Hollywood has long been fascinated by the mysteries of outer space. From live-action documentaries to dramatic reenactments of dusty missions, there are films that have allowed audiences to feel like they’ve traveled to the stars and beyond. However, no space program has inspired filmmakers more than NASA’s Apollo space program.
President John F. Kennedy launched Project Apollo in 1961 with the goal of landing on the moon before the end of the decade, and the project saw astronauts launch into rockets, orbit the moon, and then miraculously land on its surface. In 1969, Neil Armstrong made history by becoming the first man to walk on the moon. In the ensuing battles, more astronauts joined the elite club of humans who had landed on the moon.
Naturally, directors and documentary filmmakers around the world have found their stories irresistible and have tried time and again to bring the Apollo missions to the big screen. Some of these films take on a broader scope, while others focus on pivotal moments. In any case, the best films that have captured the glorious stories associated with the Apollo space program have one thing in common—they honor the largest and most influential missions ever.
10 Monok One (1972)
Released just three years after mankind first stepped on the moon, Moon Walk One An in-depth documentary chronicling the entire Apollo 11 mission, from launch to landing. Directed by Theo Kamiki and narrated by Lawrence Luckinbill, the film weaves together intricate pieces of archival footage obtained from NASA and global reactions to the mission to capture the intensity and significance of the mission and allow audiences to experience key moments as if they were there, along the way.
Philosophical and poetic novel
Few documentaries are as comprehensive and culturally honest as Moon Walk OneAt just an hour and a half, the film offers a look at the astronauts’ journey, the preparations before launch, the moonwalk, and the subsequent return to Earth. The film takes a poetic approach to the Apollo mission by offering a unique perspective on the accomplishment. The use of real NASA archives rather than a re-creation of the events adds depth and authenticity and makes the documentary engaging to watch. The film also features astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins.
9 The Right Things (1983)
One of the most realistic and somewhat funny movies based on the Apollo space program is The right thingsBased on Tom Wolfe's book, the film chronicles the early days of the U.S. space program through the eyes of Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force test pilots at Edwards Air Force Base. Seven of them are eventually selected to be astronauts, dubbed the “Mercury Seven.” At the same time, the film highlights the physical, personal, and professional challenges they face.
An epic story about the first space heroes.
Known for its wide scope and exciting stories, The right things Directed by Philip Kaufman, the film depicts the courage, camaraderie, and relentless pursuit of excellence of that era with the help of a cast that includes Ed Harris, Scott Glenn, and Sam Shepard. Aside from being inspiring and authentic, Kaufman's drama is also remembered for its wonderful details from Wolfe's book. The right things It was a box office flop, but won four Oscars.
8 For All Mankind (1989)
For true space enthusiasts, the internet is full of content about the Apollo mission, ready to be consumed. But this fantastic documentary, directed by Al Reinert, compiles all the original NASA footage from 1968 to 1972, during which twenty-four men traveled to the moon, and creates a story that feels unique and seamless. The film covers Apollo 7 through Apollo 17, highlighting the beauty of space travel. It also uses the words of the astronauts themselves to make the experience even more immersive.
Known for his unfiltered intimacy.
Simplicity and intimacy For all humanity That’s what makes it the best space documentary ever made. Reinert, who reviewed over six million feet of film to extract the most astonishing moments for his documentary, offers an unparalleled look at the launch sequences, the moon landing, and the astronauts’ experiences. The film’s reception, as you might expect, has been overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising its beautiful soundtrack and eye-catching visuals.
7 Apollo 13 (1995)
Apollo 13 A compelling film about the failed 1970 moon mission that nearly ended in tragedy. Starring Tom Hanks as Jim Lovell, Kevin Bacon as Jack Swigert and Bill Paxton as Fred Haise, the film follows three astronauts as they embark on what was supposed to be NASA's third moon landing. However, when their oxygen tank explodes, they are stranded in space and the mission turns into a desperate struggle for survival. On Earth, NASA works against time to get the team safely back to Earth.
An exciting and bold novel
The story is told over four tense days with tense realism and a horrific tone, Apollo 13 There is no doubt that this film is a masterpiece of cinema. Ron Howard directed the film with great care, and his meticulous direction and attention to technical details added weight to the emotional story.
Hanks, Bacon and Paxton, along with tour director Ed Harris, give outstanding performances and perfectly embody their characters' plight and resilience. Apollo 13 The film received nine Academy Award nominations and won two, including Best Film Editing and Best Sound.
6 The Dish (2000)
An underrated gem from director Rob Sitch, The dish This is a wonderful and funny addition to the space film canon. It tells the story of Australia’s lesser-known Parkes Observatory’s contribution to the Apollo 11 mission. Set in the small town of Parkes in South Wales, the film follows an eccentric team of scientists and engineers working on the giant radio telescope responsible for broadcasting Neil Armstrong’s historic moonwalk across the world. They face a series of technical challenges and unpredictable weather conditions.
