Top 10 Films About Astronauts

Description: This epic film chronicles the early days of the U.S. space program, focusing on the Mercury Seven astronauts and their journey to become the first Americans in space.

Fact: The film was based on Tom Wolfe's book of the same name, and its portrayal of Chuck Yeager breaking the sound barrier was a highlight, even though he wasn't an astronaut.

Description: This film recounts the harrowing Apollo 13 mission, where astronauts faced life-threatening challenges after an explosion in space. It's a testament to human ingenuity and survival instincts in the face of adversity.

Fact: The film was praised for its accurate depiction of the mission, with NASA providing technical support. Tom Hanks, who played astronaut Jim Lovell, also narrated the IMAX documentary "The Dream Is Alive" about space shuttle missions.

Description: A group of oil drillers are sent into space to save Earth from an asteroid, showcasing the bravery and camaraderie of astronauts in a high-stakes mission.

Fact: The film features a famous scene where Bruce Willis's character sacrifices himself, which became one of the most iconic moments in space cinema.

Description: Four aging ex-astronauts are sent into space to repair a Russian satellite, blending humor with the gravity of their mission.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life story of the Mercury Seven astronauts. It marked the last film appearance of James Garner before his retirement.

Description: A team of astronauts embark on a mission to reignite the dying sun, facing psychological and physical challenges along the way.

Fact: The film was praised for its realistic depiction of space travel and the psychological effects on astronauts. It was also noted for its stunning visual effects.

Description: A mind-bending journey through a wormhole in search of a new home for humanity, this film explores the concepts of time dilation and the human spirit's resilience.

Fact: The film was developed with the help of physicist Kip Thorne, who ensured the science was as accurate as possible. The visual effects team created a new software to simulate the black hole Gargantua.

Description: A biographical drama about Neil Armstrong's journey to become the first man on the moon, focusing on his personal life and the sacrifices made.

Fact: The film used real NASA footage and recreated the Apollo 11 mission with meticulous detail. Ryan Gosling, who played Armstrong, did not blink in the moon landing scene to reflect Armstrong's focus.

Description: A visually stunning film that follows an astronaut's struggle for survival after her shuttle is destroyed, showcasing the isolation and beauty of space.

Fact: Sandra Bullock performed most of her own stunts, including scenes where she was submerged in water to simulate zero gravity. The film was shot in a way to give the audience a first-person perspective of space.

Description: Based on the novel by Andy Weir, this film tells the story of an astronaut who must survive alone on Mars after being left behind by his crew.

Fact: NASA provided extensive consultation for the film, ensuring scientific accuracy. Matt Damon, who plays the astronaut Mark Watney, lost weight to portray the character's physical deterioration.

Description: While not solely about astronauts, this film highlights the contributions of African-American women mathematicians who played a crucial role in the success of the space program.

Fact: The film was based on the true story of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson. It was nominated for three Academy Awards.