Space, the final frontier, has been the backdrop for some of the most imaginative and thought-provoking cinematic journeys ever created. The list of the 100 Best Sci-Fi Movies Set in Space takes audiences on mind-bending voyages, from the awe-inspiring wonder of classic space epics to the intimate and claustrophobic thrillers that explore the human psyche in the cosmos
From the visionary genius of ‘2001: A Space Odyssey‘ to the swashbuckling adventures of ‘Star Wars’ and the heart-pounding suspense of ‘Alien,’ each entry on this list is a testament to the boundless possibilities of the sci-fi genre.
Whether they transport us to distant galaxies, introduce us to enigmatic extraterrestrial life, or challenge our very understanding of time and space, these movies remind us that the final frontier is a canvas where storytellers can paint their most profound, thrilling, and thought-provoking narratives. As we journey through this list, we invite you to explore the infinite wonders of the universe, one frame at a time.
100 Best Sci-Fi Movies About Space
- 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968): Directed by Stanley Kubrick, “2001: A Space Odyssey” is a groundbreaking science fiction film. It explores human evolution, artificial intelligence, and extraterrestrial life as it follows a voyage to Jupiter. The film is known for its stunning visual effects and a mysterious, abstract narrative that has sparked numerous interpretations and discussions.
- Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977): Created by George Lucas, this iconic space opera introduced audiences to the Star Wars universe. It follows the adventures of Luke Skywalker as he joins the Rebel Alliance to battle the evil Galactic Empire. The film combines elements of classic mythology and science fiction and is famous for its memorable characters, including Darth Vader and Princess Leia.
- Blade Runner (1982): Directed by Ridley Scott, “Blade Runner” is a neo-noir science fiction film set in a dystopian future. It follows Rick Deckard, a “Blade Runner” tasked with hunting down and “retiring” rogue androids. The film explores themes of artificial intelligence, identity, and what it means to be human.
- Alien (1979): Ridley Scott’s “Alien” is a landmark in the horror and science fiction genres. It follows the crew of the spaceship Nostromo as they encounter a deadly extraterrestrial creature. The film is known for its suspenseful atmosphere, strong female protagonist (Ellen Ripley), and iconic creature design.
- Interstellar (2014): Directed by Christopher Nolan, “Interstellar” is a visually stunning and intellectually engaging film. It explores space travel, time dilation, and the survival of humanity on a dying Earth. The story follows a group of astronauts who embark on a journey through a wormhole in search of a new habitable planet.
- The Empire Strikes Back (1980): The second installment in the original Star Wars trilogy, “The Empire Strikes Back” continues the battle between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire. It is known for its darker tone, character development, and the revelation of Darth Vader’s true identity.
- Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982): This sequel to “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” is often considered one of the best entries in the Star Trek franchise. Directed by Nicholas Meyer, it focuses on the conflict between Admiral Kirk and his old nemesis, Khan Noonien Singh. The film explores themes of revenge, sacrifice, and the human condition.
- Gravity (2013): Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, “Gravity” is a visually stunning and intense space thriller. The film stars Sandra Bullock and George Clooney as astronauts stranded in orbit after their shuttle is destroyed. It explores themes of survival, isolation, and the indomitable human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds. Known for its breathtaking cinematography and realistic portrayal of space, it received critical acclaim and several Academy Awards.
- The Martian (2015): Directed by Ridley Scott and based on the novel by Andy Weir, “The Martian” follows the story of astronaut Mark Watney, played by Matt Damon, who is stranded on Mars and must use his ingenuity and scientific knowledge to survive until rescue is possible. The film combines elements of science, humor, and resilience as it explores the challenges of space exploration and human determination.
- E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982): Directed by Steven Spielberg, “E.T.” is a beloved family film that tells the heartwarming story of a young boy named Elliott who befriends an extraterrestrial stranded on Earth. The film captures the innocence of childhood, the power of friendship, and the wonder of the unknown. It became a cultural phenomenon and remains a classic in the science fiction genre.
- Arrival (2016): Directed by Denis Villeneuve, “Arrival” is a thought-provoking science fiction film that centers on the arrival of mysterious alien spacecraft on Earth. Linguist Louise Banks, portrayed by Amy Adams, is tasked with deciphering the aliens’ language to communicate with them. The film delves into themes of language, communication, and the perception of time, offering a unique and intellectually stimulating take on first contact with extraterrestrial beings.
- Moon (2009): Directed by Duncan Jones, “Moon” is a minimalist science fiction film that stars Sam Rockwell as a lunar miner who begins to question his reality and identity while working alone on a lunar base. The film explores themes of isolation, ethics, and the consequences of advanced technology. It’s known for its philosophical depth and Rockwell’s outstanding performance.
