Top 10 Sci-Fi Films About Space Shuttles

Description: While not strictly sci-fi, this film chronicles the early days of the U.S. space program, including the first shuttle missions, focusing on the bravery and spirit of the astronauts.

Fact: The film was adapted from Tom Wolfe's book of the same name. It was one of the first films to use real footage from NASA's Mercury and Gemini programs.

Description: This film recounts the harrowing true story of the Apollo 13 lunar mission, where an oxygen tank explosion forces the crew to navigate back to Earth in a damaged shuttle. It's a testament to human ingenuity and the will to survive against all odds.

Fact: The film was shot in zero gravity to accurately depict the astronauts' experience. Also, the real Jim Lovell, who was the commander of Apollo 13, made a cameo in the movie.

Description: A rescue mission to retrieve the lost ship Event Horizon involves a shuttle trip to Neptune. The film explores the horror of space travel, with the shuttle serving as a gateway to the unknown.

Fact: The film was initially conceived as a haunted house story set in space. The original ending was much darker and was changed due to studio concerns.

Description: A ragtag team of oil drillers is sent into space to destroy an asteroid on a collision course with Earth. Their journey involves a shuttle trip to the asteroid, showcasing the high stakes of space travel and human heroism.

Fact: The film features one of the most expensive space shuttle sets ever built for a movie. Also, Bruce Willis' character was originally written for Sylvester Stallone.

Description: A rescue mission to Mars involves a shuttle trip to the red planet, where the crew encounters mysterious phenomena and must solve the puzzle of what happened to the previous expedition.

Fact: The film was directed by Brian De Palma, known for his suspenseful storytelling. The Mars landscape was created using a combination of CGI and real locations in Canada.

Description: A group of retired test pilots are sent into space aboard a shuttle to fix a Russian satellite, showcasing the enduring spirit of adventure and the technical prowess of shuttle missions.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life story of the Mercury Seven astronauts. Clint Eastwood, who stars in the film, also directed it.

Description: A mission to terraform Mars goes awry, and the crew must use their shuttle to survive on the hostile planet. The film explores themes of human survival and the ethics of space colonization.

Fact: The film was shot in the Australian outback to simulate Mars' landscape. The plot was influenced by the real-life Mars exploration missions of the time.

Description: A team of astronauts aboard the shuttle Icarus II must reignite the dying sun to save Earth. Their journey is fraught with psychological and physical challenges, making it a unique take on space shuttle missions.

Fact: The film's director, Danny Boyle, worked with physicist Brian Cox to ensure the science was plausible. The film's ending was changed after test screenings to be more optimistic.

Description: After a space shuttle is destroyed, astronaut Dr. Ryan Stone must survive in space and find her way back to Earth. The film's use of CGI and real-life physics makes the shuttle's destruction and the subsequent survival story incredibly gripping.

Fact: Sandra Bullock trained with NASA astronauts to prepare for her role. The film was shot in a way to simulate zero gravity, using a rotating set and wires.

Description: Although not primarily about a shuttle, the film features a crucial shuttle mission to rescue astronaut Mark Watney, left behind on Mars. The shuttle's journey to Mars and back is central to the plot, highlighting the importance of space shuttles in rescue operations.

Fact: The film was praised for its scientific accuracy, with NASA's involvement in ensuring the realism of space travel. The potatoes grown by Watney were actually grown by NASA for the film.