'Project Hail Mary' And The 5 Best Space Movies Since 'Interstellar'
From the moment we knew Christopher Nolan would direct Interstellar (2014), it was obvious that it'd be an unmistakable sci-fi sensation. To no one's shock, it is, setting the kind of standard that's surprisingly achieved more for the small screen than the big screen. Shows like The Expanse (2015) effectively convey as much world and character-building while having visual effects that should be seen on IMAX screens. However, some movies also hit the mark.
With Project Hail Mary (2026) now in theaters, the excitement to return to space with these contained epics is higher than ever. Since Interstellar, we've had a few must-watch space movies that've left an undeniable mark. Here are the five best, as well as where you can stream them on Prime Video and more.
Project Hail Mary is a visual masterpiece. It doesn't matter what movie releases in 2026; it's hard to believe that anything can top the kaleidoscopic effects that take us through space and feel like a rollercoaster of sorts. Undoubtedly, the most stunning sci-fi film we've had in the last decade, everything about it soars to renewed heights and sets a new standard.
Andy Weir's novel comes to life through immense heart, as Ryan Gosling delivers one of his finest performances to date. The humor adds much-needed levity to the dire stakes, ensuring that even when we're on edge, we aren't reduced to a state of anxiety. With a relatively straightforward narrative that most audience members can easily understand, it's the kind of riveting blockbuster that's not to be missed in theaters.
Still to this day, most of us will loudly proclaim that Amy Adams deserved an Oscar for her work in Arrival. And while the movie doesn't technically take place in space, it'd feel like a crime not to feature in a list like this when we have a visit from space. Denis Villeneuve's vision is also unparalleled in Arrival, and it's why, when it was announced that he'd take on Dune, viewers immediately put trust in him.
With a compelling thematic message that focuses on human complexities and how we cope with the unknown, Arrival isn't just rich with its glowing cinematography, but in the heart that's evident in every frame. Truly, a spellbinding movie on all fronts and perfect for anyone who loves being on the edge of their seats.
Also based on an Andy Weir bestselling novel, a large part of the excitement around Project Hail Mary was because of the success of The Martian. As a solid adaptation with an incredibly memorable performance from Matt Damon, everything about The Martian provides a thrilling, albeit anxiety-inducing, trip.
With astounding special effects, it's exactly the type of movie you think about when the word "blockbuster" comes to mind. A large part of the reason sci-fi as a genre doesn't attract all audiences boils down to the pacing, but The Martian does something truly impeccable in how it makes the film wholly engaging and simultaneously enriching. It could've been an hour longer, and I, for one, wouldn't have complained.
It's not every sequel or remake of an iconic film that manages to be as remarkable as the original, but if you love Blade Runner (1982) and have somehow never seen Blade Runner 2049, you're missing out on a sci-fi treasure. Also starring Project Hail Mary's Ryan Gosling, the film is a visual feast in more ways than one.
Ultimately, as Arrival proves, it's no surprise that if Villeneuve is behind the camera, a sci-fi feature is going to be a breathtaking hit. The narrative is thoroughly engaging throughout, and everything that the film provides visually is incredible at reimagining the norm. Blade Runner 2049 also isn't a traditional space movie, but omitting it from a list like this would be sacrilegious because if you love Interstellar, there's no way you wouldn't appreciate it.
Of all the Denis Villeneuve movies on this list, Dune and its sequel, as well as the films that follow, might not be for every viewer, with how dense some of the material is, but there's no other way to say that it's worth watching for the visuals and performances. If the plot isn't something that grips you with its slower pace, you've got to try just for the sake of how stunning it is.
The first one at least deserves to be watched once, and if you love Star Wars, it almost feels like mandatory viewing because the original novel heavily inspired George Lucas. For countless reasons, the film feels like an archetype for sci-fi, and the attention to detail that Villeneuve bestows is actually inimitable.
Star Wars understandably isn't for everyone, but what Rogue One achieves is unparalleled in storytelling. It's the kind of breathtaking feature that feels timely no matter when you watch it, and the performances are some of the most haunting we have in the entire extended universe. While films and shows from a galaxy far, far away aren't recognized at award shows, there's a reason Andor (2022) changed the game.
And while you don't have to watch Andor to understand the gravitas of Rogue One (though you should), how the film explores the idea of a rebellion, sacrifice, and a bigger purpose is awe-inspiring. Diego Luna and Felicity Jones deliver exceptional performances, and it's the one film in the Star Wars universe that might feel closer to the type of sci-fi Interstellar is.
