The moon has always been a source of intrigue and mystery, serving as a backdrop for countless tales of adventure, discovery, and sometimes, horror. This curated list of sci-fi films takes you on a journey to our celestial neighbor, exploring themes from first contact with alien life to dystopian futures where the moon plays a pivotal role. Whether you're a space enthusiast or just love a good story, these films offer a fascinating glimpse into what could be waiting for us on the lunar surface.

Destination Moon (1950)
Description: This film portrays the first manned mission to the moon, focusing on the technical challenges and the spirit of adventure.
Fact: It was one of the first films to attempt realistic portrayal of space travel, with technical advice from rocket scientist Wernher von Braun.


The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
Description: Although primarily set on Earth, the film features an alien spacecraft landing in Washington, D.C., with the moon as a backdrop for the alien's arrival.
Fact: The film was remade in 2008, but the original is celebrated for its message of peace and its groundbreaking special effects.


The First Men in the Moon (1964)
Description: Based on H.G. Wells' novel, this film follows three men who travel to the moon using an anti-gravity substance called Cavorite, only to find an advanced insectoid civilization.
Fact: The film was one of the first to use stop-motion animation for its alien creatures, created by Ray Harryhausen.


The Astronaut Farmer (2006)
Description: While not directly about the moon, this film involves a farmer building a rocket to fulfill his dream of space travel, with the moon as his ultimate destination.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life stories of individuals attempting private space travel.


Moon (2009)
Description: This film follows astronaut Sam Bell, who is nearing the end of his three-year stint mining helium-3 on the moon. His isolation and solitude are broken when he encounters a clone of himself, leading to a psychological and existential crisis.
Fact: The film was shot in a studio in Shepperton, England, with a miniature moon base model. Sam Rockwell plays both versions of Sam Bell, showcasing his range as an actor.


Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)
Description: The Autobots and Decepticons battle on Earth, with the moon playing a key role as the site of an ancient Cybertronian spacecraft crash.
Fact: The film's plot was inspired by the Apollo 11 moon landing, incorporating real historical events into its sci-fi narrative.


Apollo 18 (2011)
Description: This found-footage horror film explores the idea that the Apollo 18 mission was secretly sent to the moon to investigate Soviet activity, only to uncover something far more sinister.
Fact: The film was marketed as being based on "real" footage, although it's entirely fictional. It was inspired by the conspiracy theories surrounding the Apollo missions.


A Trip to the Moon (1902)
Description: One of the earliest science fiction films, this silent movie depicts a group of astronomers traveling to the moon, encountering lunar inhabitants, and returning to Earth.
Fact: Directed by Georges Méliès, this film is famous for its iconic image of the moon with a rocket in its eye.


Iron Sky (2012)
Description: In this satirical sci-fi comedy, Nazis who escaped to the moon after World War II return to Earth in 2018 to conquer it with their advanced technology.
Fact: The film was crowdfunded, with fans contributing to its production. It features a memorable scene where the Nazis land their spacecraft on the moon's surface.


The Last Man on the Moon (2014)
Description: This documentary follows astronaut Eugene Cernan, the last man to walk on the moon, detailing his Apollo 17 mission and the impact of space exploration on his life.
Fact: The film includes never-before-seen footage from the Apollo missions, providing an intimate look at the final lunar landing.
