10 Movies & Shows Like Dawning (2022)

Description: A thoughtful and scientifically grounded story about humanity's first contact with extraterrestrial intelligence. The film explores themes of faith, science, and the search for meaning in the cosmos.

Fact: The film's radio telescope scenes were shot at the Very Large Array in New Mexico. The alien message received in the film is based on actual mathematical principles.

Description: A visually stunning and intense journey to reignite the dying sun, blending hard science with existential themes. The film's depiction of space travel is both beautiful and terrifying, emphasizing the crew's psychological and physical struggles.

Fact: The film's sun visuals were created using a combination of practical effects and CGI, including footage of nuclear explosions. The soundtrack was composed by John Murphy and Underworld, creating a unique auditory experience.

Description: A visually stunning and emotionally charged journey through space that delves into themes of love, time dilation, and humanity's survival. The film blends hard science with deep philosophical questions, creating a profound narrative experience.

Fact: The black hole depicted in the film, named Gargantua, was created with the help of physicist Kip Thorne and led to the publication of two scientific papers. The film's soundtrack by Hans Zimmer was recorded before the movie was completed to inspire the visuals.

Description: A minimalist and introspective sci-fi film that examines identity, loneliness, and corporate exploitation. The film's claustrophobic setting and subdued tone create a deeply personal and thought-provoking narrative.

Fact: The film was shot in just 33 days on a relatively small budget. Director Duncan Jones wrote the script as a tribute to classic sci-fi films like 'Silent Running' and 'Outland'.

Description: A gripping survival story set in the unforgiving void of space, focusing on the protagonist's struggle against isolation and the overwhelming odds of returning to Earth. The film's immersive cinematography and tense atmosphere highlight the fragility of human life in space.

Fact: The film was shot using innovative lighting techniques to simulate the appearance of zero gravity. It won seven Academy Awards, including Best Director for Alfonso Cuarón.

Description: A visually sleek and atmospheric sci-fi film that explores memory, identity, and the remnants of a post-apocalyptic Earth. The film's blend of action and philosophical questions creates a compelling narrative.

Fact: The film's sky tower was inspired by the design of a Tesla coil. Much of the movie was shot in Iceland to capture its otherworldly landscapes.

Description: A cerebral and emotionally resonant sci-fi film that explores communication with extraterrestrial beings and the nature of time. The film's slow pacing and emphasis on language and perception create a deeply thoughtful experience.

Fact: The alien language in the film was created by a professional linguist. The film's non-linear narrative structure was inspired by the short story it's based on, 'Story of Your Life' by Ted Chiang.

Description: A visually striking and psychologically intense exploration of an alien phenomenon that defies understanding. The film's dreamlike atmosphere and themes of transformation and self-destruction make it a unique and haunting experience.

Fact: The shimmer effect in the film was achieved through practical effects and minimal CGI. The bear creature's terrifying scream was created by combining human and animal sounds.

Description: A contemplative space odyssey that explores themes of isolation, human connection, and the psychological toll of deep space travel. The film's visual style emphasizes the vast emptiness of space, creating a meditative and introspective atmosphere.

Fact: The film's production involved extensive research with NASA to ensure scientific accuracy in depicting space travel. It features one of the most realistic depictions of a journey to Neptune in cinema.

Description: A story of resilience and ingenuity as a stranded astronaut uses science and determination to survive on Mars. The film balances tension with moments of humor and optimism, emphasizing the power of human intellect and perseverance.

Fact: The film's depiction of Martian agriculture was based on real scientific research, including experiments conducted by NASA. Much of the movie was filmed in Wadi Rum, Jordan, due to its Mars-like landscape.