A story about a weak person that makes you happy
Despite being the highest-grossing Australian film of the year, The dish This film has been criminally overlooked. It does a good job of putting a lighthearted spin on the historical event and giving an unconventional behind-the-scenes look at the lives of all the unsung heroes who made the moment so enjoyable and memorable. Sam Neill, Kevin Harrington, and Tom Long are great in their roles. So is Sytch's direction. Overall, The dish It is a great mix of comedy, drama and history, and is a must watch movie.
5 In the Shadow of the Moon (2007)
In the shadow of the moon A fascinating documentary chronicling the incredible U.S. missions to the Moon during the Apollo program, which began as a dream of President John F. Kennedy in 1961 and reached its peak in the early 1970s. Directed by David Sington and produced by Duncan Cobb, the film includes interviews with ten surviving astronauts, including Aldrin, Collins, and Lovell, each representing a manned Apollo mission (except Apollo 7).
Documentary film forged from historical treasure
Films about space exploration, both in the 1960s and today, capture our collective wonder and present us with a reality that is not easy to access. Yet some documentaries make the experience so vivid that it is easy to forget the facts. In the shadow of the moon A deeply personal and reflective journey that highlights America’s triumphs as well as its challenges, “The Man Who Wins” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and won the World Cinema Audience Award, along with high praise for its uplifting tone.
4 Hidden Figures (2016)
Starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe as three African-American women who were extremely good at math and played pivotal roles at NASA during the early years of the Space Race, hidden figures It is a biographical drama worth watching.
The film focuses primarily on the 1960s, when racial tensions in the southern United States became barriers that Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson had to overcome in order to be recognized for their contributions to the successful launch of John Glenn into orbit.
Where science, race and gender intersect
hidden figures “The Space Invasion” is not just a story of determination and brilliance, but also one that inspires future generations to pave their own path despite societal norms. Directed by Theodore Melfi, the film brings an entertaining atmosphere to a lesser-known chapter of the space program. The depiction of the bigotry and misogyny that women face, along with the ultimately uplifting ending, reflect how far we have come in giving credit where credit is due.
3 The First Man (2018)
With a fairly clear title, The first man A biographical drama about Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon. Based on the book by James R. Hansen by Damien Chazelle, the film covers Armstrong from his early days as a test pilot through his historic Apollo 11 mission. Through Ryan Gosling's intense and visceral portrayal, viewers are transported into the mind of Armstrong as he grapples with the tragic loss of his young daughter and the intense pressures of his job.
The first guy gets everything right.
Chazelle was right to cast Gosling as Armstrong, just as he was right to direct the camera at his remarkably expressive face. The first man The film is notable for its intimate, emotional tone and accurate recreation of key moments like the Gemini 8 mission and the unforgettable moon landing sequence. The stunning visual effects (which were all practical, by the way) and immersive sound design (courtesy of Ai-Ling Lee) also make the film worth watching.
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2 First to the Moon (2018)
The Apollo space program, as we know it, lasted for many years. Before NASA launched Apollo 11, it needed another mission to go to the moon, orbit it, and return to Earth. First to reach the moon This is the authentic account of that mission, also known as Apollo 8, which was the second manned space mission by the United States. It features interviews with astronauts Frank Borman, Bill Anders, and Jim Lovell, who recount their experiences, as well as archival footage from NASA's personal collection as they prepared for and executed the mission.
A wonderful trip down memory lane.
The Apollo 8 mission was as important as Apollo 11 because it gave us the famous Earthrise photo, which Anders took by accident. We also learn more about the people involved in the mission, their backgrounds and their personal opinions. The documentary is also visually appealing and excitingly creative. Its engaging narrative style and realism have been incredibly praised.
1 Apollo 11 (2019)
The last documentary on the list is Apollo 11The film is directed by Todd Douglas Miller. Like many of his predecessors, it provides a detailed account of the historic mission. The film is composed entirely of archival footage, including previously unseen 70mm film and over 11,000 hours of unclassified audio recordings. What makes it stand out is that Miller focuses on providing viewers with a “you are there” experience by capturing the tension and excitement of the journey.
Honoring the greatest achievement in history
By abandoning all kinds of restrictions on storytelling, Apollo 11 The film appears as a real-time documentary of the moon landing and the astronauts' return to Earth. Miller's direction and use of high-quality footage are unparalleled, especially in the documentary genre. Critics praised the film for its tribute to the legacy of the Apollo space program, calling it “magnificent and unique” and describing the experience as “an adrenaline rush of wonder and skill.”
