Space has always held a certain fascination – something we dream of exploring, yet equally defined by its vastness, isolation and the fear of the unknown. With the recent release of “Project Hail Mary,” starring Ryan Gosling, generating strong buzz online, attention has once again turned to stories set beyond Earth. Based on Andy Weir’s novel, its blend of science, humour and human connection clearly resonates. If that’s left you wanting more, here are a few space films worth watching next
The Martian (2015)
Like Project Hail Mary, The Martian shares a strong faith in science, ingenuity and one man solving impossible problems in isolation. After being mistakenly left behind on Mars, astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) relies on methodical problem-solving to stay alive, turning his habitat into a makeshift farm using Martian soil and improvised solutions. The film moves from one challenge to the next – food, communication and equipment failure – each tackled with logic and persistence. Even as setbacks mount, it keeps a surprisingly light tone, driven by humour and ingenuity rather than despair.
Interstellar (2014)
Similarly, Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar is built around a mission driven by necessity, one that carries the weight of humanity’s survival. As Earth faces collapse from crop blight and dust storms, former NASA pilot Cooper, played by Matthew McConaughey, is recruited to lead a journey through a wormhole near Saturn in search of a new home. Travelling across planets orbiting a massive black hole, the crew confronts extreme time dilation, where hours translate into decades on Earth. As the mission unfolds through loss and impossible choices, what stays with you most is the emotional core – especially Cooper’s bond with his daughter.
Arrival (2016)
The bond between Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) and his alien companion, Rocky, is one of the most memorable aspects of Project Hail Mary, but Arrival takes a more uncertain and grounded approach to first contact. When twelve alien spacecraft appear across the globe, linguistics professor Louise Banks (Amy Adams) is recruited to interpret their complex, symbolic language. As she works alongside physicist Ian Donnelly (Jeremy Renner), tension builds through mistranslation and rising global paranoia. What makes the film stand out is its restraint, shifting the focus from spectacle to understanding while gradually revealing a deeply emotional story about time and choice.
Gravity (2013)
In contrast, Gravity strips everything back to its most immediate form, focusing on the fear of surviving alone in space. When a chain reaction of debris destroys her shuttle, Dr Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) is left adrift in orbit. After veteran astronaut Matt Kowalski (George Clooney) sacrifices himself early on, the film becomes a solitary fight for survival. With minimal dialogue and no support, it really emphasises how small and fragile humans are against the vastness of space. Even more than a decade later, the film still stands out for how immersive it feels
Ad Astra (2019)
Taking a more introspective turn, Ad Astra follows astronaut Roy McBride, played by Brad Pitt, as he is sent across the solar system to investigate mysterious power surges threatening Earth. The mission takes him from the Moon to Mars and eventually to Neptune, where his long-lost father, once the leader of a deep-space expedition, may be responsible. As Roy uncovers the truth, the journey becomes increasingly personal, shaped by emotional distance and unresolved conflict. At its core, the film reflects on isolation and connection, suggesting that even in a vast and empty universe, human relationships are what ultimately matter most.
Also see: 5 films you don’t want to miss in cinemas this April
