fri Dec 15 2017
Star Cast:
Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Mark Hamill
Budget:
$317,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$1,334,407,706
"Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi" is the eighth chapter in the epic Skywalker Saga. This film holds an extra layer of significance, as it features the final appearance of the legendary Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia.
The film is dedicated to Fisher, who passed away in December 2016. In "The Last Jedi," Rey seeks out Luke Skywalker, hoping his guidance will help the Resistance stand strong against the forces of the First Order and Kylo Ren.
Meanwhile, General Leia Organa, along with Finn and Poe Dameron, lead a desperate effort to evade a devastating First Order assault on the rapidly shrinking Resistance fleet.
This installment earned some of the highest ratings in the series on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics praised it for honoring the saga’s storied legacy while introducing bold twists.
With emotion-packed action and unexpected developments, "The Last Jedi" delivers everything fans love about Star Wars, and more.
BiographyDramaHistory
Director:
Damien Chazelle
Release Date:
Fri Oct 12 2018
Star Cast:
Ryan Gosling, Claire Foy, Jason Clarke
Budget:
$59,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$105,713,218
"First Man" follows the remarkable journey of Neil Armstrong, delving into both his personal and professional struggles as he pursues his groundbreaking career in space exploration.
The film traces Armstrong's beginnings as a test pilot aboard the X-15 rocket-powered aircraft and continues through his historic Apollo 11 mission to the moon.
Adapted from James R. Hansen's 2005 biography, "First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong," the movie offers a compelling look at Armstrong's extraordinary life.
Although "First Man" was seen as a disappointment at the box office, it ultimately recovered its production costs and made a modest profit.
Despite its commercial performance, critics widely praised the film's cast, artistic direction, and technical achievements, earning the movie numerous awards and nominations.
ActionAdventureFantasy
Director:
James Cameron
Release Date:
Fri Dec 18 2009
Star Cast:
Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver
Budget:
$237,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$2,923,706,026
"Avatar" stands as the highest-grossing film ever made, crafted by the visionary James Cameron, who served as its writer, director, and producer.
The movie transports viewers to a future where humanity is colonizing Pandora, a lush and mysterious moon in the Alpha Centauri system.
Driven by the hunt for the rare mineral unobtainium, humans threaten Pandora's delicate ecosystem and the survival of the indigenous Na'vi tribe.
The film explores a profound moral struggle, as members of the mining crew must choose between following corporate greed or standing with the Na'vi to protect their world.
Upon release, "Avatar" shattered box office records, becoming the reigning top earner at the time.
The film garnered nine Academy Award nominations and won three—Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, and Best Visual Effects.
ActionAdventureDrama
Director:
Jonathan Frakes
Release Date:
Fri Nov 22 1996
Star Cast:
Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner
Budget:
$45,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$146,027,888
"Star Trek: First Contact" is the second feature film starring the cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation.
In this thrilling chapter, the crew faces the return of the relentless Borg, an old and formidable enemy intent on launching a devastating attack against humanity.
Captain Jean-Luc Picard, still haunted by his past encounter with the Borg, finds himself drawn into the conflict when they travel back in time to alter humanity’s history. Despite efforts to keep the USS Enterprise-E away, Picard and his crew must intervene to prevent disaster.
The film was met with widespread critical acclaim and became the highest-grossing entry at the time. Esteemed critics like Roger Ebert praised it as one of the best Star Trek movies, making it one of the franchise’s most positively reviewed installments.
ActionAdventureFantasy
Director:
James Cameron
Release Date:
Fri Dec 16 2022
Star Cast:
Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver
Budget:
$350,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$2,320,250,281
"Avatar: The Way of Water" is a 2022 science fiction epic directed by James Cameron and produced by 20th Century Studios. As the highly anticipated sequel in the Avatar franchise, the film sees the return of familiar faces alongside new cast members like CCH Pounder, Edie Falco, and Kate Winslet, whose characters join a fresh struggle against renewed human colonization.
Set more than a decade after the original, the story centers on Jake Sully and Neytiri as they raise their family on the vibrant world of Pandora. When a new threat looms, the couple must unite the Na'vi clans in a determined effort to defend their home and way of life.
"Avatar: The Way of Water" was one of 2022’s biggest blockbusters, renowned for its groundbreaking visual effects and strong environmental themes. In addition to its box office triumph, the film received multiple Oscar nominations, securing its place as a major cinematic achievement.
AdventureComedySci-Fi
Director:
Dean Parisot
Release Date:
Sat Dec 25 1999
Star Cast:
Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman
Budget:
$45,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$90,683,916
"Galaxy Quest" is a brilliant comedy that parodies classic space adventure films, drawing particular inspiration from "Star Trek." Trekkies and sci-fi fans have embraced the movie for its clever humor and affectionate send-up of the genre.
The story follows the cast of a fictional TV show, "Galaxy Quest," who are mistaken for real heroes by an alien race called the Thermians. When these devoted fans seek help, the unsuspecting actors are swept into an actual intergalactic conflict.
Believing the TV stars are genuine space explorers, the Thermians enlist their aid to defend their species and their ship from the villainous Sarris. What follows is a blend of action, comedy, and heartfelt moments.
The film achieved both critical and commercial success, earning several Saturn Awards and numerous nominations. Impressively, a "Star Trek" fan association even ranked it as the seventh-best "Star Trek" movie ever made.
AdventureDramaSci-Fi
Director:
Christopher Nolan
Release Date:
Fri Nov 7 2014
Star Cast:
Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain
Budget:
$165,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$731,079,637
In a future where climate change, global warming, and overpopulation have made Earth nearly uninhabitable, humanity desperately searches for a new planet to call home.
The quest is to find a world that can sustain life and offer hope for mankind's survival. This riveting science fiction tale was co-written by Christopher and Jonathan Nolan, with Christopher Nolan also serving as director and producer.
