10 Hilarious Astronaut Comedies You Can’t Miss

Description: While more of a sci-fi drama, this film has moments of dark comedy as an alien, played by David Bowie, tries to adapt to life on Earth, leading to humorous cultural misunderstandings.

Fact: David Bowie was cast due to his otherworldly appearance and persona, making him an ideal choice for the role of an alien.

Description: While not strictly a comedy, this film has its share of humorous moments as it chronicles the early days of the U.S. space program, focusing on the Mercury Seven astronauts. The light-hearted portrayal of their training and personal lives adds a comedic touch to the otherwise serious subject matter.

Fact: The film was based on Tom Wolfe's non-fiction book of the same name. It was nominated for eight Academy Awards, winning four.

Description: This comedy follows an eccentric scientist who becomes an unlikely astronaut on a mission to Mars. His quirky personality and the mishaps that ensue make for a light-hearted space adventure.

Fact: The film was originally titled "The Astronaut's Wife," but was changed to avoid confusion with another film of the same name.

Description: A loving parody of sci-fi TV shows, this film features a group of washed-up actors from a Star Trek-like series who are mistaken for real space heroes by an alien race. Their comedic misadventures in space are both a tribute and a satire of the genre.

Fact: The film has become a cult classic and is often cited by fans of Star Trek as one of the best parodies of the series.

Description: This film follows a group of retired test pilots who are called back into service to fix a Russian satellite. Their age and experience make for plenty of comedic moments as they navigate the challenges of space travel in their later years.

Fact: Clint Eastwood, who stars in the film, also directed it. The movie was inspired by the real-life story of the Mercury 13, a group of women who underwent astronaut testing.

Description: Based on Douglas Adams' beloved series, this film takes the audience on a wild, comedic ride through space, filled with absurd humor and satirical takes on human life and the universe.

Fact: The film includes a cameo by the author himself, Douglas Adams, who passed away before the movie was completed.

Description: While primarily a drama, this film has its share of light-hearted moments as a farmer builds his own rocket to fulfill his dream of going into space, much to the amusement and bewilderment of his family and the government.

Fact: The film was inspired by the true story of Ed Dwight, the first African American astronaut candidate.

Description: This animated comedy features a group of chimpanzees sent on a space mission to rescue a stranded astronaut. Their antics in space provide plenty of laughs for younger audiences.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life space chimps Ham and Enos, who were sent into space in the early days of space exploration.

Description: Though often panned for its similarities to E.T., this film has a comedic charm with its story of an alien who befriends a young boy, leading to a series of funny and heartwarming events, including a trip to space.

Fact: The film was heavily criticized for its product placement, especially for McDonald's, which was a major sponsor.

Description: A lesser-known comedy about a group of misfit astronauts who are sent on a mission to save Earth from an alien threat. Their incompetence leads to hilarious situations in space.

Fact: The film was one of the first to use CGI for space scenes, though the technology was still in its infancy.