We have been watching the night sky and wondering for as long as there were people that lay beyond our ever-present limit. Our predecessors had beliefs about the origin of stars, and we have movies to convey our theories. Are you one of them who are more fascinated about the universe and searching for a good movie to relate to? Well, you come to the appropriate place according to the IMDb user scores. We have constructed a list of the top space films of all time, considering both critic and fan perspectives.
Science Fiction has always tackled the major concerns of the nature of existence, what human existence means, and what it means for human civilization to be alone in the cosmos (or not). So, the movies on that list comprise flourishing space operas, realistic docudramas, thrillers, and theoretical reflections, but they all relate somewhat with space. These films cover the recent history of movies from 1956 to 2020, and hence a chronological trend with early triumphs that influence movies may be recognized.
Here, Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980) leads the list, which is best known for the story matured from “chosen one saves the universe.” Then the list is followed by Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977) in the second place and then Interstellar (2014) in the third place.
Which is the best Space movie of all time streaming on Amazon Prime Video?
The Sci-fi 1977 movie Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope is the best space movie that streams on Amazon Prime with 92% Rotten Tomatoes ratings.
Is there any good space movies available on Netflix?
Interstellar (2014) is the best space movie on Netflix with 8.6 IMDB score.
Which is the best space movie of all time streaming on Disney Plus?
Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980) is the best movie about space on Disney Plus with an 8.7 IMDB score.
So, let’s round up to such Top 30 Best Space Movies of All Time!
30. Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi
The central feature of the theatre trilogy of the third “Star Wars,” The Last Jedi, looks at a shaky resistance that tries to hold fast its optimism, while the First Order at each step bumps it. In other places, Ray seeks to persuade Luke Skywalker to educate her in the ways of the force, a solitary hermit who wants nothing to do with his heroism. Some die-hard fans were angry with the movie, but critics welcomed it enthusiastically overall.
| Release Date: | 2017 |
| Director: | Rian Johnson |
| IMDB rating: | 7 |
| Cast: | Daisy Ridley, Mark Hamill, John Boyega |
| Currently streaming on: | Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus |
29. First Man
Following directing “La Land” 2016’s Best Love Letter, Chazelle recruited Ryan Gosling in “First Man” to play Neil Armstrong, a docudrama about the dangers of the space program building to that most historic moonlight journey. “First Home” is one of the most prestigious must-watch Apollo fans, with strong performances all over, fantastic, spectacular effects, and sound launches in space.
| Release Date: | 2018 |
| Director: | Damien Chazelle |
| IMDB rating: | 7.3 |
| Cast: | Ryan Gosling, Claire Foy, Jason Clarke |
| Currently streaming on: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video |
28. Close Encounters of the Third Kind
One of the great science fiction 70s films ever is Steven Spielberg’s “Close Encounters of the Third Child.” The film is about a black-collar Indiana guy who has radically altered his life following a fortuitous meeting with a UFO. This hit hits critics as well as moviegoers. Lauded for its originality, the movie has been effective in leading many to believe we may not be alone after all. That’s why it is among the best space movies of all time.
| Release Date: | 1977 |
| Director: | Steven Spielberg (Animaniacs) |
| IMDB rating: | 7.6 |
| Cast: | Richard Dreyfuss, François Truffaut, Teri Garr |
| Currently streaming on: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video |
27. The Lego Movie
Many were dubious about the possibility of adapting an abstract notion like ‘Lego’ into a captivating movie. Even the most severe naysayers have been Lord and Miller, the rising stars of comedy and animation genres. The Lego Movie is a 100-minute long film, a conversation that splits sideways and animation. “Lego Movie” is family-friendly excellence anchored in an all-star cast.
| Release Date: | 2014 |
| Director: | Christopher Miller (Bless The Harts), Phil Lord |
| IMDB rating: | 7.7 |
| Cast: | Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks |
| Currently streaming on: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video |
26. Gravity
In 2013’s seven-time Oscar winner “Gravity,” Sandra Bullock and George Clooney (The Midnight Sky), the five-time Oscar winner and head of “Childs of Men” and the “Roma,” tried their hands on an outdoor thriller. As demonstrated by the prizes, both the critics and the public warmly, Gravity lauded realistic sights, leads, and excitement. It is one of the best space movies of all time.
