We asked retired astronauts about their favorite space movies. This is what they shared with us

As NASA prepares for the February 6th launch of the Artemis II mission – marking a return to human spaceflight to the moon after a 50-year pause – a unique celebration of space exploration has emerged. Eleven astronauts were asked to identify their favourite films that capture the essence of leaving Earth, revealing insights into what resonates with those who have experienced space firsthand. This interest in space, both real and imagined, may well inspire a new wave of cinematic storytelling.

Astronauts Weigh In on Cinematic Space Classics

‘The Martian’: A Testament to Teamwork and Resourcefulness

Ridley Scott’s “The Martian,” adapted from Andy Weir’s novel, depicts the struggle for survival of an astronaut stranded on Mars, played by Matt Damon. Astronaut Clayton C. Anderson, who logged 152 days aboard the International Space Station in 2007, highlighted the film’s portrayal of collaborative effort. He stated the film demonstrates “the dedication of NASA’s workforce, working together, sometimes at huge personal sacrifice, to get the job done.”

Dr. Kate Rubins, the first person to sequence DNA beyond Earth, praised the film’s scientific accuracy, noting its depiction of utilizing available resources. She explained that the film “does a great job of showing how biology and chemistry can be used to make what you need from what you have on hand,” a skill crucial for astronauts who must often rely on ingenuity rather than constant resupply from Earth.

Did You Know? The film “Apollo 13” was inducted into the Library of Congress National Film Registry in 2023, recognizing its cultural and historical significance.

‘Apollo 13’: Ingenuity in the Face of Crisis

The true story of the near-disaster during the Apollo 13 mission, starring Ed Harris, Bill Paxton, and Tom Hanks, resonated deeply with several astronauts. Nicole Stott, a veteran of two space shuttle missions, emphasized the film’s lesson in problem-solving: “To really make things happen, we have to adopt a ‘here’s how we can, not why we can’t’ approach to everything.”

Michael Massimino, who performed spacewalks to service the Hubble Space Telescope, noted the film’s attention to detail, stating it “paid well deserved tribute to the dedicated men and women of Mission Control.” Chris Hadfield, a former commander of the ISS, emphasized the film’s accurate depiction of the high stakes inherent in spaceflight, noting the use of actual dialogue from the mission.

Beyond Realism: Humor and Inspiration

Not all astronaut favourites prioritize strict realism. “Galaxy Quest,” starring Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, Tim Allen, and Tony Shalhoub, was praised for its humor and depiction of camaraderie. Garrett Reisman noted it captures “the wonder of space exploration… and it’s very funny,” while Nicole Stott appreciated its focus on the human relationships between characters.

The 1983 film “The Right Stuff,” following the original Mercury 7 astronauts, also proved popular. For Michael Massimino, the film rekindled his dream of becoming an astronaut after seeing it in college.

Expert Insight: The consistent praise for films depicting teamwork and ingenuity underscores the critical importance of these qualities in the inherently challenging environment of space exploration. The ability to adapt, collaborate, and overcome obstacles is not merely cinematic drama, but a fundamental requirement for mission success.

Visionary Cinema and the Future of Space Travel

Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 film “2001: A Space Odyssey” was lauded for its groundbreaking visuals by Leroy Chiao, who spent over six months in space. Christopher Nolan’s 2014 film “Interstellar,” starring Matthew McConaughey and Jessica Chastain, was praised for its scientific accuracy and emotional depth. Dr. Sylvain Costes, a scientist at NASA Ames, noted the film’s depiction of time as a critical resource in deep space. Finally, the CNN documentary “Apollo 11” was singled out by Terry Virts for its immersive footage and ability to recreate the thrill of the original moon landing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Artemis II mission?

The Artemis II mission is NASA’s planned return to human spaceflight to the moon, with a launch currently scheduled for February 6th. It represents the first crewed mission to the moon in over 50 years.

Which film was most frequently cited by astronauts?

“Apollo 13” received significant praise from multiple astronauts, who highlighted its realism, emotional impact, and tribute to NASA’s collaborative spirit.

Did astronauts only favor realistic space films?

No, astronauts also expressed appreciation for films like “Galaxy Quest” that captured the joy of exploration and the importance of camaraderie, even if they weren’t strictly scientifically accurate.

Considering the astronauts’ diverse cinematic preferences, how might these films influence the next generation of space explorers and filmmakers?