"Interstellar" became one of 2014’s highest-grossing films, earning five Academy Award nominations and winning one.
NASA explores a breakthrough technology that could let astronauts travel across galaxies in search of habitable worlds. A daring team of scientists undertakes this perilous mission, racing against time as their loved ones on Earth await news, aging at a different pace.
ActionAdventureSci-Fi
Director:
Joss Whedon
Release Date:
Fri Sep 30 2005
Star Cast:
Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Chiwetel Ejiofor
Budget:
$39,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$40,445,129
"Serenity" serves as an exciting continuation of Joss Whedon's beloved TV series, "Firefly," reuniting the original cast for a fresh adventure on the big screen.
The story centers on the crew of the Serenity, a Firefly-class spaceship. Led by a captain and first mate who are veterans of the Unification War, the crew's routine smuggling operations are unexpectedly disrupted.
The arrival of a mysterious psychic passenger holding a dangerous secret sends the crew on a perilous journey. This twist adds both excitement and suspense to their lives.
"Serenity" received positive critical acclaim for its sharp dialogue and quirky, endearing characters. The film blends Wild West adventure and space opera, making for a thrilling and entertaining ride.
ActionAdventureSci-Fi
Director:
J.J. Abrams
Release Date:
Thu May 16 2013
Star Cast:
Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana
Budget:
$190,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$467,365,246
"Star Trek Into Darkness" is the thrilling second installment in the rebooted Star Trek series. Featuring beloved characters from the original series, this film reintroduces the crew with dynamic performances by Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, John Cho, and Simon Pegg, among others.
The story intensifies as the Starfleet headquarters in London is bombed and destroyed, orchestrated by the mysterious Commander Harrison. Despite being initially grounded for violating a fundamental Federation rule, Captain Kirk is reinstated to lead his team on a mission to capture and eliminate Harrison.
The movie received widespread acclaim, earning an 84% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics praised its stunning visuals and exhilarating action sequences.
While not as groundbreaking as its predecessor, "Star Trek Into Darkness" stands strong as a visually impressive and action-packed entry in this iconic sci-fi franchise.
ActionAdventureSci-Fi
Director:
Nicholas Meyer
Release Date:
Fri Jun 4 1982
Star Cast:
William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley
Budget:
$11,200,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$79,818,511
Wrath Of Khan is the second motion picture in the Star Trek series. It starts the story arc that continues for another 2 films, The Search for Spock and The Voyage Home.
In this installment, Admiral Kirk and his crew of the Starship Enterprise have a face-off with Khan Noonien Singh.
He escaped his 15-year exile to steal a device. It is named Genesis, and it will be used to exact revenge on Kirk and his crew.
The film cut costs heavily and used computer-generated sequences for the first time to create stunning scenes.
The film was a commercial hit and a critically acclaimed movie.
AdventureDramaMystery
Director:
James Gray
Release Date:
Fri Sep 20 2019
Star Cast:
Brad Pitt, Tommy Lee Jones, Ruth Negga
Budget:
$90,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$127,461,872
Ad Astra is a Latin term that means to the stars. The plot revolves around the obsession of scientist Clifford McBride to discover intelligent alien life forms.
He sets up the Lima Project to do so. But, we soon lose contact with the spaceship, only to find it 29 years later.
Now, his son astronaut Roy McBride has set out to contact him and retrieve any possible data while destroying the ship.
The director, James Gray, wanted to make a space movie that was as realistic as possible.
The script and acting on the film were highly praised by all critics. The box office did not enjoy it so much.
The film got a lukewarm response from the audience.
ActionAdventureSci-Fi
Director:
Gareth Edwards
Release Date:
Fri Dec 16 2016
Star Cast:
Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Alan Tudyk
Budget:
$200,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$1,058,682,142
Rogue One is the first part of the Star Wars anthology series. In the scheme of events of the Star Wars series, Rogue One occurs a week before the events of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.
A group of rebels band together and steal the plans of the Death Star. The film also details the first victory of the Rebel Alliance against the Empire.
It was first referenced in the opening crawl of A New Hope. The film was a huge success earning over $ 1 billion.
The critics at Rotten Tomatoes said Rogue One draws deep on Star Wars mythology. At the same time, breaking new narrative and aesthetic ground and suggesting a bright blockbuster future for the franchise.
ActionAdventureComedy
Director:
Leonard Nimoy
Release Date:
Wed Nov 26 1986
Star Cast:
William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley
Budget:
$25,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$109,713,132
The Voyage Home is the third and final part of the story that started with the Wrath of Khan.
Considering the events that conspired during The Search For Spock, the USS Enterprise has to return to the home base to face a probe into the event.
En route to earth, the Enterprise discovers new trouble that could affect our planet. An alien race attempts to contact humpback whales that are now extinct and plan to create grave danger.
The film story went through a few iterations and planned to make an environmental statement through the film.
The audience loved the movie, and the critics too appreciated the humor of this unconventional story.
ActionAdventureSci-Fi
Director:
Justin Lin
Release Date:
Fri Jul 22 2016
Star Cast:
Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban
Budget:
$185,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$343,471,816
The film is the third installment of the reboot series. We see all of the main cast come back to reprise the roles as Capt Kirk, Cmdr Spock, Bone, Sulu, Scotty, Uhura, and Chekov.
The film, sadly, was the last from Anton Yelchin, who died a month before the release of the film.
The crew is sent on a 5-year mission, and they reach the farthest outpost of federation space.
Here the USS Enterprise is ruthlessly attacked by an alien force. It has long held a grudge against the federation.
The film was written by Simon Pegg, who plays Scotty. The film was received well.
There was a general consensus that Star Trek Beyond continues the post-reboot hot streak of the franchise.
It is an epic sci-fi adventure. It honors the sci-fi roots of the series without skimping on the blockbuster action.
