Whether fictional or based on a true story, there's something gripping and exciting about watching a treacherous tale of survival. It can be both entertaining and inspiring watching film portrayals of humanity overcoming the odds and traversing seemingly impossible hurdles. Sci-fi and outer space settings fit this premise like a glove, as the stakes are raised and the scope is expanded to celestial levels.
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This grandiose, ominous overlay makes these survival escapades all the more intense and thrilling. The vast, hostile emptiness of space serves as a strong backdrop for harsh, seemingly insurmountable conditions.
Throughout the decades, there have been many memorable examples, encompassing a range of styles, settings, and narratives. With that said, here are 10 of the very best examples of outer space survival films.
Passengers (2016)
Sci-fi films often thrive when venturing into new territory and exploring concepts not often seen in the genre. This is certainly the case with 2016's Passengers. It takes a science fiction survival premise and melds it with a bit of romance, drama, and thrilling action. The film stars Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt, who play the roles of two lovers. They're part of a small band of humanity on course for a century-long trip to a new planet.
The chemistry between the actors is prevalent, as is the visually pleasing set design and thoughtful dialogue. The film contains a thick sense of atmosphere and features a vast, elaborate spacecraft setting to keep viewers enticed.
While it's earned mixed scores critically, Passengers makes for a gripping space drama on the whole.
Pandorum (2009)
This Christian Alvart film succeeds in drawing from a number of styles and influences, making Pandorum its own entity.
It siphons elements of a sci-fi adventure, survival romp, and Lovecraftian horror. The result is a riveting, gasp-inducing ride throughout its 108 minutes. Similar to Passengers, a massive interstellar ark comprises the unique setting, which carries the last bastion of humanity in a cryo-sleep state. Yet, this ship is one that's wrought with far more nefarious happenings.
As indicated by some tepid reviews, Pandorum can be considered a "popcorn" film, rife with over-the-top action and cheesy moments. Still, it's a thrilling ride for those willing to embark on this dark, twisted journey.
Gravity (2013)
Some of the most enthralling survival tales are those that are laser-focused and simple. Director Alfonso Cuarón's Gravity can largely be described in this manner. The film takes a "less is more" approach, with most of its 91-minute runtime honing in on two desperate astronauts clinging to life as they risk drifting off into space.
Yet, there's plenty of depth in this tense survival romp as well - from the convincing performances by Sandra Bullock and George Clooney to the breathtaking visuals and endearing dialogue.
Cuarón invokes palpable feelings of discomfort and anxiety, intermixed with peaceful bouts, as the film shows these stranded leads scrambling to reach safety.
Europa Report (2013)
There have been plenty of space adventures to the moon, Mars, and even planets beyond our solar system - but what about Jupiter's possibly habitable moon of Europa? This 2013 sci-fi revolves around just such a mission, featuring six astronauts who seek life on this moon.
The film shines visually with a blend of realistic documentary-style footage and slick, breathtaking imagery. It starts off slow and atmospheric before launching into an "edge-of-your-seat" thriller, as Europa's happenings are unearthed.
The Martian (2015)
One would think it'd be a pretty dismal state of affairs to be abandoned on a freezing, barren planet like Mars, with no indication of rescue. Yet, astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) makes the most out of this epic survival romp, through his light-hearted attitude, various quips, and Martian potato farm.
Damon brings plenty of charm to the character - bringing novelist Andy Weir's character to life and adding a personal element to this visually-stunning film. While it's a marathon at 141 minutes, it doesn't feel its length - as The Martian's likable cast, strong writing, and appealing cinematography captivates throughout.
Solaris (1972)
This impressive sci-fi from director Andrei Tarkovsky radiates artistic nuance and philosophical food for thought during its nearly 3-hour runtime. What starts as an interstellar journey unfolds into an emotional and psychological trip, rife with drama, atmospheric sets, and shocking revelations.
Though not a survival adventure in the traditional sense, Solaris keeps viewers feeling uneasy with the ominous state of the Solaris Station and its distressed protagonist. Decades later, this film still stands out with its unique blend of science fiction, paranormal elements, and emotional weight.
Apollo 13 (1995)
It's not often that a film is so consistently strong across the board - providing some strong writing and performances along with rich, atmospheric cinematography. Yet, this is the case with Ron Howard's Apollo 13; a docudrama renowned for its faithful, authentic portrayal of a real trip to the moon that nearly turned to catastrophe.
The astronaut crew, played by Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, and Bill Paxton, enhance this compelling, tense journey with dynamic performances and great chemistry. Apollo 13 makes for an enthralling space adventure and an emotional roller coaster from start to finish.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
There are few filmmakers who can invoke a unique atmosphere and artistic nuance quite like the late Stanley Kubrick. 2001 one is a shining example of his off-kilter methodology, and one of the most awe-inspiring sci-fi odysseys to date.
The film is just as much about style and ambiance as it is about substance. Kubrick takes its audience on a long, wondrous trip through space and time itself. During this captivating ride, the viewer is treated with celestial, technological imagery coupled with implications of AI, alien life, and even the concept of human evolution.
Interstellar (2014)
As is the case with the previous entry, filmmaker Christopher Nolan is known for his rich, memorable epics - traits that are reinforced with one of his best works yet, Interstellar.
The nearly 3-hour runtime flies by as swiftly as the Endurance ship itself, as viewers are left to wonder just what will happen next in this time-bending journey to a new planet. With the fate of humanity on the line and a limited window of time to complete the mission, the action is thrilling and the stakes are as high as can be.
Interstellar is a riveting ride throughout, enhanced by great performances, imaginative set pieces, and sleek visuals - not to mention one of the richest soundtracks in modern film.
Alien (1979)
Director Ridley Scott, as he's known to do, ropes viewers into this iconic sci-fi with a slew of authentic set pieces and convincing special effects. Yet, like the persistent ship-breaching creature itself, Scott refuses to let go, grabbing his audience with dark, eerie settings and heart-pounding moments.
Along with visual effects that still stand the test of time, Alien is renowned for featuring one of the most iconic sci-fi heroes to date, Ripley (Sigourney Weaver). Coupled with some gritty, realistic imagery, the convincing performance by Weaver makes each scene all the more intense as she desperately tries to stave off a fierce alien attack.