Half a century ago, the Moon mission era began to wind down as the final crewed voyage of the Apollo program launched into history. This piece highlights ten cinematic and documentary works that lift space exploration beyond strict science and simple humor, inviting curiosity through varied lenses—from mockumentaries and true documentaries to imaginative fiction. The list nods to titles like Apollo 18 (2011), the acclaimed Apollo 11 (2019), and quirky stories in the spirit of Proxima (2019), which follows Eva Green as the sole navigator trained by the European Space Agency.
The earliest adult science fiction anthology encompassed several episodes, with space travel playing a central role in each. One episode revolves around the space shuttle era, recounting a mission where a scientist travels to the Moon to the cadence of a Strauss waltz—well before such ships became routine in the United States. Another segment follows a Jupiter mission in which two Discovery astronauts contend with the HAL 9000 computer, while a final, psychedelic piece chronicles Bowman’s voyage beyond infinity aboard a spherical craft. Availability varies by region and service.
The story of an astronaut casts a long shadow over real-world limits and the thrill of risk. Tom Wolfe’s novel, adapted for the screen and now streaming in some territories, centers on test pilot Chuck Yeager and the seven pilots selected for the Mercury program in 1961, marking a pivotal moment in the American push into space amid a tense global race. The source title resonates with a direct, memorable cadence: The Right Stuff. The work has found a home on several platforms in different markets.
A decade after Ron Howard and Tom Hanks showcased a different kind of space drama in One, Two, Three, Leap, the film team returned to Apollo 13, retelling the mission’s peril as oxygen dwindles and the ship veers off course. The narrative blends suspense with human resilience, rooted in real events that still capture audiences with their drama. The film’s distribution varies by region, including streaming and rental options.
Tom Hanks himself, alongside Ron Howard, produced, wrote, directed an episode, and narrated a multi-episode miniseries that blends documentary-like realism with dramatic storytelling. The production references several Apollo missions and other space programs, weaving in moments of crisis, political context, and the process of building a moon module in a way that feels both informative and entertaining. A related literary work of the same title once captured imaginations on screen in 1958, adding a layer of cross-media nostalgia. The miniseries is accessible through streaming services in various markets.
A twilight-toned film presents a second chance at space, featuring a cast including Clint Eastwood, Tommy Lee Jones, Donald Sutherland, and James Garner. The plot involves a mission to repair a drifting satellite, a task that tests technical skill and teamwork, and it even includes an evocative musical image of the Moon paired with a classic song. The film circulates on several streaming platforms and digital stores.
Even a documentary can straddle genres. A National Geographic project imagines a 2033 mission to colonize Mars, combining cinematic recreation with interviews that feel authentic and a prequel segment detailing an astronaut’s life. The soundtrack features Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, and the production is available on a popular streaming service in numerous regions.
Russian cinema offered a methodical, almost surgical view of the space race during the Cold War era. A film portrays two Soviet cosmonauts who, in 1985, rescue the space station Salyut after losing contact with Earth. Realistic details stand out, including a meticulous depiction of the manual docking of the rescue Soyuz T-13 and extensive zero-gravity footage. Viewers can find this title on regional streaming platforms and rental services.
The portrayal of Neil Armstrong by an expressive actor captures the arc of a career that culminates with the historic Moon landing on July 20, 1969. Supporting performances reveal personal tensions and family dynamics alongside the public triumph. The film’s availability spans multiple platforms across different markets, reflecting varied distribution strategies for major studios.
A speculative series reimagines the space race in an alternate history. In this version, NASA still drives exploration, but the first footsteps belong to a Soviet cosmonaut, offering a dramatic reframe that highlights gender integration and coalition-building in space programs. The show blends scientific ambition with political storytelling and is accessible on a major streaming service in several regions.
Greg Daniels, known for adapting a famous U.K. comedy for an American audience, teams with a lead actor and writer to create a satirical series that imagines a military Space Force at the helm of national strategy. The premise envisions Moon missions attempted with unconventional tools, a take that mixes whimsy with national ambition and a dash of absurdity. The show found its place on a leading streaming platform during the year it debuted.
The collection closes with a note on the year 2020, a time of global upheaval yet still a moment for ambitious storytelling. The title landed on a well-known streaming service, inviting viewers to reflect on spaceflight amid unprecedented circumstances and to reconsider what exploration can look like when the world is watching in real time.