- Guardians of the Galaxy (2014): Directed by James Gunn, “Guardians of the Galaxy” is a Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film that combines space adventure with humor and a classic rock soundtrack. The film follows a group of misfit heroes, including Star-Lord, Gamora, Rocket, Groot, and Drax, as they band together to save the galaxy from a powerful threat. Known for its humor, colorful characters, and retro soundtrack, it brought a fresh and irreverent tone to the MCU.
- The Fifth Element (1997): Directed by Luc Besson, “The Fifth Element” is a visually spectacular and quirky science fiction film set in a futuristic and colorful world. The story revolves around a cab driver named Korben Dallas, played by Bruce Willis, who becomes entangled with a mysterious woman named Leeloo, portrayed by Milla Jovovich. They must work together to save the Earth from impending destruction. The film is known for its imaginative world-building, unique characters, and blend of action, comedy, and romance.
- Solaris (1972): Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky, “Solaris” is a Soviet science fiction film based on Stanisław Lem’s novel of the same name. It tells the story of a psychologist who is sent to a space station orbiting a mysterious planet called Solaris. The film delves into themes of memory, consciousness, and the nature of reality, offering a philosophical and meditative exploration of the human psyche.
- Wall-E (2008): Produced by Pixar Animation Studios and directed by Andrew Stanton, “Wall-E” is an animated science fiction film with a heartwarming environmental message. It follows the adventures of a small waste-collecting robot named Wall-E who discovers a seedling and embarks on a journey to save humanity and the Earth. The film combines breathtaking animation, silent storytelling, and a poignant love story between robots.
- Contact (1997): Directed by Robert Zemeckis and based on Carl Sagan’s novel, “Contact” stars Jodie Foster as Dr. Ellie Arroway, a scientist who makes first contact with an extraterrestrial intelligence. The film explores the intersection of science, faith, and the search for extraterrestrial life, as well as the challenges of communication with an alien civilization.
- Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977): Directed by Steven Spielberg, “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” is a classic science fiction film that follows the story of Roy Neary, played by Richard Dreyfuss, who experiences a close encounter with an unidentified flying object. The film explores themes of wonder, curiosity, and the desire for contact with extraterrestrial beings. It is known for its iconic musical score and memorable visual effects.
- Serenity (2005): Directed by Joss Whedon, “Serenity” is a space western film that serves as a continuation of the canceled TV series “Firefly.” It follows the crew of the spaceship Serenity as they uncover a dark government conspiracy. The film combines elements of science fiction, action, and witty dialogue and is celebrated by fans of the series for its resolution of ongoing storylines.
- Prometheus (2012): Directed by Ridley Scott, “Prometheus” is a science fiction horror film and a prequel to the “Alien” franchise. It follows a team of scientists who discover ancient clues about the origins of humanity and embark on a mission to a distant planet. The film explores themes of creation, evolution, and the consequences of scientific exploration.
- The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951): Directed by Robert Wise, this classic science fiction film explores the arrival of an alien named Klaatu and his robot companion, Gort, in Washington, D.C. Klaatu delivers a message of peace to humanity but encounters fear and distrust. The film addresses themes of Cold War tensions and the potential consequences of aggression. It remains a seminal work in the genre.
- War of the Worlds (2005): Directed by Steven Spielberg and based on H.G. Wells’ novel, “War of the Worlds” tells the story of a father, played by Tom Cruise, and his children trying to survive an alien invasion. The film is known for its thrilling action sequences and special effects, as well as its exploration of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of a catastrophic event.
- Apollo 13 (1995): Directed by Ron Howard, “Apollo 13” is a gripping docudrama that recounts the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission to the moon. Starring Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, and Bill Paxton, the film captures the real-life drama of the astronauts’ struggle for survival when their spacecraft suffers a critical malfunction. It celebrates human ingenuity and teamwork in the face of adversity.
- Event Horizon (1997): Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, “Event Horizon” is a horror-infused science fiction film that follows a rescue crew investigating a spaceship that disappeared into a black hole and has now returned with something sinister onboard. The film explores themes of hellish dimensions and psychological horror, making it a dark and intense addition to the genre.
- Sunshine (2007): Directed by Danny Boyle, “Sunshine” is a visually stunning and thought-provoking film set in a future where the sun is dying. A crew of astronauts is sent on a mission to reignite the sun. The film delves into themes of sacrifice, isolation, and the fragility of human existence while exploring the challenges of deep space travel.
- Star Trek: First Contact (1996): Directed by Jonathan Frakes, this installment of the Star Trek franchise sees the crew of the Starship Enterprise traveling back in time to prevent the Borg from altering Earth’s history. The film combines classic Star Trek themes of exploration and diplomacy with action and time-travel elements.
