21 Captivating Cosmic Documentaries
21 titles
- 1
Good Night OppyMovie · 2022 · 105m · DocumentaryThis is the inspiring true story of Opportunity, a Mars rover designed for a 90-day mission that unexpectedly lived for 15 years. The film chronicles Opportunity's pioneering exploration of the Martian surface and the extraordinary connection developed between the rover and the team of scientists who controlled her from Earth, spanning millions of miles.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.5 - 2
Goodbye Cassini - Hello SaturnMovie · 2017 · 60mA billion miles from Earth, with dwindling fuel and time running out, the spacecraft Cassini is on a final descent. After 13 years exploring the Saturn system, Cassini is heading for a fiery end, becoming part of the planet it studied. On its last mission – a plunge into Saturn's heart – Horizon celebrates the mission's groundbreaking discoveries that transformed our understanding of the solar system. These include strange new worlds with enormous ice geysers, possible underground oceans that might support life, and a newly forming moon within Saturn’s rings. Horizon will capture Cassini's final moments as the world bids farewell to this great explorer.IMDb 8.3TMDB 6.3 - 3
Secrets of the SunMovie · 2012 · 54mThe sun makes up almost all the mass in our solar system and constantly releases superheated plasma at nearly a million miles per hour. Its core reaches a phenomenal 27 million degrees Fahrenheit. It churns, it burns, it radiates energy. We call it the sun. Scientists consider it one of the universe's most incredible natural experiments.TMDB 9.0 - 4
Mission SaturnMovie · 2017 · 47mAt the end of its 20-year mission, NASA's largest spacecraft, Cassini, enters Saturn. This film offers the first comprehensive look at the Saturn mission, highlighting the dedicated team who worked to explore the planet in unprecedented detail.TMDB 6.5 - 5
In the Shadow of the MoonMovie · 2007 · 109m · Documentary, HistoryThis film features previously unseen archival footage from the original NASA recordings, alongside interviews with the astronauts who walked on the Moon. The interviews include Jim Lovell, Dave Scott, John Young, Gene Cernan, Mike Collins, Buzz Aldrin, Alan Bean, Edgar Mitchell, Charlie Duke, and Harrison Schmitt.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.6 - 6
A Brief History of TimeMovie · 1991 · 80m · DocumentaryThis documentary examines the remarkable life of Stephen Hawking, a celebrated physicist who battled ALS throughout his career. As he progressively lost physical abilities, eventually becoming almost completely immobile and reliant on a computer to communicate, Hawking's intellectual curiosity and dedication to science remained strong. Featuring interviews with those closest to him – friends, family, classmates, and colleagues – the film offers rare insight into his revolutionary theories and the person behind them. It explores not only his significant scientific achievements but also the core of his resilience, determination, and humanity when confronted with profound challenges.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.2 - 7
The 21st Century Race For SpaceMovie · 2017 · 59mA new era of space exploration and resource extraction is beginning, driven by ambitious private companies founded by billionaire entrepreneurs. These companies aim for more than just space tourism or resource mining; they envision true exploration. SpaceX, for example, already transports supplies to the International Space Station and plans to send astronauts. Their ultimate goal is to establish a self-sustaining colony on Mars within the next ten years, ensuring humanity's survival. Will these commercial ventures transform us into a spacefaring civilization?IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.3 - 8
The FarthestMovie · 2018 · 121m · DocumentaryThis film explores the stories of the individuals and events that shaped NASA's Voyager mission, a landmark achievement in space exploration.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.8 - 9
Pluto: Back from the DeadMovie · 2020 · 58mThis is the remarkable story of Pluto, transforming from a simple icy object at the solar system's edge into a surprisingly complex world. The film explores the possibility that this distant world may harbor some form of extraterrestrial life.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.3 - 10
Asteroid HuntersMovie · 2020 · 41mAsteroid Hunters takes viewers on a journey into deep space to explore asteroids, their beginnings, and the danger they represent to Earth. Written and produced by Phil Groves, with Jini Durr as producer and W.D. Hogan directing, the film introduces the scientists who work to protect our planet from asteroid impacts. It reveals the advanced tools and methods they use to find and track these space rocks, and the technology being developed to potentially defend against them. Although a major impact is unlikely in our lifetimes, the devastating consequences highlight why studying asteroids is vital. The film showcases the forefront of planetary defense, demonstrating how science, innovation, and dedication are used to address the world's most preventable natural disaster.IMDb 7.2TMDB 8.2 - 11
Above and Beyond: NASA's Journey to TomorrowMovie · 2018 · 90mThis film explores the significant impact of NASA on both our nation and the world. Spanning six decades and beyond, it highlights past achievements, examines present projects, and outlines future goals. The story follows NASA's journey to the Moon, Mars, and the edges of our solar system, ultimately returning to focus on Earth.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.8 - 12
