Arabella Asis Culture 04.12.2024 02:Apr AM EDT

Beyond Fiction: Stream These 5 Most Scientifically Accurate Space Films Ever Made

Science fiction is a popular genre, especially these days wherein books are being adapted to series and movie franchises. Under this genre is a huge correlation with space exploration which has been the subject of several films and shows.

Over the years, we have witnessed different stories on space exploration. From voyages on distant galaxies to co-existing on alien worlds, space movies have long held a special place in their audience.

While these films are expected to project spectacular visual effects, it is also important for some to witness real-world accuracy on some of the scientific topics that are used in the films.

Don't have a clue where to start? Here are some of the scientifically accurate space films to stream:

'Interstellar' (Apple TV)

"Interstellar" is known for its central theme that involves traveling through a wormhole near Saturn to reach distant star systems. The gravitational lensing, the act where light bends around a black hole, and time dilation effects are both based on scientific principles.

In addition, Miller's planet, an alien world filled with water near the black hole Gargantua, was based on scientific speculation on exoplanets and their conditions. Other concepts such as how time passes slowly compared to those on Earth is a consequence of Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity.

'2001: A Space Odyssey' (Apple TV)

Despite being made in the late 1960s, Stanley Kubrick was praised for his realistic depiction of space travel. From using a spacecraft propelled by rocket engine to the challengers of long-duration space missions.

Moreover, the film's portrayal of the moon's surface was relatively accurate at the time of its making. Prior to 1968, there was only limited knowledge of the moon's topography. Regardless, the production paid attention to detail to replicate it.

'Deep Impact (Paramount+)

"Deep Impact" was focused on a comet that was about to strike the Earth. The film made use of the existing knowledge on how bad a comet strike could be for humans based on scientific theories.

In addition, the film was centered on tracking the trajectory of the comet. Scientists at the film were actively taking down notes about updates using observational tools. The portrayal of the astronomer monitoring and calculating a celestial object is a real-world practice in astronomy.

'Gattaca' (Apple TV)

Unlike other films that focused on space missions and saving the Earth, "Gattaca" took a different path by focusing on the elements of genetics and biotechnology. The film is also considered more of a soft sci-fi, instead of a hard sci-fi.

The idea of the film is focused on how the main character must get past the genetic discrimination in order to achieve a career that involves space travel. Much of the ideas in the film are based on real-life genetic engineering processes.

'The Martian' (Disney+)

"The Martian" is a popular space exploration film that banked on the idea of possible inhabitation on Mars. For years, NASA has been sending space probes and rovers to further understand the landscape of the planet and to see its viability to sustain life.

The film also collaborated and worked closely with NASA, along with other experts, to ensure the scientific accuracy of space exploration, planetary science, and engineering.