If you were captivated by the gripping documentary 'The Last Man on the Moon' (2016), which chronicles astronaut Eugene Cernan's extraordinary journey, you'll love these 10 similar films and shows. This article explores titles that share themes of space exploration, human resilience, and the awe-inspiring stories of those who dared to reach for the stars. Whether you're a space enthusiast or a documentary lover, these picks will keep you enthralled.

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Description: A landmark science fiction film that explores humanity's relationship with technology and the unknown. Its visually stunning depiction of space travel and philosophical themes have made it a classic.
Fact: The film's iconic monolith was designed to have precise dimensions of a 1:4:9 ratio, representing the squares of the first three prime numbers.


The Right Stuff (1983)
Description: This movie delves into the early days of the U.S. space program, showcasing the bravery and determination of the Mercury Seven astronauts. It explores the personal and professional challenges faced by these pioneers.
Fact: The film was based on Tom Wolfe's book of the same name, which popularized the term 'the right stuff' to describe the qualities of astronauts.


Apollo 13 (1995)
Description: This film captures the tension and human drama of space exploration, focusing on a real-life mission that faced life-threatening challenges. It highlights the ingenuity and teamwork required to overcome adversity in space.
Fact: The film's famous line 'Houston, we have a problem' was slightly altered from the actual Apollo 13 transcript, which read 'Houston, we've had a problem.'


Contact (1997)
Description: This film combines science fiction with a deep exploration of faith, science, and the search for extraterrestrial life. It focuses on the personal and societal impacts of a groundbreaking discovery.
Fact: The film is based on a novel by Carl Sagan, who was a renowned astronomer and science communicator.


Interstellar (2014)
Description: This epic science fiction film explores themes of exploration, sacrifice, and the unknown, set against the backdrop of space travel. It combines scientific concepts with emotional storytelling.
Fact: The film's black hole visualization was created with the help of physicist Kip Thorne, leading to new scientific insights about how black holes might appear.


Moon (2009)
Description: A psychological drama set in space, this film explores themes of isolation, identity, and the ethical implications of space exploration. It offers a contemplative take on the human experience in space.
Fact: The film was shot in just 33 days, with a relatively small budget, yet it received critical acclaim for its storytelling and visual effects.


First Man (2018)
Description: A biographical drama that provides an intimate look at the life of an astronaut, focusing on the personal sacrifices and emotional toll of space exploration. It emphasizes the human side of technological achievements.
Fact: The film used actual NASA footage and practical effects to recreate the Apollo 11 mission, including the lunar landing sequence.


Gravity (2013)
Description: A gripping survival story set in space, this film emphasizes the isolation and vulnerability of astronauts. It combines stunning visuals with a tense narrative about overcoming extreme adversity.
Fact: The film's director, Alfonso Cuarón, worked closely with NASA to ensure the accuracy of the space scenes, including the depiction of zero gravity.


The Martian (2015)
Description: A story of survival and ingenuity on Mars, this film showcases the resilience and problem-solving skills of an astronaut stranded alone. It balances scientific accuracy with humor and tension.
Fact: The author of the original novel, Andy Weir, initially self-published the story chapter by chapter on his blog before it became a bestseller.


Hidden Figures (2016)
Description: This film highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women and minorities in the space race, focusing on their critical roles in NASA's success. It blends historical significance with personal stories of perseverance.
Fact: The movie is based on the true story of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, who were instrumental in NASA's early space missions.
