10 Shows & Movies Like Mars (2016)

Description: A thought-provoking film about humanity's first contact with extraterrestrial intelligence. It combines scientific rigor with philosophical questions about faith, technology, and our place in the universe.

Fact: The film is based on a novel by Carl Sagan, who was heavily involved in the early stages of production. The alien message received in the film was designed by SETI scientists.

Description: A visually stunning film that delves into space exploration, time dilation, and human survival. It emphasizes scientific accuracy and emotional depth, portraying the struggles of astronauts in extreme conditions.

Fact: The black hole in the film, named Gargantua, was rendered using equations provided by physicist Kip Thorne, resulting in the first accurate visualization of a black hole.

Description: A psychological sci-fi thriller about isolation and identity, set on a lunar base. The film examines the mental toll of long-term space missions and corporate exploitation.

Fact: The film was shot in just 33 days on a modest budget. The lunar base sets were built using practical effects, giving the film a grounded, realistic feel.

Description: A biographical drama about Neil Armstrong's journey to the moon, emphasizing the personal sacrifices and technical challenges of space exploration. The film captures the visceral experience of space travel.

Fact: The lunar landing sequence was shot using IMAX cameras to enhance the immersive experience. The filmmakers consulted extensively with Armstrong's family to ensure accuracy.

Description: A tense survival story set in space, focusing on an astronaut stranded in orbit. The film highlights the fragility of human life in the vacuum of space and the ingenuity required to survive.

Fact: The film's opening shot is a continuous 13-minute take, achieved through complex choreography and CGI. Sandra Bullock trained for months to simulate zero-gravity movement.

Description: A linguistically and visually rich film about communication with alien visitors. It explores themes of time, perception, and the power of language, set against a backdrop of global tension and scientific discovery.

Fact: The alien language in the film was created by a professional linguist. The circular symbols were designed to be a fully functional writing system, not just random shapes.

Description: A contemplative sci-fi film about a journey to the outer solar system in search of a missing father. It blends stunning visuals with themes of isolation, father-son relationships, and existential reflection.

Fact: The film's production team worked with NASA to create realistic depictions of space travel, including a plausible future where commercial flights to the moon exist.

Description: A science fiction series that explores human colonization of the solar system, focusing on political tensions and survival in space. It shares themes of isolation, ingenuity, and the challenges of living in harsh extraterrestrial environments.

Fact: The show was initially canceled after three seasons but was revived by fan campaigns and picked up by Amazon Prime. It is praised for its realistic physics and attention to scientific detail.

Description: A gripping survival story set on an inhospitable planet, showcasing human resilience and problem-solving under extreme conditions. The narrative blends science, humor, and tension.

Fact: The film's script was so scientifically accurate that NASA used it as a training tool for new engineers. The potatoes grown on set were real and cultivated under controlled conditions.

Description: An alternate history series imagining a world where the space race never ended. It explores the personal and political ramifications of extended space exploration and colonization.

Fact: The show features real NASA footage blended seamlessly with fictional scenes. It was created by Ronald D. Moore, known for his work on Battlestar Galactica.