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'Contact' (1997) -

'Contact' is a thought-provoking journey into the cosmos, starring Jodie Foster as a scientist who receives a message from space. It's a blend of scientific intrigue and human drama, making it a compelling watch for those who like their space movies with a bit of depth.

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'Spaceballs' (1987) -

Get ready for laughs at light speed with 'Spaceballs,' Mel Brooks' hilarious spoof of space adventures. This comedy is a riot of gags and parodies, perfect for anyone who loves a good laugh with their sci-fi.

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'Galaxy Quest' (1999) -

'Galaxy Quest' is a delightful spoof of the space genre, featuring a stellar cast including Tim Allen and Sigourney Weaver. It's a hilarious take on sci-fi conventions, offering both laughs and a surprising amount of heart.

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'Interstellar' (2014) -

'Interstellar' takes you on a visually stunning journey through space and time. With Matthew McConaughey leading the way, this film explores complex themes like love and survival, wrapped in a sci-fi package that's both epic and intimate.

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'The Martian' (2015) -

Stranded on Mars, Matt Damon's character in 'The Martian' shows the power of human resilience. This film cleverly mixes survival drama with a touch of humor, creating a gripping tale of an astronaut's fight for survival on a hostile planet.

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'Independence Day' (1996) -

Aliens, action, and Will Smith—'Independence Day' has it all. This film is a thrilling blend of sci-fi and patriotism, making it a standout in space cinema. It's an explosive adventure that's as entertaining as it is iconic.

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'Armageddon' (1998) -

'Armageddon' is the epitome of space disaster movies. When an asteroid threatens Earth, it's up to Bruce Willis and his team to save the day. It's action-packed, over-the-top, and just the right kind of wild space ride.

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'Treasure Planet' (2002) -

Rediscover Disney magic with 'Treasure Planet,' a space-age twist on a classic tale. It's an overlooked gem that combines traditional animation with 3D, creating a visually stunning and adventurous space odyssey.

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'The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy' (2005) -

Buckle up for a wacky ride through space with 'The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.' This quirky space comedy, loaded with eccentric characters and bizarre scenarios, is a wonderfully weird take on interstellar travel.

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'Lilo & Stitch' (2002) -

'Lilo & Stitch' isn't just another Disney movie. It's a heartwarming story of an alien finding a home on Earth. With its charming mix of humor and emotion, this film proves that space stories can also be about finding where you belong.

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'Star Trek' (2009) -

The 'Star Trek' universe comes alive in this reboot, blending old charm with new thrills. It's a space journey with Chris Pine at the helm, offering a fresh take on classic adventures. Perfect for die-hard fans and newcomers alike.

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'Muppets From Space' (1999) -

Who says space movies can't be fun? 'Muppets From Space' is a hilarious and heartwarming tale about Gonzo discovering his origins. Full of laughs and celebrity cameos, it's a family-friendly space adventure.

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'Stowaway' (2021) -

A Mars mission goes awry with an accidental 'Stowaway.' This survival adventure, featuring Anna Kendrick and Daniel Dae Kim, blends cerebral drama with gorgeous cinematography. It's a tense, emotional space ride.

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'High Life' (2018) -

'High Life' is a challenging, slow-burn sci-fi horror set on a spaceship. With criminals as unwilling experiment subjects, it's a film that's as much about survival as it is about the darker side of space exploration.

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'The Right Stuff' (1983) -

Travel back to the early days of the US space program with 'The Right Stuff.' This film combines historical drama and thrilling adventure, following the first Project Mercury astronauts. It's a gripping nod to space exploration history.

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'Sunshine' (2007) -

Join a crew on a mission to save the Sun in 'Sunshine.' This thriller, starring Cillian Murphy and Chris Evans, combines a psychological edge with an interstellar crisis. It's a space journey with a tense, thought-provoking twist.

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'Gattaca' (1997) -

'Gattaca' offers a peek into a future where genetics determine your fate. Ethan Hawke stars in this dystopian tale, challenging a system that discriminates against him. It's a film that questions our ideas of perfection and destiny.

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'2001: A Space Odyssey' (1968) -

Stanley Kubrick's '2001: A Space Odyssey' is a cinematic marvel, exploring the mysteries of space and human evolution. Its groundbreaking visuals and profound narrative have made it a landmark in sci-fi filmmaking.

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'Star Wars' (1977) -

'Star Wars' isn't just a movie; it's a cultural phenomenon. This epic space opera has captivated audiences for generations with its timeless story of good versus evil, set in a galaxy far, far away.

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'Alien' (1979) -

'Alien,' Ridley Scott's masterpiece, is a thrilling blend of sci-fi and horror. It's a tense, atmospheric journey into deep space that introduced us to one of the most iconic monsters in movie history.

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'Hidden Figures' (2016) -

'Hidden Figures' is an inspiring story of the unsung heroes behind NASA's space race, focusing on three brilliant African-American women. This film is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary contributions made in the face of adversity.

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'Apollo 13' (1995) -

Based on a true story, 'Apollo 13' is a riveting tale of a space mission gone awry, starring Tom Hanks. It's a masterful blend of historical drama and suspense, celebrating the ingenuity and determination of astronauts.

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'Gravity' (2013) -

Sandra Bullock and George Clooney star in 'Gravity,' a nail-biting survival story set in the vastness of space. It's a visually breathtaking film that's as much about the human spirit as it is about the dangers of space.

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'Moon' (2009) -

'Moon' stars Sam Rockwell in a gripping tale of isolation and identity on a lunar mining base. This film combines suspense and sci-fi in a way that's both smart and emotionally resonant, making it a standout in the space genre.

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'Wall-E' (2008) -

Disney-Pixar's 'Wall-E' is a charming tale about a lonely robot on Earth, taking an adventure across the galaxy. It's a visually stunning film with a heartwarming story, showing that even in space, love and companionship can be found.

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'Barbarella' (1968) -

Step into the '60s with 'Barbarella,' a campy space romp starring Jane Fonda. It's a mix of adventure, fun, and a bit of absurdity, now celebrated as a quirky cult classic.

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'Solaris' (1972) -

'Solaris' follows a psychologist aboard a haunted space station, offering a sci-fi experience that's as much about the soul as it is about space.

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'Total Recall' (1990): -

'Total Recall,' starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, is a thrilling blend of action and mind-bending sci-fi. Set partially on Mars, it's a rollercoaster of memory, identity, and reality, delivering both intense action scenes and thought-provoking concepts.

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'Elysium' (2013) -

Set in a future where Earth is ravaged and the wealthy live on a luxurious space station, 'Elysium,' starring Matt Damon, is a gripping tale of inequality and survival. It combines social commentary with high-octane action, making it a thought-provoking and exciting space drama.

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'Passengers' (2016) -

'Passengers' presents a unique blend of romance and sci-fi aboard a spaceship. Starring Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt, it's a story about two passengers who wake up 90 years too early during an interstellar voyage. This film combines the isolation of space with the human need for connection, set against the backdrop of a sleek, futuristic spacecraft

Sources: (IMDb) (Esquire) (Time Out)

See also: Earth seen from space and other amazing celestial snapshots

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