- 12 Monkeys (1995): Directed by Terry Gilliam and inspired by Chris Marker’s short film “La Jetée,” “12 Monkeys” is a time-traveling dystopian thriller. It follows a convict, played by Bruce Willis, who is sent back in time to investigate a deadly virus that has devastated humanity. The film explores themes of fate, causality, and the nature of insanity.
- The Abyss (1989): Directed by James Cameron, “The Abyss” is an underwater science fiction adventure that follows a team of deep-sea oil drillers who encounter mysterious and otherworldly phenomena in the depths of the ocean. The film combines elements of suspense, drama, and science fiction while exploring themes of communication and cooperation.
- The War of the Worlds (1953): Directed by Byron Haskin, this adaptation of H.G. Wells’ novel presents an alien invasion of Earth with iconic Martian war machines. The film is a classic example of early science fiction cinema and remains influential in the genre’s history.
- Starship Troopers (1997): Directed by Paul Verhoeven, “Starship Troopers” is a satirical military science fiction film that follows a young soldier in a futuristic society engaged in a war against an insect-like alien species. The film is known for its sharp social commentary and action sequences, offering a unique take on the genre.
- Pitch Black (2000): Directed by David Twohy, “Pitch Black” is a science fiction horror film that introduces audiences to the character of Riddick, played by Vin Diesel. The story follows a group of survivors stranded on a desolate planet with deadly creatures that come out in the dark. Riddick, a notorious criminal, becomes their unlikely protector. The film combines suspense, action, and survival themes.
- District 9 (2009): Directed by Neill Blomkamp, “District 9” is a unique and thought-provoking science fiction film set in a dystopian South Africa. The story centers on the mistreatment of extraterrestrial refugees living in a segregated district. The film serves as an allegory for apartheid and explores themes of discrimination, identity, and empathy.
- The Andromeda Strain (1971): Directed by Robert Wise and based on Michael Crichton’s novel, “The Andromeda Strain” is a science fiction thriller that follows a team of scientists investigating a deadly extraterrestrial microorganism that could threaten all life on Earth. The film emphasizes scientific procedures and the challenges of containment and discovery.
- Forbidden Planet (1956): Directed by Fred M. Wilcox, “Forbidden Planet” is a classic science fiction film that loosely adapts Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” in a futuristic setting. It follows a space expedition to the distant planet Altair IV and the mysteries they encounter, including the advanced technology of the long-lost Krell civilization. The film is known for its groundbreaking special effects and electronic music score.
- Dark Star (1974): Directed by John Carpenter, “Dark Star” is a low-budget science fiction comedy that follows a group of astronauts assigned to destroy unstable planets. The film combines humor, existential themes, and absurdist situations in a satirical take on space exploration.
- Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979): Directed by Robert Wise, this film marks the return of the original Star Trek crew to the big screen. The story follows the crew of the Starship Enterprise as they encounter a mysterious and powerful alien entity known as V’Ger. The film emphasizes the sense of wonder and exploration associated with the Star Trek franchise.
- Galaxy Quest (1999): Directed by Dean Parisot, “Galaxy Quest” is a comedic homage to the science fiction genre, particularly Star Trek. It follows the cast of a canceled sci-fi TV series who are mistaken for real space heroes by an alien race in need of help. The film affectionately satirizes fan culture and the conventions of the genre.
- Star Trek: Beyond (2016): Directed by Justin Lin, “Star Trek: Beyond” is the third installment in the rebooted Star Trek film series. The crew of the USS Enterprise faces a formidable new adversary in this action-packed film that explores themes of unity, teamwork, and exploration.
- Star Trek: Into Darkness (2013): Directed by J.J. Abrams, this sequel to the 2009 Star Trek reboot features the return of the villainous Khan, portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch. The film explores themes of ethics, loyalty, and the consequences of one’s actions.
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017): Directed by James Gunn, this sequel to the original Guardians of the Galaxy film continues the adventures of the misfit group of intergalactic heroes. The film delves into themes of family, identity, and the consequences of one’s past actions while maintaining its signature humor and music-driven storytelling.
- Silent Running (1972): Directed by Douglas Trumbull, “Silent Running” is a thought-provoking eco-themed science fiction film set in a future where Earth’s last forests are preserved in domes on a spaceship called the Valley Forge. The story follows a botanist, played by Bruce Dern, who becomes a protector of the last remaining ecosystems when the order comes to destroy them. The film explores environmentalism, isolation, and the cost of preserving nature.
