The night sky evokes intense emotions in us humans. For the layman, it could be the marvellous beauty of the moon and the twinkling stars. For philosophers, the deep buried mysteries of human existence. And for scientists, unanswered questions about the vast universe itself. As cinema often derives its masterpieces from human experiences, all of this has made its way to the silver screen. While there are a plethora of movies about space travel and expeditions to other planets, only a handful of them have really tapped into the human emotions between the fiery rocket launch and its successful triumph. Here are 6 must watch space launch movies that are truly out of this world!
‘October Sky ‘
What significance does the sky mean to humankind beyond its breathtaking view? Infinity and dreams. In Joe Johnston’s directorial ‘October Sky’, Homer Hickman and his buddies dream of the infinite, the impossible. The 1999 film based on the memoir ‘Rocket Boys’ tells the story of a coal miner’s son inspired by the Soviet Union’s Sputnik launch, dreams to launch rockets. From failed attempts to family pressures, this film explores the ambition of the young boys, and whether they rise above what’s expected of them.
‘Mickey 17 ‘
Does death scare you? What if death is not an ending at all? Imagine being a disposable employee. You are part of the human expedition to colonize another planet. You are killed, but reprinted, with memory intact. Experiments are done on you, and then you die. Every time you are ‘reborn’, the team puts you through another experiment that could kill you. Directed by Bong Joon Ho, ‘Mickey 17’ is a 2025-released black comedy sci-fi starring Robert Pattinson. Set in 2054, the film revolves around an ‘expendable’ man, who is on a space mission.
‘Mission Mangal ‘
The 2019 Hindi film, ‘Mission Mangal’ revolves around the launch of India’s first interplanetary expedition. While most space launch movies focus on the experience of outer space, here director Jagan Shakti turns his lens towards the team of scientists who give it their all. Amidst their personal and professional struggles, how do they achieve the goal? Amidst the limited budget, tight deadlines, and naysayers, they have to work towards the almost impossible Mangalyaan project.
‘Apollo 13’
If you love space movies that leave you on the edge of the seat along with intense emotions – Apollo 13 released in 1995 is a must watch. Based on astronaut Jim Lovell’s book ‘Lost Moon’, the film revolves around astronauts aboard the ill-fated Apollo 13. Everything looks great, however, as they leave the Earth’s orbit, an accident occurs, and now it’s a fight for light and the mission. Actors Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, and Bill Paxton play lead roles in this nail-biting docudrama.
‘Interstellar ‘
Christopher Nolan, starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, and Bill Irwin is undoubtedly one of the best sci-fi space movies you should watch at least once in your lifetime. The astronauts here are in search of a home for humankind as Earth is dying. On their mission they travel through a wormhole to find a home for the whole of humankind, but do they achieve it? Beyond the hard science, Nolan explores raw human emotions, making it a masterpiece.
‘2001: A Space Odyssey ‘
You are not really a sci-fi enthusiast, if you haven’t seen Stanley Kubrick’s ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’. The film, which is hailed for its accuracy in depicting spaceflight, features Keir Dullea, and Gary Lockwood in the lead roles. Released in 1968, the film explores artificial intelligence, and evolution’s influence on humankind’s destiny.Which is your favorite space sci-fi film? Let us know in the comments below.
