The Space Movie Lists

If you've seen the trailer or read anything about Christopher Nolan's latest film, Interstellar, then you know: we've got a new space epic on our hands. Hollywood has a glorious history of films that take place outside our atmosphere, so we picked our favorite space film from each decade. 3,2,1 blastoff, it's . . .

The Space Movie Lists

2010s

Gravity
Dan:
This film was meant to be seen in 3D, on a huge screen.
The only people I met who weren't blown away by it, saw it in 2D and/or on a TV.
I hope you didn't miss out on one of the most riveting cinematic experiences in years. 
Don't think Sandra Bullock earned that Oscar? 
Just check out the making of the film.

2000s 

Star Trek

Dan:

I freakin' loved this movie: 
The Cast, The Writing, The "Wow" Shots and of course, The Space Jump.
Sure, some die hard Trekkies were underwhelmed, but this is by far the best Trek film ever.
The greatness of Star Trek is what gives me high hopes for J.J. Abrams' Star Wars films.
Can't wait!

Moon
Chris:
A largely overlooked indie film from Duncan Jones (son of David Bowie) about one-man mission on the Moon starring the always delightful Sam Rockwell. A great psychological space movie with a great central performance. A beautifully shot minimalistic film that wonderfully wears its classic sci-fi influences on its sleeve (2001, Solaris, Alien, etc).

1990s 

Apollo 13

Dan:

Look at the lineup:
Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Bill Paxton, Gary Sinise, Ed Harris.
That is a 90s All Star Team of powerhouse actors.
Throw in a quality filmmaker like Ron Howard and you've got one of the best movies of the decade.
If Apollo 13 is on TV and I catch it, I'm watching it.
Isn't that the best kind of film?

1980s

Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back
Dan:
Can you have a list of best space movies without a Star Wars film?
Episode V is bigger, faster and of course, has one of the best reveals in film history.
I met James Earl Jones and got him to drop "I am your father" on me.
Certainly a high point in my life.

The Right Stuff
Chris:

How could we talk about space movies and not mention the brave men who made it all possible?
Based on the novel by Tom Wolfe, the film follows the true story of the original Mercury 7 astronauts.
Great performances from Sam Shepard, Scott Glenn, Ed Harris, and Denis Quaid.

1970s

Alien
Chris:
My favorite space movie. Director Ridley Scott perfectly captures the claustrophobic nature of space, a place where, as the film's poster reminds us, no one can hear you scream. Probably the second most influential space movie in cinema history, trailing only the next film on our list...

1960s 

2001: A Space Odyssey
Chris:
Kubrick’s seminal and cerebral sci-fi film for which all space movies before and after well ever be judged against. As grandiose in its legendary visuals as it is in history spanning scope, this is the space movie.  

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