ActionAdventureFantasy
Director:
Richard Marquand
Release Date:
Wed May 25 1983
Star Cast:
Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher
Budget:
$32,500,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$475,106,177
Return Of The Jedi is the third film in the Star Wars trilogy. Many directors, including Steven Speilberg, David Lynch, and David Cronenberg, were considered before Marquand was finalized for the job.
In the film, Emperor Palpatine is constructing a second Death Star to crush the Rebel Alliance, once and for all.
The Rebel Fleet launches a full-scale attack on the Death Star to prevent its completion and kill the Emperor.
Meanwhile, Luke Skywalker has become a Jedi Knight, and he is struggling to bring his father, Darth Vader, back to the light side of the Force.
It was released and received positive reviews. However many critics opined that it did not live up to the same grandeur and excellence as its predecessors.
ActionAdventureFantasy
Director:
George Lucas
Release Date:
Thu May 19 2005
Star Cast:
Hayden Christensen, Natalie Portman, Ewan McGregor
Budget:
$113,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$868,390,560
This episode of Star Wars is the final part of the prequel trilogy. It takes place three years after the Attack of The Clones.
The Jedi are spread across the galaxy, leading a large-scale war against the Separatists. Anakin Skywalker is tasked by the Council to spy on Palpatine.
He manipulates Anakin into turning to the dark side of the Force and becoming his apprentice, Darth Vader.
The film broke several box office records during its opening week, making it the second-highest-grossing film in the Star Wars franchise at the time.
AdventureDramaSci-Fi
Director:
Christopher Caldwell, Zeek Earl
Release Date:
Fri Nov 2 2018
Star Cast:
Sophie Thatcher, Jay Duplass, Pedro Pascal
Budget:
$4,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$22,777
Prospect (2018) is a sci-fi space western directed by Zeek Earl and Chris Caldwell. It stars Sophie Thatcher and Pedro Pascal as a father-daughter team of prospectors who travel to a remote moon in search of valuable gems. However, they soon find themselves caught up in a dangerous game of greed and betrayal.
The film is notable for its low-budget production and its focus on practical effects over CGI. The result is a visually stunning and immersive world that feels both familiar and alien.
The film's characters are also well-developed and relatable. Thatcher gives a breakout performance as Cee, the resourceful and determined daughter. Pascal is also excellent as Ezra, the grizzled and cynical father. Prospect is a rewarding film that offers a unique and thought-provoking take on the science fiction genre.
AdventureDramaHorror
Director:
Claire Denis
Release Date:
Fri Apr 12 2019
Star Cast:
Robert Pattinson, Juliette Binoche, André 3000
Budget:
€8,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$2,133,033
"High Life" is a 2018 science fiction horror film directed by Claire Denis. The story follows a group of criminals on a space mission towards a black hole while participating in scientific experiments.
Led by a doctor named Dibs, the prisoners are treated as subjects for her questionable reproductive experiments. Sexual activity is forbidden, and the crew members resort to using "The Box," a device for self-gratification. As the mission progresses, tensions rise, and violent incidents occur among the prisoners.
Monte, the only celibate prisoner, becomes an outsider until he forms a bond with a fellow crew member named Boyse. Tragedy strikes as they approach the black hole, leading to a series of shocking events that ultimately reveal the fate of the remaining survivors.
ActionAdventureSci-Fi
Director:
Paul Verhoeven
Release Date:
Fri Jun 1 1990
Star Cast:
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sharon Stone, Michael Ironside
Budget:
$65,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$261,317,921
Total Recall is a science fiction film based on the 1966 Philip K. Dick short story "We Can Remember It for You Wholesale".
The story starts with a construction worker who suffers from violent and vivid dreams. These dreams are about a Mars colony that is under construction.
The construction company is fighting a civil war with the locals, and he is an integral part of this war.
When the film was made, it was the most expensive movie produced. It made a sizable profit, earning up to $ 262 million worldwide.
AdventureDramaMystery
Director:
Sebastián Cordero
Release Date:
Thu Jun 27 2013
Star Cast:
Sharlto Copley, Michael Nyqvist, Christian Camargo
Box Office (Worldwide):
$125,687
The movie was shot in found-footage style. It is about an exploration mission to Europa by a private corporation.
The film was not a commercial success. However, it was critically acclaimed. The film starts with the narrator telling about a mission to Europa, one of the moons of Jupiter, in search of living organisms.
Initially, during a solar storm, the spaceship lost communication with the Earth. All the evidence was relayed at the end of the mission.
Europa Report is a disaster mission that is successful in its prime objective. It is a slow-burning thriller that appears technically sound in its physics and biology concepts.
Neil Degrasse Tyson also makes a cameo in this movie.
Sci-FiThriller
Director:
Danny Boyle
Release Date:
Fri Jul 27 2007
Star Cast:
Cillian Murphy, Rose Byrne, Chris Evans
Budget:
£26,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$34,806,812
This Danny Boyle film is a psychological thriller set in space. In the distant future, the Sun has started to cool down.
As a result, the earth is also freezing. There is no other way out but to jumpstart a star with an explosion on its surface.
The crew set off on a spacecraft called Icarus II and made their way toward Sun.
They encounter many unexpected difficulties and hurdles along the way. The film has been praised for its most scientifically accurate portrayal and depiction of the whole process.
Cillian Murphy, the physicist Capo, had trained with Brian Cox from the CERN center for this movie.
The audience and critics both appreciated the film, but it was not a commercial success.
It has been called one of the greatest films. Second, only to the Stanley Kubrick film, 2001: A Space Odyssey.
AdventureDramaSci-Fi
Director:
John Sturges
Release Date:
Thu Jan 29 1970
Star Cast:
Gregory Peck, Richard Crenna, David Janssen
Budget:
$8,000,000 (estimated)
Marooned is inspired by a novel of the same name. It is written by Martin Caldin.