- Pandorum (2009): Directed by Christian Alvart, “Pandorum” is a psychological horror and science fiction film that follows two astronauts who wake up with amnesia on a seemingly abandoned spaceship. As they unravel the mystery of their mission and the ship’s terrifying inhabitants, they must confront their own fears and past traumas.
- The Black Hole (1979): Directed by Gary Nelson, “The Black Hole” is a Disney science fiction film that combines space exploration with surreal and fantastical elements. It follows the crew of the spaceship USS Palomino as they discover a derelict ship near a massive black hole. The film explores themes of the unknown and the limits of human understanding.
- Starship Troopers (1997): Directed by Paul Verhoeven, “Starship Troopers” is a satirical military science fiction film based on Robert A. Heinlein’s novel. Set in a future where Earth is at war with an insectoid alien species, the film follows a young recruit’s experiences in the Mobile Infantry. It offers a satirical take on military propaganda, nationalism, and the consequences of war.
- The Cloverfield Paradox (2018): Directed by Julius Onah, “The Cloverfield Paradox” is a science fiction horror film that connects to the Cloverfield film series. It follows a team of scientists aboard a space station experimenting with a particle accelerator in a desperate bid to solve Earth’s energy crisis. The film explores alternate dimensions, parallel universes, and the consequences of tampering with fundamental forces.
- Life (2017): Directed by Daniel Espinosa, “Life” is a thriller set on the International Space Station. The crew discovers a microorganism from Mars that evolves into a deadly creature. The film explores themes of extraterrestrial life, survival, and the ethical dilemmas of containing a lethal organism in space.
- The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (2005): Directed by Garth Jennings and based on Douglas Adams’ beloved novel, “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” is a comedic science fiction film that follows the misadventures of Arthur Dent, played by Martin Freeman, as he embarks on a journey through space after Earth’s destruction. The film combines humor, absurdity, and philosophical musings about the meaning of life.
- Europa Report (2013): Directed by Sebastián Cordero, “Europa Report” is a found footage-style science fiction film that chronicles a fictional mission to explore Jupiter’s moon, Europa, in search of extraterrestrial life. The film emphasizes the challenges of space exploration, the quest for scientific discovery, and the isolation of the crew.
- Titan A.E. (2000): Directed by Don Bluth and Gary Goldman, “Titan A.E.” is an animated science fiction film set in a post-apocalyptic future. It follows a young man named Cale Tucker as he joins a mission to find the lost spaceship Titan, which holds the key to humanity’s survival. The film combines traditional animation with computer-generated imagery and explores themes of hope and resilience.
- Ice Age: Collision Course (2016): This animated science fiction comedy is part of the “Ice Age” film series. The story follows the prehistoric characters as they must prevent an asteroid from colliding with Earth. While primarily a family-friendly adventure, it also touches on themes of teamwork and the consequences of one’s actions.
- Lost in Space (1998)
- Red Planet (2000)
- Star Trek: Generations (1994)
- Space Cowboys (2000)
- Galaxy of Terror (1981)
- The Right Stuff (1983)
- Moonraker (1979)
- The Chronicles of Riddick (2004)
- Titan A.E. (2000)
- The Cloverfield Paradox (2018)
- Life (2017)
- The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (2005)
- Europa Report (2013)
- Ice Age: Collision Course (2016)
- Solaris (2002)
- Cowboys & Aliens (2011)
- Treasure Planet (2002)
- Lifeforce (1985)
- The Core (2003)
- Doom (2005)
- Stargate (1994)
- Lockout (2012)
- Cargo (2009)
- The Last Starfighter (1984)
- Red Dwarf (1999) – This is a TV movie based on the TV series.
- Battle Beyond the Stars (1980)
- Wing Commander (1999)
- Spaceballs (1987)
- Star Trek: Nemesis (2002)
- Star Trek: Insurrection (1998)
- Jason X (2001)
- Lost in Space (TV Series on Netflix, 2018-2021)
- Space Truckers (1996)
- The Wandering Earth (2019) – A Chinese sci-fi epic.
- The Europa Report (2013)
- Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005)
- Battlestar Galactica (1978)
- Star Trek: The Final Frontier (1989)
- Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone (1983)
- The Space Between Us (2017)
- The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984)
- The Lathe of Heaven (1980) – A TV movie adaptation of the novel.
- Doctor Who: The Day of the Doctor (2013) – A TV special.
- First Men in the Moon (1964)
- Escape from New York (1981)
- Journey to the Far Side of the Sun (1969)
- The Questor Tapes (1974) – A TV movie.
- 2010: The Year We Make Contact (1984)
- Wing Commander IV: The Price of Freedom (1996) – A video game adaptation.
- Star Trek: The Undiscovered Country (1991)
