10 Pulse-Pounding Movies LikeInterstellarThat Will Transport You to Space All Over Again

Mar. 15, 2025

Matthew McConaughey in ‘Interstellar’ (2014).Photo:Melinda Sue Gordon/Warner Bros

Melinda Sue Gordon/Warner Bros

Christopher Nolan’sInterstellarwas so popular it was re-released in theaters for its 10th anniversary and shot to Netflix’s top 10 when it was added to the streamer in January 2025.

StarringMatthew McConaughey,Anne Hathaway,Jessica Chastain, Bill Irwin, Ellen Burstyn andMichael Caine, the 2014 science-fiction film is set in a near future where Earth is on the cusp of becoming inhabitable. As the threat of human extinction nears, a group of astronauts voyage through space under the guise of attempting to find a new home for mankind.

At the time of its release,Interstellarwas lauded for its heartfelt, thought-provoking and visually immersive story. It went on togross $681 million at the worldwide box officeand earned five nominations at the 87thAcademy Awards, and won for Best Visual Effects.

While Nolan fans will debate whether or not it’s actually his best film,Interstellarmakes for a compelling watch that can easily leave any sci-fi obsessive looking for an equally immersive space story to watch next.

So, if you’ve already tuned intoInterstellaron Netflix and are looking for something similar, here are 10 movies that chart a great unknown, offer a five-star visual buffet and will leave you at the edge of your seat.

Arrival

Amy Adams in ‘Arrival’ (2016).Shutterstock

Shutterstock

DirectorDenis Villeneuve’s filmography has consistently provided some of the sci-fi genre’s best, and his 2016 filmArrivalis no exception.

WatchArrivalon Paramount+

The Martian

WhileBlade Runner(1982) andAlien(1979) are often the go-tos when it comes to directorRidley Scott’s sci-fi offerings, his 2015 filmThe Martianstands its own ground.

Set in the year 2035,The MartianandInterstellarsimilarly boast a suspenseful story about space exploration gone rogue and find their beating heart in their characters trying to survive. Along with its visual feast,The Martianalso benefits from a star-studded ensemble includingSean Bean, Jessica Chastain,Kristen Wiig, Jeff Daniels,Sebastian StanandDonald Glover.

The film went on to receive seven nominations at the 88th Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay and a Best Actor nod for Damon.

WatchThe Martianon Max

2001: A Space Odyssey

‘2001 - A Space Odyssey’ (1968).MGM/Stanley Kubrick Productions/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock

It’s practically impossible to discuss the sci-fi genre without bringing upStanley Kubrick’s 1968 epic2001: A Space Odyssey.

Starring Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, William Sylvester and Douglas Rain, the film follows an amalgam of scientists, astronauts and a sentient supercomputer namedHAL 9000as they voyage to Jupiter to investigate a mysterious alien monolith.

Watch2001: A Space OdysseyonTubiandMax

Contact

Jodie Foster in ‘Contact’ (1997).Francois Duhamel/Warner Bros/Southside Amusement Co/Kobal/Shutterstock

Francois Duhamel/Warner Bros/Southside Amusement Co/Kobal/Shutterstock

Based on renowned astronomer Carl Sagan’s 1985 novel of the same, Robert Zemeckis’Contacttells a gripping tale of humanity’s first discovery of extraterrestrial life.

While the characters inInterstellarandContactmay have different reasons for space exploration, both films employ sci-fi’s staple larger-than-life visuals and boast endings that leave lasting impressions long after their credits roll.

RentContactonYouTubeandGoogle Play

Prometheus

Charlize Theron in ‘Prometheus’ (2012).Scott Free Prod/20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock

Scott Free Prod/20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock

After originating one of the most prolific sci-fi franchises through his 1979 filmAlien, director Ridley Scott returned to his world of xenomorphs over 30 years later for his 2012 flickPrometheus.

