10 Fantasy Films Set in Space Stations

Description: A low-budget sci-fi comedy about the crew of a space station tasked with destroying unstable planets. The film's surreal humor and philosophical musings make it a quirky addition to the fantasy space station genre.

Fact: John Carpenter, who co-wrote and directed the film, also composed the score. The film was made on a shoestring budget of $60,000, much of which was spent on special effects.

Description: Set on a mining colony in space, this film has a Western feel with a futuristic setting, where a marshal investigates drug-related crimes. While not explicitly fantasy, its isolated setting and the supernatural-like effects of the drugs give it a fantastical edge.

Fact: The film was originally conceived as a direct homage to "High Noon," set in space.

Description: Alex Rogan, a video game champion, is recruited by an alien race to fight in an interstellar war from a space station. The film combines elements of fantasy, adventure, and sci-fi, making it a cult classic.

Fact: The film's arcade game was actually created and functional, with several units being produced for promotional purposes.

Description: A rescue crew is sent to investigate the disappearance of the Event Horizon, a spaceship with a mysterious drive that can create artificial black holes. The film delves into psychological horror and supernatural elements, making it a chilling fantasy in space.

Fact: The film was originally much more graphic and disturbing, but several scenes were cut to achieve an R-rating. The ship's design was inspired by the works of H.R. Giger, famous for his work on "Alien."

Description: In this sequel to "Pitch Black," Riddick finds himself on a space station called Crematoria, where he must navigate through a world of necromancers and elemental forces. The film blends sci-fi with fantasy elements, making it a unique entry in the space station fantasy genre.

Fact: The film's director, David Twohy, initially envisioned the story as a trilogy, with "The Chronicles of Riddick" being the second part. The planet Crematoria was entirely CGI, showcasing the film's ambitious visual effects.

Description: Based on the novel by Stanislaw Lem, this film explores the psychological effects of a sentient planet on the crew of a space station. It's a meditative journey into the human psyche, blending science fiction with philosophical and fantastical elements.

Fact: Steven Soderbergh, the director, also served as the cinematographer, editor, and visual effects supervisor for this film. The movie was shot in just 32 days.

Description: This film weaves together three stories across different time periods, one of which involves a futuristic space station where a man seeks immortality. Its blend of science fiction, fantasy, and romance makes it a unique cinematic experience.

Fact: Darren Aronofsky, the director, had to significantly alter the film's original concept due to budget constraints, resulting in a more intimate and visually poetic narrative.

Description: A team of astronauts is sent to reignite the dying sun, but their mission takes a fantastical turn as they encounter a previous, seemingly abandoned, space station. The film blends hard science fiction with elements of psychological horror and fantasy.

Fact: The film was inspired by the likes of "2001: A Space Odyssey" and "Alien." The sun's depiction was created using a combination of CGI and practical effects.

Description: Sam Bell, nearing the end of his three-year stint on a lunar mining base, discovers a shocking truth about his existence. While not strictly a space station, the isolation and psychological elements make it a fitting entry in this fantasy collection.

Fact: Duncan Jones, the director, is the son of David Bowie. The film's ending was kept secret from the cast and crew until the final day of shooting.

Description: Set on a spaceship, this film explores themes of amnesia, survival, and the unknown, with elements of fantasy as the crew encounters monstrous creatures and a mysterious past. It's a thrilling mix of horror and sci-fi fantasy.

Fact: The film's title refers to a fictional psychological condition where astronauts experience extreme paranoia and hallucinations due to space travel.