From galaxies far, far away to terrifying encounters in deep space.
Space. The final frontier. A vast, mysterious expanse that has fascinated humanity for centuries and provided the perfect setting for some of cinema’s greatest adventures.
With World Space Week taking place right now until the 10th, what better excuse is there to blast off on a cinematic journey through the cosmos?
We’ve rounded up 10 essential space movies (and one entire saga) that deserve a spot on your watchlist that are available right now on various streaming platforms.
From scientifically inspired adventures to terrifying extraterrestrial encounters, there’s something here for every kind of space enthusiast.
Star Wars – The Skywalker Saga (1977-2019)
Disney+
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away… cinema changed forever.
George Lucas’ Star Wars revolutionised science fiction, introducing audiences to lightsabers, Jedi, the Force and the iconic Darth Vader.
Spanning nine episodes and three trilogies, the Skywalker Saga delivers an epic battle between good and evil, complete with spectacular space battles, unforgettable characters and John Williams’ legendary soundtrack.
No essential space movie collection would be complete without it.
Interstellar (2014)
Prime Video
Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar takes audiences on a mind-bending journey through space, time and the power of love.
With Earth becoming increasingly uninhabitable, former NASA pilot Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) embarks on a mission through a wormhole to find humanity a new home.
Featuring breathtaking visuals, fascinating scientific concepts and Hans Zimmer’s extraordinary soundtrack, Interstellar is as emotionally powerful as it is visually spectacular.
Just make sure you’ve got some tissues handy.
Project Hail Mary (2026)
Prime Video
Ryan Gosling stars as Ryland Grace, a science teacher who awakens aboard a spaceship with no memory of how he got there.
As his memories return, he discovers he’s humanity’s last hope against a mysterious threat to the Sun that could wipe out life on Earth.
Based on Andy Weir’s bestselling novel, Project Hail Mary combines fascinating science, humour and an unlikely friendship to deliver a space adventure that’s genuinely out of this world.
Sunshine (2007)
Sunshine
What happens when the very thing keeping humanity alive starts to die?
That’s the terrifying premise of Danny Boyle’s Sunshine, which follows eight astronauts on a desperate mission to reignite our fading Sun using an enormous nuclear device.
Starring Cillian Murphy, Chris Evans and Michelle Yeoh, this underrated science-fiction thriller combines stunning visuals, psychological tension and an increasingly unsettling atmosphere.
Safe to say, things don’t exactly go according to plan.
Alien (1979)
Disney+
In space, no one can hear you scream. Unfortunately for the crew of the Nostromo, that doesn’t make their situation any less horrifying.
Ridley Scott’s sci-fi horror masterpiece follows a spaceship crew who investigate a mysterious distress signal, only to encounter a deadly extraterrestrial creature.
Featuring Sigourney Weaver’s iconic performance as Ripley, Alien delivers claustrophobic tension, unforgettable scares and one of cinema’s most terrifying monsters.
Nearly five decades later, it’s still nightmare fuel.
Apollo 13 (1995)
Netflix
Not every great space movie needs aliens or distant galaxies. Sometimes, reality provides more than enough drama.
Based on the troubled 1970 Moon mission, Apollo 13 stars Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon and Bill Paxton as astronauts fighting for survival after an onboard explosion threatens their lives.
Ron Howard’s gripping drama celebrates human ingenuity, teamwork and determination against impossible odds.
And, of course, it gave us that famous line: “Houston, we have a problem.”
First Man (2018)
Prime Video
Ryan Gosling portrays Neil Armstrong in this gripping biographical drama about humanity’s historic journey to the Moon.
Rather than focusing solely on the famous 1969 landing, First Man explores the personal sacrifices, emotional struggles and extraordinary risks involved in the Apollo programme.
With immersive flight sequences and powerful performances, it offers a fascinating perspective on one of humanity’s greatest achievements.
One small step for man, one giant leap for cinema.
WALL-E (2008)
Disney+
Who says a space movie needs a human leading the adventure?
Pixar’s WALL-E follows an adorable waste-collecting robot left behind on an abandoned Earth, whose lonely existence changes when a sleek robot named EVE arrives.
Their unlikely romance sparks an intergalactic adventure packed with heart, humour and an important environmental message.
With gorgeous animation and lovable characters, WALL-E proves that even the smallest robot can have the biggest heart.
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Disney+
If your ideal space adventure involves explosive action, dysfunctional friendships and an absolutely banging soundtrack, Guardians of the Galaxy has you covered.
Marvel’s cosmic adventure brings together a ragtag group of misfits, including Peter Quill, Gamora, Drax, Rocket and Groot, who must unite to save the galaxy.
Packed with hilarious dialogue, colourful worlds and memorable characters, it’s a refreshingly fun take on the space genre.
Who knew saving the universe could be so entertaining?
Event Horizon (1997)
Prime Video
We’ll finish with something that’ll probably make you reconsider ever leaving Earth’s atmosphere.
Event Horizon follows a rescue crew investigating a spacecraft that mysteriously disappeared, only to reappear near Neptune years later.
Starring Laurence Fishburne and Sam Neill, this cult sci-fi horror combines deep-space isolation with disturbing supernatural terror.
It wasn’t particularly well received upon release, but has since earned a devoted following.
Fair warning: definitely not one to watch with the kids.