It depicts a situation where 3 astronauts are stuck in a spaceship on a mission similar to Apollo.
They are slowly running out of air while the mission control tries to save and rescue them.
The film won an Academy Award for Best Visual effects for Robie Robinson. The producers wanted to make the film as authentic as possible.
So, NASA and its primary contractors assisted them in creating the set and constructed replicas of the actual control room and the astronaut seats, etc.
Coincidentally, the movie was released just 4 months after the Apollo 11 moon landing. The people drew many parallels, and the attention on the film was enormous.
DramaMysterySci-Fi
Director:
Robert Zemeckis
Release Date:
Fri Jul 11 1997
Star Cast:
Jodie Foster, Matthew McConaughey, Tom Skerritt
Budget:
$90,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$171,120,329
Contact is based on the 1985 novel by Carl Sagan and his wife, Ann Druyan.
The film is based on a SETI scientist who intercepts a coded message from a distant planet Vega.
With the help of a secret billionaire funder, they decode the message to be the blueprints to a spaceship.
The film was a commercial success and also garnered critical praise. It won the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation and received numerous awards and nominations at the Saturn Awards.
A critic opined that the movie, Contact, elucidates stirring scientific concepts and theological inquiry at the expense of satisfying storytelling.
It makes for a brainy blockbuster that engages with its ideas, if not its characters.
DramaSci-Fi
Director:
Douglas Trumbull
Release Date:
Fri Mar 10 1972
Star Cast:
Bruce Dern, Cliff Potts, Ron Rifkin
Budget:
$1,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$336
Silent Running is described as an environmental-themed sci-fi picture. It is set in a future where mankind has lost most of its flora and fauna.
In a last-ditch attempt to save them, samples of all plants and animals are collected in domes and sent to a space station.
Due to various difficulties, the spaceship is ordered to dump all the domes. This would discard the samples and change the route.
The biologist taking care of the plants is aggrieved and kills the crew to protect the plants.
The film was praised critically for its unique take on science fiction. Carl Sagan criticized the technically proficient film for depicting a future in which people have forgotten the inverse-square law and that plants need sunlight.
The film was simple-minded and melancholic.
AnimationAdventureFamily
Director:
Ron Clements, John Musker
Release Date:
Wed Nov 27 2002
Star Cast:
Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Emma Thompson, Martin Short
Budget:
$140,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$110,041,363
"Treasure Planet" is a 2002 animated science fiction film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation. It is a futuristic adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island" set in outer space.
The movie follows Jim Hawkins, a young boy who embarks on a quest for treasure on the legendary "Treasure Planet." Along the way, he encounters space pirates, forms unlikely alliances, and discovers the true nature of friendship and loyalty.
Despite being a box-office disappointment, the film received positive reviews and has gained a cult following.
Jim's journey leads him to face challenges, uncover secrets, and ultimately find his place among the stars. The movie combines adventure, action, and heartwarming moments to deliver an entertaining and visually stunning animated film.
MysterySci-FiThriller
Director:
Robert Wise
Release Date:
Fri Mar 12 1971
Star Cast:
James Olson, Arthur Hill, David Wayne
Budget:
$6,500,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$70
The Andromeda Strain was based on the Michael Crichton novel of the same name. It is a science fiction thriller, and it was nominated for 2 Academy Awards for Best Art Direction and Best Film Editing.
The story is about an alien lifeform that enters the atmosphere along with the satellite that crashed.
It kills the whole town of Piedmont. A group of scientists race to discover an alien organism and contain and diffuse the pathogen.
The film was a success with the audience, but the critics panned it as a forgettable film.
The scientific community praised it for being the most scientifically accurate. They appreciated the portrayal of all procedures, response mechanisms, etc.
ActionAdventureSci-Fi
Director:
Paul Verhoeven
Release Date:
Fri Nov 7 1997
Star Cast:
Casper Van Dien, Denise Richards, Dina Meyer
Budget:
$105,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$121,214,377
Starship Troopers is inspired by the military science fiction novel of the same name written by Robert A Heinlein.
The film can also be viewed as a political satire when viewed as a collection.
The story follows a young soldier named Johnny Rico and his exploits in the Mobile Infantry, a futuristic military unit.
The military career of Rico progresses to an officer during the interstellar war between mankind and an alien species known as Arachnids.
Most of the reviews were negative upon the release of the movies in the Starship Troopers series.
However, in hindsight, we can describe them as political satire. This drew positive praise for the franchise.
AdventureSci-FiThriller
Director:
Joe Penna
Release Date:
Thu Apr 22 2021
Star Cast:
Anna Kendrick, Daniel Dae Kim, Shamier Anderson
Budget:
$10,000,000 (estimated)
The Stowaway is a movie about a moral dilemma on a space mission with good performances from all involved.
The film was released directly on Netflix as the streaming platform took the distribution rights.
A crew of 3 sets out to Mars on a two-year mission. A short time after take-off, they discover that an unconscious engineer was stuck on the ship.
This additional member poses an oxygen shortage for the rest of the crew. The moral dilemma is whether to sacrifice the mission, the stowaway or wait for a solution.
Stowaway was praised for its performances and said it was engaging except for the pacing of the story.
HorrorSci-FiThriller
Director:
Ridley Scott
Release Date:
Fri May 19 2017
Star Cast:
Michael Fassbender, Katherine Waterston, Billy Crudup
Budget:
$97,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$240,891,763
Ridley Scott is back with the Alien franchise after the first installment. The movie is the sequel to Prometheus and the precursor to the later events in the Alien series.
The story picks up 11 years after the end of Prometheus. A deep space colony vessel, Covenant, is en route to another remote planet to occupy.
