There’s something about science fiction set in space that I always find interesting. Vast galaxies, unknown planets, futuristic tech and spaceships, different kinds of beings & civilisations, and the constant tension between exploration and survival. Space feels like the perfect setting for stories that are both imaginative and grounded in questions of how different life could be elsewhere, or how far humans can go.

I enjoy space films that make real efforts in their worldbuilding, where the setting is not just a backdrop of stars, but unique environments with their own rules. Whether it’s alien ecosystems, time dilations, hostile environments or impossible gravity conditions, I like when a story builds a world that feels like it could really exist somewhere out there.

My thoughts on some of them are:

  • 2001 Space Odyssey: While I didn’t really get it at first, it was after a re-watch and with some explanations that I realised that it was actually a great film about humanity’s evolution (and how it could have been enabled by a benevolent & superior race) and the dangers of relying too much on technology (which still feels relevant in this age).
  • The Martian: A survival story on Mars that was practical and full of problem-solving, which made me think about how I wouldn’t have lasted a day in that situation.
  • Passengers: I liked how it made space feel like horror when you find yourself totally alone on a spaceship and know you won’t survive the journey.
  • Guardians of the Galaxy: This was fun, bright, chaotic, full of alien species and tech. At times I do like an action-comedy sci-fi, specially when its about absurd planets and the idea that anything could be out there. Groot is my favourite of course.
  • Thor: I really love Asgard, Loki and the ‘worthy’ hammer. Thor coming to Earth was good, but somehow less interesting than his original planet.
  • Star Wars: I have re-watched this a few times and always love the way it built different planets and alien societies, while still having the politics and organisations of us humans. And the story of Darth Vader is always timeless.
  • Dune: I don’t remember much about this series, but the desert-like worlds, the concept of the ‘chosen one’, and a strong female lead always makes for a good story.
  • Interstellar: I liked how it approached space travel from a more grounded, physics-driven angle. Re-locating to another planet or colonising does feel like it may become a real need in the far future. But other than all the space stuff, the unexpected betrayals from [old professor] and [Matt Damon] were what made this film stand out.

Arrival deserves a mention as well – although it’s not a movie about actually travelling anywhere into space, but rather about an alien race travelling to us. I’m not sure what was more fascinating – the anatomy of the aliens or their intriguing language; maybe both. But what was definitely a little annoying was to see the same common tropes of humans panicking & trying to attack alien races, immediately assuming the worst – when in fact these races may be harmless, friendly, trying to offer help, or even seeking help from us.

It’s always interesting to watch characters navigate strange worlds, face cosmic threats, or interact with something we barely understand. Whether it’s a spaceship battle scene or the silence of drifting alone in an orbit, space stories feel like a mix of thrill and mystery – and I don’t think I’ll ever get bored of that.