Science fiction is now a hugely popular part of modern culture, branching out into many different types of stories. But at its heart, sci-fi often features tales of space exploration, imagining a future where traveling between planets is commonplace. These stories almost always include spaceships, and some of these vehicles have become incredibly famous—almost as well-known as the movies and shows they appear in. While many iconic spaceships come from the biggest sci-fi franchises, they’ve become recognizable symbols in their own right.
Although Star Trek and Star Wars are famous for their impressive spaceships, they aren’t the only sci-fi films with creative and visually stunning designs. Many other movies feature incredibly innovative interstellar vehicles that often don’t get as much attention. Here’s a look at some of the coolest movie spaceships that aren’t from Star Wars or Star Trek.
7) Serenity (Serenity)
The sci-fi series Firefly gained a second life as the film Serenity in 2005. The ship Serenity isn’t just a vehicle; it feels like a fully realized character. A Firefly-class ship, it stands out with its unique, curved shape and a charming, slightly worn aesthetic, especially when compared to the sleek, high-tech ships also seen in the movie.
6) Icarus II (Sunshine)
Danny Boyle’s sci-fi film Sunshine, released in the 2000s, is a hidden gem that doesn’t get enough recognition, and that includes its impressive spaceship, the Icarus II. The crew’s mission is a desperate one: to carry a huge bomb to restart the dying Sun. From the beginning, they know the odds are stacked against them. The ship itself mirrors the bleak situation on Earth, appearing practical and built for purpose rather than style. Its creative design is a perfect match for the film’s overall look, making it feel remarkably well-thought-out.
5) Discovery One (2001: A Space Odyssey)
Released in 1968, 2001: A Space Odyssey remains a landmark science fiction film. Directed by Stanley Kubrick, it’s become an iconic part of the genre’s history. Much of the story takes place aboard the Discovery One spaceship, a design that, while not visually groundbreaking today, is incredibly influential and memorable. It’s one of the few sci-fi movies from the 1960s that still feels fresh and relevant.
4) Event Horizon (Event Horizon)
The 1990s produced a lot of good sci-fi films, but few have gained as dedicated a fanbase as Event Horizon. The movie dives deep into cosmic horror, with the spaceship itself at the center of the story. The Event Horizon is basically a haunted house in space – its design is both memorable and subtly creepy. Despite all the terrifying things it contains, it’s still an incredibly impressive ship.
3) Prawn Mothership (District 9)
While District 9 is largely grounded on Earth, it still includes a memorable spaceship: the Prawn Mothership. This ship makes a striking visual impact, even though it’s not on screen for long. Its design is a clever twist on the classic flying saucer, featuring intricate mechanical details underneath. The ship’s style fits the film perfectly and offers a fascinating glimpse into the aliens’ culture.
2) Endurance (Interstellar)
Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar is widely considered one of the best science fiction films of the 2010s, and for good reason. The movie strongly emphasizes scientific accuracy within its futuristic story, and features the spacecraft Endurance, which is sent on a mission to find a new home for humanity in space. Unlike typical spaceships seen in sci-fi films, the Endurance has a unique circular shape that makes it visually striking and easily memorable.
1) USS Cygnus (The Black Hole)
Released in 1979, The Black Hole was a big-budget Disney sci-fi film that has largely faded from memory. The story follows the crew of a research ship who find the seemingly deserted USS Cygnus near a black hole. While the movie itself isn’t well-known, its visual effects, particularly the design of the Cygnus spaceship—one of the most stunning ever created for film—are worth revisiting.
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2026-02-06 23:14