| Release Date: | 2013 |
| Director: | Alfonso Cuaron |
| IMDB rating: | 7.7 |
| Cast: | Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, Ed Harris |
| Currently streaming on: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video |
25. Avatar
Despite current attempts by Avengers: Endgame, the highest-grossing movie of all times, Avatar introduced eye-catching CGI in a classic narrative of colonialism, romance, and resistance to a worldwide spectator. Cameron has been waiting for about a decade to produce the picture since the technology has not been in the 1990s to finish his view.
| Release Date: | 2009 |
| Director: | James Cameron |
| IMDB rating: | 7.8 |
| Cast: | Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver |
| Currently streaming on: | Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus |
24. The Right Stuff
The films on the list deal with the space program in America. The “Right Stuff” is such an issue, focusing on the Mercury supersonic flight program, which occasionally took place in the sub-orbital zone of space from 1958 to 1963. Based on the bestseller novel with the same name, “The Right Stuff” was a disaster at the box office, as were many on this list.
| Release Date: | 1983 |
| Director: | Philip Kaufman |
| IMDB rating: | 7.8 |
| Cast: | Sam Shepard, Scott Glenn, Ed Harris |
| Currently streaming on: | Amazon Prime Video |
23. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
“E.T. phone home,” the headline character as he tries to reach his home planet, with the viewers falling in love. “E.T.” has echoed through generations of families and has been widely regarded as one of the finest summer films ever, a timeless narrative of a close friendship between a boy and his extraterrestrial friend. That’s why it is one of the best space movies of all time.
| Release Date: | 1982 |
| Director: | Steven Spielberg |
| IMDB rating: | 7.8 |
| Cast: | Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote |
| Currently streaming on: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video |
22. World on a Wire
One question which recently prompted debate, scientists, and a fearless technology entrepreneur is the very existence of humankind. Are we real? Or is there a simulation in which we live? Some feel that, given the fact that we are near to building simulated society ourselves, we are simulated as humans. ‘World on a Wire,’ a two-part German TV series that precedes films such as ‘The Matrix,’ exploring similar subjects.
| Release Date: | 1973 |
| Director: | Rainer Werner Fassbinder |
| IMDB rating: | 7.8 |
| Cast: | Klaus Löwitsch, Barbara Valentin, Mascha Rabben |
| Currently streaming on: | Amazon Prime Video |
21. District 9
“District 9” has a camp built upon Earth for an extraterrestrial species. This movie of the xenophobia displayed toward aliens transforms the glamour of interspecies into a caustic critic of current situations by using the racist view of South Africa’s apartheid. The story goes around a few aliens who are overcome to live in pathetic situations on Earth. They, however, find assistance from a government agent who is responsible for their relocation. Overall, it is a must-watch film, so we put this on our list of best space movies.
| Release Date: | 2009 |
| Director: | Neill Blomkamp |
| IMDB rating: | 7.9 |
| Cast: | Sharlto Copley, David James, Jason Cope |
| Currently streaming on: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video |
20. Arrival
Maniness goes far into the cosmos in films on this list, exploring other worlds and strange creatures. The aliens are coming here in the cryptic “Arrival” of 2016. It’s up to the linguist (Amy Adams) and the physicist (Hawkeye– Jeremy Renner) to translate the alien language to discover if they are wearing presents or baring their teeth. In the area of speculative science fiction, Villeneuve has already shown a mighty force, and “arrival” is a masterwork that turns the brain. It is one of the best space movies of all time.
