Science fiction is easily one of the more popular genres within big, blockbuster movies. Over the years, many films have been quite successful thanks to their new, innovative ideas, even if the films themselves haven't been that great. However, occasionally, a story will come along that manages to radically change things up and breathe new life into the genre as a whole.
Based on the book by Andy Weir, The Martian (2015) actually managed to incorporate a lot of real-world science from the novel and bring it to the big screen. Of course, some things were still exaggerated, but many still look back at the film with fond memories, especially thanks to a great performance from Matt Damon and the direction of Ridley Scott. For those looking to explore other great films of a similar caliber, here are 15 movies to check out.
Updated on May 30th, 2021 by Mark Birrell: The Martian has proven to be one of the most beloved movies of director Ridley Scott's prolific career and that's a great thing for fans because there's a ton of great movies out there that share a lot of its best qualities. From survival in unforgiving wildernesses to the most far -flung sci-fi ideas, all of these movies have something for fans of The Martian to like. We've added an extra 5 to this list to further help those who are looking for similar experiences, whether they be set in space or down on Earth.
Interstellar (2014) - Available on FXNow
On a more obvious note, Interstellar has a surprising amount in common with The Martian. Granted, there are still plenty of differences between them, but it is safe to say that fans of one are likely to be fans of the other.
From Matt Damon's roles in each film to similar themes and settings, both sci-fi classics are necessary watches for any fan of the genre overall. With the two movies coming out a year apart from one another as well, it is hard to not think of Interstellar in relation to The Martian.
Arctic (2018) - Available on Starz
Mads Mikkelsen is the stranded man in this stripped-down–but bluntly effective–survival movie about a lone survivor who the story picks up sometime into their isolation in the Arctic wilderness after an apparent plane crash.
Arctic may not have as much of a high concept angle as The Martian but it is a very intelligent movie that leaves a lot of the story to be figured out by the audience for themselves, rather than having exposition crammed down their throats. It also leaves the majority of the safe hands of Mikkelsen as the primary storyteller in the movie, writing the epic struggle through a largely silent performance.
Apollo 13 (1995) - Available on Starz
Though The Martian is not a true story, a lot of the science within the original novel is very accurate. Therefore, it only makes sense that a story centered on actual events would be equally captivating for fans of the 2015 film.
1995 saw the release of Apollo 13, a film centered on the actual mission and starring big names like Tom Hanks and Kevin Bacon. Not only was the film a great success, but the fact that it is a true story makes it all the more suspenseful. Though there are still a few exaggerations in both films, there have definitely been far more inaccurate space movies out there, making Apollo 13 a great watch in more ways than one.
Alien (1979) - Available on IMDb TV
In terms of style, few other filmmakers have managed to captivate audiences the way director Ridley Scott has. From other films like Thelma and Louise (1991) to Blade Runner (1982), the director has certainly played a massive part in cinema history.
Furthermore, though Alien has very little in common with The Martian aside from being set in space, it is hard to deny that Scott's style fits perfectly for both films. Whether it's the threat of a killer alien or the dangers of Martian terrain, both films feature an excellent use of suspense that only Scott's iconic direction could display.
Prometheus (2012) - Available on HBO Max
Over 30 years after redefining science-fiction movies, Ridley Scott returned to the Alien universe for an entirely different kind of deep space survival story that shares a number of striking design elements with The Martian, particularly in the costuming.
The scientists at the heart of Prometheus are much more like the astronauts of The Martian than the surly workers of the Nostromo in Alien. Though the horror aspect of the Alien remains strong in Prometheus, and it's still decidedly more downbeat and cautionary than the ultimately inspiring tale of The Martian.
Cast Away (2000) - Available on Tubi
As far as survival stories go, few are as memorable as Cast Away starring Tom Hanks. Faced with an entirely new set of problems, the protagonists of both films do an excellent job of carrying the narrative despite the different trials faced by each of them.
Likewise, both films feature likable characters, as well as incredible performances from their lead actors. Though Cast Away may not be set in the incredibly harsh terrain of Mars, it is still a fantastic story of survival in its own right.
Gravity (2013) - Available for purchase on Prime Video
While surviving by oneself on Mars is definitely no easy task, at least the character of Mark Watney had gravity to work with. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Sandra Bullock's character, Ryan Stone, in the award-winning film, Gravity.