They encounter a paradise planet that turns into a deathtrap with many hidden dangers. The crew of Covenant will have to cope with biological foes beyond human comprehension.
The film received positive reviews from many critics, and many sites praised the cast, the direction, and the storyline.
The movie did good business with the audience too.
ActionDramaSci-Fi
Director:
Neill Blomkamp
Release Date:
Fri Aug 9 2013
Star Cast:
Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, Sharlto Copley
Budget:
$115,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$286,140,700
Elysium is a space station that revolves around the earth and acts as an advanced haven for the rich and powerful.
Earth is overpopulated, and all the technology has now been shifted to this space station.
People who live on the planet are deprived of many medical and technological benefits and comforts.
The movie is about how the struggle of one patient to get treatment leads to the abolition of the class divide, making everyone equal in Elysium.
The film got an approval rating of 65%, but many critics were disappointed with the director.
They expected a better movie than his last great hit, District 9.
AdventureComedySci-Fi
Director:
Garth Jennings
Release Date:
Fri Apr 29 2005
Star Cast:
Martin Freeman, Yasiin Bey, Sam Rockwell
Budget:
$50,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$104,478,416
"The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" is a 2005 science fiction comedy film based on Douglas Adams' media franchise.
The story follows Arthur Dent, whose house is about to be demolished when he learns that Earth is also slated for destruction by Vogons. Arthur is saved by his alien friend Ford Prefect, and they hitch a ride on a stolen spaceship called the Heart of Gold.
They join forces with Zaphod Beeblebrox, the eccentric president of the galaxy, and Trillian, an Earth woman, on a quest to discover the Ultimate Question of Life.
Along the way, they encounter various strange and humorous situations, including encounters with otherworldly beings and the enigmatic planet Magrathea. The film received positive reviews and was a commercial success.
HorrorSci-FiThriller
Director:
Daniel Espinosa
Release Date:
Fri Mar 24 2017
Star Cast:
Jake Gyllenhaal, Rebecca Ferguson, Ryan Reynolds
Budget:
$58,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$100,541,806
The film starts with the return of Pilgrim 7. It was sent to Mars to collect soil samples to test for life forms.
The International Space Station intercepts this ship and gathers all the test samples. From these samples, dormant cells are retrieved.
They hold the proof that life existed on the planet Mars. Once the dormant cells are activated, chaos ensues.
One after another, all the attempts made by the crew to contain this alien entity fail.
The film did well, but the script was not anything new. Critics felt that the picture is thrilling, well-acted, and capably filmed, enough to overcome an overall inability to add new wrinkles to the trapped-in-space genre.
AdventureMysterySci-Fi
Director:
Peter Hyams
Release Date:
Fri Dec 7 1984
Star Cast:
Roy Scheider, John Lithgow, Helen Mirren
Budget:
$28,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$40,400,657
The movie is the sequel to 2001: A Space Odyssey. It was made by Peter Hyams and is based on the novel by Arthur C Clarke.
The film was commercially more successful as compared to 2001 A Space Odyssey. In this installment, the United States and Russian governments are feuding due to the failure of the Discovery mission.
They plan to send separate ships to Jupite to investigate what went wrong and possibly recover the data from HAL 9000.
When the second book was published, Clarke specifically asked Kubrick not to make it into a film.
Yet, the MGM studio convinced the author to sell the rights. However, Kubrick refused to make the film, and hence, Peter Hyams stepped in.
ActionAdventureSci-Fi
Director:
Frant Gwo
Release Date:
Tue Feb 5 2019
Star Cast:
Jing Wu, Chuxiao Qu, Guangjie Li
Budget:
$48,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$699,992,512
The Wandering Earth is the fifth highest-grossing film in China. It was inspired by a science fiction novel by the same name, written by the Chinese author Liu Cixin.
The movie was released on Chinese New Year, and it garnered record earnings. The film is about the efforts of scientists, astronauts, and rescue workers to save the world from an expanding Sun.
They plan to propel earth from its orbit, away from the Sun, and send it into a new solar system.
They also have to save earth from crashing into Jupiter before it escapes the Sun.
The film was praised by Hollywood Reporter as the first full-scale interstellar spectacular from China.
ActionAdventureFantasy
Director:
George Lucas
Release Date:
Thu May 16 2002
Star Cast:
Hayden Christensen, Natalie Portman, Ewan McGregor
Budget:
$115,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$653,779,970
Attack of The Clones is the second installment of the Skywalker Saga, and it takes place 10 years after the end of The Phantom Menace.
The Galactic Republic has secretly created an army of clones to launch a civil war.
Count Dooku has seceded from the republic to form the Confederacy of Independent Systems. All galaxies are in a state of unrest, and Obi-Wan Kenobi discovers the unsettling truth about the army of clones and the separatist movement.
The picture was again criticized for ponderous plot points and underdeveloped characters. Yet, they appreciated the increased emphasis on thrilling action.
The fans also enjoyed the movie giving it a score of A-.
ActionAdventureSci-Fi
Director:
Gavin Hood
Release Date:
Fri Nov 1 2013
Star Cast:
Harrison Ford, Asa Butterfield, Hailee Steinfeld
Budget:
$110,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$125,544,024
Ender’s Game is based on a novel of the same name written by Orson Scott Card.
It depicts a world where an alien race is attacking us, and our main hope of defense is a gifted child, Ender Wiggin.
The film cast includes renowned actors like Harrison Ford, Viola Davis, and Ben Kingsley. However, the film was not very successful at the box office.
The film received mixed reviews. The comments said that it is not quite as thought-provoking as the book.
Ender's Game manages to offer a commendable number of well-acted, solidly-written sci-fi thrills.
AdventureComedySci-Fi
Director:
Mel Brooks
Release Date:
Wed Jun 24 1987
Star Cast:
Mel Brooks, John Candy, Rick Moranis
Budget:
$22,700,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$38,119,483
Spaceballs is a parody of Star Wars-style movies. They have been created by Mel Brooks.