| Release Date: | 2016 |
| Director: | Denis Villeneuve |
| IMDB rating: | 7.9 |
| Cast: | Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker |
| Currently streaming on: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video |
19. Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens
The first episode in the third “Star War” trilogy introduces a new cast of characters. It brings back some beloved fans of the First Order, the latest incarnation of the evil colonialist empire, to a higher position on this list than its sequel, “The Last Jedi.” “The Force Awakens” will elect you with the same kind of youthful wonders of the original trilogy, with notable performances by newcomers Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, and Oscar Isaac, and the unholy return to form Harrison Ford.
| Release Date: | 2015 |
| Director: | J.J. Abrams |
| IMDB rating: | 7.9 |
| Cast: | Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac |
| Currently streaming on: | Disney Plus |
18. Star Trek
Star Trek was preceded by its successor, ‘Star Trek: Into Darkness,’ on this list. The “Star Trek” of 2009 also includes all of the old series’ charms, with effects from large budgets and a star ensemble (pun intended). The movie revolves around James Kirk, a brash young man, and Spock, an alien with human and Vulcan blood, who join the crew of the USS Enterprise to combat Nero, a member of the Romulan race who wants to destroy multiple planets.
| Release Date: | 2009 |
| Director: | J.J. Abrams |
| IMDB rating: | 7.9 |
| Cast: | Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Simon Pegg |
| Currently streaming on: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video |
17. The Martian
The Martian 2015 movie takes you on a journey of how one man is inspired to finally follow his mission. This space movie is about humanity joining a unique mission: Rescue Astronaut Mark Watney abandoned Mars after the rest of his crew left during a storm and went for an emergency departure. Watney is a bright scientist played by a charismatic Matt Damon and works with the powers on Earth to go back home. His efforts include Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, and Donald Glover. This wonderful ensemble cast helped him so well in the entire mission.
| Release Date: | 2015 |
| Director: | Ridley Scott |
| IMDB rating: | 8.0 |
| Cast: | Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig |
| Currently streaming on: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hotstar |
16. Guardians of the Galaxy
“Thor: Ragnarok” has given the Thor series a new life and colors; it owes the “Guardians of the Galaxy” debt, which is also a colorful space adventure that brings exotic aliens to the MCU with a swash-buckling act. Come for the visuals and Chris Pratt’s charismatic performance. Stay for the 80s nostalgia and butcher soundtrack. Overall, it is one of the best space movies of all time.
| Release Date: | 2014 |
| Director: | James Gunn |
| IMDB rating: | 8.0 |
| Cast: | Chris Pratt, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper |
| Currently streaming on: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video |
15. Blade Runner
Blade Runner is a 1982 science fiction movie directed by Ridley Scott and accommodated by Hampton Fancher and David Peoples. The movie is placed in a dystopian future Los Angeles of 2019. Synthetic humans perceived as replicants are bio-engineered by the robust Tyrell Corporation to work at space colonies. When a criminal group of advanced replicants directed by Roy Batty (Hauer) escapes back to Earth, burnt-out cop Rick Deckard (Ford) grudgingly agrees to drive them down.
| Release Date: | 1982 |
| Director: | Denis Villeneuve |
| IMDB rating: | 8.0 |
| Cast: | Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young |
| Currently streaming on: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video |
14. Hard to be God
Fermi’s paradox reflects that since the universe is so vast, and our civilization is a relatively young one compared to the universe’s age, where are all the aliens? Are we truly alone? Some scientists consider that Earth is under watch; the aliens know concerning us but don’t wish to prevent our society. So, our other best space movie is “Hard to be a God”. As this movie envisions a situation in which humans interfere with an alien civilization that’s centuries behind in development and the complicated situations that arise when you mess with constant development.
| Release Date: | 2013 |
| Director: | Aleksey German |
| IMDB rating: | 8.0 |
| Cast: | Leonid Yarmolnik, Dmitri Vladimirov, Laura Pitskhelauri |
| Currently streaming on: | Amazon Prime Video |
13. Blade Runner 2049
Before that, we referred to filmmaker Denis as “a strong force in the field of speculative science fiction.” Take this movie into Exhibit B. “Blade Runner 2049” is beautiful in its tragedy, or perhaps tragic in its beauty. “Blade Runner 2049” is fitting for its breakthrough forerunner, anchored by a profoundly empathic performance by Ryan Gosling with Ana de Armas, Mackenzie Davis, Jared Leto, and others.