Packed with suspense from the very beginning, Gravity is a frightening experience unlike any other, making it easy to see why it was one of the most celebrated films of 2013. Though The Martian may not have matched Gravity in terms of Oscar wins, both films are well deserving of the high praise they both received.
Jungle (2017) - Available on Prime Video
Daniel Radcliffe takes the lead in this often brutal survival movie based on the true story of Yosspeh Ghinsberg's experiences in the Amazon rainforest after becoming lost with a small group.
As Matt Damon is in The Martian, the Harry Potter star is accompanied by several talented actors here but nevertheless gets to show off their abilities in carrying the weight of a whole movie on their shoulders. Jungle demonstrates the tenacity of the human spirit in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, though often in a much more grim way than The Martian's more upbeat sci-fi story.
High Life (2018) - Available on Prime Video
Many tend to associate Robert Pattinson with the role of Edward Cullen in the Twilight film series. However, the actor truly gets a chance to show some range in the indie film High Life.
Centered around a convict and his daughter as they travel on a ship hurtling through space, High Life is certainly a unique experience, even if it isn't the most celebrated film on this list. With plenty of disturbing moments throughout the film, High Life is certainly worth a watch for any fan of The Martian, as well as any fan of sci-fi in general.
The Revenant (2015) - Available on Fubo TV
Leonardo DiCaprio earned an Oscar for Best Actor for his committed performance in this bloody tale of survival and revenge, with awards also for director Alejandro González Iñárritu
and cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki.
The stunning natural landscapes, though mostly snowy and rich with plants and animals, are just as otherworldly and terrifying as Mars can seem in The Martian and the movie's acclaimed blending of practical and digital effects is sure to wow fans of The Martian's more eye-popping moments too.
Moon (2009) - Available on Tubi
Despite the good reviews it has received, many people aren't familiar with Moon. Starring Sam Rockwell and centered around a man on the moon who finds a mysterious clone of himself, Moon is much more of a thriller than an actual survival story.
However, the film is still rather intriguing all the way through, and it also manages to explore many different themes despite the limited cast and locations. Like with other films on this list, Moon doesn't have too much in common with The Martian, but it is still a great sci-fi film overall that many consider to be a hidden gem within the genre.
Dune (1984) - Available on HBO Max
Over time, Dune has become quite a cult classic, especially among sci-fi fans. Directed by David Lynch, Dune explores a distant future in which various groups and planets fight over the resource known as "the spice."
Unfortunately, like many other David Lynch films, Dune isn't exactly for everyone, and can even be a bit of an acquired taste. Though the upcoming remake might fare a bit better with general audiences, this is still one sci-fi classic that is still worthy of attention, even after all these years.
All is Lost (2013) - Available on HBO Max
Robert Redford takes a more daringly solitary role than any other actor from any other movie on this list with this barebones take on a story of a man lost at sea. With damage to his boat and no sign of help, time becomes the most vicious enemy in their fight for survival.
An intensely dramatic and thrilling movie, All is Lost is almost entirely without dialogue but still packs more than enough punch to impress fans of all The Martian's most blockbusting setpieces.
127 Hours (2010) - Available for purchase on Prime Video
As far as survival stories go, 127 Hours is actually structured fairly similarly to The Martian. Inspired by a true story, 127 Hours follows James Franco as Aron Ralston, a young engineer who is forced to amputate his arm after getting stuck while hiking alone.
Told through the occasional video chat with a few good jokes sprinkled throughout, as well, much of the same charm within The Martian can be found in this film as well. For those who prefer a much more realistic take on a similar story, 127 Hours is definitely not one to miss.
First Man (2018) - Available for purchase on Prime Video
Starring Ryan Gosling, First Man looks closely at the life of Neil Armstrong before, during, and shortly after his historic moon landing. The film itself actually shows a lot of personal details about the astronaut, all while finding a way to acknowledge his achievements in the process.
As yet another true story, First Man does a great job of capturing the sense of scientific wonder at the time, without focusing too much on the details. Those who appreciate a lot of realistic science while also maintaining a deep, well-balanced story are sure to find that First Man does the job.