StarringMichael Fassbender, Noomi Rapace,Guy Pearce, Logan Marshall-Green,Idris ElbaandCharlize Theron,Prometheusis the fifth installment of theAlienfranchise and is set decades before the events of the 1979 film. The sci-fi/horror flick follows a crew aboard a spaceship called Prometheus who, while seeking the answers to humanity’s origin, find a rogue moon that is home to a malicious, advanced alien species.

AlthoughPrometheusposits more fantastical elements thanInterstellar(and has significantly more gore), its extraordinary visuals and cinematography are akin to Nolan’s sci-fi epic and will likely leave many in awe.

Armageddon

Bruce Willis and Ben Affleck in ‘Armageddon’ (1998).Frank Masi/Touchstone/Kobal/Shutterstock

At the time of its release,Armageddonwas a huge commercial success and grossed around $553.7 million worldwide, becoming thehighest-grossing film of 1998. While it’s not as mind-bending asInterstellar, nor is it as concerned with scientific accuracy,Armageddonis still a fun watch that transports audiences into the depths of space alongside a cast of surprisingly endearing characters.

Sunshine

Chris Evans, Cillian Murphy, and Troy Garity in ‘Sunshine’ (2007).Alex Bailey/Fox Searchlight/Kobal/Shutterstock

Alex Bailey/Fox Searchlight/Kobal/Shutterstock

Despite flying under the radar at the time of its release in 2007, Danny Boyle’sSunshinehas grown to become a sci-fi favorite in the years since.

StarringCillian Murphy,Chris Evans,Rose Byrne,Michelle YeohandHiroyuki Sanada,Sunshineis set in the year 2057 and follows a group of astronauts tasked with reviving Earth’s dying Sun.

While the film may not be the most scientifically accurate sci-fi flick out there, it still upholds great suspense, stellar acting, jaw-dropping visuals and a seamless blend of genres, including horror.

RentSunshineonYouTubeandGoogle Play

The Creator

John David Washington in ‘The Creator’ (2023).20th Century Studios

Much likeInterstellar, Gareth Edwards’ 2023 sci-fi/action filmThe Creatoris visually stunning.

StarringJohn David Washington, Madeleine Yuna Voyles,Gemma Chan, Ken Watanbe, Sturgill Simpson andAllison Janney,The Creatoris set in the year 2070 when humans are at war against artificial intelligence. When a military sergeant, Joshua Taylor (Washington), is tasked with hunting down a mysterious weapon that holds the power to end the war, he swiftly finds that he’s in store for a lot more than he bargained for.

The film went on to receive two nominations at the 96th Academy Awards for its visual effects and sound.

WatchThe Creatoron Prime Video

Blade Runner 2049

Ana de Armas and Ryan Gosling in ‘Blade Runner 2049’ (2017).Columbia Pictures/Kobal/Shutterstock

Columbia Pictures/Kobal/Shutterstock

Released in 2017,Blade Runner 2049blends sci-fi with neo-noir and follows one man’s pursuit of a threatening secret that could destabilize society. Featuring a star-studded cast includingRyan Gosling,Harrison Ford,Ana de Armas,Robin WrightandDave Bautista,2049may not take audiences to the depths of outer space but it definitely takes them far from an Earth they know.

The film packs on some of the most impressive world-building in sci-fi, sweeping audiences from desert wastelands to hyper-futuristic neon-colored cities within the same hour. It went on to receive five nominations at the 90th Academy Awards and won Best Cinematography and Best Visual Effects.

Inception

Leonardo Dicaprio in ‘Inception’ (2010).Warner Bros/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock

Although Nolan’s 2010 filmInceptionhas little to do with space, it offers another mind-bending, visually extravagant story similar to his work inInterstellar.

LikeInterstellar,Inceptionbenefits from qualities that have become intrinsic to Nolan’s DNA as a filmmaker, particularly his use of larger-than-life visuals to tell stories stranger than fiction.

IfInterstellarleft you in awe,Inceptionis sure to leave you gobsmacked.

WatchInceptionon Netflix

source: people.com