Moon Landing: The Lost TapesMovie · 2019 · 43mIn 1969, the world witnesses the Apollo 11 astronauts' attempt to achieve the unprecedented: a journey to the Moon and back. Over nine days, audio from Mission Control captures the mission's unfolding drama – highlighting dangers, critical decisions, and extraordinary moments. This documentary features newly discovered recordings of the astronauts before and after the mission, alongside rare film and photographs. It reveals their doubts and fears as they approached history. The mission faced two near-abortions due to a spacecraft alarm and dangerously low fuel. On the 50th anniversary of NASA's greatest accomplishment, Moon Landing: The Lost Tapes presents the incredible true story of humanity’s most ambitious leap.IMDb 6.9TMDB 8.0 - 13
Mars: One Day on the Red PlanetMovie · 2020 · 88mThis film takes you on an extraordinary journey across Mars, using actual data from satellites and rovers to show you the planet in a completely new way.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.7 - 14
Secrets of the Solar SystemMovie · 2015 · 52mWith new planets discovered regularly beyond our solar system, scientists are rethinking the origins of our own. The formation of our solar system wasn't a simple process of stable orbits; it was a chaotic event involving intense heat, destruction, and planetary collisions. The existence of Earth itself is a remarkable fluke.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.2 - 15
First to the MoonMovie · 2018 · 122mAmidst global unrest, three men pushed the boundaries of human achievement further than anyone imagined. Apollo 8 tells the story of the first people to journey beyond Earth and reach the Moon. Using newly restored footage and audio recordings, astronauts Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and Bill Anders recount their individual paths to being selected for this historic mission and describe their experiences during the groundbreaking voyage.IMDb 7.7TMDB 6.9 - 16
A Beautiful PlanetMovie · 2016 · 45m · Documentary, Adventure, FamilyThis film offers a stunning view of Earth from space, providing a new understanding of our planet and galaxy. Created with NASA, it features breathtaking footage captured by astronauts on the International Space Station, showing our planet and the impact humans have had on it throughout history.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.1 - 17
Black Holes: The Edge of All We KnowMovie · 2020 · 98m · DocumentaryBlack holes represent the ultimate frontier of scientific understanding. To push that boundary, the Event Horizon Telescope unites observatories globally, creating a virtual Earth-sized instrument. Using this, the team captures the first-ever image of a black hole, an image shared with billions in April 2019. Simultaneously, Hawking and his colleagues tackle a fundamental paradox: do the laws of physics hold true within the extreme distortions of space and time around a black hole? Interwoven with these threads is a philosophical exploration, brought to life through expressive animation. "Edge" examines the highest levels of scientific inquiry, blending observation, theory, and philosophy to illuminate these most enigmatic objects.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.6 - 18
Mars Calling: Manifest Destiny or Grand Illusion?Movie · 2018 · 54mMany believe Mars is humanity's future home. But the planet holds a deceptive nature, appearing beautiful yet harboring hidden dangers. As we send more instruments to explore, Mars keeps its secrets. This film blends myth and science to suggest that Mars might be far different from what we expect. Those who settle there should be warned: the Red Planet could change humanity as much as we change it.IMDb 7.1TMDB 9.5 - 19
Voyager: To the Final FrontierMovie · 2012 · 59mThe Voyager space mission is the story of an incredible journey into the unknown. In 1977, NASA launched two unmanned spacecraft toward the outer reaches of our solar system – Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, and Uranus. These were the first human-made objects to explore these distant planets, facing cosmic hazards like space dust and radiation while revealing the solar system's wonders. Now, in late 2012, 35 years and 11 billion miles later, the Voyagers are departing the sun's influence and venturing into interstellar space. Each carries a golden record with a message about humanity, intended for any potential extraterrestrial civilizations. This is the complete story of Earth’s most daring explorers.IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.9 - 20
National Geographic: Journey to the Edge of the UniverseMovie · 2008 · 91m · DocumentaryA sweeping visual journey takes us from Earth to the far reaches of space. We witness the birth of stars, explore alien worlds, encounter black holes, and journey into the unknown depths of the universe.IMDb 8.4TMDB 7.7 - 21
Mission Control: The Unsung Heroes of ApolloMovie · 2017 · 101m · DocumentaryThe film focuses on the often-overlooked team at NASA's Mission Control, the people who made the Apollo program's goal of landing men on the moon a reality. It follows their relentless work, careful decisions, and unwavering dedication as they guided each stage of this historic mission during the Cold War. The story highlights their bonds, their drive, and the power of human determination against a backdrop of global competition. Using personal stories and accurate depictions of key moments, the film reveals how these individuals forged a future that united people across borders and continues to inspire us today.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3
