10 of the Best Space-Themed Movies and Their Scientific Accuracy

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Space has always fascinated audiences, so it’s no surprise filmmaker have also found inspiration in it, too! From realistic depictions of astronauts navigating the perils of orbit to imaginative journeys across distant galaxies, movies about space capture our curiosity and our dreams. And there’s quite a few to choose from if you’re planning a movie night!

This list will show you ten of what I consider to be the best space-themed films, blending scientific realism, emotional storytelling, and unforgettable cinematic moments. For each of them I’ve included links to IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes, and a realism and scientific accuracy rating.

10. First Man (2018)

IMDb Rating: 7.3/10 – Rotten Tomatoes Scores (critics, audience): 88%, 82%

A biographical depiction of Neil Armstrong and the Apollo 11 mission, emphasizing both the technical challenges and human cost of reaching the Moon.

This one feels personal — you really get inside Neil Armstrong’s head. The space sequences are intense and realistic, and the attention to detail on the Apollo 11 mission is incredible. Emotionally, it hits hard, showing both the danger and wonder of walking on the Moon.

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Realism: 10 / 10
Scientific Accuracy: 10 / 10

Authentic portrayal of Apollo 11, the spacecraft, EVA procedures, and human experiences during launch and landing.

9. Moon (2009)

IMDb Rating: 8.0/10 – Rotten Tomatoes Scores (critics, audience): 89%, 89%

A psychological sci-fi drama about isolation and identity, following a lone worker on a lunar base nearing the end of his contract.

Such a unique, intimate space movie. It’s quiet and slow, but the writing and Sam Rockwell’s performance are outstanding. The lunar base and tech feel realistic, and the story has some really clever twists. Makes you feel the loneliness of space like few movies do.

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Realism: 9 / 10
Scientific Accuracy: 8 / 10

Lunar base, isolation, and robotics are depicted realistically; minor simplifications in lunar gravity and EVA logistics.

8. Contact (1997)

IMDb Rating: 7.5/10 – Rotten Tomatoes Scores (critics, audience): 68%, 70%

Based on Carl Sagan’s novel, this film explores the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, blending science, philosophy, and human curiosity.

A thoughtful, emotional sci-fi about humanity and our place in the universe. Jodie Foster is incredible, and the depiction of SETI and first contact is surprisingly grounded. It makes you think, dream, and maybe tear up a little at the same time.

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Realism: 8 / 10
Scientific Accuracy: 9 / 10

Grounded in real SETI research, radio astronomy, and theoretical physics. Some speculation exists in the wormhole sequence and extraterrestrial communication.

7. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)

IMDb Rating: 7.7/10 – Rotten Tomatoes Scores (critics, audience): 88%, 85%

A classic of space adventure, featuring strategic space battles, ethical dilemmas, and unforgettable characters from the Star Trek universe.

The drama and stakes in this one are fantastic. Khan is a villain you actually care about, and the space battles are clever rather than just flashy. It’s got humor, emotion, and the sense of adventure that Star Trek does so well.

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Realism: 4 / 10
Scientific Accuracy: 3 / 10

Explores space battle tactics and some speculative physics, but FTL travel and energy weapons are purely fictional.

6. Star Wars: A New Hope (1977)

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10 – Rotten Tomatoes Scores (critics, audience): 92%, 96%

While more sci-fi fantasy than realism, this iconic space opera launched one of the biggest franchises in cinematic history.

Pure nostalgia and adventure. Lightsabers, TIE fighters, the Millennium Falcon — iconic. It’s space fantasy, but in the best way: fun, exciting, and full of memorable characters. The original Star Wars just never gets old.

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Realism: 2 / 10
Scientific Accuracy: 1 / 10

Epic space opera with faster-than-light travel, laser swords, and sound in space — pure fantasy, little grounding in real physics.

5. The Martian (2015)

IMDb Rating: 8.0/10 – Rotten Tomatoes Scores (critics, audience): 95%, 89%

Matt Damon stars as an astronaut stranded on Mars, relying on science, ingenuity, and humor to survive until rescue.

This is such a fun, smart movie. Matt Damon’s humor really carries it, and the science feels realistic and satisfying. Watching him MacGyver his way through Mars survival is both tense and hilarious. You actually learn a little science while being entertained!

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Realism: 9 / 10
Scientific Accuracy: 9 / 10

Science-based survival on Mars, including botany, habitat design, and orbital mechanics, though some simplifications are made for narrative pacing.

4. Apollo 13 (1995)

IMDb Rating: 7.7/10 – Rotten Tomatoes Scores (critics, audience): 95%, 89%

Based on the true story of NASA’s near-disastrous lunar mission, Ron Howard’s film captures the tension, ingenuity, and teamwork of spaceflight.

Classic “based on a true story” done right. The tension is real, the acting is solid (Tom Hanks is perfect), and it’s amazing how much they capture the teamwork and ingenuity of NASA. You feel like you’re part of the mission, even if things are going sideways.

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Realism: 10 / 10
Scientific Accuracy: 10 / 10

Highly accurate portrayal of the real Apollo 13 mission, including spacecraft systems, astronaut procedures, and crisis management.

3. Gravity (2013)

IMDb Rating: 7.7/10 – Rotten Tomatoes Scores (critics, audience): 96, 79%

Alfonso Cuarón’s tense thriller follows two astronauts stranded in orbit, featuring stunning cinematography and realistic depiction of zero gravity.

Talk about edge-of-your-seat tension! The visuals are insane, and it really makes you feel the isolation of space. Sandra Bullock carries the whole movie, and the zero-gravity sequences feel almost real. It’s thrilling and beautiful all at once.

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Realism: 7 / 10
Scientific Accuracy: 8 / 10

Zero gravity, orbital debris, and space physics are well-rendered, but some events (long-distance drifting, debris timing) are exaggerated for tension.

2. Interstellar (2014)

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10 – Rotten Tomatoes Scores (critics, audience): 86%, 85%

Christopher Nolan’s epic about astronauts traveling through wormholes to save humanity combines real astrophysics with emotional storytelling.

This one hits you emotionally and visually. The depiction of black holes and wormholes is gorgeous, and the time-dilation concept is actually fascinating. Matthew McConaughey is amazing, and the father-daughter storyline gives the epic space adventure a real heart.

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Realism: 8 / 10
Scientific Accuracy: 9 / 10

Consultation with physicist Kip Thorne ensures realistic depictions of black holes, time dilation, and wormholes. Some dramatic liberties are taken with survival on alien planets.

1. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10 – Rotten Tomatoes Scores (critics, audience): 90%, 89%

Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece explores human evolution, artificial intelligence, and the vastness of space with groundbreaking visuals and a haunting score.

Wow, this movie is still mind-blowing even decades later. The visuals are absolutely stunning — every shot of space feels epic and silent in the best way. HAL 9000 is the creepiest AI ever, and the whole story makes you think about humanity, evolution, and the universe. It’s slow at times, but totally worth it.

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Realism: 9 / 10
Scientific Accuracy: 9 / 10

Kubrick’s film meticulously depicts spacecraft design, orbital mechanics, and artificial gravity. Some speculative elements (HAL AI, alien monolith) reduce it from perfect realism.