The Matt Damon sci-fi film that was screened at the International Space Station is now storming Netflix

Directed by Ridley Scott and based on Andy Weir’s novel of the same name, this science fiction saga chronicles the solitary struggle of astronaut Mark Watney, played by Matt Damon. Interestingly, while NASA had previously declined requests to screen films like Interstellar aboard the International Space Station (ISS), they enthusiastically supported the promotion of this one.

The Martian is currently storming at the sixth spot on Netflix UK’s top ten list of films between March 25th to 31st. It has also made it to Netflix’s top ten list of films in 46 countries, including being the number one film in Canada, Estonia and Lithuania.

The film boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Jeff Daniels, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Donald Glover. Damon’s lonesome astronaut fights to stay alive on the desolate Martian landscape after being stranded by his crew during a fierce storm. Watney’s ordeal unfolds against the breathtaking backdrop of the Martian terrain, beautifully captured by Scott’s visionary direction. 

At its core, The Martian is a story of human ingenuity and the unyielding spirit of exploration. As Watney battles against the harsh realities of his environment and takes to potato farming on Mars, his resourcefulness and determination become a beacon of hope.

But what sets The Martian apart from the other two big sci-fi flicks that came before it in the previous two years—Gravity and Interstellar—is that NASA was enthusiastic to market it. This endorsement from the world’s leading space agency lent an air of authenticity to the film. It’s worth noting that The Martian received accolades not only for its storytelling but also for its commitment to scientific accuracy. Weir’s meticulous research, combined with the expertise of NASA consultants, ensured that the film remained grounded in reality despite its fantastical premise.

NASA astronauts aboard the ISS reportedly read Weir’s novel and eagerly anticipated the opportunity to watch The Martian in space. The film was screened aboard the ISS, 402 km above Earth’s surface, on September 19th, 2015. The timing of the film’s release proved serendipitous in another way, as it coincided with NASA’s announcement of the discovery of water on Mars. This cosmic alignment definitely contributed to the film’s widespread appeal and box office success, solidifying its place as a modern classic in the realm of science fiction cinema.

You can watch The Martian on Netflix and catch the trailer here: