Thrilling Space Base Action Films

Description: A classic in the genre, "Alien" features the crew of the commercial space vessel Nostromo, who encounter a deadly alien lifeform on a remote space station. This film sets the standard for space horror and action, with its claustrophobic setting and relentless tension.

Fact: The alien creature was designed by H.R. Giger, whose biomechanical art style became iconic. The film's tagline, "In space no one can hear you scream," is one of the most memorable in cinema history.

Description: Set on a mining colony on Io, one of Jupiter's moons, "Outland" follows a marshal who uncovers a sinister plot involving drug-induced worker madness. It's a gritty, western-style action film in a space setting.

Fact: The film was inspired by the classic Western "High Noon," with the setting transposed to space. Sean Connery stars as the marshal, bringing his signature intensity to the role.

Description: A rescue crew is sent to investigate the disappearance of the spaceship Event Horizon, only to find it has returned with something sinister from beyond our universe. The film blends horror with space action, making it a unique entry in this list.

Fact: The film's original cut was much more graphic and disturbing, but it was edited down for a wider release. The ship's design was inspired by Gothic architecture, giving it an eerie, otherworldly feel.

Description: In a future where humanity fights giant alien bugs, this satirical action film follows soldiers from their training on Earth to their battles on distant planets. The space base setting is integral to the film's military theme.

Fact: The film was initially criticized for its fascist undertones but has since been recognized for its satirical intent. The special effects, particularly the bug designs, were groundbreaking at the time.

Description: After crash-landing on a distant planet, a group of survivors must fight for their lives against deadly creatures that emerge when the planet's three suns set. This film introduces Vin Diesel's iconic character, Riddick, in a space base setting.

Fact: The film was initially conceived as a direct-to-video release but was upgraded to a theatrical release due to its strong test screenings. The creatures, known as Bioraptors, were designed to be both terrifying and scientifically plausible.

Description: Continuing from "Pitch Black," Riddick faces a new threat from the Necromongers, a race of religious zealots. The film expands the universe with epic space battles and a focus on Riddick's journey through various space bases.

Fact: The film was originally planned as a trilogy, with this being the second installment. The character of Riddick was initially created for a short story by David Twohy, which was later adapted into "Pitch Black."

Description: A team of astronauts are sent to reignite the dying sun with a massive bomb. Their mission takes a turn when they encounter a previous, lost mission. The film blends intense action with philosophical questions about humanity's place in the universe.

Fact: The film features a cameo by Cillian Murphy, who plays a physicist. The movie's ending was changed after test screenings, with the original ending being darker and more ambiguous.

Description: Sam Rockwell stars as an astronaut nearing the end of his three-year stint on a lunar mining base. The film delves into themes of isolation, identity, and corporate exploitation, all set against the backdrop of space.

Fact: Duncan Jones, the director, is the son of David Bowie, who provided the film's score. The film's minimalistic approach to special effects was praised for its authenticity and focus on character development.

Description: Two crew members of a spaceship awaken from hypersleep to find their vessel in chaos, with no memory of their mission or their past. The film combines psychological horror with action as they uncover the truth about their situation.

Fact: The film's title refers to a fictional disease that causes paranoia and hallucinations, a condition the crew members suffer from. The movie was shot in Germany, using an old steel mill as the main set for the spaceship.

Description: A group of astronauts on Mars face a terrifying discovery when they find evidence of life, leading to a survival horror scenario on the red planet. The film combines action with the isolation and terror of space exploration.

Fact: The film was shot in Jordan, which provided a Mars-like landscape. The story is loosely based on the short story "The Animators" by Sydney J. Bounds.