Five essential space movies to binge on Netflix

Within the science fiction genre, space dramas occupy a unique and compelling niche. This week, Johan Renck’s Spaceman arrives on Netflix, so keeping in theme, you can have a weekend movie marathon on the streaming platform with films that explore the cosmos.

Space dramas push the boundaries of humanity’s ambition and curiosity while also highlighting our inherent limitations. These films delve into the unknown depths of space while exploring the mysteries of the universe and the complexities of human nature. 

You can catch up with Adam Sandler’s Spaceman, which offers a poignant exploration into the psyche of a lonely man on a grandiose mission to investigate a mysterious cloud looming in the sky. But before, consider immersing yourself in the captivating world of seminal space adventures on whose shoulders Spaceman gets to stand on.

In our ongoing series on essential binges, we bring you five films set in space that are must-watch. These films are not underrated gems, but it’s almost vital to start with these five groundbreaking space dramas.

Five essential space drama films to binge on Netflix:

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Directed by the visionary Stanley Kubrick and based on a story by Arthur C. Clarke, 2001: A Space Odyssey remains a seminal work in both cinema and science fiction literature. 

This epic masterpiece explores the evolution of humanity, artificial intelligence, and the enigmatic monoliths scattered throughout the cosmos. Kubrick’s meticulous direction, coupled with groundbreaking visual effects, makes this film a timeless classic that continues to inspire as well as provoke.

Apollo 13 (1995)

Directed by Ron Howard and starring Tom Hanks, Apollo 13 recounts the harrowing true story of NASA’s ill-fated mission to the moon. 

The film captures the tension and suspense of the 1970 space mission, depicting the resilience and ingenuity of the astronauts and ground crew as they battle against the odds to return safely to Earth. With its stellar performances and pin-drop tension, Apollo 13 tells a tale as old as time: human perseverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable adversity.

Gravity (2013)

Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, Gravity is a visually stunning cinema that immerses viewers in the unforgiving vastness of space. 

Starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, the film follows two astronauts stranded in orbit after their ship is destroyed by space debris. Cuarón’s innovative use of 3D technology and breathtaking cinematography creates a visceral and immersive experience that captures the awe and terror of space in this one.

Interstellar (2014)

Directed by Christopher Nolan, Interstellar is a sprawling epic that transcends the boundaries of time and space. 

Set in a future where Earth is on the brink of collapse, the film follows a group of astronauts who set on a perilous journey through a wormhole in search of a new habitable planet. Starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, and Jessica Chastain, among several other noted names, Interstellar explores themes of love and sacrifice through the space-time continuum.

Cargo (2019)

Directed by Arati Kadav, Cargo offers a fresh take on the space drama genre by centring unlikely protagonists in this genre. 

Set in a distant future, Cargo, starring the supremely talented Vikrant Massey, follows a lone astronaut tasked with the job of ferrying souls to the afterlife. Kadav’s imaginative storytelling and nuanced exploration of life, death, and human connection make Cargo a standout entry in the genre and a uniquely pathbreaking story in Indian cinema.