| Release Date: | 2017 |
| Director: | Denis Villeneuve |
| IMDB rating: | 8.0 |
| Cast: | Harrison Ford, Ryan Gosling, Ana de Armas |
| Currently streaming on: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video |
12. The Iron Giant
Science films tend to disappoint at the box office only long after they have departed from the theatres, to be considered a cult classic and idolatrous. This is the case with the directorial first “The Iron Giant” by Brad Bird, “The Incredibles,” and Brad Bird by “Ratatouille,” seeing a small child, a gigantic robot that had fallen from the sky. The Iron Giant is a treasure of Bird’s filmography, featuring an all-star ensemble of vocal actors, including Vin Diesel as the leading character. Overall, it’s a must-watch movie for self-analysis.
| Release Date: | 1999 |
| Director: | Brad Bird |
| IMDB rating: | 8.0 |
| Cast: | Eli Marienthal, Harry Connick Jr., Jennifer Aniston |
| Currently streaming on: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video |
11. Planet of the Apes
“Planet of the Apes” depicts a wrecked spacecraft crew rowing across a planet by monkeys only to find a deadly secret, one of the most iconic sci-fi films of all time. With groundbreaking prosthetics that catch up to this day, it’s worth viewing or rewatching just for the famous quote: “Take your stinking claws off me, you damn dirty ape!”
| Release Date: | 1968 |
| Director: | Franklin J. Schaffner |
| IMDB rating: | 8.0 |
| Cast: | Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter |
| Currently streaming on: | Amazon Prime Video |
10. Solaris
At the same time as Americans celebrated their return win in the space race, Soviet Russia tackled its concerns of space flight and the destiny of communism. This is the case with a soviet film called “Solaris,” which asks the limitations of human logic in a lavish production of about three hours. It is one of the best Space movies of all time.
| Release Date: | 1972 |
| Director: | Andrei Tarkovsky |
| IMDB rating: | 8.1 |
| Cast: | Natalya Bondarchuk, Donatas Banionis, Jüri Järvet |
| Currently streaming on: | Amazon Prime Video |
9. Apollo 11
Apollo 11 is the only documentary on the list, consists of archives, and does not contain any narrative, comments, or re-creations. The movie shows the narrative of the headline mission, the moonwalk, and everything. There’s nothing more to tell us here, simply a word of advice: you can view it on the largest screen.
| Release Date: | 2019 |
| Director: | Todd Douglas Miller |
| IMDB rating: | 8.2 |
| Cast: | Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, Buzz Aldrin |
| Currently streaming on: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video |
8. Aliens
Sequences in the hearts of reviewers and viewers have been worse than before in some spots on this list. This was the situation with ‘Aliens,’ a follow-up to ‘Alien’ in 1979, albeit the most important sequel ever. Aliens, a terrifying thriller of galactic dimensions starring Sigourney Weaver in an Emmy-nominated appearance as Ellen Ripley, a hero for a spacefaring generation.
| Release Date: | 1986 |
| Director: | James Cameron (Alita Battle Angel 2) |
| IMDB rating: | 8.3 |
| Cast: | Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, Carrie Henn |
| Currently streaming on: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video |
7. 2001: A Space Odyssey
Sci-fi movies would look several without “2001,” undoubtedly the most influential film of the genre ever to hit the silver screen. Kubrick’s masterwork explores the precariousness of artificial intelligence, the expanse of space, and alien life. “2001” is one of the most immeasurable movies ever, from the sights to the soundtrack.
| Release Date: | 1968 |
| Director: | Stanley Kubrick |
| IMDB rating: | 8.3 |
| Cast: | Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, William Sylvester |
| Currently streaming on: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video |
6. Avengers: Endgame
The climax fans were waiting a decade for the title characters “Avengers: Endgame” to reel from previous film events and navigate a strange environment. Some focus on reversing the consequences of the Infinity War, while others want to move on and accept the world as it is. The three-hour running time passes as our protagonists find a bright path and make it a big hit in the history of Hollywood. That’s why we put this in our list of Best Space movies of all time.
