9 Movies and Shows Like The Martian (2015)

Description: Sunshine, like The Martian, is a science fiction film that emphasizes scientific accuracy and the challenges of space travel. Both films feature a crew working together to solve a life-threatening problem. The visual style of Sunshine is striking, with intense lighting and cinematography that captures the vastness of space. The emotional tone is tense and dramatic, as the characters face existential threats.

Fact: Sunshine was directed by Danny Boyle, known for his dynamic visual style. The film's score was composed by John Murphy and Underworld. The screenplay was written by Alex Garland, who also wrote 28 Days Later.

Description: Interstellar shares similarities with The Martian in its focus on human survival in space, scientific accuracy, and the theme of isolation. Both films explore the resilience of the human spirit and the challenges of space exploration. Interstellar, like The Martian, features a strong emphasis on real science, with both films consulting with NASA scientists to ensure accuracy. The emotional tone of both films is also similar, blending tension and hope as the protagonists face seemingly insurmountable odds.

Fact: Interstellar was directed by Christopher Nolan, known for his meticulous attention to detail and complex narratives. The film's black hole, Gargantua, was rendered with unprecedented accuracy based on equations provided by physicist Kip Thorne. Hans Zimmer's score for Interstellar was composed before the film was shot, to inspire the actors and crew.

Description: Moon, like The Martian, explores themes of isolation and survival in space. Both protagonists must rely on their wits and limited resources to survive. The films share a minimalist aesthetic, focusing on the psychological toll of solitude. The emotional tone is introspective and poignant, with both films delving into the human condition.

Fact: Moon was directed by Duncan Jones, son of musician David Bowie. The film was made on a modest budget of $5 million. Sam Rockwell's performance as the lone astronaut is critically acclaimed.

Description: First Man, like The Martian, is grounded in real science and history, focusing on the challenges of space exploration. Both films highlight the bravery and ingenuity of their protagonists. The visual style is immersive, with realistic depictions of space travel. The emotional tone is intense and personal, exploring the human cost of exploration.

Fact: First Man is a biographical film about Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon. The film was directed by Damien Chazelle, known for Whiplash and La La Land. Ryan Gosling trained with NASA to prepare for his role as Armstrong.

Description: Gravity, like The Martian, is a survival story set in space, focusing on the protagonist's ingenuity and determination to return to Earth. Both films highlight the dangers of space and the fragility of human life in such an environment. The visual aesthetics of both films are stunning, with realistic depictions of space that immerse the viewer. The emotional tone is intense and gripping, as the characters face life-threatening situations.

Fact: Gravity was directed by Alfonso Cuarón, who won an Academy Award for Best Director for this film. The film's opening shot is a continuous 12-minute take, a technical marvel. Sandra Bullock spent up to 10 hours a day in a lightbox to simulate zero gravity during filming.

Description: Europa Report, like The Martian, is a science fiction film that emphasizes scientific realism and the dangers of space exploration. Both films feature a crew facing life-threatening challenges. The visual style is documentary-like, adding to the realism. The emotional tone is tense and suspenseful, as the characters confront the unknown.

Fact: Europa Report was shot on a low budget but received praise for its realism. The film uses found footage and documentary-style storytelling. The crew's mission is to find life on Jupiter's moon Europa.

Description: Arrival shares with The Martian a focus on problem-solving and communication under extreme circumstances. While The Martian deals with survival, Arrival explores first contact with an alien species, both requiring the protagonist to use science and intellect to overcome challenges. Both films have a strong emotional core, dealing with themes of isolation and connection. The storytelling style is thoughtful and deliberate, with a focus on the human experience.

Fact: Arrival is based on the short story 'Story of Your Life' by Ted Chiang. The film's alien language was created by linguist Dr. Jessica Coon. Director Denis Villeneuve is known for his visually striking and thematically rich films.

Description: Ad Astra shares with The Martian a focus on the psychological and emotional challenges of space travel. Both films explore themes of isolation and the human drive to explore. The visual aesthetics are similarly stunning, with realistic depictions of space. The emotional tone is introspective, with both protagonists grappling with personal and existential questions.

Fact: Ad Astra stars Brad Pitt, who also produced the film. The film's title means 'to the stars' in Latin. Director James Gray aimed for scientific accuracy, consulting with NASA.

Description: Life, like The Martian, is a science fiction thriller set in space, focusing on a crew's struggle for survival. Both films explore the dangers of extraterrestrial environments and the limits of human endurance. The visual style is dark and claustrophobic, heightening the tension. The emotional tone is intense and suspenseful, as the characters face a deadly threat.

Fact: Life stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Ryan Reynolds. The film's alien creature was designed to be biologically plausible. The screenplay was written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, who also wrote Deadpool.