Why go to space? NASA, in laying out its institutional vision to “explore the secrets of the universe for the benefit of all,” asks the same question that many of our most beloved filmmakers have spent decades contemplating. The answer? To find answers. Answers to the great existential quandaries of our times, like: How did this all begin? Who else is out there? Can we make our world better through discovery? With Project Hail Mary now in theaters, here are twenty movies which encapsulate that neverending quest for meaning, our mission to better understand ourselves and our place in the universe. These films also chart the evolution of visual special effects, as well as the ebb and flow of hope and cynicism that comes alongside our extraterrestrial ambitions. A few caveats: for the purposes of this feature, we’ve generally avoided space-set franchises. We’re also attempting—as mentioned above—to focus on pictures where the action mostly takes place in space, leaving behind their comparatively earthbound counterparts (apologies to Arrival, Contact and The Right Stuff). We’ve additionally excluded space documentaries, though there are plenty of those to recommend (For All Mankind and Apollo 11 among them). The same goes for animation (Fantastic Planet and WALL·E, you still have our hearts). These twenty films capture the thrill of what awaits above our heads, out there in the cosmos. Read Dan Mecca’s full list breakdown on Journal. Project Hail Mary Ad Astra High Life Aniara First Man The Martian Interstellar Gravity Europa Report John Carter ...plus 10 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.
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