Top 10 Space Smuggler Action Films

Description: This animated anthology film includes a segment titled "B-17," where a space smuggler named Harry Canyon navigates a post-apocalyptic New York, dealing in contraband.

Fact: The film was inspired by the adult fantasy magazine "Heavy Metal." It features a diverse range of animation styles and was one of the first films to use rotoscoping extensively.

Description: Set on a mining colony on Io, one of Jupiter's moons, this film features a marshal who uncovers a drug smuggling operation, blending elements of space western with noir.

Fact: The film was inspired by "High Noon," with the setting changed to space. Sean Connery was initially hesitant to take the role, but director Peter Hyams convinced him.

Description: A group of space pirates, led by Jason, engage in smuggling ice, a valuable commodity in a universe where water is scarce. This film combines comedy with action and adventure.

Fact: The film was one of the first to use the term "space pirates" in its marketing. It was also one of the first to feature a female space pirate as a main character.

Description: While not primarily about smuggling, the protagonist Alex Rogan gets recruited into an interstellar war after playing a video game, which involves elements of space trade and smuggling.

Fact: The film's arcade game was actually functional and was designed to be as realistic as possible. The movie was one of the first to use CGI for space scenes.

Description: While not centered around smuggling, the film features characters like Korben Dallas, a former special forces operative turned taxi driver, who gets involved in interstellar adventures that include elements of smuggling and black market dealings.

Fact: The film's futuristic cityscape was inspired by the works of Jean Giraud (Moebius). It also features a cameo by Milla Jovovich's mother as the alien diva Plavalaguna.

Description: In this B-movie, space truckers, who are essentially space smugglers, get caught up in a plot involving a rogue AI and a shipment of killer robots.

Fact: The film was directed by Stuart Gordon, known for his work in horror and science fiction. It was one of the last films to feature Dennis Hopper in a significant role.

Description: While not strictly about smuggling, Riddick's journey involves navigating through various planets, often engaging in activities that could be considered smuggling or black market dealings.

Fact: Vin Diesel, who plays Riddick, also provided the voice for the character in the animated prequel "The Chronicles of Riddick: Dark Fury." The film's universe was expanded through video games and novels.

Description: Captain Malcolm Reynolds and his crew aboard the Serenity engage in smuggling and other less-than-legal activities to survive in a universe controlled by the Alliance. This film continues the story from the TV series "Firefly."

Fact: Joss Whedon wrote the film to provide closure to the "Firefly" series, which was canceled after only one season. The film's title refers to both the ship and the state of mind the characters seek.

Description: Peter Quill, also known as Star-Lord, leads a band of misfits including a smuggler named Rocket Raccoon, through various adventures, often involving smuggling and heists across the galaxy.

Fact: The film's soundtrack, "Awesome Mix Vol. 1," became a cultural phenomenon, featuring classic 70s and 80s hits. The character of Rocket Raccoon was originally created in 1982 for Marvel Comics.

Description: Han Solo, the ultimate space smuggler, navigates the galaxy with his trusty ship, the Millennium Falcon, while getting entangled in the Rebel Alliance's fight against the Empire. This film set the standard for space smuggling adventures.

Fact: The character of Han Solo was inspired by the swashbuckling heroes of old adventure films. The film's original title was "The Adventures of Luke Starkiller, as taken from the Journal of the Whills, Saga I: The Star Wars."