What's Inside?
- Artemis II marks humanity’s first crewed Moon mission in decades.
- 'Apollo 13' and 'First Man' capture real NASA milestones.
- Classics like 'A Trip to the Moon and Moon' explore creative lunar storytelling
Human spaceflight is heading back to the Moon for the first time since the Apollo program. Artemis II is set to launch as early as April 1 with a four-astronaut crew. The 10-day mission will send humans around the Moon and could set a new distance record.
The crew— Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen— will not land on the surface. Instead, they will perform a fast lunar flyby and return home. The mission echoes Apollo 13, using a free-return path shaped by Earth and Moon gravity.
Early in the flight, the Orion spacecraft will circle Earth for about 25 hours. Astronauts will practice close maneuvers using the rocket’s upper stage as a target. Around day six, Orion will travel nearly 5,000 miles beyond the Moon, then head back for splashdown on day ten. As NASA creates history with its second flight to the moon, here are 5 movies you need to watch right now.
5. First Men In The Moon (1964)
Released on August 6, 1964, First Men in the Moon brings classic sci-fi adventure to life. Directed by Nathan Juran, the film stars Edward Judd, Martha Hyer, and Lionel Jeffries. Inspired by H. G. Wells’ novel, it blends space travel with a Victorian-era setting.
The story follows scientist Joseph Cavor, who builds a craft to reach the Moon. He travels with Bedford and Kate on a risky lunar mission. Once there, they discover an underground world filled with strange alien life.The film stands out for its colorful tone and creative visuals by Ray Harryhausen. His Dynamation effects bring Selenites, creatures, and odd tech to life. First Men In The Moon nicely mixes adventure, fantasy, and early sci-fi ideas into a fun, old-school space journey.
Where to watch: Prime Video and Apple TV on rent.
4. First Man (2018)
First Man tells the story of Neil Armstrong and the race to the Moon. Directed by Damien Chazelle, the film stars Ryan Gosling, Claire Foy, and Jason Clarke. It follows NASA’s early missions leading to the historic Apollo 11 Moon Landing.
Released on October 12, 2018, the film tracks Armstrong’s journey through risky test flights and intense training. It shows the pressure behind the space race and the cost of each step. On July 16, 1969, Armstrong joined Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins for the mission that changed history.
This space drama takes a quiet and serious tone. Gosling plays Armstrong as calm and distant, shaped by loss and duty. The film also drew debate for leaving out the flag-planting moment on the Moon.
Where to watch: Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV.
3. Moon (2009)
Moon is certainly one of the best sci-fi dramas set on a lunar mining base. Directed by Duncan Jones, it stars Sam Rockwell with support from Dominique McElligott and Kaya Scodelario. The story follows a lone worker extracting Helium-3 for a powerful company.
Sam Bell is close to finishing his three-year shift on the Moon. His health begins to fail, with headaches and strange visions. After a crash, he meets a version of himself, exposing a dark secret about the mission. A haunting score by Clint Mansell deepens the emotional impact throughout.
Where to watch: Hulu
2. A Trip To The Moon (1902)
A Trip to the Moon stands as one of the earliest sci-fi films ever made. Created by Georges Méliès, it mixes fantasy, humor, and bold visual ideas. The short film follows a group of astronomers who launch themselves to the Moon.
The story is playful and full of strange sights. A capsule hits the Moon’s face, and explorers meet odd lunar beings. Bright sets, costumes, and simple tricks give it a dreamlike feel.
A Trip To The Moon film shaped early sci-fi cinema. Its creative effects set a new standard for visual storytelling at the time. Even today, it holds a perfect rating on Rotten Tomatoes and remains a true classic.
Where to watch: HBO
1. Apollo 13 (1995)
Apollo 13 is a gripping space drama based on a real NASA mission. Directed by Ron Howard, it stars Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, and Bill Paxton. The film follows the failed Apollo 13 and the fight to bring its crew home.
Astronauts Jim Lovell, Fred Haise, and Jack Swigert begin their journey with high hopes. An oxygen tank explosion suddenly puts the mission in danger. The planned Moon landing is canceled as the crew battles failing systems.
Back on Earth, NASA engineers race to find a solution. The film shows teamwork, pressure, and quick thinking under extreme risk. Strong performances and an emotional core make it one of the most loved space films. Apollo 13 was released about 30 years ago, but it still holds its significance in the modern sci-fi movie landscape. With a solid 92% score on the Tomatometer, Apollo 13 deserves attention as NASA returns to the moon with a crew.
Where to watch: Apple TV.
