Interstellar Re Release is just around the corner to commemorate its 10th anniversary! Originally scheduled for a September 27 release, the film will now touch down in cinemas on December 6. Fans can look forward to experiencing it in stunning 70mm IMAX prints, alongside digital screenings. Until then, here are the 10 movies like Interstellar that will keep you busy.
One of the most revered and celebrated pieces of science fiction over the course of the past decade, "Interstellar" is a visually stunning masterpiece from Christopher Nolan showcasing incredible ambition. In collaboration with the highly respected Nobel Prize-winning physicist Kip Thorne, Nolan created mathematically accurate visualizations of black holes and wormholes—five years before the world saw real pictures of such phenomena.
Although some scientific concepts—like the theory of relativity, "time slippage," the influence of gravity, and even the power of love—are somewhat dramatized for cinematic effect, the scientific principles woven throughout the film are robust and utterly fascinating. These elements contribute to making "Interstellar" an unforgettable cinematic experience, even with its nearly three-hour runtime.
Here are 10 movies like Interstellar:
- Ad Astra (2019)
- The Right Stuff (1983)
- Armageddon (1998)
- Apollo 13 (1995)
- 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
- Sunshine (2007)
- The Martian (2015)
- Deep Impact (1998)
- Moon (2009)
- Solaris (2002)
Ad Astra
Ad Astra is a scientifically grounded epic that gets overlooked a lot; it may feel a bit slower compared with the grandeur of Interstellar. Roy McBride, played by Brad Pitt, follows in his father's footsteps on an intergalactic journey that his father disappeared on 30 years prior.
McBride becomes a great protagonist—one not too dissimilar from Interstellar's Cooper, Matthew McConaughey, who is also out to save Earth.
The Right Stuff
With a brilliant ensemble cast oozing charisma, the story in The Right Stuff is crisply written, based on pivotal moments in American history. From breaking the sound barrier to recruiting the Mercury 7 astronauts, this spirited group of test pilots proves a little audacity can go a long way.
Lighter in tone compared to most of the other films listed here, it's a joy to watch and guaranteed to be a good time.
Armageddon (1998)
Then, of course, there's Michael Bay's Armageddon, yet another band of misfit heroes, this time smearing a thick slice of cheese onto its sci-fi storyline in a thoroughly delightful way.
When NASA discovers an asteroid the size of Texas barreling towards Earth, they recruit a team of rough-around-the-edges misfit deep-core drillers to burrow under the asteroid and detonate it from within. Fans of Bay's particular brand will find plenty to love: all the explosions and wittier one-liners drown out the predictable romance.
Apollo 13 (1995)
Starring the stellar cast led by Ron Howard, Apollo 13 is a more thrilling true story about the dangerous mission the three astronauts entered into space. The successful launch of Apollo 13 follows the horrific damage the space module took, which must be fixed before the astronauts run out of oxygen.
This film has it all to be great: a true story, the direction of Ron Howard, and an ensemble of actors that are outstanding, but it's a necessary science fiction classic that will be watched many times.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
The innovator of science fiction that is Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey, is an artistic genius well ahead of its time. After a strange monolith is found on the moon, two astronauts and an AI computer make their way to Jupiter in search of an answer.
Being the oldest entry here, this movie still impresses audiences with its state-of-the-art visuals combined with a deeply intellectual plot.
Sunshine (2007)
Danny Boyle's Sunshine is another high-octane thriller set in a desperate future in which humanity is threatened by a dying sun. An international crew undertakes a mission to reignite it using a nuclear fission bomb.
Though erratic and bemusing at times, its plot unfolding with great visuals and Cillian Murphy's performance simply makes this movie a must for any science fiction enthusiast.
The Martian (2014)
The Martian, directed by Ridley Scott, is both a fancifully funny and serious tale full of favorite tropeertioms from science fiction. After being left stranded on Mars following a storm and presumed dead by his crew, Mark Watney (Matt Damon) must come up with resourceful ways to contact NASA while finding methods to survive until he can be rescued.
The tone and cinematography often have echoes of Interstellar, even sharing some cast members, Matt Damon and Jessica Chastain.
Deep Impact (1998)
Released in the same year as Armageddon, Deep Impact is a more somber approach to impending disaster. After the presidential announcement regarding two huge comets barreling on a collision course for Earth, astronauts are sent to prevent it from happening while humanity is prepared against impact.
This film is more inclined towards the earthly repercussions than space action, constructing a truly emotional narrative.
Moon (2009)
A stellar addition to science fiction, Moon follows Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell) during the final stages of his solitary three-year engagement as a resource collector on a moon base. In this eerie setting, he begins to experience strange happenings that question his sanity.
Though there aren't many similarities with Interstellar, the mysteries revealed will have viewers equally on an edge.
Solaris (2002)
Based on the novel by Stanislaw Lem, Solaris tackles themes that extend far beyond conventional hard science fiction. After a series of strange occurrences, a psychologist named Kelvin, played by George Clooney, is summoned to a space station hovering around a foreign planet.
Upon its release, Soderbergh received mixed reviews, but his clever writing and direction propelled this film into notable territory.