In Spaceballs, the heroic mercenary, Lone Starr, and his alien sidekick Barf rescue Princess Vespa of Druidia and her droid, Dot Matrix.
They have been captured by the Spaceballs, led by President Skroob, who wants to use Vespa as ransom to obtain the air of Druidia for their own planet.
The critics gave mixed reviews of the film. They enjoyed the spoof of Star Wars and the parody of all the characters.
Yet, it also felt like the movie was a far cry from the usual Mel Brooks comedies.
ActionAdventureFantasy
Director:
George Lucas
Release Date:
Wed May 19 1999
Star Cast:
Ewan McGregor, Liam Neeson, Natalie Portman
Budget:
$115,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$1,027,082,707
The Phantom Menace is the prequel to the Star Wars Saga. It takes place 32 years before the first Star Wars film.
In the first part of the Skywalker Saga, the Jedi Masters Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi, find the young Anakin Skywalker.
They notice his unusually high level of Force and try to train him. They are also guarding the Queen Padmé Amidala of Naboo.
The film was highly successful with the audience. Although critics described the movie as burdened by exposition and populated with stock characters, The Phantom Menace gets the Star Wars prequels off to a bumpy – albeit visually dazzling – start.
ActionAdventureFantasy
Director:
J.J. Abrams
Release Date:
Fri Dec 20 2019
Star Cast:
Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac
Budget:
$275,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$1,077,022,372
Rise of the Skywalker is the final installment of the nine-part Skywalker Saga. It also marks the end of the Star Wars sequel trilogy.
The Rise of Skywalker follows Rey, Finn, and Poe Dameron as they lead the final stand of the Resistance against Supreme Leader Kylo Ren and the First Order.
The return of the deceased Galactic Emperor Palpatine aids Kylo Ren. Though the film was a commercial hit, the critics found the show to be lackluster.
Rotten Tomatoes opined that The Rise of Skywalker suffers from a frustrating lack of imagination but concludes this beloved saga with fan-focused devotion.
AdventureMysterySci-Fi
Director:
Robert Wise
Release Date:
Sat Dec 8 1979
Star Cast:
William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley
Budget:
$35,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$82,674,320
This is the first installment of the Star Trek series that was created by Gene Roddenberry.
We meet all the characters from the television series, like Captain James T. Kirk, Spock, Bones, Scotty, and Sulu, etc.
In this mission, a newly fitted Starship Enterprise is handed to Cpt Kirk. They are sent on a mission to investigate and find the origins of V’Gers.
With teething problems on the new ship, the team has to locate the mysterious and powerful alien race of V’Gers.
Rotten Tomatoes gave a less-than-stellar review saying the movie features a patchwork script and a dialogue-heavy storyline whose biggest villain is a cloud.
Star Trek: The Motion Picture is a less-than-auspicious debut for the franchise. The film, however, was received well by the audience and it made good profits.
ActionAdventureSci-Fi
Director:
Roland Emmerich
Release Date:
Fri Oct 28 1994
Star Cast:
Kurt Russell, James Spader, Jaye Davidson
Budget:
$55,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$196,567,262
Stargate is a movie that claims that the ancient Egyptian gods were aliens. They traveled to this world and enslaved humans to take them back to their homes as slaves.
When an egyptologist uncovers the secret to traveling to this alien planet, the action begins.
The film was a hit with the audience who loved the plot lines and made the film a commercial hit.
The critics were not very kind to the film. It received average ratings, and the review said, Stargate only has flashy visuals and James Spader to recommend it.
A corny characterization and a clunky script make this a portal to ho-hum.
AnimationActionAdventure
Director:
Don Bluth, Gary Goldman
Release Date:
Fri Jun 16 2000
Star Cast:
Matt Damon, Drew Barrymore, Bill Pullman
Budget:
$75,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$36,754,634
In the distant future, humans have discovered the technology to travel deep in space. They are living peacefully alongside different alien races.
An alien race of Dregs fear mankind and plan to destroy the earth. Meanwhile, on earth, a scientist, Prof Sam Tucker, created the project Titan which can make a replica of earth complete with all species of flora and fauna.
His spaceship Titan is lost before the Dregs can destroy it. Now the race is on to find Titan and reconstruct the planet.
Commercially the film did not do well. It lost most of its production budget. However, critics praised it, and CinemaScore gave the movie an A-.
The story was praised for being rousing, with a largeness of spirit and lush galactic visuals.
It was beautiful in the same way photos by the Hubble Space Telescope are beautiful.
ActionAdventureFantasy
Director:
Luc Besson
Release Date:
Fri Jul 21 2017
Star Cast:
Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, Clive Owen
Budget:
$177,200,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$225,973,340
The story is set in the 28th century. All races of humans and aliens live in peace on a spaceship.
The capital city of Alpha is invaded by a mysterious and evil force that no one recognizes.
It is now up to Major Valerian and Sergeant Laureline to defend the city of Alpha and the peaceful existence of the universe.
The movie is part of a series of science fiction novels called Valerian and Laureline by Pierre Christin.
The movie received mixed reviews all around. The energy and visual effects overpower all the other shortcomings of the film to make it a good entertainer.
The film received a B- from IndieWire and CinemaScore.
ActionAdventureSci-Fi
Director:
Stuart Baird
Release Date:
Fri Dec 13 2002
Star Cast:
Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner
Budget:
$60,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$67,336,470
Star Trek Nemesis is the tenth installment in the Star Trek series. This movie has the cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation going on a peacekeeping mission to Romulus.
During this peace mission, Captain Picard and his team uncover a sinister plot to destroy the federation.
A clone of Cpt. Picard has taken control of the Romulan Empire, and he threatens a coup d’etat.
