The universe and space is indeed an intriguing topic. I myself am extremely curious about what exactly is space. The more I read about spatial life and theories, the more awestruck I get.
I am always looking for answers to the question—what lies beyond our home planet?
Fortunately, I have space documentaries to the rescue. The documentaries are extremely worth as they deliver information in creative visuals which help in better understanding. After watching space documentaries, I usually have a plethora of questions.
There are several space documentaries but I have created a list of the top 10 space documentaries. These happen to be my favorite and I can re-watch them all over again with utmost interest.
I consider the below-mentioned space documentaries to be completely informational and way out of the league as compared to others.
Let’s take a trip around the universe via the top 10 space documentaries:
10. Apollo 11:
Year of Release: 2019
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 99% fresh
Metascore: 88%
Apollo 11 carries a fascinating space documentary perfectly timed with the original historic footage. In this documentary, the real clips coming straight from NASA’s control room and the rocket have hit people’s hearts. To watch Apollo 11 is an incredible opportunity that makes us understand everything—right from pre-launch to splashdown recovery.
9. Fight for Space:
Year of Release: 2017
IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
Metascore: NA
The main plot of Fight for Space is the decline of the space program post the Apollo mission. The space documentary then goes on to explain the reason why man hasn’t even left the orbit of Earth. Neil deGrasse Tyson and Michio Kaku who are featured in the documentary mainly argue on the decision to cut back on space exploration funding was a real scientific tragedy. If you love space and exploration, Fight for Space is a must-watch.
8.Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman:
Year of Release: 2010
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes: NA
Metascore: NA
Through the Wormholes answers some of the deepest mysteries of existence. Narrated by Morgan Freeman, it answers questions from every corner of science—Astrophysics, Astrobiology, Quantum Mechanics, String Theory, and many more. This space documentary goes on to answer whether there is a creator or not, and other intriguing questions.
7. The Last Man on The Moon:
Year of Release: 2014
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
Metascore: 79%
The last man on the moon is a biographical documentary by Gene Carnan. He is the eleventh person to set foot on the moon. Gene not only left his footprints on the moon but also craved the initials of his daughter on the Lunar Dust. This space documentary is one of its kinds to segment the epic story about Gene’s personal fulfillment, love, and loss. The last man on the moon is one of those rare space documentaries that combine the rare archival footage with compelling VFX.
Related: Meet the first Private Space Crew to travel Space Station
6. Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey:
Year of Release: 2014
IMDb Rating: 9.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
Metascore: 83%
This is an excellent reboot of Carl Sagan’s ‘Cosmos’ and is hosted and narrated by none other than Neil deGrasse Tyson. This is one of the best space documentaries and is split into 13 informative episodes. All the 13 episodes keep your eyes hooked on the screen offering a fresh outlook into the void. Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey is worth binge-watching.
5. Into the Universe with Stephen Hawking:
Year of Release: 2010
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes: NA
Metascore: NA
Stephen Hawking—one of the most acclaimed scientists of all time. He is regarded as one of the best people who have tremendous knowledge on any subject of space. Into the universe—written by Stephen Hawking is one of my all-time favorite space documentaries. It has been converted into a mini-series and features aliens, time travel, and the story of everything. You should add this to your ‘must-watch’ list immediately as it contains incredible graphics and interesting explanations.
4. Journey to the Edge of the Universe:
Year of Release: 2008
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes: NA
Metascore: NA
One of the riveting space documentaries is the Journey to the edge of the universe. This documentary has two main versions—one from the United States of America and the other from the British one. Journey to the edge of the universe was the first broadcast on National Geographic and the Discovery Channel. This space documentary hits you with scientific facts on the way. As the name suggests, the documentary takes you to the edge of the universe indeed and is really hard to miss.
3. Hubble:
Year of Release: 2010
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
Metascore: 79%
Hubble is another fantabulous space documentary. Narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, the documentary shares fascinating insights about the efforts required to maintain important scientific instruments in space. The primary focus of the documentary lies on the trials and tribulations of 7 astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. These 7 astronauts are on a mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope and the visuals are just perfect, blowing your mind!
2. For All Mankind:
Year of Release: 1989
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
Metascore: 79%
For all mankind is of its kind space documentary that is mainly compiled from original footage of NASA’s Apollo program. It skillfully shares perceptions for the efforts made to send the first humans to the moon. Considered as one of the most stunning space documentaries, it focuses on the exquisiteness of our home planet as seen from space.
1. In the Shadow of the Moon:
Year of Release: 2007
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
Metascore: 84%
A British-made documentary, “In the Shadow of the Moon” is yet another amazing space documentary. It mainly documents the United States crewed missions to the Moon. This space documentary has won the World Cinema Audience Award in the same year. In the shadow of the moon is also one of the few space documentaries that have featured the actual footage from various missions to the Moon.
Nevertheless, there are many other space documentaries that answer most of the intriguing questions making you fall in love with space and universe.
Also Read: 5 Most Awaited Space Missions to Look Forward In 2021
