7 Best Movies That Took A Franchise To Space, Ranked

When a movie series that’s been around for a while suddenly introduces something outlandish, like a trip to outer space, it’s often a sign the series is losing its way. However, there have been a few exceptions that actually worked. Movie franchises have always been a major part of Hollywood, and studios will keep making sequels as long as they’re profitable.

Adding science fiction to genres where it doesn’t usually fit can be challenging for filmmakers, often pushing them to try really unusual concepts. It’s a gamble that doesn’t always pay off. Horror movies are particularly known for this—many popular franchises have sent their monsters into space, with mixed results.

Movies that take place in space often feel a little silly, but they’re not necessarily bad. Sometimes, when a series moves into space, it can be a refreshing change of pace from the usual sequels and actually be quite entertaining. While these space adventures rarely represent the best a franchise has to offer, there are still some genuinely good films among them.

Critters 4 (1992)

Let’s be honest, the Critters movies haven’t exactly been known for being great. They originally came out trying to ride the wave of popularity from Gremlins. Now, years later in the fourth film, some Critter eggs end up on a space station and, predictably, hatch, causing chaos all over again. It’s a bit different seeing them in space, but honestly, Critters 4 doesn’t really offer much beyond that basic premise – it gets old fast.

What stands out most in Critters 4 is the cast, featuring horror icons like Brad Dourif and an early appearance by Angela Bassett. While they all deliver solid performances, the weak script and extremely low budget ultimately hold the film back, especially considering its science fiction premise.

Despite its flaws, Critters 4 deserves some recognition for logically continuing the series. Since the Critters are aliens, it made sense for the story to eventually go to space. However, the movie is so unoriginal that it doesn’t make the most of being the only Critters film set in outer space.

Hellraiser: Bloodline (1996)

The Hellraiser series quickly expanded its scope, jumping between different time periods. Hellraiser: Bloodline traces the origins of the Lament Configuration, starting in the 1700s, moving to the present, and even reaching far into the future. While not entirely set in space, it’s still surprisingly strange to see the Cenobites aboard a spaceship.

The fourth Hellraiser movie, Bloodline, was the last one shown in theaters. Because of this, it looks much better than the later films that went straight to video. However, the biggest problem with Bloodline is that its interesting ideas aren’t developed well, and seem wasted due to a lack of effort.

The film’s lack of effort extends to its futuristic setting – the spaceships all look very similar. Constant meddling from the studio created a confusing and disjointed story. While not the absolute worst installment in the series, it’s far from the best science fiction film. Thankfully, things pick up once Pinhead returns to Earth.

Jason X (2001)

After disappearing and leaving fans hanging for years, Jason Voorhees returned in the 10th Friday the 13th film, Jason X. The movie jumps ahead over 400 years into the future, where Jason is unintentionally brought back to life by scientists and continues his killing spree – this time, on a spaceship. And he gets a high-tech makeover along the way!

Jason X really delivered on its premise, offering a futuristic take on the iconic character. The movie features inventive and often funny kills, and thankfully, it doesn’t try to be overly serious. It also introduced some unique ideas to the Friday the 13th story that haven’t been explored much since, though its official place within the series’ timeline is a bit uncertain.

As far as movies about killers in space go, Jason X really delivers on its premise. It’s about as good as you could expect from a Friday the 13th film set in outer space, though that doesn’t mean it’s a good movie overall. It’s not as strong as the earlier films in the series, but it’s consistently fun to watch.

Leprechaun 4: In Space (1996)

While the first Leprechaun movie attempted a more serious tone, the series quickly became known for its comedic horror. Leprechaun 4: In Space fully embraced this, sending the mischievous, gold-obsessed creature on a wild adventure into outer space, caught in the middle of a galactic conflict. The film playfully pokes fun at popular sci-fi series like Star Wars and Star Trek.

Despite being made on a small budget, the fourth film is a deliberately over-the-top and funny adventure. Warwick Davis is allowed to be as comedic as possible, and his character acts like a playful, futuristic jester within the movie’s already quirky and unusual story.

Leprechaun 4: In Space is the strongest film in the Leprechaun series, and many would say it’s the only truly enjoyable one. It playfully mocks sci-fi movies, happily using every cliché it can find. The movie is so hilariously terrible that it feels deliberately bad, and that’s part of its charm.

F9: The Fast Saga (2021)

The Fast & Furious movies started as street racing films, but eventually became typical action movies. This shift allowed F9: The Fast Saga to include a wildly unbelievable scene – one that really pushed the boundaries of the series. While most of the film focuses on Dom and his family stopping his estranged brother, that one scene is particularly over-the-top.

One of the movie’s most outlandish moments involves two characters being shot into space in a car powered by a rocket – and honestly, it’s not even the strangest thing that happens in the series. Even the studio, Universal, has admitted they maybe shouldn’t have included the space scene (according to Variety). But despite how silly it is, it doesn’t really detract from the film’s overall wild and over-the-top action.

While F9 isn’t really a space movie, the scene in space feels like a fitting end to the increasingly over-the-top Fast & Furious series. Given how action-packed the films had become, sending Dom’s family to space was a natural progression. The biggest problem with F9 is that it’s hard to imagine the franchise being able to outdo it, even as it continues.

Moonraker (1979)

The James Bond films starring Roger Moore often became quite outlandish, and Moonraker pushed things to the extreme by sending 007 into outer space. On Earth, Bond investigates a rich businessman who’s stolen a space shuttle as part of a plot to take over the world. Of course, the climactic battle between Bond and the villain, Drax, takes place in space.

While most of the movie doesn’t take place in space, the final scenes on another planet provide a thrilling ending. Roger Moore delivers a delightful performance that fits the film’s lighthearted tone, and Moonraker is arguably the most playful and least serious installment in the James Bond series.

While some traditional James Bond fans find the space scenes over-the-top, Moonraker is generally a good Bond film. It’s actually considered one of the better space-based movies thanks to its large budget, which allowed for convincing special effects. Bond continued to star in many successful films after Moonraker.

Muppets From Space (1999)

Following Jim Henson’s death, The Muppets continued to produce several successful films. Muppets from Space centers around Gonzo trying to find out where he comes from, and he discovers he might be an alien. This funny and touching movie was the first time the series explored science fiction themes.

Despite often being forgotten, Muppets from Space is a delightful movie that has the same heartwarming feeling as the classic Muppet films. It’s genuinely funny, and while it has a slightly different feel from the originals, it remains a great, underrated family film from the 90s. The movie also offers a sweet and touching look at one of the most beloved Muppet characters.

While it’s a bit of a reach to call the movie a space adventure – the characters never leave Earth – it remains the strongest example of the genre. No other film in this style consistently delivers such quality or so perfectly embodies its series like Muppets from Space.

2025-11-09 18:44