The story for this installment was written by Brent Spinner, who plays Lt. Commander Data.
The movie received mixed reviews, and Rotten Tomatoes said that Nemesis has an interesting premise and some good action scenes but, the whole affair feels a bit tired.
ActionDramaSci-Fi
Director:
Mimi Leder
Release Date:
Fri May 8 1998
Star Cast:
Robert Duvall, Téa Leoni, Elijah Wood
Budget:
$75,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$349,464,664
This is a science fiction disaster movie, and it was released the same year as Armageddon.
Most astronomers praised Deep Impact as being more scientifically accurate than the other one. The plot revolves around a newly discovered comet that will collide with our planet.
A joint United States- Russian team sets out to destroy the comet. But, should they fail, we also need to prepare for extinction-level calamities.
Here is a fun tidbit: When the president announces the impending danger, he was supposed to say, 'Life will go on, we will prevail...
This is not Armageddon.' Later, they dropped this bit after the movie Armageddon was released.
DramaRomanceSci-Fi
Director:
Morten Tyldum
Release Date:
Wed Dec 21 2016
Star Cast:
Jennifer Lawrence, Chris Pratt, Michael Sheen
Budget:
$110,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$303,144,152
The cinema can only be described as a science fiction romance. The film plot starts with a spaceship en route to a deep space colony with over 5000 hibernating passengers.
The ship has a malfunction that disrupts the hibernation pods of a passenger. He then purposely wakes up another passenger because he falls in love with her personal data.
With 90 years more space travel left, these two have to fall in love, fight with each other and rescue the ship from further malfunctions.
The film received mixed reviews as the story was nothing more than a love story set in space.
It was not much of a science fiction plot.
HorrorSci-FiThriller
Director:
Paul W.S. Anderson
Release Date:
Fri Aug 15 1997
Star Cast:
Laurence Fishburne, Sam Neill, Kathleen Quinlan
Budget:
$60,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$26,673,829
Event Horizon is an experimental spaceship that went missing seven years ago. The film is about a crew of astronauts sent on a rescue mission after the Event Horizon appears, and it is orbiting around Neptune.
While searching the ship for survivors, the rescue crew learns that the Event Horizon opened a rift in the space-time continuum.
It left our universe entirely, allowing an unknown and dangerous entity to possess the ship.
The film failed at the box office. Critics felt that the plot started out strong but slowly devolved into a run-of-the-mill horror cinema with cheap thrills and gore.
AdventureMysterySci-Fi
Director:
Neil Burger
Release Date:
Fri Apr 9 2021
Star Cast:
Colin Farrell, Tye Sheridan, Lily-Rose Depp
Box Office (Worldwide):
$4,298,184
'Voyagers' is a futuristic film where humans have created genetically manufactured people from the genome of some of the most intelligent minds.
They send them into deep space in search of inhabitable planets. A group of 30 people from different age groups are traveling together, searching for planets to colonize.
They are being given neurotoxins to suppress their personality. Once they discover this and stop taking it, differences arise, and mutiny ensues.
The film was slated to release in November 2020, but it was delayed due to COVID-19.
After its release in 2021, the picture did not do well. Critics opined that the plot had the potential to be a great story.
But, it was limited to mediocrity and ran on expected lines.
ActionAdventureSci-Fi
Director:
Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski
Release Date:
Fri Feb 6 2015
Star Cast:
Channing Tatum, Mila Kunis, Eddie Redmayne
Budget:
$176,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$183,887,723
The Wachowskis have written and directed this film. The plot for the film is like a soap opera with feuding brothers, a family business, immense power at stake, and a good-looking boyfriend who rescues you every time.
There is an intergalactic sweatshop planet Earth, and similar planets are colonies of powerful alien families.
The people and all living organisms on these colony planets become fodder for the youth serums.
Jupiter Jones is dragged into this fight as she is the next heir to inherit the business.
The movie was declared a flop in the United States after a dismal performance on the opening weekend.
The international markets helped to recover the production costs. Rotten Tomatoes criticized the movie as pleasing to the eye and narratively befuddled.
Jupiter Ascending delivers another visually thrilling misfire from the Wachowskis.
AdventureHorrorSci-Fi
Director:
Ruairi Robinson
Release Date:
Thu Sep 19 2013
Star Cast:
Liev Schreiber, Elias Koteas, Romola Garai
Budget:
£7,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$187,191
On the last day of the Mars mission, a crew member of the Tantalus base outpost defies a direct order.
He goes to collect samples of fossilized alien bacteria on Mars. While looking for the specimen, the porous grounds caves in, and he falls to certain death.
As the remaining crew tries to rescue him and return, they discover they have bitten off more than they can chew.
The picture was a major flop. It was slammed as neither intelligent enough to work as thought-provoking sci-fi nor trashy enough to provide B-movie thrills.
The Last Days on Mars proves as cinematically barren as the titular planet.
ActionAdventureFantasy
Director:
Doug Liman
Release Date:
Fri Mar 5 2021
Star Cast:
Tom Holland, Daisy Ridley, Demián Bichir
Budget:
$125,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$26,508,132
Chaos Walking is set in a dystopian world in the far future where humans have settled in new colonies on other planets.
In one of these settlements, an alien species called the Spackle has killed all the womenfolk.
When a woman unexpectedly crashes and lands on the planet, chaos ensues in the colony.
As the film progresses, the truth is gradually revealed. It is something totally different from what was believed earlier.
The film was a box office flop that only recovered a quarter of the initial production costs.
The plot was panned for poor execution and conventional, underdeveloped characters.
AdventureSci-FiThriller
Director:
Brian De Palma
Release Date:
Fri Mar 10 2000
Star Cast:
Tim Robbins, Gary Sinise, Don Cheadle
Budget:
$100,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$110,983,407
The first mission to Mars encounters an unexpected problem. All of the crew are killed, and only one person is left.
