After three year-hiatus from making movies, George Clooney returns to the big screen as the leading actor, producer, and director in Netflix's newest film, The Midnight Sky.
Alongside George Clooney, the movie consists of an ensemble cast that includes Felicity Jones, David Oyelowo, and Kyle Chandler. It is an emotional film that will leave viewers anticipating the missions by the scientist and astronauts. Also, it shows the beautiful visuals of space and the disheartening imagery of Earth. Of course, The Midnight Sky is not the first of its kind. Several other films capture the movie's essence, whether it be another space mission or another apocalyptic catastrophe.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Considering the mysteries behind a black monolith, two astronauts venture into space to find answers regarding its origin. While traveling with H.A.L. 9000, a supercomputer, a new conflict arises between humanity and machine that changes the course of their mission and brings about revelations regarding the space and time continuum.
Of course, 2001: A Space Odyssey sets the foundation of the space theme that we now see today. The film was gratified for its complex story and breathtaking visuals that have since inspired future sci-fi films.
Interstellar (2014)
Interstellar is one movie that most equates to the tone and premise of The Midnight Sky. As Earth becomes inhospitable, a pilot joins a team of researchers to try and save humanity. His time and sacrifice mean leaving his children behind for several years, and matters worsen when there is deception regarding their plans.
Interstellar is like any Christopher Nolan movie. The story is convoluted, but it is still substantive in its approach. The stakes of it all make the film emotionally investing, from phenomenal performances by the cast, such as Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, and Jessica Chastain, and the beautiful score composed by Hans Zimmer.
The Martian (2015)
As a group of astronauts escapes the conditions of Mars, one botanist gets left behind, leaving him stranded on the red planet. Now, he has to find a way to communicate with Earth and keep himself alive as long as possible, with his innovation and intelligence.
Though most space movies have a dramatic tone, The Martian is a unique movie, where it is more light-hearted. Based on Andy Weir's novel of the same title, the film is one of a kind that viewers compliment for its brilliance, thrill, and humor. Furthermore, Matt Damon gives a genuinely unforgettable performance.
Gravity (2013)
George Clooney has a soft-side when it comes to space movies and their calamities. When space debris causes critical damage to the space shuttle, a medical engineer and a team commander are the only ones to survive the impact. Now, they have to figure out how to get back home to Earth, which means understanding the ways around space.
Gravity was one of the biggest movies in 2013. It is quite a harrowing and anxiety-inducing film that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats. Critics praised the film for its beautiful visual effects and direction, which earned the film Best Director for Alfonso Cuarón and Best Visual Effects at the 86th Academy Awards.
Sunshine (2007)
With the sun slowly dying, the results could lead to the end of humanity. Therefore, a group of astronauts is on course to reignite the sun and give humanity another fighting chance. However, when the team detours and meets upon an older spaceship, they face the unexpected aftermaths that jeopardize their mission and risk everyone's life onboard.
Danny Boyle presents another thrilling piece of work with Sunshine. It is extraordinary with the complexities and psychological elements of space traveling, with incredible visual effects and impactful storytelling. The movie is also supported by an ensemble cast that includes Chris Evans, Cillian Murphy, and Rose Byrne.
Moon (2009)
Moon is no ordinary space movie as it takes a turn on the psychological and quintessential effects of space travel. An astronaut travels home from his research on the moon. However, he deals with hallucinations that could be from his trip. Now, he has to figure out what all the mysteries mean before he arrives home.
Moon may not be the most highly-budgeted sci-fi movie, but it is a must-watch for viewers to watch. Of course, Sam Rockwell is the star of the film. He gives a remarkable performance and is perhaps one of Rockwell's best roles to date.
The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
Sometimes, mother nature can change unexpectedly. These cases could lead to unspeakable natural disasters from tornadoes around cities to a tsunami-like hurricane during the cold season. For one paleoclimatologist, he goes on a complicated journey through a superstorm to find his only son and bring him home before it's too late.
The Day After Tomorrow is not a perfect movie, especially for a natural disaster flick. However, the visuals are horrifying yet mesmerizing that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats. The movie stars Dennis Quaid, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Emmy Rossum.
Ad Astra (2019)
Ad Astra is not any usual sci-face movie in space. It is more than that as it focuses on the estranged bond between a father and son. After Roy McBride's father has been missing for three decades, Roy goes on a mission to find the truth about his father's expedition and stop the threat upon those at home.
Not everyone loves this movie because of the slow pace and development. However, it is quite ambitious in its approach by narrating a different spin on space-related movies. Also, it is visually stunning with brilliant cinematography and an amazing performance by Brad Pitt.
Snowpiercer (2013)
In this post-apocalyptic world where Earth undergoes a second Ice Age, civilization now lies on speed-trains to keep humanity alive. However, everyone is located in each cart by the class system, leaving the poorest to live in unbearable conditions. With the help of one man, they push their way to the engine and change the rules and lifestyle set by those in control.
Before becoming an Oscar-winning director, Bong Joon-ho was already crafting pieces of art. Snowpiercer is surprisingly entertaining due to its unique and captivating story. It consists of a stellar cast of Chris Evans, Song Kang-ho, and Tilda Swinton.
First Man (2018)
This biographical drama centers on Neil Armstrong's life story as he becomes one of the first astronauts to step foot on the moon. However, life as an astronaut is more than just space alone as he recounts the people that he loses close to him.
Directed by Damien Chazelle, First Man is a touching and beautiful movie about Neil Armstrong, played by Ryan Gosling. Critics and audience alike raved the film for its emotional storytelling, brilliant direction, and amazing performances by Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy. Also, the Moon landing sequence is quite a stunning scene that viewers surely cannot miss.