11 Movies Like Interstellar To Watch Right Now

Christopher Nolan’s sci-fi epic Interstellar captivated audiences with its mind-bending exploration of space, time, and the transcendent human bonds that transcend dimensions. For those who crave more cerebral, emotionally resonant films that inspire awe about our universe, this post recommends 11 movies to watch next. From mind-bending thrillers like Inception to profound space odysseys like Solaris, these cinematic gems promise to transport you to realms that will blow your mind just like Interstellar.

11 Movies Like Interstellar to Watch Right Now

“Interstellar,” directed by Christopher Nolan, is known for its ambitious storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and exploration of complex themes such as space exploration, time dilation, and love transcending dimensions. If you’re looking for movies with a similar blend of science fiction elements, emotional depth, and visual spectacle, here are 15 recommendations:

1. Inception (2010)

Directed by Christopher Nolan, “Inception” is a sci-fi heist film that delves into the complexity of dreams within dreams. It was a box office success, grossing over $830 million worldwide. Critics and audiences praised its originality, depth, and visual effects, leading to a Rotten Tomatoes score of 87%. The film’s intricate plot, combined with Nolan’s direction and a strong ensemble cast, made it a memorable cinematic experience, earning it four Academy Awards.

2. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey” is a landmark in science fiction, known for its groundbreaking visual effects, scientific accuracy, and ambiguous narrative. Though its initial release met with mixed reactions, it has since been acclaimed as one of the greatest films ever made, with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 92%. Its box office success was substantial, especially considering the era, and it has remained influential in both the sci-fi genre and cinema as a whole.

3. Gravity (2013)

“Gravity” is a visually stunning space thriller directed by Alfonso Cuarón. The film, starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, focuses on astronauts surviving a space disaster. It was a box office hit, grossing over $723 million worldwide. Critics lauded its visual effects and Cuarón’s direction, earning it a 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes and seven Academy Awards, including Best Director.

4. Arrival (2016)

Denis Villeneuve’s “Arrival” is a thought-provoking sci-fi film about linguists communicating with extraterrestrial visitors. It was both a critical and commercial success, grossing over $203 million worldwide and holding a 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The film is celebrated for its innovative storytelling, deep thematic content, and Amy Adams’ performance, earning it an Academy Award for Best Sound Editing among multiple nominations.

5. The Martian (2015)

Directed by Ridley Scott, “The Martian” stars Matt Damon as an astronaut stranded on Mars. The film combines survival drama with science fiction and humor, grossing over $630 million globally. It received critical acclaim, with a 91% Rotten Tomatoes score, and was praised for its scientific accuracy, visual effects, and Damon’s performance. It received seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.

6. Contact (1997)

“Contact,” directed by Robert Zemeckis and based on Carl Sagan’s novel, explores the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. The film was a box office success, earning about $171 million worldwide. It received positive reviews for its thoughtful exploration of science and faith, holding a 66% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Jodie Foster’s performance as Dr. Ellie Arroway was particularly acclaimed.

7. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Denis Villeneuve’s “Blade Runner 2049” is a sequel to the 1982 sci-fi classic. Despite high praise for its visuals, direction, and depth, the film was considered a box office disappointment, grossing $260 million against a high production budget. However, it holds an 88% Rotten Tomatoes score and won two Academy Awards for Best Cinematography and Visual Effects, solidifying its status as a cult favorite.

8. Moon (2009)

Duncan Jones’ directorial debut, “Moon,” stars Sam Rockwell as a lunar miner nearing the end of his contract. The film was a critical success, praised for its use of practical effects and Rockwell’s performance, earning a 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Though it was a modest box office performer, “Moon” has been recognized for its contribution to the sci-fi genre and its exploration of isolation and identity.

9. Sunshine (2007)

Danny Boyle’s “Sunshine” follows a crew on a mission to reignite the sun. It combines elements of thriller and sci-fi, but it did not achieve major box office success, grossing around $32 million. However, it received positive reviews for its visual style and philosophical questions, holding a 76% score on Rotten Tomatoes. “Sunshine” has since gained a cult following for its ambitious story and visual execution.

10. Ad Astra (2019)

“Ad Astra” stars Brad Pitt as an astronaut on a mission across the solar system. The film grossed around $127 million worldwide and received positive critical reception for its introspective narrative and visual spectacle, earning an 83% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Though opinions on its pacing and narrative depth were mixed, Pitt’s performance and the film’s cinematography were widely praised.

11. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

This film, directed by Michel Gondry and written by Charlie Kaufman, blends elements of sci-fi with a romantic storyline. It was a box office success, grossing over $72 million worldwide and receiving critical acclaim for its innovative narrative structure and emotional depth, resulting in a 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The film won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some movies similar to “Interstellar”?

Movies like “Ad Astra,” “The Right Stuff,” “Armageddon,” “Apollo 13,” “2001: A Space Odyssey,” “Sunshine,” “The Martian,” and “Deep Impact” offer captivating narratives and exploration of space themes, providing mind-bending cinematic experiences akin to “Interstellar.”

What makes these movies captivating?

These movies feature stunning visuals, compelling storytelling, emotional depth, and exploration of space themes that challenge the mind and stir the soul, similar to the impact of “Interstellar.”