| Release Date: | 2019 |
| Director: | Anthony Russo, Joe Russo |
| IMDB rating: | 8.4 |
| Cast: | Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo |
| Currently streaming on: | Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus |
5. Alien
Facehugger, Xenomorph, Chestburster; the eponymous alien in “Alien” takes many forms, all of them terrifying, as the creation of gory special effects and dark imagination. The eponymous alien in “alien” takes forms. The crew of the spacecraft Nostromo is hopelessly out of line with this evil yet never ceases to strive to eliminate it. However, increasing numbers of people are being attacked by the alien. The film manages to slip into a biting criticism of big businesses, which are more concerned with the basics than human life. It gives a clear narrative of humanity vs. nature.
| Release Date: | 1979 |
| Director: | Ridley Scott |
| IMDB rating: | 8.4 |
| Cast: | Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, John Hurt |
| Currently streaming on: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video |
4. WALL-E
The striking image “WALL-E” is made more poignant by the film’s choice to not include language in most of its films as an iron wasteland, as by the force of climate and overconsumption. The robot in question is the only one remaining on earth, a garbage compactor designed to clear up rubbish on the earth. The WALL-E has the blend of charm, complicated storytelling, wonderful graphics, and concerns about soul searches to be at number four on our list. The movie tells a narrative about the immensity of the cosmos.
| Release Date: | 2008 |
| Director: | Andrew Stanton |
| IMDB rating: | 8.4 |
| Cast: | Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin |
| Currently streaming on: | Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus |
3. Interstellar
Christopher Nolan is recognized for producing intellectual pictures that challenge and enthusiastically appeal to the audience. The extent of climate change burdens humankind in the not-too-extreme future. Abandonment of Earth is the last hope, and a bold crew passes through when it opens a weird wormhole at the end of the solar system. The team must do everything to survive in this three-hour epic spanning three episodes, including Matthew McConaughey, Jessica Chastain, and Michael Caine.
| Release Date: | 2014 |
| Director: | Christopher Nolan (The French Dispatch) |
| IMDB rating: | 8.6 |
| Cast: | Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain |
| Currently streaming on: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video |
2. Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope
What’s “Star Wars” to say? Under all corners of our collective consciousness, the 1977 picture says itself from its global popularity to the countless science fiction and adventure pictures that were impacted, not to mention the cinematic films still released every few years in the franchise system. The soundtrack is renowned, and its tale of a selected hero who was guiding the galaxy into victory has inspired millions of young people around the globe.
| Release Date: | 1977 |
| Director: | George Lucas (Willow) |
| IMDB rating: | 8.6 |
| Cast: | Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher |
| Currently streaming on: | Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus |
1. Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
Another of the most popular sequelae of all time was Empire Strike Back, when it first performed three years after “Star Wars: Episode IV.” Fortunately, the plot grew into a more intricate series of blows and counterattacks from ‘Rescues the world.’ With the most famous movie at the center, Empire recaptures all the original enchantments and further explores the galaxy. That’s why it is one of the best space movies of all time, with a good score of 8.7 on IMDb.
| Release Date: | 1980 |
| Director: | Irvin Kershner |
| IMDB rating: | 8.7 |
| Cast: | Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher |
| Currently streaming on: | Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus |
Conclusion!
It is hard to determine when humanity first dreamed of going out into space, yet we never let it go because we have the notion in our minds. For longer than anybody else, we’ve been storytelling about extraterrestrial waves, and from almost the start of filmmaking, we’ve made films about going to the moon.
As visual effects grew and space travel became a reality, these films, as mentioned above, were increasingly concerned with science fiction storylines about star journeys, star wars, and anything linked to stars. These films are typically large gigantic blockbusters in the 21st century. Still, the technology of visual effects has already reached the stage where modest, independent comics and dramas may also occur on space ships, space stations, and other worlds.