The second mission to Mars is converted into a rescue mission to save him. Despite having an acclaimed cast, the film received mostly negative reviews.
Bob Graham, from San Francisco Chronicle, slammed the movie. He said Sinise and Robbins, a couple of great actors, are asked to speak some awfully clunky lines.
The movie, however, recovered its costs despite being widely panned. The film was also nominated for a Golden Raspberry for its director.
However, the film was also appreciated for its fabulous visuals and photography.
ActionSci-Fi
Director:
Gary Nelson
Release Date:
Fri Dec 21 1979
Star Cast:
Maximilian Schell, Anthony Perkins, Robert Forster
Budget:
$20,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$35,841,901
The Black Hole is about the USS Palomino. After finishing its mission and returning home, it discovers the USS Cygnus close to a Blackhole.
Since the ship had gone missing 20 years ago along with the father of Dr. McCrae, the crew of USS Palomino decided to investigate it.
Here begins the horror as the crew slowly discovers what went wrong with the first crew and how they can escape a similar fate.
The Black Hole brings together many scary science concepts of black holes, artificial intelligence that has gone bad, killer robots, etc.
The movie was slated to be a disaster film. Yet, Disney updated the script so that its young audience is not scared.
They created an escape tactic for the crew.
ActionAdventureComedy
Director:
Timo Vuorensola
Release Date:
Wed Apr 4 2012
Star Cast:
Julia Dietze, Christopher Kirby, Götz Otto
Budget:
€7,500,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$10,109,659
This science-fiction comedy film is a Finnish-German-Australian film. After the fall of the Nazi regime, a group escaped to the moon and built a colony there.
The Nazis bid time on the moon till they were discovered. A spacecraft from the United States visited the dark side of the moon and found them.
They now plan to return to bring back the Fourth Reich on earth. The film opened to generally negative reviews.
It was even given a D+ by William Goss of film.com, saying that the humor was dated and felt like an Austin Powers sequel.
Sci-Fi
Director:
John Suits
Release Date:
Fri Nov 22 2019
Star Cast:
Omar Epps, Kate Walsh, Angus Macfadyen
3022 is set in a future where man has built human colonies in different locations.
The movie takes place on a space station called Pangea in the year 2190. It is the midway point between a space station and our planet.
The inhabitants of this space station are already suffering from cabin fever-like symptoms when they discover that our homeworld is no more.
This aggravates their depression and mental imbalance. They also meet another ship whose crew is hostile and determined to fight for survival, even if it means killing everyone.
The film is bleak, although the concept is interesting, and the acting was decent. However, the film did not do well due to poor script and direction.
ActionAdventureSci-Fi
Director:
M. Night Shyamalan
Release Date:
Fri May 31 2013
Star Cast:
Jaden Smith, David Denman, Will Smith
Budget:
$130,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$243,611,982
After Earth was written by Will Smith. It was meant as a movie about the relationship between a father and son.
After meeting up with the script-writer Gary Whitta, he improved the story, and changed the setting to a futuristic space movie.
Although M. Night Shyamalan directed the movie, it was critically panned as being a dull, ploddingly paced exercise in sentimental sci-fi.
However, some have chosen to back it for being a moral tale disguised as a sci-fi blockbuster.
The film tells a tale about a father-son duo going on a mission together, only to be blindsided by an asteroid shower.
When the ship crash lands on earth, they have to set aside their animosity and work together to call home for help.
ActionDramaSci-Fi
Director:
Ronald Neame
Release Date:
Fri Oct 19 1979
Star Cast:
Sean Connery, Natalie Wood, Karl Malden
Budget:
$16,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$8,400,000
Meteor is a science-fiction movie about a meteor that is on a collision course with our world.
At the peak of Cold war politics, scientists from the USA and USSR must come together to save the earth.
The film was inspired by a 1967 MIT report called Project Icarus. In the plot, a passing comet hits an asteroid, and small fragments that are 5 miles wide are thrown toward us.
Now both the scientists from the United States and Russia have to set aside differences.
They need to launch a united effort to destroy the fragments before they strike the globe.
The film was a major flop and made only $ 8.4 million despite an international star cast of Sean Connery, Henry Fonda, Karl Madden, Trevor Howard, and more.
ActionAdventureDrama
Director:
Denis Villeneuve
Release Date:
Fri Mar 1 2024
Star Cast:
Florence Pugh, Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson
"Dune" is a 2021 epic science fiction film directed by Denis Villeneuve. It is the first part of a two-part adaptation of Frank Herbert's 1965 novel.
The story is set in the distant future and follows Paul Atreides, whose family, the noble House Atreides, becomes involved in a war for control of the desert planet Arrakis. The film features an ensemble cast including Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, and Zendaya.
"Dune" was a box office success, earning $402 million and received positive reviews for its direction, screenplay, visual effects, story, and more.
Paul Atreides, trained by his family and the Bene Gesserit, faces challenges and forms alliances with the native Fremen to fulfill his father's goal of bringing peace to Arrakis.
Release Date:
Tue Dec 30 2008
Star Cast:
Bill Corbett, Kevin Murphy, Michael J. Nelson
The movie, A New Hope is the first installment of the Star Wars trilogy. It is also the 4th film in the Skywalker Saga.
The Star Wars world is set in a fictional universe where both humans and various alien species coexist.
They are ruled by the tyrannical Galactic Empire. This film focuses on the journey of Luke Skywalker.
He gets caught up in the galactic conflict between the Empire and the Rebellion. This happens after he comes into possession of two droids, R2-D2 and C-3PO.
The film was met with overwhelming critical acclaim, and many praised the pure narrative, and amazing special effects.
They called it the movie that will entertain several contemporary folks who have a soft spot for the virtually ritualized manners of comic-book adventure.