Sci-fi movies have long been a captivating genre in Hollywood, blending imaginative concepts with cutting-edge visual effects. From exploring the depths of space to delving into futuristic technologies, these films have sparked the imagination of audiences worldwide. Sci-fi movies often inspire us to reflect upon the unfamiliar and question our understanding of reality with their imaginative depictions of otherworldly scenarios or futuristic disasters.
However, we’ll be taking you through some of the best sci-fi movies that were set on our natural satellite, i.e. the Moon.
7 Sci-Fi Movies That Took Viewers To The Moon
7. Ad Astra
Brad Pitt stars as an astronaut navigating through the known solar system searching for his Alien-enthralled father, Tommy Lee Jones. While the movie covers a broad spectrum of space, the most popular set piece is set on the moon. Despite its poor box office performance, Ad Astra was praised for its astounding visual effects and its ability to offer the closest thing to a genuine space experience.
6. Scooby Doo! Moon Monster Madness
The 2015 home movie Scooby-Doo! Moon Monster Madness sees the iconic meddling children and their bothersome four-legged companion come into possession of a winning lottery ticket, which gives them passage to the space station established by the wealthy businessman Sly Baron.
When the group embarks on their mission, a perplexing situation is revealed. The isolated lunar station, reminiscent of a bustling Metropolis, holds a secret involving an extraterrestrial entity that plans to devastate the entire facility, leaving the squad to ponder the age-old query – Are we the only inhabitants of the universe?
5. Apollo 18
In 2011, Apollo 18, a horror movie, drew inspiration from the real-life, canceled Apollo 18 mission. The film tells a fictitious horror story based on the theories surrounding why the 1974 mission was aborted. The footage is presented as if it was recorded from the original mission and is filled with horror elements.
Although the movie did not perform well at the box office, it could be perfect for those with an interest in horror set in space and tales of conspiracy.
4. Iron Sky: The Coming Race
The Iron Sky series was one of the rare, independently produced sci-fi movies to become a beloved favorite around the world. The concept of an alternate world where the Nazis relocated to the far side of the moon is based on a variety of conspiracy theories that emerged in the wake of World War II, causing a mass of apprehension.
After the events of the first part, humanity was obliged to flee from the destruction inflicted by a nuclear holocaust on Earth and relocate to a Moonbase for their own safety and security. They were unaware, however, that a similar danger awaited them on the dark side of the Moon.
3. Moon
In 2009, British filmmaker Duncan Jones crafted the science fiction drama Moon, featuring Sam Rockwell in the role of Sam Bell, the protagonist of the movie who is sent to the Helium 3 mining operation located on the far side of the moon to complete a technical assignment.
As the end of his contract approaches, Sam’s mental condition starts to worsen, and being isolated with nothing but an AI Robot for the company worsens his mental state and his chances of making it out alive. Duncan Jones’s first major film, Moon, received critical acclaim and was a commercial success.
2. Moonfall
In his heyday, Roland Emmerich was renowned as a master filmmaker who was virtually unmatched in his ability to blend action and sci-fi movies. However, he moved away from this formula to explore other genres until his much-anticipated return to sci-fi with the movie Moonfall.
The movie opens with an inexplicable event that causes the moon to deviate from its usual path and hurtle toward Earth. As the protagonists investigate further, a mystery is uncovered, one that takes us back to our ancient past and divulges a secret so baffling that it is almost beyond the grasp of human understanding.
1. 2001: A Space Odyssey
Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey is an iconic sci-fi classic that is widely regarded as one of the most important sci-fi movies and should not be overlooked by any fan of this genre. The 1968 film left viewers in awe, as it was released at a time when global audiences weren’t prepared for something of its magnitude.
Based on the novel of the same name, the 139-minute movie is well worth the watch. It’s one of those sci-fi movies that must be seen to be truly appreciated.
